Top 10 Guitarists Who Play with the Most Feeling

Some guitarists rip through scales like they're trying to outrun a fire. Others? They make a single note cry harder than a soap opera finale. This list is for those players. The ones who don't just play guitar, they bleed through it. It's not about how fast their fingers move or how many tricks they can cram into a solo. It's about how much of themselves they pour into each bend, each slide, each lingering pause.

You've probably heard these players before and felt something you couldn't quite explain. A little shiver. A lump in your throat. Maybe you even forgot to blink for a second. That isn't an accident. These guitarists use tone, timing, and raw instinct to say what words can't. They speak through strings in a language built entirely on emotion, and it hits you right in the soul.

So if you've ever stopped what you were doing just to sit in the moment of a guitar solo, this list is for you. Vote for the players who move you most. The ones who sound like they're playing straight from the heart, not just the fretboard.

The Top Ten

David Gilmour

David Jon Gilmour (born March 6, 1946) is an English singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He joined Pink Floyd as guitarist and co-lead vocalist in late 1967 after the departure of founding member Syd Barrett. His arrival helped solidify the band's signature sound.... read more

Gilmour will admit he would never win an award for playing fast, but for us fans, that has been an absolute blessing. Gilmour's unique playing style was born on his first record with Pink Floyd, A Saucerful of Secrets. A master of bending notes, he somehow pulls emotion out of every note he plays.
While anyone who knows of David Gilmour is obviously familiar with his Pink Floyd work, many people aren't aware of his solo albums and his work as an anonymous live band member for Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Paul Rodgers, Tom Jones, and Jeff Beck, among others. Hunt around on YouTube, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Look for his performances with BB King and Mica Paris.
Gary Moore

Robert William Gary Moore was a Northern Irish musician, celebrated as a singer, songwriter, and virtuoso rock/blues guitarist. His solo career included the hit album Still Got the Blues (1990).

In this day and age, with the internet and YouTube, we have access to some phenomenal players. If you take the time to listen to his playing, you will be staggered by his virtuosity but also by the emotion and feeling with which he played. He had amazing technique, speed, and tone, and covered a wide range of styles. His covers of Hendrix and Roy Buchanan are incredible. Without being disrespectful, The Edge and Slash are not even in the same league as Gary Moore.

I was astonished when I didn't find his name here. I see a list of great guitarists, but for me, he is definitely No. 1 here due to his ability to make the guitar "cry" and the fact that many of his songs are extremely emotional. "Empty Rooms" live in '87, "Still Got the Blues for You," and countless others.
Jimmy Page

James Patrick Page is an English musician, songwriter, and record producer who achieved international success as the guitarist and founder of Led Zeppelin. He's widely regarded for his innovative guitar techniques, production work, and influence across rock music genres. After Led Zeppelin disbanded... read more

Jimmy Page had both feel and skill! Just for pure emotion, David Gilmour is the best, no doubt, but he lacked skill. Skill-wise, Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen were superb, but they lacked emotion. But Page had both skill (Dazed and Confused, Heartbreaker) and feel/emotion (Stairway to Heaven, Since I've Been Loving You), and the true combination was Achilles Last Stand! That's why he is No. 1 of all time.

Just watch Led Zeppelin live for the "Song Remains the Same" tour. Watch "Stairway to Heaven," and I can ensure you that you will be blown away.
Mark Knopfler

Mark Freuder Knopfler is a British singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and film score composer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Dire Straits. Knopfler is also noted for his fingerstyle guitar playing and storytelling lyrics.

Mark Knopfler's solos are well-structured, simple, and memorable at the same time. Any moderate songwriter would know that this is a challenging task and is very much needed. Also, a reasonably experienced guitarist would agree that guitar playing is neither about how fast he or she plays the instrument, nor about how many techniques he or she knows to play. A good song is one that will be remembered for a long time by music enthusiasts (not everybody). Mark gets full marks in this aspect. So does Dave Gilmour.

Listen to Sultans of Swing (Live Alchemy), Tunnel of Love (studio version, from Making Movies), and Telegraph Road (studio version, from Love Over Gold). These solos will explain everything about Mark Knopfler, and you'll understand why he is "the guitarist with the most feeling".
Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Though his mainstream career lasted only about four years from 1966 to 1970, he's widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in popular music.... read more

In my opinion, the key to Hendrix's virtuosity is the way he expressed his feelings in guitar playing. The emotion in his playing is why he is considered the greatest electric guitarist ever by many. That, in a nutshell, is why I think Jimi Hendrix is the guitarist with the most feeling. Not even Page, Slash, or SRV can beat him.

People talk about the greatness of guys like Page, Gilmour, and Clapton, but they are just missing something in my eyes. There is nothing like a solo from Jimi.
Ritchie Blackmore

Richard Hugh "Ritchie" Blackmore is an English guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with the hard rock and heavy metal bands Deep Purple and Rainbow.
In 2004, Guitar World ranked him number 16 on its list of the "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time," and in 2011, Rolling Stone... read more

He is a very technical player, and usually, people pay attention to only this side of his playing, but his trademark is to be a technical and soulful guitarist at the same time. What can be better? In addition to his well-known hard and heavy songs, try these soft instrumentals and be convinced: Rainbow - Anybody There, Maybe Next Time, Snowman.

Just listen to his beautiful songs like Smoke on the Water, Soldier of Fortune, and Highway Star. You will understand his talent. Just like David Gilmour and Jimmy Page.
Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream. He was also a founding member of Derek and the Dominos, known for... read more

I love Eric's music, but he uses a Stratocaster these days, which in my opinion, doesn't suit the music he currently plays. It's too plummy and lacks the top and bottom that blues should have. He would be better off sticking to a Les Paul. It has more bite. But leaving that aside, Eric has an undoubted gift for melody and timing.

Dealt with depression, loss, heartbreak, addiction, and many other emotions. And all of it shines through his hands.

Many can play the guitar, but few can make it cry like Clapton does.
Santana

Carlos Santana is a Mexican and American musician who rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band Santana, which pioneered a fusion of rock and Latin American jazz. Santana's performance at Woodstock in 1969 helped launch his career. He has won ten Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy... read more

It's ridiculous that Slash is this far above Santana. Slash is a bit overrated, and Carlos is the definition of soul! Europa? Black Magic Woman? Come on, people.

Come on, Synyster Gates is above Santana? I mean, Santana is the most emotional guitarist ever! (Gotta take off my hat to Jimmy Page and Buckethead though.)

This guy really feels what he is playing. A legend.
Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stephen "Stevie" Ray Vaughan (October 3, 1954 - August 27, 1990) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Despite a mainstream career that lasted only seven years, he's widely considered one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of music. He played a key... read more

Stevie Ray Vaughan puts his soul into his music, not to mention the quintessential rags-to-riches story behind a great talent. His songs tell a story of his victory over the pain of addiction. He used his platform to testify about his recovery. Stevie Ray's earlier music came from the deep pain of the soul that blues is famous for but few people reach.
Don't forget "If The House Is Rockin'" became a pop culture phrase. The guitar duets with brother Jimmy are legendary.

Watch the Live at El Mocambo video. Texas Flood, So Excited, all of them. Amazing tone and feeling throughout. His face contortions translate onto the strings and out comes pure emotion. He belongs on this list, just like Gary Moore. Incredible! And of course, Gilmour.
John Frusciante

John Anthony Frusciante is an American guitarist, singer, producer, and composer. He is best known for his work with the funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Frusciante has also been a member of The Mars Volta, Swahili Blonde, Ataxia, and several other musical projects.

Just watch his own emotions as he plays. Besides feeling it, you can really see it. I haven't seen many guitarists where raw emotion oozes from them! Such an underrated overall musician, but I would think that's the way he would want it.

Every John Frusciante song has different meanings in my life. His music is so pure, and it is not complicated. When you listen to John Frusciante, you don't only listen to notes. You feel them.

More than just a guitarist or even a musician, John is a true artist who creates as a way of communicating his own thoughts and feelings and doesn't care if anyone else listens.

The Newcomers

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Peter Lennodo

Peter Lennodo is a British musician. He is also a composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the vocalist, lead guitarist and main songwriter of the rock band The Arcana.
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Adrian Smith

Adrian Frederick "H" Smith is an English guitarist, best known as a member of Iron Maiden. He contributes as a songwriter and performs live backing vocals on some tracks. Smith has been part of Iron Maiden during several key periods in the band's history, originally joining in 1980 and returning in... read more

The Contenders

B.B. King

Riley B. "B.B." King (1925 to 2015) was an American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. Nicknamed "The King of the Blues," he popularized a sophisticated style of soloing that influenced countless guitarists. King won 15 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and... read more

The King of Blues?! Never a technical genius, but each note counts! BB can play a one-note solo better than most guitarists can with the whole guitar. How he wasn't here is beyond me.

B.B. King, unlike the typical guitarist, uses very few notes, and in the process packs immense amounts of feeling into each one.
Buckethead

Brian Patrick Carroll, known professionally as Buckethead, is an American guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has released over 300 studio albums. He is recognized for his unique style and stage persona, which includes wearing a KFC bucket on his head and a white mask. Buckethead has worked across... read more

Buckethead's playing is truly uncharted territory. He showcases his skills in many different styles and excels in every one of them. He is the Beethoven of our time, constantly putting out new music (he's released 38 albums from March 2013 to January 2014 and counting), and they are all unique and diverse.
In fact, he dedicated an entire album to his father, who has been very ill lately, even featuring a cover photo of his father hugging him as a teenager (the first time he released a picture without his mask to the public). I recommend visiting his Buckethead Pikes website or YouTube, as many of the albums are posted there (but support the artist, guys), and listen to some of his new stuff, as his style is more mature and heartfelt than ever before.
Slash

Saul Hudson, known professionally as Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He has also released solo work and collaborated with... read more

Slash! The best thing Guns N' Roses ever had. His solos in November Rain, Civil War, and Estranged stunned me. He brings emotion to his music, which no one can do better than him.

For me, the best emotional guitarist! He can translate simple riffs to different emotions if you know what I mean.

November Rain, Sweet Child O' Mine, Don't Cry, Estranged. I hope you have some time because you'll be here all year.
Joe Satriani

Joseph Satriani (born July 15, 1956) is an American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Early in his career, Satriani worked as a guitar instructor, with many of his former students achieving fame, including Steve Vai, Larry LaLonde, Rick Hunolt, Kirk Hammett, Andy Timmons, Charlie... read more
Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa is an American blues rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. When he was only 12 years old, he opened for blues legend B.B. King. Bonamassa was born on May 8, 1977, and has released numerous albums showcasing his guitar skills and musical versatility.

An absolute phenom. Tone, style, and voice. Joe has it all.
John Petrucci

John Peter Petrucci is an American guitarist, composer, and producer, best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He is widely recognized for his technical proficiency and complex compositions. Despite his acclaim among musicians and fans of progressive metal, he remains... read more

Oh, please. There is no other guitarist with so much feel. Just listen to Glasgow Kiss, and you'll know. The entire song is a solo full of feel. He may be the only one who combines speed with emotion. The arpeggios aren't "just arpeggios." They are emotions from his head into the music and flowing out through his Mark V. Exceptional tone as well. Beat that! But only next to Gilmour, hands down.

By far the most soulful and melodic guitarist. He can turn speed into power and emotion. Just listen to Lines in the Sand, Glasgow Kiss, Best of Times, Paradigm Shift, Universal Mind, Overture 1928, etc.
Freddie King

Freddie King was an American blues guitarist and singer. He is considered one of the "Three Kings" of electric blues guitar, along with Albert King and B.B. King. Known for his powerful voice and energetic guitar style, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
The Edge

David Howell Evans, better known by his stage name the Edge, is an Irish musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist of the rock band U2. The Edge is recognized for his signature sound characterized by delay effects and minimalistic style.
Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Adams Buckingham is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known as the lead guitarist and one of the vocalists of Fleetwood Mac, with whom he performed from 1975 to 1987 and again from 1997 to 2018. In addition to his work with the band, he has released multiple solo... read more
Randy Rhoads

Randall William "Randy" Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. He was widely regarded for his innovative guitar work and neoclassical metal style. Rhoads was killed in a plane crash on March 19, 1982, at the age of 25.
Steve Vai

Steven Siro "Steve" Vai (born June 6, 1960) is an American guitarist, composer, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and has released numerous solo albums. Vai was born and raised on Long Island, New York.

For the Love of God is one of the most heartfelt, emotional pieces ever written. Vai is heaven on earth.

I think he is the best for Whispering a Prayer and For the Love of God. Awesome music.

Do you see the expression on Vai's face when he plays? Stop underrating him so much!
Synyster Gates

Brian Elwin Haner, Jr., better known by his stage name Synyster Gates or simply Syn, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the band Avenged Sevenfold. He joined the band in 2001 and has since become recognized for his technical skill and melodic solos. Gates... read more

Listen to Seize the Day, I Won't See You Tonight (Part 1, 2), Second Heartbeat, Bat Country, Critical Acclaim, God Hates Us, Afterlife. Those guitar solos alone are proof of Syn being the topper of this list.

Syn plays amazingly, and you can tell live he gives it his all. He puts his heart and soul into creating the masterpieces he does, and he blows away the minds of anyone who listens.
Glenn Tipton

Glenn Raymond Tipton is an English guitarist and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Judas Priest. Tipton joined the band in 1974 and has contributed to many of their classic albums.

Just give a listen to "Beyond the Realms of Death" by Judas Priest (the first solo).
Angus Young

Angus McKinnon Young is an Australian guitarist of Scottish origin, best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, songwriter, and the only constant member of the Australian hard rock band AC/DC. He is recognized for his energetic stage presence and schoolboy-uniform stage outfits. When performing live... read more

Feel the fearless spirit and brave heart with:
Highway to Hell, Back in Black, TNT, Thunderstruck, Hells Bells, If You Want Blood (You've Got It).
And the rock and roll domination with:
For Those About to Rock, Let There Be Rock, Whole Lotta Rosie, Rock and Roll Train, It's a Long Way to the Top.
Duane Allman

Howard Duane Allman was an American guitarist, session musician, and co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band. He was known for his slide guitar work and contributions to Southern rock. He died in a motorcycle crash in 1971 at the age of 24.

Eric tried to recruit him. He pioneered a genre of music and was a session player for the greats. His slide work is untouchable (Derek Trucks comes close though. Why isn't Derek on here?)