Who was more talented musician: Prince or Michael Jackson?

It’s purely subjective, but I liked Prince’s music a lot more. There are several of his songs that I listen to, but I’ve never played a Michael Jackson song.

But they both played the skin flute!

Playing more instruments is neither here nor there. MJ made the better music.

I know Prince was a pretty good guitar player. I didn't know MJ played any instruments. It makes sense since he was a very musical person but Whitney Houston didn't play any instruments so it is possible.

Anyway...

As an early member of the Jackson Five he played the bongos, as well as the piano. Later on in life he learned guitar and synthesizers.

Prince was by far the better musician, but Michael Jackson was the better entertainer of the two.

I think MJ was the better dancer. Other than that, Prince has him beat.

--Michael D. Clarke

mu·si·cian
/myo͞oˈziSH(ə)n/
noun
a person who plays a musical instrument, especially as a profession, or is musically talented.

Prince - when it comes to playing musical instruments. (MJ had awesome beatbox skills, but that's not quite the same thing)
As far as musically talented, I'm gonna put MJ over Prince.

If we go beyond that - in terms of lyrics writing, I think Prince tops MJ by a very small margin.
Dancing - everyone knows the answer to that one.
Voice - MJ, since he can put a bit more emotion/anger into his voice. Prince has a wider range, but if he doesn't know how to use it - what's the point?
Putting it all together? MJ by a landslide.