Well, I've always thought he was pretty good in the RTL-AJFA run, and not just on studio but live. If you watch the Seattle '89 concert he's right in the pocket with the beats and playing everything as recorded, but once the tour for the Black Album ended he just didn't care about his playing enough. He has said himself he rarely even practiced anymore, and it clearly shows as he can't play ANY song as he recorded and by any I do mean any, he doesn't even play NEM as he recorded it!!