Top 10 Best Christian Guitarists
Guitar solos can preach just as loud as lyrics, and in the world of Christian music, some fingers have clearly been blessed with divine speed.
Across decades and genres, from arena-sized anthems to soaring worship tracks, the guitarists behind the scenes (and often center stage) bring the kind of skill that could make even secular shredders pause and pay attention.
You've heard the riffs. You've felt the energy spike when a gritty solo kicks in during a live set. You've probably asked yourself, "Who's really the best among all these Christian bands?" Not just good, not just famous, but the ones who make you rewind a track just to hear that lick again.
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Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia)
Yngwie Malmsteen sometimes is so focused on the technicals and the neo-classical style that he doesn't "get it." Grimmark "gets it" while still holding on to the neo-classical style. The melodies are there. The technical aspects are there. In my opinion, he isn't just the best Christian guitarist, he's in the top five guitarists, period. And the secular world doesn't seem to know who he is. If you look at top metal guitarist lists, you'll find tons of guys ahead of Grimmark and Impellitteri who have no business being there because of exposure.
If you haven't heard "Living Water" by Narnia, treat yourself.
-Shelby
This man probably did the best job in the whole history of Christian metal. He's not only an awesome guitarist and virtuoso, he's also a very good composer, and he writes very sensible and meaningful lyrics.
Even though we can hear that in some songs his style of composition refers to artists like Rainbow, Malmsteen, or HammerFall, he makes songs in a rather original and brilliant way.
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Rex Carroll (Whitecross)
Rex is the best guitarist. He stayed true to himself through all the years, and he is still as fast as he was back in the day. His heart is in the right place, and he is a true musician. He can shred like no one else. He is fast, and he is also a funny man. He loves his fans, and he gives himself totally for the cause, not for the money like many others (even Christian guitarists) are! That makes him number one! Besides, he can play any style. Tell him what to play, and he will bring it to you!
Rex Carroll is the Van Halen of Christian metal. Like Chris Impellitteri, Ken Tamplin, and Lanny Cordola, he can play any style of music from metal to jazz. What makes Rex's solos stand out is his classical influence. His ten-finger tapping arpeggios are to die for. While Rex isn't the fastest (Chris Impellitteri has to be), he still has enormous speed. Also, his music never gets boring. It's either energy-packed or full of emotion. Check out Hammer And Nail or Eternal Fire to fully understand.
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Bob Hartman (Petra)
Bob is solid as a rock in his message and in his playing. If you want a guy who can play solid, straight-up rock and roll - classic or modern - Bob is your man. His lead playing is also exceptional. You can tell he really spent time crafting and shaping his leads because none of them sound the same.
I started playing guitar at the age of ten. Bob has definitely been my biggest influence to date. I've had the opportunity to meet Bob and have talked with him several times, and I have found that he's a really nice guy! I bought one of his Zion guitars from him at the age of fifteen, and bought another Zion of his a few years ago. I feel very lucky and proud to own such fine instruments of his that he used in spreading the Gospel all over the world. Definitely a unique privilege.
I grew up listening to lots of Christian guitarists such as Keaggy, Palacios, Carroll, Wooten, and the late Dana Key, who I also love, but Bob's playing keeps me coming back for more! Bob has my vote, hands down! Keep up the good work, Bob!
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Phil Keaggy
Brother Phil has 19 different ways that he tunes his guitars. His layering techniques and the way he can put songs together on the fly after playing the different parts live is unbelievable, but still, he does it with seemingly effortless application. His music is different from all others. His heart speaks his emotions through his playing and stirs the soul.
Once you know the feel of his music, you can pick it out in a tune, even when you don't know that it was him playing. His playing is fluid, sharp, mellow, and multifaceted, yet he delivers it with an inspiringly humble spirit. He plays for his Heavenly Father, and we are all privileged to get to listen too.
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Landon Tewers (Before Their Eyes)
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JB Brubaker (August Burns Red)
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Brad Noah (Disciple)
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Tony Palacios (Guardian)
Tony's work on "Miracle Mile" was outstanding - top-notch! "Swing, Swang, Swung" showed a very versatile side to his craft, proving that acoustic has soul. "Buzz" proved a tasteful, grungy ability while still sounding technical at times. He didn't stop there because he then moved into a more modern era with "Bottle Rocket," proving that he adapts well with the change of the times. With new work coming out soon, he also inspires the imagination: "What next?"
Hands down, the best! Tony has the skill and the speed, but most importantly, he has the "feeling." He could take simple licks and make them seem impossible to recreate just by making them vibe. By the same token, he could turn around and scream up and down the fretboard. His solo project, "Epic Tales of Whoa," is a must to check out!
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Chris Impellitteri
This is a unique guitarist with a unique style of playing. He is the best not just at playing tunes fast, but with his accuracy and being the fastest among the fast. Impressive and impossible riffs and interludes with solos of his style. Cheers to this guy. God bless.
I think without question, Chris should be #1. As a guitarist myself, it's easy to see the skills, technique, and speed he plays with ease. However, I don't really think that his band gives glory to Our Lord Jesus. I wish I could see a lot more of this.
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Nick Hipa (As I Lay Dying)
Parallels, their Electric Eye cover, and so many others.
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David Roxx
David is an amazing blues guitarist. I haven't seen anyone with his style!
My absolute favorite. You are the best of them all, David, and I love you.
Absolutely amazing guitarist! Loved his talent.
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Josh Wilson
His rendition of Amazing Grace is reminiscent of Phil Keaggy.
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Ben Kasica (Skillet)
Ben Kasica is the best! He can play solos with his teeth and behind his neck! He can also play awesome solos and rock out with the other band members!
Ben Kasica is far better than most of the top secular guitarists out there today. I mean better than Kirk Hammett.
One of the best guitarists today, hands down.
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Ryan Leitru (For Today)
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Jason Rauch (Red)
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Lincoln Brewster
First saw Lincoln when he was playing guitar on Steve Perry's "Love of Strange Medicine" CD and tour. The night I saw him in Atlanta, Steve announced that Lincoln was 21. He was great live. I followed him over to Christian music! His playing is great, but so are his writing and singing. I liked his stuff so much that I have bought his CDs in the past just so I could give them away to other people. I think he deserves to be in the top 10!
Lincoln's professionalism, showmanship, accuracy, and God-given talented abilities to wow audiences while playing his guitar is absolutely mind-blowing. He is by far one of the best guitar players of our time.
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Jeremy DePoyster (The Devil Wears Prada)
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Tommy Johansson (ReinXeed)
I've been listening to all of Tommy's music for a little over a year now, and coming from a guy who loves neo-classical guitar, Tommy is one of the best I've ever heard. His melodies and techniques are downright amazing, and he's an excellent cover artist as well. I can only see him getting better, and I really look forward to that.
Tommy has an excellent musical background and has provided so much material, singlehandedly it seems, that is of such quality never heard before. There is nothing to compare, but Johansson is the greatest Christian guitarist on account of his extraordinary performances.
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Dann Huff (Giant)
This guy is top five for sure. A one-time member of Whiteheart, he hit the big time with his mainstream band Giant. He went on to do session work for countless Christian and mainstream artists, including the likes of Madonna. I'm a fan of his work in Giant. Show this guy some love!
He has played with the best Christian singers and made great contributions. For me, he's in position 1. He goes beyond fast fingers. He makes listening music, and that, for me, is more important.
This guy's resume speaks for itself. Across all genres and styles, Dann can do it all.
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Oz Fox (Stryper)
Absolutely amazing guitarist! Loved his talent since I was a teenager. I had an opportunity to meet him after a show. Straight up nice guy!
He is one of the greatest. Period!
The star, the legend, the man, the myth. Oz Fox is one of the best showmen in the scene, and his style with the axe is flawless.
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Trevor McNevan
Incredible artist. Love his work with TFK, but I don't know what happened with I Am the Storm.
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Dennis Cameron
He's top ten in my book. Maybe he's gotten less exposure because he's Canadian. His blazing fretwork is evident throughout all the Angelica releases. My favorite is the debut.
Angelica's guitarist, a brilliant guitarist with great solos and able to shred big time!
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Ken Tamplin (Shout)
Ken Tamplin is pure shred. Electric or acoustic, it doesn't matter. Cousin of Sammy Hagar, he has the voice and the fingers. An Axe to Grind has got to be one of the best shred albums ever. He wrote songs for Kiss during the '80s but held back his abilities so the guitarist on tour could match the notes.
Ken is best buddies with Lanny Cordola from House of Lords. He also was in Joshua Perahia and was buddies with Rob Rock. In fact, when he produced Angelica with guitarist Dennis Cameron, it was Ken's suggestion to Dennis to use Rob Rock for vocals. Ken also provided vocals to Chris Impellitteri's Victim of the System album. Ken formed Shout with Chuck King, Magdallan, and currently owns his own vocal assisting company. Must-hear albums: An Axe to Grind, Tamplin, and Wake the Nations.
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Jeff Scheetz
Not only did this guy put out excellent instrumental records, but his lesson books and guides are fantastic. He was virtually my first guitar teacher. He is the King of Theory over anyone on this list.
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Joshua Perahia (Joshua)
Joshua Perahia is the best of the best. It is a shame he is not at the top of this list. That is what happens to incomparable players like Perahia when he falls on his sword for standing tall in his faith. He had the biggest major-label deals with awesome songs to match, but because he refused to remove his conservative Christian lyrics when RCA Records threatened to blackball his career, he had to pay the price of getting smashed by the label.
Joshua faced his enemies in the industry and put out 7 of the greatest albums that could beat any secular major act. One day, his music will arise again because brilliant guitarist-songwriters like Joshua are one in a billion. He is the fastest guitarist in the world, as Burrn Magazine named him.
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David Zaffiro (Bloodgood)
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Jon Foreman (Switchfoot)
A person with a beautiful soul, who writes and plays beautiful songs that have the ability to change people's lives and give them hope. Switchfoot is the most beautiful band ever.