Top Ten Most Underrated Guitarists
I've seen a lot of bad guitarists on the top and great guys way down. So here are the most underrated guitar players.One of the issues with these Top 10 or whatever lists is that they are very heavily influenced/voted on by people in America. Guitarists like Gary Moore may not be that well known by folks in America hence the reason they don't vote for him. Stunning guitarist who can make his guitar, sing, cry,. Whilst he can be very fast way, faster than Van Halen he also has a beautiful melodic tone. Some of his blues works are simply outstanding, when he wrings out every possible note.
As for the list of so called Top 20 guitarists, seriously Buckethead, Slash, decent guitarists but...
This legend defines what a real guitarist is. Why the hell does some guy from R.E.M. rank higher than the Lord of the Strings? Gary Moore could play ANY style of music, adding better character to songs than the original. For example, "Walking By Myself", "Stormy Monday"... The list goes on. And who can forget the album that defines rock ballads "Corridors Of Power", and what about the 40 second sustain of "Parisienne Walkways" at Blues Alive? SMELL THE ROSES YOU LOT!
Very Underrated. From His time with Thin Lizzy to his solo work, you will love his music. Listen To Still Got The Blues and The Boys Are Back In Town and you'll fall in love.
Gary is epic. By the way how is Gilmour underrated as everyone raises him to high heaven. No doubt a great guitarist, but not underrated in every respect.
If you don't think Brian May is an amazing guitarist then you're just plain ignorant to the guitar and music as a whole. Listen to "good company" by Queen and just guess at how many instruments you hear. I have ashed my girl friend, close friends I've had for a very long time and all of them come up with different lists of instruments. Its ALL bass, ukulele, drums and guitar. No flutes, penny whistles or anything. That last solo is 24 different guitar tracks layered over each other. I DARE anyone to name a guitarist that has layered 24 different guitar tracks together and made it sound this good.
Queen's complex musical setup was such that Brian, or for that matter so single individual, with the possible exception of Freddie, could really show their full potential to the audience. When he did though, he was terrific. And incredibly difficult to replicate. Elements on Brighton Rock or Bohemian Rhapsody are some of the best ever guitar works. Plus, a great human being, who preferred to remain in the background and let the master showman that Freddie was, take the limelight.
He's not only one of the best guitarists of all time but also one of the best songwriters. he has written some of the most famous queen songs and still when you say Brian May no one knows who you're talking about.
Perfectionist. Went back to university and completed his astronomy degree. Can read music notes. Can sing. Far from drug doing. Tell me he isn't on the list of the few greatest out there.
Often overshadowed by his bandmates, Alex is probably one of the best out there who made amazing music for 40+ years AND still continues to do so. He doesn't always shred and to my knowledge has never used tapping like Eddie Van Halen or Joe Satriani (who I'm not putting down, Eddie Van Halen and Satriani are great guitarists), but the thing is, he doesn't need to. He can express more emotion through a two minute acoustic solo/interlude between songs than some others can do in 10 minutes with a full blown shred-fest. Alex is great without all of the "showy" techniques, and still managed to push the guitar to the forefront of Rush's music even in the synthesizer era of the 80's (which yielded some of his best work).
My favourite guitarist of all time is Brian May but in terms of underrated guitarists Alex Lifeson takes everyone by a landslide. In a band that already has both Geddy Lee on bass and vocals, and the best drummer of all time Neil Peurt, Alex is severely underrated, his solos on Freewill and Limelight are just previews of what this guy is capable of doing on guitar, I think this guy is the best Canadian guitarist for sure
Looking at names above Gilmour on this list and it's just an enigma. If you can't see it, then you never will, but if you have listened, I mean actually listened, digested and dissected the complexity of what is Floyd... The riffs, the runs, the magical compositions that just flow from his fingers are sometimes lost in the whole of the Floyd. Unmistakable virtuoso of the guitar as an existential expression of his soul...
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death
Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time
This guy is absolutely incredible! In 2011 Rolling Stone ranked him 14th best all-time, which is better that 82nd back in 2003, but for me that still doesn't give him justice. His guitar sound is unlike anything I've ever heard, he was the guitarist for Pink Floyd, definitely one of the greatest bands of all time, and he also has a great singing voice. Some of his greatest solos are "Comfortably Numb, " "Money, " and "Time. " "Comfortably Numb" might as well be the single greatest guitar solo ever recorded. Pink Floyd rules!
This is the mot revolutionary guitarist ever. He always gets put so far down on lists of greatest guitarists and I don't get it. He wrote and played some of the greatest solos of all time. Listen to Comfortably Numb Live on Pulse and you'll hear what I mean. A few other goodies with fantastical solos are Echoes, Time, Money, Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Dogs, Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2, Hey You and High Hopes just to name a few
David Gilmour is a part of two pantheons. Rock gods and Guitar gods. Seeing dumb people putting names like Slash and Stevie Ray Vaughn ahead of him is just ludicrous. David Gilmour is more revered as a guitar god than anyone else on this list but he is still more underrated than they are. That's how incredible he is.
First time I heard Al Di Meola's playing was on Paco De Lucia's Guitar Trio. Then when I listened to his solo work I almost burst into tears. I felt so sorry for him that no one pays any attention to all his skill.
Also David Gilmour? Brian May? Dave Mustanine?
Gilmour and Brian May are widely accepted as 2 of the greatest guitarists of all time and Dave Mustaine is accepted as one of the greatest metal guitarists and that brings me to my conclusion? WHY ARE THEY HIGHER THAN AL DI MEOLA?
Al Di Meola is an absolute giant when placed next to other guitarists. Watching him play alongside John McLaughlin and Paco De Lucia will change how you view guitar.
Going to see him in a few months.
Now you're talking! Yes, Steven Stills is VERY talented and a VERY underrated songwriter and guitarist. Brilliant musician, the heart of Buffalo Springfield and CSNY. Great solo albums, too. When Sambora can come up with a song to equal Love the One You're With, I'll consider the fact that he might be better. Right now, it isn't close.
People listen to CSN for the vocal harmonies, but forget the great music behind them. From "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" to "Woodstock" Stephen Stills' guitar has shredded the shroud of musical apathy, leading the way for the voices behind it.
Thank you. I went on this list to find Stills but I didn't think I would.
He's the greatest that ever lived! Listen to his stranger in this town album and be amazed by his vocals, guitar and his talent! He is more than a guitarist to me. He's my hero, and the one person who I think understands things the way we do. He is also an amazing person and a brilliant friend to his past bandmates. I don't know what's next for him, but Richie, he's got a lot of great things coming his way.
Richie is one of the most soulful, amazing guitar players I've ever heard! He is so versatile in his playing ability to go from rock, pop or blues. You combine that with his incredible soulful singing voice and his amazing song writing ability, you have one hell of a musician! He so deserves to be recognized as such!
Richie couldn't be the best technical guitar player, but for sure he left and still contribute with a lot of very good musics and performances. As part of Bon Jovi band which is co-author of most of their songs, also have great solo works. Besides he is not only a guitar player, can be vocal lead and a great backup vocal player in band.
Robin Trower is unequalled in tone, style, and ability to deftly translate pure emotion through his instrument. He is the greatest living guitarist on the planet, simply rapturous to see live. Although he was influenced by Hendrix, in my opinion he is much more than Jimi ever was.
Robin was dogged for years with the label 'Britain's Jimi Hendrix'. Hugely unfair as he has an amazing soulful, personal sound. Never solos for the sake of it, but always integrated into the song. And he's still going strong in his late 60s!
Amazing guitarist. He has been present and pertinent for years now yet he is still not regarded as highly as some others. Go listen to Bridge of Sighs, or go on YouTube and listen to some of his stuff.
Just saw Robin Trower perform at 71 years old. He was amazing, and I too have a hard time seeing the many guitarists on Rolling Stone's Top 100 that are good, but no where near as talented as Trower.
He doesn't have the fame that he deserves.
The most people talk about Paige and his rifts.
But Blackmore created one of the best rifts ever (smoke on the water) and one of the best solos ever (Highway star).
He is so magnificent. Never got his due credit. Ritchie is hands down top 5. Innovation and technical abilities composed into one = Ritchie Blackmore.
Seeing as he is #25 or so on the top 10 guitarists poll, yes, I would say he is very underrated.
One of the most iconic and charismatic guitar players ever.
In my opinion the greatest white Blues Rock guitarist ever. Check out his "Second Album" from Polydor. Then go to "Guitar on Fire" during his Atlantic time. Then go to any of his time with Alligator records.
Roy's speed, phrasing precision. Just extra-ordinary.
Robby has various influences and has his own unique style, one of the coolest yet underrated players there is.
Robby Krieger the flamenco, jazz, psych, delta blues guitarist. Wait... he's just one player what! Highly underrated
Do it Robby, do it!
You have to be kidding! Frusciante is a musical genius! I've never seen someone so dedicated to music. Practicing for 10 hours a day as a kid and leaving the band due to stardom early on. He's humble, has a great work ethic, and is a guitar god. "Dani California" "can't stop" etc, don't unveil his true potential. Have you tried playing "snow? " His live stuff is amazing! He should be #1 I can write pages on why. Check out "don't forget me live la cigale" on YouTube. For those of you who appreciate fast guitar more than melodic here you go. Otherwise JF focuses on emotional, focused, slow solos that are not appreciated today which is a shame.
John is a good man he is very real. Every riff he do is so perfect to the bones like snow, can't stop, dani California, californication etc. He might not be the best guitarist technically but this man can do difficult riffs (jimmy page level) and you can see his diversity and emotion in every note. Few people know this man because he is so humble he don't like to be so famous. That makes him the most underrated and the best guitarist for me.
John is seriously my favorite guitarist I know he ain't the best but he is definitely in the top ten. Just listen to key tracks like Snow, can't Stop, Dani California, Wet Sand. I know its hard with Flea also excelling in these songs so just try to edge him out and listen only to the guitar in these songs. John is underrated for his musical style and even for that he is the best. Dani California and Scar Tissue are one of the not many songs where he does a solo because he doesn't like the and just listen to the tribute to Hendrix in the Dani California and you really will know that he could play anything and be the best in it if wanted to.
A great and emotional guitarist probably the best of this generation. Can play complex riffs with melody. Also one of the most prolific solo artists around 10 solo albums plus ataxia and appears on most mars Volta albums on lead guitar with Omar Rodriguez. Just loves playing music more than I can say for a lot of others.
I would say Dave is probably the inspiration for much of what Kirk Hammett has done... If not the original composer of some of it. I totally disagree with Slash being number 1. Slash is a good guitarist, but he's judged more on popularity than his prowess... Dave Mustaine doesn't win the popularity vote against other guitarists (which is one of the reasons I like him even more) but has the raw talent and creativity that the rest lack.
Only underrated cause he, as well as his band, aren't considered to be as good as Metallica, despite being better, especially in the department of guitar-kickassery. He's certainly better than Hammett, Hetfield, or Slash, and a better songwriter than most. Anybody who actually listens to Megadeth's best material vs. Metallica's best material would realize that Dave Mustaine is the best guitarist in thrash.
If anything then overrated. He is mostly a rhythm guitarist and he's on top of the "best metal guitarist" list. So, metal guitarists like Randy Rhoads, Michael Angelo Batio, John Petrucci or Alex Skolnick who are better than him and also play lead guitar are lower than him?
Dave mustaine is not only a shredder from hell but he has written some of the ickiest metal licks ever! And then he overcame some nerve damage only to shred once again! I'd also put Michael bloomfield and roy buchanan on the list.
Best (lamb) chops ever. This guy rips - just grab yourself a copy of his album, Christo Redentor.
The snake is awesome
He has this supernatural ability along with Maynard James Keenan to create an atmosphere that is so amazing yet not many can understand.
He has an almost supernatural ability aside Maynard James Keenan to create atmosphere, people just don't understand it.
Very climatic and melodic riffs he makes. Deserves more praise
You can only be underrated if you can play with both technical skill and emotion, Dave Murray plays with those and much more. The only guitarist I think should be on this list above Dave, is Joe Satriani.
Every song of iron maiden have a great guitar sound. Their is no a weak guitar performance.
Dave Murray and adrian smith is the best tag team guitarists ever. Definitely underrated.
He is quoted as the quietiest member of the band but when he plays he is the loudest guitarists in the world. His solos made me an IRON!
He is one of my favorite if not my favorite of all time. He is also one of the best yet if you ask just about any one they don't know him
Easily the best guitarist in grunge.
Very heavy and yet melodic riffs and solos, and an amazing co-vocalist aside Layne Staley and later William DuVall in Alice In Chains. Their harmonies are just so incredibly haunting, beautiful and give me goose bumps.
Jerry Cantrell wrote or co-wrote most of AIC's songs. Besides, his nasty guitar solos and riffs are unique to AIC. Who else sounds like them?
This man deserves more recognition. His solos and riffs are great.
He makes Alice in Chains the awesome band it is.
He is one of the best guitarists of all time, yet not many people have heard of him. He should definitely be in the top 3 of this list. Just listen to the solo in dust by tremonti and you will know what I mean. In fact listen most of his songs from alter bridge and his own band tremonti.
Forget about Creed for a second and listen to his work with Alter Bridge. The solo from blackbird, brand new start, cry of Achilles, all amazing. Mark Tremonti is a guitar god who happen to come at the wrong time. If it would be the 80s Alter Bridge would be with the best of them
Known mostly for creed where some of his best riffs were shown, he is always underrated and never given recognition for the complex simplicity of his guitar-work. Just give "My Own Prison" a listen and you will see.
I love the Young brothers to death, but I get a little annoyed about how Angus Young gets all the spotlight, Brian Johnson (the front man) isn't even the most famous member. Malcolm's amazing rhythmic guitar playing is the back bone of AC/DC. I also think Cliff Williams (the bassist) and Phil Rudd (the drummer) don't get enough credit.
One of the best rhythm guitarists of our time. He was never the kind of guy to showboat, but it is really difficult to imitate the nuances in his playing. Angus was the face of AC/DC, but Malcolm was the backbone. Deserves to be higher than David Crosby. RIP Malcolm!
Just Hear what he is playing on the guitar and hear his great voice, he is incredible and no one can play the guitar like him and sing at the same time! in fact... he is the Best! AC/DC Rocks! and without him it wouldn't be the same! Fernando Mendoza
Just Hear what he is playing at the guitar and hear his great voice in all the chorus of the songs! He's the best of what he do! AC/DC Rocks! and he is the brain of AC/DC!
I'm not so sure about guitar, but David Crosby should definitely be on the best singers list. Great voice, and great body of work from the Byrds to CSN to his solo stuff.
Prince has a bad rep but that guy danced, sang, and played guitar in stage better than anyone else (dare I say it? ) EVER! He had so much energy I'd say he had even more energy than Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers! I don't care about which way he swings, he is one of the most underrated guitarists ever!
Seriously? If he is not #1 it has to be because people just don't think he is underrated...this man with a guitar in his hand is EPIC
Listen to his guitar solo on Purple Rain and tell me that he shouldn't be number one on this list.
Dude the fact that he's not at the top of this list shows just how underrated he is.
The guy is just amazing...his guitar sings the song as easily as his voice. His solo and work throughout on "the Chain" is enough to merit mention here.
The way he improvises solos, oh my god it's orgasmic. listen to sara live in tuscon and go your own way from the dance
He is definitely one of the best guitarist in metal scene. And the most underrated guitarist. Listen to Annihilator's album and you'll know how good he is.
Likely the best all-around guitarist ever. He could play it all - rock, jazz, blues, metal, folk, whatever. Sure, there are better guitarists in one style, but not all. Also a pioneer in special effects. His use of the Echoplex was mind blowing.
Definitely one of the top guitarists. An innovator and an inventor. Had one of the first versions of therimin built into his guitar. A fluid player who made everything look easy and a great harmonic sense.
I love Spirit, and their sweet rock/jazz fusion. Jimmy, you stole it, just admit it.