Best Guitarists Ever
Don't agree with the list? Vote for an existing item you think should be ranked higher or if you are a logged in, add a new item for others to vote on or create your own version of this list.The Top Ten
1Jimi Hendrix
I'm sure that Slash would admit that he and basically every guitarist since the early seventies owes Jimi Hendrix big time.
Jimi started it all. There's no denying it without Jimi some of the mind blowing solos we hear today may not have come into existence
Slash is great, he is possibly the best soloist ever, but he'll never be Hendrix. He is a legend R.I.P.
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2Slash
Slash is an awesome guitarist. He's got it all! He's dedicated and I think he's proven that he doesn't give up. All the music he plays is great, you don't get a song to witch Slash plays the guitar that sucks, he just dose what he loves.
Slash has earned his place in the top 5 and one day may even make it to number two. Let's face it Slash is a great guitarist.
I mean you don't just wake up and are good at something you have to earn it and Slash has. For this he is one of My greatest Idols.
Slash has earned his place in the top 5 and one day may even make it to number two. Let's face it Slash is a great guitarist.
I mean you don't just wake up and are good at something you have to earn it and Slash has. For this he is one of My greatest Idols.
Slash is the 2nd greatest guitarist EVER, only behind Hendrix. He is without a doubt the greatest soloist of all time. His solos aren't a couple of licks put together or not just playing a scale as fast as he can, his solo's are thought out masterpieces that are incredibly amazing technically and emotionally. Listen to all his recorded songs and you'll see what I mean.
I'VE NEVER HEARD A SOLO LIKE THE ONE HE PLAYED IN NOVEMBER RAIN, AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT ALL THOSE INTROS LIKE SWEET CHILD O' MINE, WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, PARADISE CITY, CIVIL WAR, ESTRANGED, ETC.
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3Jimmy Page
The man is a god of the guitar! Pure genius don't have to say any more, his playing speaks for itself,
It's subjective as to who is the best at any art form, although there are some analysis than can help. How enduring and widely popular, how much quality content, how complex, varied and original are all factors. Page's brilliance has been obscured by the fact Zep as a band was so great. It gave him more exposure but also camouflaged him. This is true with others, of course: e,g,. Joe Walsh, Neil Young, Keith Richards. There are other reasons great guitarists don't get their due. I love guitar and for me its Page then Duane Allman. The fact Allman is so far down this list is ridiculous. Also many on this list don't really belong because so many voters are too young to know the dif.
If you take a look at the comments for Synester gates, you can see all the people worry about is speed. And he isn't even that fast, Van Halen, and pretty much any good heavy metal band guitarist can play faster, longer, and cleaner than him. Now Jimmy Paige's greatness isn't fueled by speed, its fueled by emotion and innovation. Listen to the main riff in Black dog, Slash called it, "the sexiest riff off all time"
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4Eddie Van Halen
One of the most skilled and innovative guitarists ever. Fastest right hand in the business.
He doesn't play the guitar, it is part of that man's body, you can hear his emotions come through
Eddie innovated 2 hand tapping. He Influenced great players like Slash, Zakk Wylde and Kerry king to play. If you can make a minute and 42 minute long solo of pure shredding that is recognized everywhere there is something special about you. People that know nothing about guitar think clapton is best but people who know all about guitar can truly agree ed is the god
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5Synyster Gates
Synyster Gates has such blistering speed and yet you can hear every note played, he is a pro at dive bombs and sweep picking and definitely a amazing guitarist, and because of his young age by the time he is slash's age he will be the next slash
He is a very multitalented guitar player, almost all the techniques he mastered.
He can play well even while backing vocals.
He is very feasible juxtaposed with other guitar legends chest of Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani.
He is the most complete!
He can play well even while backing vocals.
He is very feasible juxtaposed with other guitar legends chest of Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani.
He is the most complete!
Slash is great, but not #1. Syn has amazing speed but still plays clean and has unforgettable solos and riffs.
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6Kirk Hammett
Kirk is definitely top 5 guitarist. You can't get better than the interlude in master of puppets or the solo in one. He is a very technical guitarist. You can't get to much faster than 220 bpm in master of puppets or 210 in fight fire with fire.
3rd... Seriously... The guy who made the one solo and the fade to black solo... Part of the biggest metal band on the earth... Yeah... He deserves at least 2nd
He's not the best, but man is he good. He's definitely heavy metal, and can go insane with a guitar. If you've heard him play any of his better songs, you'll know what I mean.
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7Eric Clapton
The great B. B. King once said you will never find a guitar genius that can hold down, note to note, to Eric Clapton. He is the "one". He doesn't care if he's in any top list of anything. He has nothing to prove. Kids love to hear a guitarist banging on his guitar, Clapton never does that, He actually knows how to play an instrument. Some oldies but goodies think he is the rebirth of Robert Johnson. You will seldom find anyone who knows who Robert Johnson is, so how can you expect teenagers and 20 something guys who want to be guitar heroes themselves, understand the history of true rock and roll? Step up and listen to the ballads and then listen to the riffs Clapton manages with out breaking a sweat and the magic that happens when he does. There is soul to this mans music. He is simply, The Best.
What? He is only 20? Eric is one of the best guitar gods ever! He is a great riffs creator ("Sunshine of your love", "Layla", "Cocaine") and a huge soloist too: what about his wha-wha powerful solo on "White Room", his soft duet with Allman in "Layla", his epic section of "Tales of brave Ulysse", the memorable ending of "Let it Rain" or the emotive solo on "Why got love to be so sad? "?
He is the king of blues rock. He should be in the top 3 with Jimi and Dave (Gilmour)!
He is the king of blues rock. He should be in the top 3 with Jimi and Dave (Gilmour)!
There are thousands and thousands who can force a guitar to sputter. There are hundreds who can make a guitar talk. But at any given time, there is only a very select few who can truly let a guitar sing. Clapton is one of those few (along with Hendrix, santana, and a couple others). Clapton writes his music straight from the heart, finding inspiration is his real life. From his relationship with pattie boyd, with whom he was madly in love (Wonderful Tonight), and later his deteriorating marriage with her (Running on Faith), to the death of his son (Tears in heaven), Clapton puts more raw emotion into his music than any other guitarist I've ever heard, including Hendrix.
Compared to him, more recent music can come across flat and empty in both lyrics and guitar work. No one could say he hasn't stood the test of time (1970-today), but he is being slowly forgotten in an age where playing fast and looking cool is more important than musical brilliance.
Slash and some other more recent guitarists are great, but they rely on portrayed starpower and electric instruments to give them that "cool" sound, but take that away (the acoustic test) and you will often find bland, emotionally-lacking guitar work pieced together in a way that works but doesn't resonate with the absolute excellence that is simply expected in all of Clapton's work.
I never liked Clapton when I was younger, I thought his music was a bit longwinded and slow until (at a time when I was first absolutely smitten with a girl) I heard Wonderful Tonight, and couldn't believe how much a song I didn't care for a couple weeks ago suddenly made perfect sense. So that was the only Clapton song I liked. Then (during breakup with same girl) I heard Running on Faith, and after that I was hooked.
I put Clapton second only to Hendrix. You gotta give Jimi his due, he's Mozart with a guitar. He had a bonfire going when everyone else was still rubbing 2 sticks together.
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Compared to him, more recent music can come across flat and empty in both lyrics and guitar work. No one could say he hasn't stood the test of time (1970-today), but he is being slowly forgotten in an age where playing fast and looking cool is more important than musical brilliance.
Slash and some other more recent guitarists are great, but they rely on portrayed starpower and electric instruments to give them that "cool" sound, but take that away (the acoustic test) and you will often find bland, emotionally-lacking guitar work pieced together in a way that works but doesn't resonate with the absolute excellence that is simply expected in all of Clapton's work.
I never liked Clapton when I was younger, I thought his music was a bit longwinded and slow until (at a time when I was first absolutely smitten with a girl) I heard Wonderful Tonight, and couldn't believe how much a song I didn't care for a couple weeks ago suddenly made perfect sense. So that was the only Clapton song I liked. Then (during breakup with same girl) I heard Running on Faith, and after that I was hooked.
I put Clapton second only to Hendrix. You gotta give Jimi his due, he's Mozart with a guitar. He had a bonfire going when everyone else was still rubbing 2 sticks together.
8Tomo Milicevic
He can win, he can lose. He's still the best guitarist in all the world!
I can't imagine 30 Seconds to Mars without him. He is our CRAZY MOFO AND ECHELON LOVES HIM!
I can't imagine 30 Seconds to Mars without him. He is our CRAZY MOFO AND ECHELON LOVES HIM!
Tomo always plays with passion. He's so great in what he does. And no matter what success 30 Seconds to Mars has got, he is so down to earth. A guy we can all look up to.
TOMO? NUMBER SIX? REALLY PEOPLE, REALLY? HE'S GREAT! Try to listen more MARS songs!
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9Tom Kaulitz
For me he will always be more than just a amazing guitarist, when he plays, the music is from his heart and soul. On concerts he doesn't have to be someone that he isn't, he can be who he wants to be and that's beautiful.
Forever in my heart...
Forever in my heart...
I like a volume of his determination, calm approach. For all this he still knows how to come off.
He is the best guitarist ever! I really love this guy! If you agree with me vote Tom Kaulitz!
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10David Gilmour
His creativity knows no bounds! The only guitarist I feel that can place his heart on the guitar strings and strum away his soul. Listen to his end solo of Comfortably Numb on the Pulse tour and the tingles will run up your spine!
Any song He touched is pure genius. Echoes, Time and all of The Wall are great. He was the Heart of Pink Floyd.
He drove Pink Floyd. Comfortably Numb is a great solo. Could lay down a nice riff.
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The Contenders
11Angus Young
Angus feels what he is playing! He has a style of good old rock n roll like other guitarists-john lennon, george harisson, hendrix, eddie van halen but angus is the best of all the best. Angus should be on 1 place
Unbelievably underrated. Listen to his solo on "Shake a Leg" to convince you. Plus, he could do all that while lying on the floor having spasms.
Angus Young isn't A guitar GOD.
He is THE guitar GOD.
He is THE guitar GOD.
jdog0591
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12Brian May
Brain May flies a little under the radar. Everyone has heard Queen, but how many people actually pay attention to the guy that can make his guitar sound like a symphony. Next time Bohemian Rhapsody or Killer Queen pops up on the radio, actually listen to the harmonies that Brian alone can produce.
GREATEST GUITAR PLAYER OF ALL TIME. Next to Hendrix of course. Beautiful Guitar riffs and soloing place him at the top. He never ceases to amaze me... I listen to queen and keep finding song after song that is just unbelievable. Friends will be friends, bohemian rhapsody, hammer to fall, the invisible man, breakthru, and radio ga ga are just a few of the amazing songs queen has put together. Along with the breathtaking vocals of Freddie mercury (may he rest in peace), the bombarding drumming of Roger Taylor, and the Steady, rhythmic bass playing of John Deacon, Brian May and Queen is the #1 band in the world.
He's as good as Slash, Jimmy Page, Tommi Iommi, and Jimi Hendrix.
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13Joe Satriani
This is what happens when people who don't listen to anything but commercialized music vote for best guitarist. There are key components that should be considered when voting for this:
1. How well does the guitarist play? A truly great master of the guitar is not just about solos or speed, because everyone and their monkey can play fast and spit out solos (as can be seen simply by looking into genres that support such). A really great guitarist needs to be versatile, to be able to play any type of music or style.
2. Composition! Guitarists who have one or two "hit songs" and compose junk otherwise aren't true masters. An artist needs to be original, especially with the guitar. If a guitarist plays in a band, his sound should be distinctive and be neither drowned out nor overbearing (though this depends on genre sometimes). I look for guitarists who push the boundaries, that look for new and different ways to play.
3. Solos... When it is the guitarist's turn to shine, how does it sound? Is it a flurry of notes that ends quickly, or is it fast because it flows well and is challenging to play? If it's slow, is it because the guitarist cannot play faster or has put thought into the composition? Where does the solo start and leave you? Of course, there is a lot of personal taste that is involved in judging solos, but you can easily see where te line is drawn between those who solo because they're expected too and have little talent, and those who solo because they have talent. And, if the guitarist rarely or never solos, like Emmpu from Nightwish, you might want to consider why. It's very simple to make noise on a guitar and to play a few chords. If the artist doesn't solo, what does he show instead? What is his contribution to the song?
4. Finally, how does the guitarist stand up over time? A great guitarist will have not one but many masterpieces, and will play well until the day they hang up their guitar. A great guitarist will improve with time, because they will constantly be pushing their limits.
Well I hope this helps. My personal vote is that the best guitarists are ranked: 1. Joe Satriani, 2. Buckethead, 3. Eric Johnson, 4. Steve Vai/Paul Gilbert, 5. John Petrucci, 6. Herman Li/Sam Totman, 7. Dave Mustaine, 8. Synyster Gates, 9. Mark Tremonti, and 10. Origa. Of course, I don't have any of the older guitarists there, so there is that. Shout out to Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ritchie Blackmore, Randy Rhoads, Carlos Santana, and Eddie Van Halen!
As a final thought, Slash is extremely overrated in this... And whoever put Thirty Seconds to Mars up there has fallen victim to mistaking this as a "favorite band" list. There is hardly any guitar work on their new album...
1. How well does the guitarist play? A truly great master of the guitar is not just about solos or speed, because everyone and their monkey can play fast and spit out solos (as can be seen simply by looking into genres that support such). A really great guitarist needs to be versatile, to be able to play any type of music or style.
2. Composition! Guitarists who have one or two "hit songs" and compose junk otherwise aren't true masters. An artist needs to be original, especially with the guitar. If a guitarist plays in a band, his sound should be distinctive and be neither drowned out nor overbearing (though this depends on genre sometimes). I look for guitarists who push the boundaries, that look for new and different ways to play.
3. Solos... When it is the guitarist's turn to shine, how does it sound? Is it a flurry of notes that ends quickly, or is it fast because it flows well and is challenging to play? If it's slow, is it because the guitarist cannot play faster or has put thought into the composition? Where does the solo start and leave you? Of course, there is a lot of personal taste that is involved in judging solos, but you can easily see where te line is drawn between those who solo because they're expected too and have little talent, and those who solo because they have talent. And, if the guitarist rarely or never solos, like Emmpu from Nightwish, you might want to consider why. It's very simple to make noise on a guitar and to play a few chords. If the artist doesn't solo, what does he show instead? What is his contribution to the song?
4. Finally, how does the guitarist stand up over time? A great guitarist will have not one but many masterpieces, and will play well until the day they hang up their guitar. A great guitarist will improve with time, because they will constantly be pushing their limits.
Well I hope this helps. My personal vote is that the best guitarists are ranked: 1. Joe Satriani, 2. Buckethead, 3. Eric Johnson, 4. Steve Vai/Paul Gilbert, 5. John Petrucci, 6. Herman Li/Sam Totman, 7. Dave Mustaine, 8. Synyster Gates, 9. Mark Tremonti, and 10. Origa. Of course, I don't have any of the older guitarists there, so there is that. Shout out to Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ritchie Blackmore, Randy Rhoads, Carlos Santana, and Eddie Van Halen!
As a final thought, Slash is extremely overrated in this... And whoever put Thirty Seconds to Mars up there has fallen victim to mistaking this as a "favorite band" list. There is hardly any guitar work on their new album...
Most technically skilled guitarist ever, without a doubt.
very very fine skills with musical heart to connect every living soul
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14Richie Sambora
What the hell? Top 16? Are you an idiot? Damn! RICHIE PLAYS WITH EMOTION DUDE! That's WHAT BEING A GUITARIST MEAN!
What? He should definitely be top ten! Top five even! He's absolutely amazing, plays with soul and passion. Richie for the best guitarist ever! Love him!
He is even better than Slash. With all due respect with other guitarists he is even with that of the led zeppelin...
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15Dimebag Darrell
Why the F is DIMEBAG DARRELL IN 21! He is the best guitarist I've ever seen and heard. He's guitar skills are very good better than SYNYSTER GATES! He needs to be in the top 3!
Dime was and will always be number one for me as a guitarist, not even Jimmy could compare to the amount of inspiration and skill that Dime brought to the table. He was the innovater for future metal guitarists, he was absolutely brillant! His memory will live on through his family, friends and fans. And if you think that he doesn't deserve this spot, and you've never heard him shred, I strongly suggest you watch/listen to 5 minutes alone, This Love, Walk, Cemetary Gates, and all the greatest songs by Pantera. I'm sure you'll change your mind! R.I.P. dimebag Darrell
"In this river all shall fade to black" -Zakk Wylde (In this River, a tribute to Dime)
"In this river all shall fade to black" -Zakk Wylde (In this River, a tribute to Dime)
DIMEBAG DARELL SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN TOP 5
, Just listen to cowboys from hell / walk /revolution is my name, it will blow your mind. If he would have been in present, could have hear more mindblowing solos.
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, Just listen to cowboys from hell / walk /revolution is my name, it will blow your mind. If he would have been in present, could have hear more mindblowing solos.
16Buckethead
The only guitarist who can play heavy metal about slaughterhouses and then play a soothing lullaby.
He has has more emotion than half the guitarists on this page and he wears an expressionless mask...
He has has more emotion than half the guitarists on this page and he wears an expressionless mask...
I am ashamed to see how low he is on the list, really. Very, very sad. Have any of you people even listened to his music? I've heard Slash, and while he is good, he is far from phenomenal. He doesn't really stand out besides proficiency. Buckethead, on the other hand? His songs stand out. Heck, his many fans' claims that he is the Guitar Jesus isn't that much of an exaggeration.
Also, it's quite stupid how people instantly assume he's emotionless due to his wearing a mask... Gentlemen and Ladies, please do get rid of the abundant piles of earwax in your ears... How can you not hear the emotion and beauty that overflows from his songs?
Also, it's quite stupid how people instantly assume he's emotionless due to his wearing a mask... Gentlemen and Ladies, please do get rid of the abundant piles of earwax in your ears... How can you not hear the emotion and beauty that overflows from his songs?
He is amazing. I have never seen such emotion from someone like him.
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17Randy Rhoads
Just listen to and try to play some of the stuff he's done people, I mean come on! Knowing that he wasnt in the music business for that long but left as big as impression he did, just imagine how it would be now if he was still alive! No one can write or play as good as Randy.
There are very few albums where I rate every song 5of5 stars. Blizzard of Oz and Diary of a Madman are two albums I rate that way. Randy was taken from us far too early. Find the song Laughing Gas (Live) when he was with Quiet Riot. During the solo you here strains of Goodbye to Romance. Randy was a perfect match for Ozzy's vocal style. Randy had a strength of technical ability matched only by Yngwie Malmsteen or Steve Vai. What sets Randy apart was his composition. He knew exactly when and where to play down and dirty. He also knew when to play classical modes such as phrygian and mixolidium. He had an uncanny ability to play a smooth solo with a trill place at just the right point to accent the song. Over the Mountain is a perfect example. Listen to the solo. Diary of a Madman the song is a perfect blend of using a classical theme to build a song on. This is a very haunting song that fits the lyrics and Ozzy's voice perfectly. Dee is a beautifully composed piece that is a great lead-in to Mr. Crowly. The guitar work on Crazy Train, I Don't Know, No Bone Movies and You Looking' at Me Looking' at You is fun to listen to. This is rock and roll with an edge and a bite. These trills I talk about are the bite that Rhoads put into his music. Hendrix was the most influential. Clapton and BB King are the greatest blues players. I'll take Randy Rhoads as the best guitar play ever.
Well I have been playing too many years to count and there is no doubt Randy was the best. Playing guitar was just too easy for this guy.
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18Stevie Ray Vaughan
This forum is terrible. SRV, Jimmy and Clapton should all be top 5. Slash.. give me a break. Go youtube "texas flood" long version or "little wing cover" by Stevie Ray Vaughn and educate yourselves.
S. R. V. re-invented electric blues. He played every song from his heart and nailed every note! You will never hear the same version of a song twice from Stevie Ray. He is absolutely amazing!
There are hundreds of great guitar players but Stevie Ray Vauhan and Jimi Hendrix were the absolute best. It is a privilege just to listen to them play. Please people, listen to SRV on youtube. Just search srv and pick any song. You'll thank me, really.
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19Carlos Santana
From Slash to Vaughn, from Hendrix to Page, from Clapton to Van Halen, from Prince to Hammet and on, no one but no one can as masterfully sing, string, stir, and sling his guitar out to an audience without vocal ability! Carlos executes his gift by the side of angels; he sings THROUGH, not ON the electric guitar, devoid of ego. Who else could immacutely adapt to concert with the finest of musicians world-wide, such as Ottomar Leibert, and innumerable musical artists to bring incandescent soul to each with impeccable perfection? Carlos unegotistically offers God-given talent as if it were for sale on the street for one who is musically promising while abandons the forced march of solitary recognition in the music world. Carlos appears to effortlessly, unfaltering, and exponentially lift the spirit of fellow musicians of promising notorious varieties. Carlos has another gift: most transparently to bring other artists to their pinnacle without over-shadowing their style. Thus, this man appears above narcississtic motive, but proves exemplary recognition as the finest, most passionate guitarist in the world.
Without a question, nobody plays as "smooth" as Santana!
This man is by far the most talented guitarist who ever lived. It is insulting to him and his millions of fans to not have him be number one. This list is not a measure of talent and skill, but just a popularity contest
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20Steve Vai
You have to look on another planet for more expression, feeling an fun on an electical guitar!
Steve Vai, I think is one of the best guitarists in the world.
He is very unique and has his own mind for playing, he gives guitar playing whole different meaning when he plays.
He is very unique and has his own mind for playing, he gives guitar playing whole different meaning when he plays.
Satriani's protege, almost as good as Satch Boogie himself.
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21hide
Hide can solo slash into the mud! He beats out every guitarist on this list in soul and technical ability! If the western part of the world wasn't so damn ignorant hide would be at number 1 easily. Just because he's not white doesn't mean he's not good... I am a huge Hendrix and Jimmy Page fan, but hide is flat-out better. Slash has some talent... But hide is talent. Listen to "Hi-Ho" from his solo career (or the entire "Psyence" album) listen to "X", "Kurenai" and "Endless Rain" from X Japan... And that's just for starters... Then we maybe we can talk about guitar.
Hide is an inspiration to me. He is an amazingly talented musician! Not only was he the lead guitarist of X Japan (the greatest band ever), but his solo work was creative, versatile, and simply incredible!
Even though he is unfortunately no longer with us (;____, he has left behind an amazing legacy.
Even though he is unfortunately no longer with us (;____, he has left behind an amazing legacy.
Hide of X Japan.
Check out any of his solos.
No stomp box needed.
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Check out any of his solos.
No stomp box needed.
22John Petrucci
Amazingly versatile guitarist. Can shred just about as well as, if not better, than anybody. Can compose a brilliantly beautiful solo, a melodic passage, an epic riff. Great songwriter and lyricist too. His technical ability, feeling for the instrument, and versatility make him the best.
As for the other people on this list - Brad Delson? Seriously? Linkin Park is one of my favourite bands of all time. I love them. And Brad does alright for what Linkin Park needs - good, chunky riffs and a few melodies here and there. But among the greatest guitarists of all time? Come on. People who voted for him are probably 12 year olds who haven't discovered classic rock yet and still think that nu-metal is the coolest thing on Earth. And they will probably label me as 'not a true LP fan'. No, I am a huge LP fan and own all their stuff, plenty of posters, a jacket and have been to see them live. They were awesome. I'm just not so blind to think that Brad Delson is one of the best guitarists of all time. He's a good guitarist. But that's it.
Same for Billie Joe Armstrong at 28. Seriously? Once again, I'm a Green Day fan and I like his work with them. But he's just a good punk-rock guitarist, not among the best of all time by any means. And that has nothing to do with him not playing any 'shredding solos', it's just that he doesn't have the technical or compositional ability of the others on this list.
I also think that Kurt Cobain is a way overrated guitarist. Nirvana are a decent band and he did a very good job as their songwriter, but people seem to apply that ability to automatically mean he is a guitar genius. He's talented, but not one of the best of all time.
I'm also a HUGE Slash fan. I've seen him live four times now and I love him. But he is not the best of all time. Yes, he has a LOT of memorable riffs and solos and has done well to become an icon of the electric guitar. But he doesn't come close to the technical or compositional ability of some of the other guys here.
I'm glad to see Prince on this list. While I probably wouldn't put him in the top 20 PERSONALLY, I think he is an amazingly talented guitarist. He gets overlooked for this because of his musical style, image, etc. A lot of people aren't even aware that he plays guitar. And as one commenter suggested, they didn't know he played guitar but assumed that if he did he must be s*** at it. Not at all. He is very talented.
The obvious classics are on this list and deserve to be - Hendrix, Page, Santana, Gilmour, Satriana (who is far too low)... But where is Steve Vai? Andy Timmons?
Marty Friedman is also FAR too low. I was actually going to vote for him originally due to his unique talent for the guitar. He plays in a very distinct way and has an immediately recognizable sound. He is entirely self-taught and does not stick to the regular Pentatonic scales or anything. So everything he plays sounds weirdly unique, and very interesting. He also has great feeling for the guitar and is very versatile, and his solos are brilliantly constructed. I gave Petrucci the nod though just because his solos seem to capture a grander scale in terms of both emotion and composition.
I'm glad that Mark Tremonti is on this list too. A lot of people disregard him because they associate him the Creed and their bad reputation. They also don't realize how good he is at lead, simply because he barely ever soloed with Creed. But he is an extremely talented shredder who is also able to play and compose very melodic passages. And he's a very good songwriter and lyricist too, and one of the reasons why Alter Bridge are so damn good.
Lastly, Myles Kennedy should also be on here. I won't claim that he should be in the top 20 or 30 or anything, but he does deserve to be on this list. People don't realize how talented a guitarist he is as they only recognize his brilliant vocal ability. And if they do recognize his guitar talent, it's probably only from his limited number of solos with Alter Bridge (which, while well composed and emotionally powerful, aren't technically amazing or anything). People should listen to his early work with bands such as Cosmic Dust and Citizen Swing. He is an amazingly talented blues/jazz guitarist who can shred very, very well, and also has a fantastic feel for his instrument.
As for the other people on this list - Brad Delson? Seriously? Linkin Park is one of my favourite bands of all time. I love them. And Brad does alright for what Linkin Park needs - good, chunky riffs and a few melodies here and there. But among the greatest guitarists of all time? Come on. People who voted for him are probably 12 year olds who haven't discovered classic rock yet and still think that nu-metal is the coolest thing on Earth. And they will probably label me as 'not a true LP fan'. No, I am a huge LP fan and own all their stuff, plenty of posters, a jacket and have been to see them live. They were awesome. I'm just not so blind to think that Brad Delson is one of the best guitarists of all time. He's a good guitarist. But that's it.
Same for Billie Joe Armstrong at 28. Seriously? Once again, I'm a Green Day fan and I like his work with them. But he's just a good punk-rock guitarist, not among the best of all time by any means. And that has nothing to do with him not playing any 'shredding solos', it's just that he doesn't have the technical or compositional ability of the others on this list.
I also think that Kurt Cobain is a way overrated guitarist. Nirvana are a decent band and he did a very good job as their songwriter, but people seem to apply that ability to automatically mean he is a guitar genius. He's talented, but not one of the best of all time.
I'm also a HUGE Slash fan. I've seen him live four times now and I love him. But he is not the best of all time. Yes, he has a LOT of memorable riffs and solos and has done well to become an icon of the electric guitar. But he doesn't come close to the technical or compositional ability of some of the other guys here.
I'm glad to see Prince on this list. While I probably wouldn't put him in the top 20 PERSONALLY, I think he is an amazingly talented guitarist. He gets overlooked for this because of his musical style, image, etc. A lot of people aren't even aware that he plays guitar. And as one commenter suggested, they didn't know he played guitar but assumed that if he did he must be s*** at it. Not at all. He is very talented.
The obvious classics are on this list and deserve to be - Hendrix, Page, Santana, Gilmour, Satriana (who is far too low)... But where is Steve Vai? Andy Timmons?
Marty Friedman is also FAR too low. I was actually going to vote for him originally due to his unique talent for the guitar. He plays in a very distinct way and has an immediately recognizable sound. He is entirely self-taught and does not stick to the regular Pentatonic scales or anything. So everything he plays sounds weirdly unique, and very interesting. He also has great feeling for the guitar and is very versatile, and his solos are brilliantly constructed. I gave Petrucci the nod though just because his solos seem to capture a grander scale in terms of both emotion and composition.
I'm glad that Mark Tremonti is on this list too. A lot of people disregard him because they associate him the Creed and their bad reputation. They also don't realize how good he is at lead, simply because he barely ever soloed with Creed. But he is an extremely talented shredder who is also able to play and compose very melodic passages. And he's a very good songwriter and lyricist too, and one of the reasons why Alter Bridge are so damn good.
Lastly, Myles Kennedy should also be on here. I won't claim that he should be in the top 20 or 30 or anything, but he does deserve to be on this list. People don't realize how talented a guitarist he is as they only recognize his brilliant vocal ability. And if they do recognize his guitar talent, it's probably only from his limited number of solos with Alter Bridge (which, while well composed and emotionally powerful, aren't technically amazing or anything). People should listen to his early work with bands such as Cosmic Dust and Citizen Swing. He is an amazingly talented blues/jazz guitarist who can shred very, very well, and also has a fantastic feel for his instrument.
There is no way Synyster Gates is better than Petrucci!
Arguments like "He plays well while singing backing vocals" and such? You guys should really listen to Dream Theater! Wonderful music composed by 5 of the most technically and creative personalities in modern music. I realize that people who listens to Dream Theater have heard the most and at last found the best DT forever!
Arguments like "He plays well while singing backing vocals" and such? You guys should really listen to Dream Theater! Wonderful music composed by 5 of the most technically and creative personalities in modern music. I realize that people who listens to Dream Theater have heard the most and at last found the best DT forever!
There's not even competition... Best guitarist ever, apart from that a sublime songwriter, DT forever.
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23John Frusciante
The best guitarist, and does not get enough recognition. He can play any style, any speed, and even can sing a little if needed. His guitar playing was the part of the artistry of the Red Hot Chili Peppers for some of their best years, and I wish him the best now even after leaving RHCP.
John Frusciante needs to be #1. He contributes incredible feel for music. His playing is not shredding like many others.. People think fast playing and shredding.. His playing is incredibly melodic and beautiful to the ear. He is one of the rare guitarists which improvises solos playing live.. And that improvisation is almost better than any other guitar solos. He knows to put such emotions in his guitar playing and really is the best guitar player now.. And maybe EVER!
John Frusciante set the guitar standard for a generation by combining both a funk and rock style. He revolutionized the way alternative music should sound and set the bar for anyone unlucky enough to come after him.
Paragor34
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24Dave Mustaine
A really Great Guitarist.
Badger
More technically skilled than Hammett, but Hammett has better composition. However with all the effort put into Megadeths guitar work, Mustaine deserves to be top 10.
I've seen people are just as amazing at guitar playing on most or all levels of guitar playing(speed, musicailty, technicality, musicianship, etc. ) but I haven't seen anyone who can surpass him on any guitar playing level and he also does vocals and doesn't look at the frets so his job is even harder. So to recap, he is betterat al of this stuff than anyone else because he hasn't been surpassed as a guitar player on any level and he he does vocals. And doesn't look at his frets. Also did I mention he can solo while singing(this day we fight, chosen ones) and he can do taping where he can do single notes AND he can do taping where he plays full chords with his left and right hands instead of strumming the chords. He does this in looking down the cross.
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25Prince
Prince is well known for being able to play many instruments and there is no doubt within the music industry that he is one the worlds leading guitarists. Prince taught himself to play by the age of 13 and by 16 was able to play Santana note for note. When he hit the mainstream with his first album at the age of 20 he was already being compared to the likes of Hendrix. And he still had a long way to go.
One thing that become apparent very early on with Prince was that he wasn't tied down to one style of music and excelled with a versatility not seen in anyone else before or since. Because of this versatility not all his released music is guitar focused and therefore he hasn't always been judged for his skills as a guitarist.
Arranging and Producing his own music from the beginning Prince has also become an extremely adept guitar engineer in the studio and live on stage with an ability to manage a wide range of effects simultaneously, whilst also arranging the other band members' sections.
His ability to play guitar at the top of his game in all styles of music shows how skillful he is, and there has not been one stage he has performed on where he hasn't torn the house down.
From loud, dirty, distorted and burning fast to slow acoustic and emotionally charged playing, Prince's range on guitar is even larger than that of his vocal range. There are technical guitarists and there are talented guitarists and then there is simply Prince.
One thing that become apparent very early on with Prince was that he wasn't tied down to one style of music and excelled with a versatility not seen in anyone else before or since. Because of this versatility not all his released music is guitar focused and therefore he hasn't always been judged for his skills as a guitarist.
Arranging and Producing his own music from the beginning Prince has also become an extremely adept guitar engineer in the studio and live on stage with an ability to manage a wide range of effects simultaneously, whilst also arranging the other band members' sections.
His ability to play guitar at the top of his game in all styles of music shows how skillful he is, and there has not been one stage he has performed on where he hasn't torn the house down.
From loud, dirty, distorted and burning fast to slow acoustic and emotionally charged playing, Prince's range on guitar is even larger than that of his vocal range. There are technical guitarists and there are talented guitarists and then there is simply Prince.
I strongly agree that Prince is #1 on the list. He's by far greater than all of them. He's way ahead of his time like Jimi Hendrix was. He's very underrated as a guitarist. Because of his variety in music, he sings, dances and plays many instruments many critics over-look the genius in this man. As a guitarist of 30 years myself, he has been my biggest influence along with Jimi Hendrix, Jimi Page, Carlos Santana, Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton just to name a few. If U listen 2 early Prince cuts like "Bambi", "Why U Wanna Treat Me So Bad", "For You", these cuts will show U how bad this man is and he was only a teenager playing licks like that. His more up 2 date stuff just don't do justice 4 his guitar playing. Well, some does...but it's more about his lyrical skills and all the other instruments he plays. A living legend. Check out the video of his 2004 induction of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame on stage with the greats such as Tom Petty. Prince does a solo that kicked all of their ass's. Yet, so humble. Check out his first 2 or 3 albums starting with his first "For You", 2nd entitled "Prince" and 3rd "Dirty Mind"...the boy is bad!!! From Don Q the best guitarist in Fort Worth, Texas!
You have to give it to this guy. Very underrated as a guitar player, it's a shame his public image over-shadows the incredible talent this man possesses. Dig a little, check this guy's guitar playing, a little bit of Santana, a lil' bit of Hendrix, with his own stamp on it! Could play any style with anyone and still come out on top! You should also hear this guy play piano too!
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26Tariqh Akoni
Tariqh is a great guitarist, he can play anything. You can see he's enjoying himself on very much when he's playing. He also inspires the rest of the band when he plays, he's the best!
He's a fantastic guitarist! Saw him many times during the Straight to you tour in Europe! He is such a nice and funny person and he talked with us fans after the shows! And on stage he always shows how much fun he has!
Tariqh is a fantastic guitarist and human being. Been following him with Josh for many years and will continue to follow for a long long time!
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27Tony Iommi
Almost every metal-riff that you hear today has been invented by this guy. He is the best. Guitarists like Mustaine, Friedman, Frehley, Gallagher deserve to be a lot higher on this list. And what about genius Brian Robertson (best guitarist Thin Lizzy ever had! ) and John Sykes, I don't even see them here and they should have been!
He really should be # 3... I mean come on, don't be so ignorant because of the style of music he plays.. Just listen to "War Pigs" and "Iron Man" and you will agree with me. Keep on rocking!
Iommi has inspired every single rockNroll guitarists, and deserves the first place no doubt
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28Tom Morello
The DJ GUITARIST of all time!
A true form of guitar god quality, he made rap/rock a good quality sound through his variety of music influences and made him reach his distinct and over the edge guitar performances!
A true form of guitar god quality, he made rap/rock a good quality sound through his variety of music influences and made him reach his distinct and over the edge guitar performances!
Tom Morello is the greatest guitarist ever because of one simple reason: His guitar playing is many times more creative and innovative than a lot of guitarists on this list. Sure, they may be able to play really fast solos that sound really impressive, but Tom's guitar playing (not just his solos) doesn't sound like anything I've ever heard before. This is obviously a good thing.
InPillForm
Before 1991 I don't think a guitar has ever been manipulated in a way that Tom Morello has managed. He may not be the most technical, fastest or knowledgeable but definitely one of the most insanely great crafted guitar players ever. Just watch the solo in Bulls on Parade, or the riff in People of the Sun played by scratching one string. Using screwdrivers to make chopper propellor sounds and a multitude of effects to give his guitar that unique, Tom and Rage sound...
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29Matt Bellamy
There is no way to explain how awesome Matt's guitar skills are. Who could forget the New Born solo? Not to mention he composes all of his music, he has such a great influence in the world of music that he deserves a good place in this top 10.
well I honestly heard just a few of the guitarist with such incredible sense of musicality. I enjoy his search for new stuff/sounds to add, he is a true guitarist in every possible way, his stage performance is like he is making love to his guitar!
Just the best.. Human bean can't play a guitar and sing like him. Nobody else can do it. Th
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30Mark Knopfler
Man, how many times did I get goozebumbs when listening to Dire Straits? The man does it everytime. Such distinctive rifs, unmistakable Mark Knopfler. My personal favorite: Private Investigations, which is one of the greatest songs of all time!
redmess
Mark Knopfler is the Best! Lets see Jimi Hendrix do a unplugged version or work the guitar with a simple pick. That is true guitar skill for you. Mark can make make the guitar sing literally, his Sultans of Swing solo is by far the best guitar solo rendition I have ever heard.
Not only one of the greatest guitarists ever but also one of the greatest songwriters ever too. His solos are musically flawless and he doesn't rely on overdrive for his guitar work to stand out.
Just find any live versions of Sultans of Swing on youtube etc. And try and prove me wrong... You won't! :-D
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Just find any live versions of Sultans of Swing on youtube etc. And try and prove me wrong... You won't! :-D
31B. B. King
Just one of many great blues guitarists not likely to make this list.
BB King, the man who started it all when the other greats were just babies are perhaps not even conceived yet. Quite literally he didn't create this amazing instrument but besides T-Bone Walker he brought electric guitar to the fore-front along with Albert King, Freddy King, Buddy Guy and a vast majority of the older and late great bluesmen. His "hummingbird" vibrato effect and nuance and style has made him a house hold name for some 50 or 60 years or so and today with all the different types of music he is still a house hold name though in this day and age Blues is no longer the mainstream music it was way back when.
leongregory
IF THE KING OF BLUES IS 93 SO WHERE WOULD YOU PUT THE OTHERS BLUES BROTHERS
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32Zakk Wylde
His sound is just amazing and not a lot of people sound like that and those pinch harmonics all his techniques his songs are much harder to play than Hendrix songs I should know I play guitar he's faster then Hendrix to and has feeling like Santana and slash he's simply the best eruptions pretty easy compared to bark at the moon and know one knows the solo he does live it's to damn hard to figure out
I agree with other comments and think that dimebag and wylde should be higher on the list than they are. I respect wylde more then any other guitarist because he also sing's well and can play the crap out of a acoustic. Wylde deserves a lot of credit playing the super fast riffs he does with using little or no hammer-ons.
"The Guitar God"
"The Guitar God"
Zakk wylde the power complimenting ozzy and his own band black label society, his fast blues influenced metal solo's are the perfect compliment to his chugging riffs... A master of guitar
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33Ritchie Blackmore
Best guitarist ever! How is he not in the top 10?
The guitar solos in songs such as Highway Star are amazing!
The guitar solos in songs such as Highway Star are amazing!
Genius. Listen to Catch the Rainbow live in Munich. Feeling feeding technique. Number one guitarist. Surpass Hendrix and Page easily. Just listen to all of his work. There'll never be anyone like him, as there are no more Bach, Mozart or Beethoven. Before him guitar was just blues and country rock. After him guitar is music for itself.
Ritchie was an early stand out guitarist for me in the emerging Deep Purple days, has continued to dazzle through the permutations of Rainbow and shown many other aspects of his skills with Blackmore's Night who deserve far more media attention than they have so far had. With the fluidity and emotion he packs into his work I would rate him with Jimmy Page and Hendrix.
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34Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck listed at #74 on this list shows just how little most music fans know about the history of electric guitar. As one reviewer stated earlier, Page, Clapton, Brian May, David Gilmore, and Slash have all stated that Jeff Beck is the best guitarist on the planet. You can add Joe Perry and Steve Lukather to that list. He plays with a fire that nobody else can match and his technique is stunning, the equal of anybody on this list. Many of this generations greatest jazz musicians have recorded with Jeff, including Stanley Clarke, Jan Hammer, John McLaughlin, and Lenny White. He's toured with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, BB King, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Steve Lukather, and Kenny Wayne Shepard. In 1966, when Chas Chandler was trying to convince Jimi Hendrix to move to England, Hendrix agreed but only if Chandler promised to introduce him to Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. If you don't know who Jeff Beck is, pick up a copy of Blow by Blow or Wired and give it a listen.
Agreed, all of the names you have here are "of the calibre" for the title of "Greatest" guitar player of ALL time. But Jeff Beck should certainly be #2 if not #1, only because he once stated that (at the time) "Jimmy Page and I may be considered the best (guitar players) in the world, but neither of us could hold a candle to Hendrix. " And that is the truth! Jimi Hendrix WAS. IS and shall for ever be, the greatest ROCK guitar player in the History of the Electric Guitar! Furthermore, Mitch Mitchell, Jimi's favorite. Drummer, was/and is one of the greatest drummers of all time!
Greatest multi-dimensional guitar player ever! Jeff's career spans decades of innovation, from the Yardbirds, The Jeff Beck Group, Beck, Bogert, & Appice to numerous incarnations making innovative instrumental music, to his recent work with Imelda May.
Listen to Beck's recording of the Stevie Wonder song "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" to get an idea of what he's all about. Beck's voice comes through his six-string in an unmatched way.
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Listen to Beck's recording of the Stevie Wonder song "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" to get an idea of what he's all about. Beck's voice comes through his six-string in an unmatched way.
35Neal Schon
Neal Schon will eventually be considered the most under-rated guitarist of all time. In 1971, at the age of 16, on his very first recording (Santana-3), he SOLIDIFIED his own unique style, which included frenetic time signatures, alternating with masterfully sustained notes that maintain an incredibly clean, crisp and delicate tone, which set the standard for many future shredders to come. As great as Joe Satriani is, why is he credited with inventing "melodic shredding" in 1985, when Schon was at it 14 YEARS EARLIER? The guitar interplay on Santana-3, between Carlos and Neal is mind boggling, like a volcano that is ready to explode! And this is in 1971-when guitarists had to rely on their fingers-instead of effects. A world class master!
Neal combines beautiful melodic lines that compliment Journey's songs, but can add blistering fast connections to his memorable solo hooks. Amazingly full sound and clean precise attacks... Great musician/writer.
One of the greatest ever-his work with santana is a phenomenon but lo and behold the first three journey albums before steve perry joined are the quintessential progressive/fusion albums of the 70's. Now lets get to his inhuman two works with jan hammer, his six solo albums and of course the band he had with sammy hagar for a while. Also, bad english and hardline. How quickly people forget
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36Yngwie J. Malmsteen
He is the strong root of neo-classical if anybody follow his theory and practical as well he can be a legend so he he legend of legends (only the shredders can judge him) normal musician and public can't understand his glory
Just epic
He is one of the greatest guitarist on earth. No way someone of this earth could do what he does
With that passion. Sure he isn't a Kirk Hammet or a slash but he is his own unique guitarist like a snow flake
He is one of the greatest guitarist on earth. No way someone of this earth could do what he does
With that passion. Sure he isn't a Kirk Hammet or a slash but he is his own unique guitarist like a snow flake
Influenced a whole generation of axe players to research neo-classical playing techniques. Mr appegio.
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37George Harrison
The most, the best, the amazing... That can I say.. The beatles had one great guitarist of all time... Vote for george
He's really talented but always quiet, he has never wanted to be a superstar with scandals, he just wanted to play the guitar and sing. I think it's why he's underestimated.
He's hella tight! He was one the first to ever play the sitar in pop culture music. He made history!
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38Eric Johnson
What makes Eric Johnson amazing is not simply his mechanical mastery of guitar techniques, but also his amazing sense of control over his instrument. He's obviously trained such that an array of amazing guitar skills are at his fingertips, but what sets him aside from other guitarists it that he knows how and when to use them. He doesn't just throw in a bunch of rad riffs and cool tricks--he uses his techniques and control in an amazingly precise and mindful manner to create experiences rather than songs.
Cliffs of Dover is one of the most amazing guitar moments in history. It's an amazing technical and groove experience. A 10. He deserves to be on this list for sure, maybe higher.
Eric Johnson is precise, clean, creative, talented and fast. Never heard anyone better. My guess is that he could play anyone else's stuff but almost nobody could play his.
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39Marty Friedman
FOR GOD SAKE, anyone who has heard the frigging amazing solos of this man on rust in peace know he has to be in the top 5 of this list easily, I haven't heard better solo's yet.
the most amazing guitarist ever and the most underrated, along with Jason Becker. They must have been the best guitar duo that stepped the earth.
He should deserve a top 10 placing. He's got speed, theory, emotion... And he's multi-genred. He makes some custom scales sometimes.
Well he's better than slash
Well he's better than slash
chrisseafoodfu
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40Matthias Jabs
Jabs is very melodic and clear guitaris. He knows how to rock n roll, how to mix blues-rock and heavy metal together.
Yeah matthias jabs have the style of unique, and he's got the best and fastest rifs on guitar.
he is also got the moves as a lead guitar of SCORPIONS.
he is also got the moves as a lead guitar of SCORPIONS.
Matthias Jabs has a special solo style that whose no body has anything that could be just like it.
mneilan
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41Chuck Berry
Are you people retarted? Without Chuck Berry, no one on this list would be famous
Guitar playing rock legend
Chuck Berry is a legend an one othe most influent guitars all over the world
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42Duane Allman
If the late Duane Allman had done nothing but session work, he would still be on this list. His contributions on lead and slide guitar to dozens of records as fine and as varied as Wilson Pickett's down-home '69 cover of "Hey Jude" and Eric Clapton's 1970 masterpiece with Derek and the Dominos, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, constitute an astounding body of work. But Allman also transformed the poetry of jamming with the Allman Brothers Band, the group he founded in 1969 with his younger brother, singer-organist Gregg. Duane applied the same black soul and rebel fire he displayed as a sideman to the Allmans' extended investigations of Muddy Waters and Blind Willie McTell covers and to his psychedelic-jazz interplay with second guitarist Dickey Betts in live showpieces such as "Whipping Post. " Although Duane and Gregg had played in bands together since 1960, Duane did not learn to play slide until shortly before the start of the Allmans. In his only Rolling Stone interview, in early' 71, Duane said that the first song he tried to conquer was McTell's "Statesboro Blues. " Allman's blastoff licks in the recording that opens his band's third album, At Fillmore East, show how far and fast he had come ” and leave you wondering how much further he could have gone. In October 1971, eight months after the Fillmore East gigs, Allman died in a motorcycle accident in the band's home base of Macon, Georgia.
Zezerex
I don't know which is more of a joke - Duane at no. 52 or BB King at no. 76!
Rolling Stone put Duane at no. 2 in its list of '100 Best Guitarists Ever' (followed by BB King, Duane's great admirer Clapton, and Robert Johnson (any of you kids heard of him? ).
Basically, all these five taught their guitar a new language.
I love Prince, and he certainly made his guitar talk a new language.. but it was basically a 'theatrical' language. In purely musical terms, in expressive control and range, he's a baby crying to Duane's astonishing fluency. Even Hendrix seems coarse in comparison.. but then Jimi trips over into another dimension from all other guitarists in history, and you'd have to be more insane than he was, not to put him at the top.
Rolling Stone put Duane at no. 2 in its list of '100 Best Guitarists Ever' (followed by BB King, Duane's great admirer Clapton, and Robert Johnson (any of you kids heard of him? ).
Basically, all these five taught their guitar a new language.
I love Prince, and he certainly made his guitar talk a new language.. but it was basically a 'theatrical' language. In purely musical terms, in expressive control and range, he's a baby crying to Duane's astonishing fluency. Even Hendrix seems coarse in comparison.. but then Jimi trips over into another dimension from all other guitarists in history, and you'd have to be more insane than he was, not to put him at the top.
I'm sorry, but I can't place any validity in a list that does not have Duane Allman in the top 5 guitarists of all time. He, Hendrix, and Clapton are the only ones on that level. It's a shame he's not a household name like those 2 though. I think that's because: 1) he died at 24, only after 2 1/2 studio albums with The Allman Brothers Band. 2) The Allman Brothers Band never received commercial/mainstream success until songs like "Ramblin' Man" off the Brothers and Sisters Album that was made after Duane was dead. Their music before that simply did not appeal to the masses.
R.I.P. Skydog
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R.I.P. Skydog
43Paul Gilbert
The almighty guitar GOD! no one can compare to his capabilities such as, "synyster gates" or slash.
PG has such a distinguishable sound and image. PAUL GILBERT ALL THE WAY!
PG has such a distinguishable sound and image. PAUL GILBERT ALL THE WAY!
How is it paul gilbert is 60th, yet he's twice as good as buckethead and taught him everything he knows? No one can play that fast without sacrificing the quality
Holy cow Slash is number 1? Perhaps they mean a different " guitar" when they say guitarist! Paul Gilberto all the way!
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44Uruha
Uruha'a skill was great the best visual kei guitarist I think. Now it's just time for him to be the best guitarist ever!
When he plays, you can't see his fingers anymore, they're too fast. He' a genius!
Uruha was great, he play melody with emotion, touch listener emotion with his melody.. Great!
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45Rory Gallagher
Rory never sold out, never released a single and would not worry about being placed at no.62 in this list. His concert's sold out, his fans never forgot him, and I've noticed a steady interest in his music because of Youtube and other online free music. In time when most of those above are found out and loose their popularity it will be Rory that will be talked about and admired by the new Guitarists in the generations to come.
Listen to the live rendition of "Walk On Hot Coals" from Rory's "Irish Tour" and you know why the Irish prodigy is considered one of the greatest guitarists to ever grace the face of the earth.
A people's guitarist, modest, truthful, down-to-earth, never compromising his vision, never selling out. Probably too shy for his own good, definitively too good for this world.
A people's guitarist, modest, truthful, down-to-earth, never compromising his vision, never selling out. Probably too shy for his own good, definitively too good for this world.
Rory, was the real god, for blues and rock guitar, the first irish Rock Star, U2 and others following the Gallagher example, but even, Rory was the ultimate stage performer, he had the blues soul and a very bluesy tone, his guitar bending, the finger vibrato, the sound full of flageolett tone, the feedback between the Vox AC 30 and the 61 Stratocaster, it blows everybody away,
Rory, was the real rock guitar player, the best white blues player, simply the best,
Unfortunately, Rory, never, the recognition, appreciation and respect, in his live,
Hey played with blues, from emotion, not for the money,
Rory, on stage, was more than 1000% pure blues and rock energy,
In the all time guitars hero list, the top 100, you do not find him,
It is really to be ashamed, that Rory lost the, attention and respect,
Rory is my all time favorite guitars hero, Rory forever
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Rory, was the real rock guitar player, the best white blues player, simply the best,
Unfortunately, Rory, never, the recognition, appreciation and respect, in his live,
Hey played with blues, from emotion, not for the money,
Rory, on stage, was more than 1000% pure blues and rock energy,
In the all time guitars hero list, the top 100, you do not find him,
It is really to be ashamed, that Rory lost the, attention and respect,
Rory is my all time favorite guitars hero, Rory forever
46Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, Joe Perry, Frank Zappa, BB King, Jeff Beck, and Peter Frampton, are all listed lower than the rhythm guitarist for stupid, whiny, emo, lame Avenged Sevenfold, people these days just don't know good music. This list is meaningless.
Stangbass16
Power, feeling/ emotion, and innovation are what Pete is all about. Brilliant jumping between rhythm and lead. LAL, Young Vic, Quadrophenia, and Odds and Sods show him at his best.
Come on guys, if you didn't vote for Pete Townshend you need to go listen to some more of the Who.
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47Keith Richards
We are talking about rock and roll, right? How anyone can be listed higher than Keef is mind blowing. It all starts with a riff and the king of riffs is Keith Richards!
Keith is the Range Rover of guitarists. Not too flashy in his playing, but dependable and value to last the ages. Sophistication in a drugged out way.
You want to rock, listen to keith!
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48Alexi Wildchild Laiho
Alexi is such a great guitarist, when he plays, we are afraid when his guitar is gonna burst in flames. And remember, he plays insanely hard solos and sings at the same time...
Alexi Laiho is a guitar genius and he's very young too. If you think otherwise, go to see Children Of Bodom live. It's incredible!
he is the guitar god! he is one of the best sweep pickers in this world... he uses melody with techniques! he is the best guitariist in the metal world!
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49Tommy Joe Ratliff
Tommy Ratliff specializes in the bluesy funk guitar sound, but he's able to play a variety of music types. As Adam Lambert said about his bassist/guitarist Tommy Ratliff "he plays so tastefully and as an ensemble. " Tommy's fun to watch and spectators can tell that he loves what he does!
Anyone with as much talent as this man should be much higher on the list. He's self taught and absolutely amazing to watch and listen to!
Great, talented, mesmerizing guitarist. Unforgettable if you heard him even once. Such a strong charisma
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50Alex Lifeson
Come on people. Alex Lifeson is amazing! He plays for Rush so he plays very hard music and very long music. He is in his late 50s and he is still playing amazing. Slash could never play half as good as Alex Lifeson. I bet Slash couldn't even play a Rush song. Go Rush! 1974-2112
Alex Lifeson deserves more credit for his influence as not only a band member of Rush but also a very underrated and powerful musician. He not only used big swirling arpeggios to from his sound but knows how to shred. Just listen to every song on "Exit Stage Left". I read about people saying that Steve Howe was the most awesome prog rock guitarist in the 70's and today. I was hugely influenced by Howe but Lifeson brought something more to the table than any other prog guitar player. He knows how to rock, he knows how to bring diversity to the songwriting with Geddy and Rush never compromised their sound to commercially sell out. The bottom line is in the past and present if you were or are a young aspiring musician you listened to Rush and then you learned how to play their songs.
It is amazing to me how the truly talented guitarists like John Petrucci, Tom Morello & Joe Satriani are down at the last half of the list while the showoffs like Eddie Van Halen are at the top. People obviously have no clue what a great guitarist is. And come on, Nancy Wilson better than Alex Lifeson? Give me a break!
moparchris
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51Herman Li
The fastest guitarist I've seen in my life!
How the hell is this not in the top 5!? this is like the best guitarist EVER! Herman li can play any solo made by jimi hendrix, Kirk Hammet, Slash, Jimmy Page, Synyster Gates, but NONE of them can play the solos he has in Through The Fire and Flames, Valley of the Damned, Black Wintre Night, Black Fire, Heart of a Dragon, The Last Journey Home, My Spirit will go on, or Evening Star, NONE of them! this is by far the craziest, awesomest, fastes guitarist ever!
Rock!!
Herman Li is the best guitarist in the world his hands is so fast in the song heroes of our time yeah
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52Jack White
Till number 58 I kept scrolling thinking, "ok next is gonna be Jack White". This makes me very sad. The guy is an unbridled genius. One of the few artists today that you know really gets consumed by what they do. Go watch him play the solo of 'blue veins' live, and I guarantee that he wont stick to his scales and he wont be crisp with his notes, but what he will do every time is leave his heart on that fretboard.
He should at least be in the top 20. I mean, come on you can do better than that. Haven't you heard icky thump, seven nation army, his cover of Jolene by Dolly Parton, him singing with Loretta Lynn on the song Portland Oregon, Blue Orchid, and all that other good stuff! In the Rolling stones magazine, he was number 17. He deserves better than this!
Jack White is such a gifted musician and songwriter. If you don't think he should be in the top ten, you're the reason why rock is dying. Definitely the greatest musician of the 21st century.
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53Kurt Cobain
He surely deserves top 5... Seriously... I think only slash and jimi Hendrix are better than him in this list... Just listen to smells like teen spirit, rape me, you know you're right... And you'll realize this...!
What he lacked in talent, he made up for in heart.
dahe24
What he played when played by its self if without a doubt simple but to understand how great he was you honestly have to be a musician... His ability to sing and play at the same time is unbelievable... He didn't do the conventional style where the vocals come in on the down beats along with the guitar instead his vocal patterns and guitar riffs were timed differently... He would start singing on an upbeat with the rhythm of the melody and start playing on a down beat with a completly different rhythm... This is what makes him a LEGEND of a MUSICIAN... But as he always said nirvana always aimed to play simple music, so his true abilities purley as a guitarist we will never know
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54Billie Joe Armstrong
What the hell? He may not be fast or play anything exciting or long... But heck, he has passion, his solo's sound nice (if not fast) and his voice, tre's drums, and mike's bass goes very well with it.
Not just his guitar playing abilities but also his vocals are amazing and BEST.
Listen good riddance to know more
Billie joe deserves at least top 10 for sure
Listen good riddance to know more
Billie joe deserves at least top 10 for sure
He is so amazing I love listening to his beautiful voice and majestic guitar playing BJA forever!
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55Kitamura Ken
His guitar really amazing...
he can make a really beautiful melody...
I love all of his song... He is the best composer & Guitarist ever...
OAA, his guitar is incridible amazing! his melody is so awesome! GO KEN!
Ken is The Best Guitarrist In The World, and composer, is a lovely person
LadyHHyde
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56Aoi
AOI is THE BEST GUITARIST ALL OVER THE WORLD from THE BEST BAND ALL OVER THE WORLD. He's better than anyone. He can't be beaten. He's AOI.
He is a guitarist from The GazettE, second best only to Uruha
Aoi from the GazettE, you are amazing guitarist! He composed beautiful music in uncertain sense and shiroki yuutsu. He also nice and cheerful person.
Go for AOI SUPERSTAR!
57Frank Iero
Great Talent Playing with my Chem is his great feat off of the guitar he is named is he who must get attention and that is Robin Hood
Frank Iero! He is an amazing and talented guitarist! He deserves to be the Number 1! He totally plays with his whole heart!
He plays some of the most amazing songs ever. He has always deserved to be with My Chemical Romance. Imagine this band without him
he plays some of the most amazing solos
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he plays some of the most amazing solos
58Robert Johnson
Time has its' way of warping things. Robert Johnson not being in the top 100 is insane, but over time things will change. In 50 years, 98% of the top 150 guitarists on this list will not even be known, but Robert Johnson will. Think about it.
His guitar work is second to none, I'm an experienced guitarist and I've never heard any music as unique and stuctured. Many times critics will not take in to account that he plays an obscure genre
This guy inspired jimmy page,eric clapton and many others like them i mean if i was so good that my song was remade by cream and is now one of their most well known songs i'd die happy
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59Jerry Cantrell
As of January 8, 2013, the Riff Lord, Jerry Cantrell is at #61 with Synyster Gates sky-rocketing to #4 of the list. To be blunt, Jerry isn't even in the Top 50 while Syn is in the Top 5. To make matters even worse, a clown such as Billie Joe Armstrong is at #40... What!?!
WHAT has happened to people these days? Are the teenagers that don't know jack-squat of music the deciders of this list (the same teenagers that call heavy-screaming, unclear (if any at all) vocals and fast-paced guitars that don't even have any rhythm to them "Metal")? Seriously, what sort of stupidity is this non-sense list?
Jimi Hendrix #1? Not that I'm hating on him or anything, but didn't his as* get handed by Cantrell (suggesting why Cantrell came out with the title of "Rift Lord")? Further proof that shows this list to be a product of modern-day "Metal/Rock" listeners (once again, those pathetic teenagers)...
This, by far, is the most depressing thing that I have ever come across the web. And to give these so called "modern-music" (which is an abomination of the term "music" in general) listeners some advice, I would suggest you to look back at the people and artists that made this particular genre of music such a success (only to be brought down by the punks these days that are ruining its name) instead of following the masses in these days corrupt main stream music.
Possessing the ability to play a guitar fast has nothing to do with being a good guitarist...
WHAT has happened to people these days? Are the teenagers that don't know jack-squat of music the deciders of this list (the same teenagers that call heavy-screaming, unclear (if any at all) vocals and fast-paced guitars that don't even have any rhythm to them "Metal")? Seriously, what sort of stupidity is this non-sense list?
Jimi Hendrix #1? Not that I'm hating on him or anything, but didn't his as* get handed by Cantrell (suggesting why Cantrell came out with the title of "Rift Lord")? Further proof that shows this list to be a product of modern-day "Metal/Rock" listeners (once again, those pathetic teenagers)...
This, by far, is the most depressing thing that I have ever come across the web. And to give these so called "modern-music" (which is an abomination of the term "music" in general) listeners some advice, I would suggest you to look back at the people and artists that made this particular genre of music such a success (only to be brought down by the punks these days that are ruining its name) instead of following the masses in these days corrupt main stream music.
Possessing the ability to play a guitar fast has nothing to do with being a good guitarist...
This list reflects the thoughts of most of the people and teenagers out there... And this is sad. Is that possible? Syn Gates better than the god of grunge guitar? The absolute riff maker? Cantrell has changed the 90's, Syn just sweeped some harmonic minor...
Are you kidding me, number 50? This guy is a guitar god! He has a very distinctive style that no one has been able to replicate. Not only does he have amazing skills as a guitar play, but the guy's vocal harmonies with the late, great Layne Staley were just an awesome thing to behold. Amazing songwriter, too!
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60Miyavi
I'm certain the only reason he isn't in at least the top five, if not number one on this list is because he isn't as exposed to Americans as Slash or Jimmy Hindrix, cause Miyavi rivals both of them. Hands down my favorite guitarist ever, and he has the charisma and personality to match his musician skills as well! An all around freaking brilliant performer!
Miyavi can rock like no other. He is the reason I'm playing guitar right now, love playing his riffs. Rock on Man!
Miyavi is the best guitarist ever, I haven't seen anyone who can play guitar like him, Miyavi is totally crazy when he is playing guitar he can also playing his magic box I don't know how to call it laugh out loud, Miyavi rocks!
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61Dave Murray
WTF Price, Synster Gates Are You Kidding Me, This Dave Murray Damn It He Influenced Most Hard Rock Guitarists Of Are Time, And His Guitar Solos Hallowed be thy name, run to the hills number of the beast legendary songs, I Just Don´t Get It Why Dave Is Underrated, Way Better Than Slash. I Don´t Get It, Why
copkiller
I don't understand why all guitarists of Iron Maiden are so low on this list!Thez are all much better than the most of this list and songs of Iron Maiden have always rocked...but surveys and lists like this will never be objective because they are all based on subjective opinions of the readers...probably the only truth is that the best guitarist ever is Jimi Hendrix...
We are talking 15 studio albums, every track on which contains multiple fantastic guiar work and solos. It is astonishing that the Maiden guitarists are not very high up the lsit, especially given their popularity over almost 4 decades.
Some of the guitarisats voted for in this list can't even play without fx. Yngwie Malmsteen ffs, doesn't know his arse from his elbow.
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Some of the guitarisats voted for in this list can't even play without fx. Yngwie Malmsteen ffs, doesn't know his arse from his elbow.
62Adrian Smith
all iron maiden fans ll be disappointed to see this guy below top 50
hanger
Every song by iron maiden has a solo and if you haven't heard a song by iron maiden, try it.
aaron1234
Amazing solos and musicianship. I do not understand why he, Michael Shenker, Glen Tipton, and K.K. downing are not much higher on the list.
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63James Hetfield
There are people that only know slash and tell he is the best guitarist of the world, he isn't, he is good but metal guitarist are better, slash have good bents and everything but James hetfield y am guitarist and I really know who are the best band in the world and is not in this world : Kurt cobain, the rev, jimmy Hendrix, mich Thompson and Freddy mercury
Never seen such a heck of a combination in a singer/guitar player. He's great especially in rhythm parts while he sings. RESPECT this guy!
He should be between the 50. Listen to Master of Puppets, the solo in Nothing Else Matters, That Was Just Your Life, Battery, One, Fight Fire With Fire.
And he plays while he's singing!
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And he plays while he's singing!
64Zacky Vengeance
Zacky is cleary one of the best, self-taught left handed guitarists out there.
It doesn't take a comment to say how perfect this guy is!
Zacky is like, the best lefty guitarist out in the modern metal scene right now. Rock on baby rock on!
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65Mark Tremonti
Mark, when combined with Myles, is the definition of Rock and Roll. No one who has heard Blackbird can deny that.
My favourite quote from youtube:
"The music industry gets owned whenever Myles opens his mouth. "
Same goes for both Mark's and Myles' guitar playing.
My favourite quote from youtube:
"The music industry gets owned whenever Myles opens his mouth. "
Same goes for both Mark's and Myles' guitar playing.
He's a living legend. It's just that he's underrated and he deserves a lot more. For me he's the best guitarist the world.
Mark has unique music up his sleeve. He fuses dark and heavy riffs with blurry solos, and yet has also played subtle classical and soft stuff. Plus his guitar tunings are off the charts!
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66Jason Becker
Not only are his skills godlike, his music is great too! Unlike EVERY OTHER Shredder out there (Except Marty Friedman, who is another one of my favorites)! If he didn't have ALS, he would rule the world... Listen to his solo album 'Perpetual Burn' if you don't believe me, or if you're too lazy, search "Jason Becker serrana" on YouTube...
Can't believe he hit 85, This guy should be in the top 10! Even with his disability he was awesome.. He still composes and if he didn't get hit this ALS he would be #1 today. God only knows what else he would have accomplished...
Awesome! All I can say is search this guy on YouTube. Listen to him with your eyes closed then experience watching him. It is crazy, he is truly amazing his technique is one very few can mimic. So Jason should be in the top ten. Listen to Perpetual Burn. Higher or just Google him and listen to his music. You will not be disappointed
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67Chuck Norris (Session Blues Guitarist)
How come chuck norris isn't first?
His Pinched Harmonics make dormant volcano's come alive.
68Daron Malakian
Daron Malakian is the best guitarist of the 21st century and he is on 50? Do you even hear his songs and his amazing solos both live and in studio?
This is a hilarious website. I bet 100$ that whoever is voting for the other guitarists actually have no idea who Daron Malakian is and what kind of songs does he play.
He deserves a spot AT LEAST in the top 20. But apparently, the community here is too ignorant to rate those who perform with pure skill, and actually vote for those who perform with the aid of autotuners etc. Etc. Etc.
This is a hilarious website. I bet 100$ that whoever is voting for the other guitarists actually have no idea who Daron Malakian is and what kind of songs does he play.
He deserves a spot AT LEAST in the top 20. But apparently, the community here is too ignorant to rate those who perform with pure skill, and actually vote for those who perform with the aid of autotuners etc. Etc. Etc.
Him @ 30-38 and matthew bellamy @ 18? Yes this is a dream I should probably forget about it... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Matthew bellamy doesn't know how to play guitars he just uses the "effect" thing LISTEN TO DARON AMIGOS
He's not only one of the best guitarists of this new millennium. But also a first class composer...
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69Glenn Tipton
WHAT I can't believe that Glenn number 50 he is so under rated the way he plays solos is amazing my favorite guitarist ( 2nd place is Jimi Page)
macrox16
I love glenns guitar playing. He is the reason why I started to play guitar. His solos are very intenive and melodic and his guitar playing and kk s of course are unbelievable. In my opinion judas priest is the greatest metal band of all time.
The Glen (and KK too) are a few of the most underrated guitarists in history as they both have mastered the fretboard and blaze up and down it like Metal Gods, thus solidifying that oh-so sinister authentic sound that is Judas Priest
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70Michael Angelo
If he's not on position one everyone of you knows nothing!
Michael Angelo not in the top 10 what!. God must forsake this world after all. Because of this generation choosing the best guitarist base on charisma
He's the fastest guitarist that I currently know of (and I know plenty of fast guitarists), as well as being fluent in multiple picking techniques and being an amazing teacher. Watch a live recording and say that he's not within the top ten.
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71Steve Howe
Steve was really the 1st player I ever heard who was able to combine the genres in a totally individual way. His playing has become neither of the original forms it was inspired by - It's Steve Howe music. Most other players are very generic, nothing wrong with that, but if you're going to vote on greatness. It has to be Steve Howe. Not technically perfect, but original. Try and play it, there are some things that you will have to abandon all you've learned in order to play. Even Jimi (RIP), was basically a blues player. Looking forward to seeing Steve play in a couple of months
Are you young people nuts? Did you even know this guy won guitar players best overall guitarist five years in a row? And is in their hall of fame? I want to hear slash do classical, jazz, bluegrass, flamenco, even country picking like this guy. I want to hear slash play acoustic guitar solos with a nylon, six, and twelve string guitars the way Mr. Howe does. I want to hear slash play a mandolin ^^ pedal steel like Steve. Slash is only an electric guitar player with one style only. Steve Howe is THE guitar man. He deserves to be #1
He who does not acknowledge that Steve Howe is the most skillful and technically accomplished among rock guitarists knows little about guitar playing. It's not just the noise, speed or dexterity.Of course, Steve has all these too. But more than these qualities, there are others like: complexity, direction, tonality, integration of the instrument, choice of intervention... I could go on.
Anyway, Steve Howe is definetely the best. And yes, YES is the greatest rock band ever.
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Anyway, Steve Howe is definetely the best. And yes, YES is the greatest rock band ever.
72Ray Toro
Ray Toro. He's the best guitarist on this planet. No one can beat him and that's the truth. Everyone of you know it. So keep voting.
dude have any of you heard him play? he is a guitar god! and did you see the new SING IT FOR JAPAN video? he has a huge heart also!
he's simply the best, puts so much heart and soul and he is an amazing person to, an guitarist everyone should look up to!
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73Pauli Rantasalmi
He is an excellent artist! I love him, and I know that he can play every song! Obviously Pauli must be in the number one, no 44 place! But I hope all his fans vote for him! Also when he plays in live the guitar is like magic!
GUITAR GOD! Pauli has a lot of talent
Needs to be in top 10
Näncy
Hei! Here is a very fanatic of The Rasmus and I say Pauli is the best guitarist in the world! His guitarsolos are so magical and cool! I don't know a guitarist who is better then him.
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74Steve Hackett
Highly underrated. This guy was the pinacle progressive rock guitarist. Recommend people listen carefully to early genesis records
A true jack-of-all-trades.Could go from tapping runs(1971,who else did this is 71!)to Segovia style classical to frantic squeals and squonks(pun intended)in the space of eight minutes.Highly underrated because band he was in didn,t get big in America until after he left.And when Hackett left, Genesis was never the same band.
salmacis81
He played a Hokada guitar/synthesizer...unbelievable ghostly sounds...especially hits hard in concert !!
75Guthrie Govan
The best.
I feel that more people should listen to this God play.
Being that I have listened to most of the guitarist on this list, I can safely say that he is the best I have seen thus far. His Chord progressions are angelic, his solos, impeccable, and his phrasing, fluid. He is the archetype of the perfect guitarist. As stated by people like Joe Satriani Steve Vai, Tosin Abasi, he is the best guitarist in the world, today.
I feel that more people should listen to this God play.
Being that I have listened to most of the guitarist on this list, I can safely say that he is the best I have seen thus far. His Chord progressions are angelic, his solos, impeccable, and his phrasing, fluid. He is the archetype of the perfect guitarist. As stated by people like Joe Satriani Steve Vai, Tosin Abasi, he is the best guitarist in the world, today.
This is one of the best guitarists of modern times. With a great idea of musicality and phrasing, I can't believe that he's not down the top 5, or at least top 20. A fantastic guitarist indeed, check him out as soon as possible!
He can play Vai, Satriani, Hendrix, Slash, anyone you can name better than they themselves can.
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76Albert King
I concur with the previous comments, and If you really appreciate rock/blues guitar look into it's history. Maybe it's only other guitarists who really appreciate him. Long live this King
It's sinful and blasphemous that Albert King did not make the top 100. But like Robert Johnson's ranking, time will adjust all things. In 50 years, 98% of the people in the top 150 won't be known.
that this man isnt even in your top 100 is a joke
77The Edge
What?
The Edge is the greatest guitarist ever! Did you listen "One" live in Chicago? His solo was much better than slash!
Come on, rate The Edge!
The Edge is the greatest guitarist ever! Did you listen "One" live in Chicago? His solo was much better than slash!
Come on, rate The Edge!
Its not the speed at which you play the guitar that wins the crowd but its the quality of sound that wins the crowd! Listen to the riffs played by him and you will agree with me.
Even his mother calls him "THE EDGE"!
Just listen to the guitar riffs on "Until the End of the World" by U2 and you will believe too!
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Just listen to the guitar riffs on "Until the End of the World" by U2 and you will believe too!
78Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy is my favorit of all of them. The man is just AWSOME. I myself play guitar I concider myself as a blues guitarist. I wish I could play as good as him. But I'm working on it. Buddy plays his fenders real well I own 2 fenders a tel and a strat my dream is to have my strat signed by him.
First off Buddy Guy has inspired many of the greats such as SRV, he is also better than joe perry who is on the first list and bb king. bb king is more of a singer. I would have him at around number 5
Saw him live in '97 incredible show. A legend of guitar. Should be top ten
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79Steve Lukather
Why is this guy constantly overlooked?! So many of these 'Best Guitarist' lists are based on musicians who had a few great songs or a couple of great albums, or the choices are largely based on popularity - I find this disgusting! Steve Lukather is technically brilliant, has creative flair and instantly recognisable individual style; not only has he learned the academics of music but he plays with his heart and soul too. All TRUE musicians respect him for his abilities and he's worked with so many of the greatest artists of all time. Let's not forget he also writes, sings, plays piano and is a thoroughly decent guy who has been inspiring music lovers for nearly 40 years - So WHY doesn't he get the respect he deserves?! What more does this man have to do? Maybe if he'd died young, fickle joe public would have sat up and noticed him. Well I totally appreciate him - as well as contributing from the shadowy wings to scores of bestselling songs by other artists, whether solo or with Toto I recognize him as one of the most truly outstanding guitarists ever and he deserves a place up there with the real Greatest.
Steve, Every year he comes up with something new on the guitar that just makes your mouth drop! I would love to see him jam with his best bro' Eddie
Van Halen, like ALL the best guitarist's Steve has his own sound, It's a shame a lot more people don't know how good he is, Mostly it's because of his band Toto, their record company(just like poor Cheap Trick! )would keep the band in a strangle hold making sure ONLY Ballad's were released as singles, Also the music press have a lot to answer for, They gave Toto and Lukather no respect at all! Long live TOTO & LUKATHER!
Van Halen, like ALL the best guitarist's Steve has his own sound, It's a shame a lot more people don't know how good he is, Mostly it's because of his band Toto, their record company(just like poor Cheap Trick! )would keep the band in a strangle hold making sure ONLY Ballad's were released as singles, Also the music press have a lot to answer for, They gave Toto and Lukather no respect at all! Long live TOTO & LUKATHER!
He's the best!
That's all...
I'll never heard what a great sense of melody
So, he wrote beautiful songs with toto
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That's all...
I'll never heard what a great sense of melody
So, he wrote beautiful songs with toto
80Paco de Lucia
The best in spanish and flamenco music
just look for it in youtube
its the best one we ever had in Spain
just look for it in youtube
its the best one we ever had in Spain
Perfect technique, full of passion; many others can play as fast as he does but the pack is not full but Paco's is.
Nothing more to say.
Nothing more to say.
He is the only guitarist on this list that is in Henderx's leage. I'm sorry but, thoes 2 are above all others.
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81Tosin Abasi
Seriously, all the talk of innovation, technique, etc in defense of old musicians who laid the foundation but can not touch what Tosin does. He plays 8 stings for goodness sakes! Everyone else on this list would have a hard time mastering 7 with the exception of Vai.
Tosin Abasi is possibly one of the greatest guitarists alive right now. Definitely brings all of Animals As Leaders together. Although all of his songs are instrumentals the notes speak for itself. He may be Meshuggah inspired (don't get me wrong, Meshuggah is great) but he definitely has his own flavor.
Are you kidding? 431? This man is a musical genius. Animals As Leaders, and TRAM... Mick Jagger isn't even a guitarist and he Is higher up on this list. Slash is mediocre, but with Tosin Abasi at 431 he has no place even on it.
82Greg Howe
one of the best rock-fusion guitarrist in the world...he made the last album with victor wooten (bassist), and dennis chambers (drummer)...
The best rock fusion guitarist ever! Great technique and musicality. He also played neo classical and rock music in the 80's. His ideas are awesome.
83Frank Zappa
Frank's the BEST guitarist. His playing was typically brilliant -- improvising the most intelligent, unique, inspired, moving, and energetic solos I've ever heard. While not the most accomplished "technician," he was the most creative and gifted of them all. Frank released so much material over the years that it's not possible to do justice to his talent by citing a few albums or song titles. Best to just listen, listen, listen to Zappa's material released between, say, 1967 and 1987, when his guitar playing was at it's best and most practiced. But perhaps most notable are Uncle Meat, Hot Rats, Burnt Weeny Sandwich, Just Another Band From L.A., Apostrophe, Chunga's Revenge, One Size Fits All, Zoot Allures, Joe's Garage, Shut Up 'N Play Your Guitar, and Jazz From Hell, which all contain examples of his incredible talent, energy, and improvisational playing skills. Enjoy..!!
Are you kidding? Number 80? Zappa is a musical genius, and his solos are some of the best ever recorded.
Who else could strangle a guitar so brilliantly and get such amazing sounds, ranging from deliciously distorted and loud to absolutely beautiful? Add on the fact that his music as a whole is brilliant.
To list a few of my favorite Zappa solos: Watermelon in Easter Hay, Filthy Habits, Zoot Allures, and of course the solo for Muffin Man.
But seriously, #80? Come on.
Who else could strangle a guitar so brilliantly and get such amazing sounds, ranging from deliciously distorted and loud to absolutely beautiful? Add on the fact that his music as a whole is brilliant.
To list a few of my favorite Zappa solos: Watermelon in Easter Hay, Filthy Habits, Zoot Allures, and of course the solo for Muffin Man.
But seriously, #80? Come on.
lukasolson
Zappa's influence is every where. That is undeniable. To put him so low on this list is an insult to music. His intelligence, improvisation skills, and his fight against censorship in music should lift him into the top 5 at least, and in my opinion, number one.
Not only did he play the guitar, he composed music. His solo's are above and beyond most on this list, not on skill level, but on the way that he fit them into the rest of the music. Rest in peace Frank.
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Not only did he play the guitar, he composed music. His solo's are above and beyond most on this list, not on skill level, but on the way that he fit them into the rest of the music. Rest in peace Frank.
84D.J. Ashba
He is very attentive and humble. A real magician. Besides he cares about teaching to his fans how to play the guitar. Best guitarist ever!
He is amazing and should win out of everyone of these people.. He is very talented and cares for his fans!
DJ Ashba is an amazing guitarist he has that much talent coming out of his fingers. DJ Ashba you are a Beautiful man, I'm so glad I got to see you in person. I hope you win
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85Peter Frampton
'Do you feel like I do'. I rest my case. Find the Midnight Special version on youtube and it will blow your pants off...
duh.. inventor of the talking guitar!!
Hey, the Rolling Stones sought him out as a possible replacement for Mick Taylor (who should also be on this list). The Rolling Stones just don't grab "anybody. " Frampton can play. Too bad his time in the spotlight was brief.
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86Nancy Wilson
Just listen to the guitar in "Crazy on you" Heart is one of the consistently best bands. IDGAF if they're women. They are better than 99% of the male bands, and deserve it. Look how much Alice in Chains and Soundgarden respect them. And that's not to shabby coming from the greatest underrated band AIC and also SG!
This person has driven a major rock band through incredible highs for 35 plus years. The last Heart album debuted at #10 on Billboard (2010 release). She is known to spend her days in the studio assisting the process along and remaining accountable for all the elements recorded and mixed. Seeing her play live on both acoustic and electric... Priceless. Her technical skills allow her to position her sound out front and not hide in the Marshall stacks and heavy distortion, delay, etc.
I’m a huge fan of Nancy Wilson abilities and have gotten the opportunity to see her play several times in my life and every time I saw her I was blown away. She can rock an acoustic guitar better than anyone in the business and when she’s done with the acoustic, Nancy has no problem transferring her talent to the electric. HEART always plays a LED Zeppelin song or two on their concert tours and Nancy can easily makes her guitar sound like that of Jimmy Page. She also has mastered several other instruments, Piano, Ukulele, Bass, Mandola, Mandolin, Blues harp, and Percussion. Her talents don’t stop there; she has also written the Original Score for three blockbuster movies, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky and Elizabeth Town and was nominated for a Saturn Award for the music in Vanilla Sky. Besides all of this, she has co written some of the best rock songs in history. Crazy on You, Heartless, Little Queen, Barracuda, Straight on, Even it up and Love Alive. And when her big sister Ann let her have the Microphone, it was Nancy’s voice that gave HEART there first # 1 hit ( These Dreams ).
jerryw08
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87Dan Donegan
Come on, people! This is Dan Donegan we are talking about here! The lead guitarist of the greatest band of all time: DISTURBED! Danny "Orchestra" is NUMBER ONE!
Listen to any of his solos! He can shred with the best of them as seen in "the night, " and "Stricken. " But he can also be smoother and more elegant with his riffs like in "Another way to die. " He may not get the popularity because he is in a heavy metal band but he's riffs are clear and powerful!
You cannot mistake them! The fact the 4 note billy joe Armstrong is ahead of him is... Disturbing
You cannot mistake them! The fact the 4 note billy joe Armstrong is ahead of him is... Disturbing
Dan should be so much higher than he is. He's one of the best and most imitated guitarists of our time. How often do people these days imitate other bands? How recognizable are their riff and chord structures? Dan should be at LEAST in the top 20.
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88Hizaki
Hizaki's not only really talented, but how many times have you seen a man play such solos in a Rococo-esque dress and not mess up? His riffs are melodic, soothing, yet have so much power and feel to it.
Go to Youtube and search for History of the Other Side, Ascendead Master and Desert Apple, just to name a few.
This guy is insane good creating fantastic original melodies and his technical ability is great.
I love guitar & I respect many on these pages but I must vote for the one that changed me. I will never be the same after hearing him play. No one else has ever done this to me before so the honor goes to Hizaki. There are many talented guitarists here with many different styles but it all seems like child's play after you hear Hizaki. He can do it all if he really wanted to I am positive that this is true.
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89Ace Frehley
If someone is judging based on methodology and technique, then, Ace Frehley deserves to be here. However, if you're basing this on heart, soul, influential qualities, and most importantly, inspiration, then, Ace is down here WAY TOO FAR. Ace gave birth to a series of guitarist, and he inspired so many individuals to pick up a guitar that it is impossible to place him here without a major argument. Ace has his own style, and that style fit KISS so perfectly that their current guitarist must mimic him to be accepted. That's a compliment. Bruck Kulick is a better technical guitarist, but Ace Frehley is a better guitarist to hear in any format. It's just that simple.
I don't know why Ace is so far down on this GD list. Paul Frehley was and IS one of the most influential rock and roll guitarists of all time. While he may have not been as technical as some other guitarists out there, Ace definitely provided some stepping stones for some modern guitar sounds. He is loud and in your face with those solo's. He produces a sound that's loud, raw and genuine. While sometimes sloppy and quick on the frets Ace always manages to put the icing on his work, his songs Fractured Mirror, Fractured Too, Fracture III, and Fractured Quantum are easily some of the best instrumental guitar pieces I have ever heard. The song "Cold Gin" has been covered by countless bands and remains a great rock favorite even to this day, his signature 2 string octave bends on the blistering "Love Gun" solo still give me goosebumps when I hear it. He is and will always be one of the most badass Guitarists of all time. Should definitely be in the top 10.
Daelis86
Ace Frehley was the reason KISS made it.He turned ordinary songs into rock anthems with his scorching lead solos and gave KISS some musical talent credibility when other members of the band were still learning how to play.There has been numerous famous guitarists who have credited KISS and Ace Frehley as an influence and the reason why they started playing guitar.It was the live version of "Rock and Roll all Nite" that caught on first(with Ace's lead solo),and then there are classic rock songs like "Strutter","Calling Dr.Love","Shock Me",and "Making Love".Further,Ace Frehley also had a successful solo career,scoring on such hits as,"New York Groove","Rock Soldiers",and "Trouble Walking".Ace Frehley certainly had a very successfull career and deserves to be remembered among the top guitarists in rock and roll history.
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90Michael Paget
Such an underrated guitarist, and all his limelight gets stolen by Matt Tuck and Jason James. If you actually listen to some of the stuff that Bullet have released, you will hear Padge's brilliance, especially the solo from Tear's Don't Fall, that was amazing. Padge has so many talents, he can play fast, and then he can play ballads as well (start of All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)).
Hands down, one of the most complete guitarists of all time. While players such as Hendrix and Clapton and legends and always will be, they will never be able to do some of the stuff that Padge can do. Pure speed and class make Padge the best in the world. Listen to the solo in Tears Don't Fall, Tears Don't Fall Part 2 and Breaking Point and you will understand what I mean.
Michael Paget has very very nice skill. He can play guitar rapidly. He also can play guitar harmonic melody.
You can listen his skill on solo from the song "waking The Demon".
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You can listen his skill on solo from the song "waking The Demon".
91Les Paul
How is Les Paul so low on the list, he's LES PAUL creator of one of the best guitars on earth
If influential was a category this genius would be No. 1. Has had an impact on at least 99% of anyone playing an electric guitar if they know it or not...check out this guy's story.
Where all those before mentioned artists are truly great... Les Paul has to be No1. Not only did he invent all the techniques and sounds he and his wife Mary set the presidence of all future lead guitarist's to the present day!
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92Joe Walsh
anybody that knows music would tell you what an awsome guitarist this guy is.he should be in the top twenty if not higher.
Singlehandedly gave the Eagles an "edge." Top 25 player, without-a-doubt. Also, check out the riff at the beginning of Funk 49....a classic.
J'ai acheté ANALOG MAN c'est à écouter et vous découvrirez ce qu'est un prodigieux guitariste je l'aime beaucoup seul ou avec LES EAGLES!
93Tommy Emmanuel
Chet Atkins called him "The best finger-style player in the world"
Tommy Emmanuel should be #1. Billy Joe Armstrong, really? Even Slash, at number one, cannot even dream of things this man can do on the guitar. Just because he doesn't play the electric, or sing about getting drunk and screwing girls, today's society wont appreciate it. Really saddens me.
Of the guitarists on this list that I've seen, Tommy is the best. But Satriani is not far behind. Tommy Emmanuel does things that I think no-one else could emulate. Technically unsurpassed, plays with such feeling, and his live performances... Just so in the moment and connected with the audience. And makes it seem effortless.
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94Teru, Versailles
Teru is not one of the best guitarist on the Earth, he IS the best guitarist! He plays with emotion, and when you listen a music he has composed, you understand his feelings and what is the message he want to pass. When I'm listening to "For You", I'm almost crying and when it's "Flowery", a lot of energy flow in my veins!
Teru is my favourite guitarist for all of that and also because he plays very fast and he's very cool, nice and listening to the public. Thank you Teru!
Teru has an amazing and unique sweep picking technique and can play extremely fast.
He improved a lot during the last years.
I my opinion he's the best guitarist in the world!
Teru is amazing, he plays with emotion. His technique is wonderful.
He is a great person too and his songs are sweet and powerful...
95Allan Holdsworth
I cannot believe that No one has mentioned this man. He is and Has been one of the best and most innovative Musicians on earth. Pick up I.O.U. and give it a Listen. This record is a quarter century old and is STILL ahead of it's time. HellaGood stuff.
lol 153 my ass. number 1 all the way... I can not believe he is this far down the list. I guess if you don't know music it makes sense.
I have been blessed to see a true MASTER of his instrument. You will never see any tribute band or have any one cover his songs(good luck). I would put him against anyone, his dedication to the instrument is second to none! This is coming from a drummer, no less...
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96Chuck Schuldiner
The Godfather Chuck Schuldiner from Death is the best guitarist in the world perfectly balanced technically melodic sound solo in every song fast paced, shred, bend whatever his a full book and number 1. Vocals at the same time as well nor needs to even look at his guitar to play a technical solo.
The band can't go on without him irreplaceable pure talented melodically 100% individual.
The band can't go on without him irreplaceable pure talented melodically 100% individual.
Horrible list here guys...131 should be 1 Chuck IS and always WILL BE the BEST guitar player the world has ever seen!
He could probably play blindfolded, he was that good. To balance vocals and lead guitar is difficult, but to balance vocals and HIS solo's, well that takes real skill. He had an instantly recognisable tone, whereas most guitarists now sound alike, you could always tell when Chuck was playing, and when you saw that black because Rich Stealth, you knew sh*t was going down, and going down hard (and somehow melodically, at the same time).
97Gary Moore
Gary moore is a great guitar player, he is the one who made me play guitar thanks to him I play guitar, I have seen all his work and his interview and if you see it all trust me you'll be amazed how good he actully is the nummber one in my book is "the messiah will come again by gary moore" "the prophet" and "the loner" instrumental song's but in same time powerful please try it very few can play his stuff you think slash can? slash don't do real solo's it all sounds same fast and a lot at same time. PS: slash has not impressed me since I was young, till.. I saw gary moore
Seriously folks, Gary Moore should be in the top three list. He was an amazing technician of every style of music from heavy metal to blues. Guitarists like Randy Rhoads, Kirk Hammitt, and others were influenced by Gary Moore. Find a copy of his album Dirty Fingers--he could play faster and with more precision than Eddie Van Halen. His tone is unmistakable and all his own. He even worked with George Harrison, B.B. king, Cozy Powell, and many others. His guitar work with Collosseum II rivaled anything by Jeff Beck, (who I would rate as number two behind Gary Moore). What a shame that the guy still doesn't receive the respect and recognition he deserves even after death. What a pity.
Yeah! I agree, I think Garry Moore is one of the most underrated guitarists mentioned on your list. To me his simple smooth bluesy style is incredibly effective and he can be super quick when he needs to be. He poured out his soul through his music such as "The Loner"; "The Messiah will come again" and "Still got the blues for you". He is one of the reasons my young son is playing lead guitar today. Fantastic guitarist and should be in your Top Ten guitarists of all time.R.I.P. gary Moore we salute you.
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98Daniel Linde
Every time I listen his solos I am like a crazy man!
For him I playing now guitar, he playing on my favorite band HIM... I don't have words to talk for him he is the best!
Nothing else!
Daniel 4 ever!
Ah Linde, to see you here is wonderful, but to see you so low in the list saddens my heart. You have shown us some of the potential that lies within you ready to burst in screams through your guitar, not only with HIM but on your own as well.
LINDE! LINDE! LINDE! LINDE! LINDE! LINDE!
LINDE ROCKS! Spread the word here HIMsters and Daniel Lioneye fans! Get more people voting for Linde!
99Chet Atkins
He's the greatest, period. I'm a huge fan of these other rock/metal guitarists... I mean a really big fan! But the fact is; you can find a hundred videos on youtube of people playing their licks note for note. Nobody can play Chet's stuff! Maybe they'll know 1 or 2 songs, and most times they're not playing it like Chet did... Leaving out notes here and there. It's impossible to beat him. Take my 30 second Chet Atkins challenge and see for yourself! Learn just 30 seconds of a Chet song (note for note, no mistakes) and then learn 30 seconds of ANY other song by ANY other guitarist on this list. See for yourself which one takes you longer to learn. Also, you can't find many tabs for Chet's stuff... Because nobody can play it. He's Mr. Guitar for a reason! Listening to it, you'll think you can play it like him... But you'll fail. Chet forgot more about playing guitar than most great guitarist will ever know in they're entire careers. SS
Chet has to be the greatest, or at the lest one of the greatest, as Chet actually plays the guitar. He doesn’t make it howl, and he doesn’t make it scream. He actually PLAYS it, and it makes a tune. Imagine that, he can make it play a song with melody. Yep, I’m old, and as such appreciate a real guitarist
Chet appealed to diverse groups of music lovers. He was at home and admired it the country/western world. I saw him at the Kennedy Center and the place was packed with people from all walks of life. There was no "gimmickry" just great music from all the categories. He was well received and appreciated no matter what crowd he was entertaining. JR
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100Jared Leto
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This list was created 7 years, 19 days ago and has been voted on over 155,000 times. This top ten list contains 742 items, has been remixed 140 times and has been blogged about 66 times.
Updated Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Updated Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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