Top 10 Best Nu-Metal Guitarists

Nu-metal wouldn't be nu-metal without the riff-slingers who gave the genre its crunch, chaos, and occasional creepy-carnival weirdness.

Some wore masks. Some rocked body paint. Some just stomped on pedals that sounded like they were built inside a haunted circuit board. But they all shared one thing in common. They twisted heavy metal into something groovier, moodier, and sometimes just plain weirder. And it worked. Millions of records flew off the shelves. Crowds packed into arenas. Guitar magazines had to grudgingly learn what a kill switch does.

Now it's your turn to decide who brought the most to the fretboard. Vote for the guitarists who made you pick up your first axe or just made you air shred like a lunatic in your bedroom.

The Top Ten

Brian 'Head' Welch

Brian Philip Welch, better known by the stage name Head, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is one of the guitarists and founding members of the nu metal band Korn. Welch also leads the Christian metal band Love and Death, which he formed during his hiatus from Korn.

He is such an inspiration to me. I too was addicted to meth and other things. Seeing someone else experience true deliverance is such a blessing. I love his music. I love hearing someone not be ashamed of where they come from and how it has shaped them.
Plus, he has the opportunity that I only wish I had: to scream to the world how Jesus saves and is still in the miracle business!
Danielle Bennett

Listen to Korn from before 2006 and then listen to Korn's newer work. Then listen to any of Brian's work with Love & Death or his album "Save Me From Myself." It has the edge and intensity that Korn is missing.
Aside from the fact that he is a role model to thousands and an extremely nice person, based on talent alone, Head wins hands down!
Mick Thomson

Mickael Gordon "Mick" Thomson is an American heavy metal musician. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he is best known as one of two guitarists in the band Slipknot, where he is designated #7. Thomson joined the group in 1996 and is known for his aggressive playing style and distinctive stage persona.

My inspiration, my favorite guitarist. He is probably the best metal guitarist alive. Let's not forget his famous riffs and technique, and his low B tuning. Slipknot has found one talented musician. I wonder how he feels about being #1.

Of course he is. One of the fastest guitarists and the best at pinch harmonics.

He deserves number one, not just for his techniques, which are brilliant. Slipknot is still one of my favorite bands thanks to Mick Thomson, and his stage presence is awesome.
Wes Borland

Wesley Louden "Wes" Borland is an American rock musician and artist. He is best known as the guitarist and backing vocalist for the nu metal band Limp Bizkit. He also served as the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of the industrial rock band Black Light Burns.

Such a creative guitar player with an amazing look! More talented than most in this genre. Only Wes can go from a 4-string, 7-string, and a 5-string and still write brilliant hooks while keeping it heavy.

It is hard to find a more creative guy than Wes. Just listen to his Black Light Burns stuff!

Seriously? Korn's guitarist over Wes? Super creative riffs, good technical ability. Not only that, but as stated, his riffs are some of the most creative I've heard, and he's able to play different types of music. Best nu-metal guitarist by far.
Brad Delson

Bradford Philip Delson, born December 1, 1977, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Linkin Park. He is also one of the founding members of the band. With Linkin Park, Delson has received multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards.... read more

Well, you may find it weird that I'm voting for him, but Brad Delson is one of the best guitarists I've heard. I've listened to System of a Down, Slipknot, and all the others. Just hear the ending riff of "A Line in the Sand" and you'll know why. It's kinda sad that they didn't use his talent in their previous albums.

Seriously? Sixth place?! Linkin Park defined nu-metal, and this guy is behind it. Best nu-metal guitarist ever. So what if he can't sing? His skill with the axe speaks loud and clear.

Are you kidding? The man behind Linkin Park's guitar playing!
Jim Root

James Donald Root, also known by his number 4, is an American musician, songwriter, and guitarist. He is best known as the rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band Slipknot. Root was also the lead guitarist for the alternative metal band Stone Sour until he departed from the group in 2014.

He is in my two favorite bands of all time: Slipknot and Stone Sour. What more can I say? He truly is a very talented and amazing guitarist and an awesome riff master.

He is an incredible guitar player. His solos are amazing, and the speed at which he plays is unbelievable. One of the best guitar players around these days, in my opinion.

Sorry to Mick, but Jim is much better.
Daron Malakian

Daron Vartan Malakian is an Armenian-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He is best known as the lead guitarist, co-vocalist, and primary songwriter for the rock band System of a Down.
Following the band's hiatus in 2006, Malakian launched a solo project called... read more

Daron is definitely one of the best guitarists I've ever heard. He has incredible creativity, his riffs are really powerful, and he is a giant inspiration for me and many others.

He is just the best. His solos and riffs are really creative. He is surely the best guitarist of nu-metal.

Good riffs and their live performance is awesome.
James 'Munky' Shaffer

Munky is a great inspiration for all guitarists, especially those who play 7-string guitars. He makes playing the guitar with all its effects more fun and creative. He shows that music goes beyond the standard and basic, reaching far if you are creative.
Many people think the things Munky plays are easy, but that's not always the case. He may not make a lot of solos, but playing the guitar is not only about mastering solos. You can also create a good distortion base and be an inspiration to other guitarists by making a cool riff.

With every album Korn churns out, Munky's riffs just seem to get better and better.
I honestly adore his sound, technique, and presence on stage. Respect to him for stepping up the way he did when Head left. It must have been really difficult, since he'd always played alongside Head, almost like a rhythm guitarist. Taking over the whole writing process must have been a stretch. He came out better than ever though. Respect.
J.R. Bareis

Awesome guys (Love and Death), and I love their transparency. It can't be easy to always be exposed to people and have them see your personal life. I'm looking forward to meeting them one day.
Mark Rosin
Edmonton, Alberta

This guy is more than just a great guitar player. His ability to last as long as he has in a very active band and still remain a cool dude shows his passion for what he does.

He plays in an insanely amazing band, is so young and is such a skilled guitarist, yet he is one of the most humble guys I've ever met! He's proof that hard work pays off!
Mike Mushok

It was a hard choice, but I have to go with Mike. Listen to his brilliant work on Staind's 'Tormented.' He doesn't really show much of this raw energy on the other albums, and you can hear him playing solos (which were absent from the band until their self-titled 2011 album).

Most creative and energetic guitarist, period. Unique style with a virtuoso background!

He creates some pretty complex chords with his odd tunings and is also quite the shredder!
Dan Donegan

Dan Donegan is an American musician who plays guitar for the heavy metal band Disturbed. He began learning guitar as a teenager and developed his technique through self-teaching and practice. Before joining Disturbed, he played in a band called Vandal, which was styled after 1980s hair metal.

Despite being the only guitarist, Dan really hits the two guitar tones with his overdubs. He is also the keyboardist and synthesizer player. How cool is that?

The Newcomers

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Robb Flynn

Robert Conrad "Robb" Flynn is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band Machine Head. Flynn formed the band with Adam Duce, Logan Mader, and Tony Costanza after leaving the Bay Area thrash band Vio-Lence.... read more
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Tom Maxwell

The Contenders

Miguel Rascón

His riffs are very powerful and simple. This creates a very heavy sound, but one that is distinct and perfect for the vocals of Coal Chamber.

Visceral and energetic, sounding like a non-stop rolling steam engine!
Greg Tribbett
Stephen Carpenter

Ambient and dark but brutally heavy and creative as well. Great guitar tone too.
Marcos Curiel

Only one guitarist and still gives a complete sound to the band. Curiel rocks!
Virus
Jason Truby
Lance Arny
Tripp Eisen
Ahrue Luster
Dino Cazares
Max Cavalera

Massimiliano Antonio "Max" Cavalera is a Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter who currently plays in heavy metal bands Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, and Killer Be Killed. He was also a founding member of Sepultura, one of Brazil's most influential metal bands. Cavalera is known for blending metal... read more