Top 10 Bands with the Best Guitarists
When it comes to bands that feature incredible guitarists, the conversation is always electric. The guitar is the backbone of rock, metal, blues, and many other genres. It delivers the riffs, solos, and melodies that define countless songs. Some bands are legendary because of their guitarists, whose skills have helped shape the sound of music history. This list highlights some of the most iconic groups that feature masterful players, those who've inspired musicians around the world and left their audience in awe.
Dave Mustaine and a rotating cast of talented guitarists, including Marty Friedman and Kiko Loureiro, have contributed to Megadeth's razor-sharp riffs, lightning-fast solos, and complex songwriting. Except for Jeff Young, Dave always played with good lead guitarists: Slayer's Kerry King, Chris Poland, guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman, Chris Broderick, etc.
Dave and Marty were the best duo ever, though. Dave's angry, fast thrash metal riffing combined with Marty's angelic neo-classical shredding gave incredible results, like in Lucretia, Hangar 18, or Tornado of Souls.
Broderick is one of the better guitarists. He has that two-handed tapping skill to add to his musical arsenal.
You can't overlook his talent and the actual music schooling he has achieved to become this good.
Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, revolutionized the way the electric guitar was played, using innovative techniques and effects to create his unmistakable psychedelic sound. As good as Slash is, Hendrix was not only more influential and more skillful, his riffs (Voodoo Chile, Hey Joe, etc.) are more memorable and just better.
By the way, why are Zep and Queen not on this list?
Featuring the iconic duo of Slash and Izzy Stradlin, Guns N' Roses' guitarists have created some of the most memorable riffs in rock history, with a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and punk influences. Guns N' Roses HAD the best guitarist, which is Slash, and he always will be the greatest. But I say Velvet Revolver now has the best guitarist, SLASH!
Slash and Axl Rose were the best duo rock music has ever seen.
Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance make up the dynamic guitar team of Avenged Sevenfold, showcasing their technical prowess, harmonized solos, and a modern approach to heavy metal guitar playing.
Eddie Van Halen was the groundbreaking guitarist of Van Halen, known for his signature tapping technique, innovative use of harmonics, and a style that melded hard rock, heavy metal, and pop sensibilities. Although I'm somewhat partial to Van Halen, Eddie is truly legendary and should at least come right behind Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.
Van Halen should easily be in the top 3. Eddie Van Halen is the greatest and most influential guitar player since Hendrix.
Eric Clapton, the legendary guitarist of Cream, showcased his blues-influenced playing in this pioneering power trio, creating some of the most memorable solos and riffs in classic rock.
James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett form the powerhouse guitar duo of Metallica, delivering an onslaught of heavy riffs, intricate solos, and a mix of thrash, speed, and progressive metal elements.
Ritchie Blackmore, the legendary guitarist and founder of Rainbow, combined his hard rock and classical influences to create powerful riffs and captivating solos that solidified the band's place in rock history.
John Petrucci, the virtuoso guitarist of Dream Theater, is renowned for his technical mastery, melodic solos, and intricate songwriting, which has helped define the band's progressive metal sound.
The Newcomers
The Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Formed under the name Manic Subsidal, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, bassist Greg K., lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman and drummer Pete Parada.
Sum 41 is a Canadian pop-punk band from Ajax, Ontario, Canada. Originally called Kaspir, the band was formed in 1996 and separated in 2023. The band members included lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Deryck Whibley, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Dave Baksh, co-lead guitarist and backing vocalist... read more
Dimebag Darrell, the influential guitarist of Pantera, was known for his aggressive playing style, heavy riffs, and blistering solos that helped shape the groove metal genre. Dimebag Darrell is just one of the best guitarists in my opinion. He had one of the best techniques with his harmonic squeals and everything, like the Floods solo.
Sadly, his life was cut short, but we still appreciate the music he has made for all of us.
Led by guitarist and founder Jeff Waters, Annihilator is known for its mix of thrash metal and technical guitar work, with Waters' lightning-fast riffs and intricate solos driving the band's aggressive sound.
Ritchie Blackmore, the founding guitarist of Deep Purple, played a pivotal role in the band's hard rock and heavy metal sound, using his blues and classical influences to create iconic riffs and solos.
Jimmy Page, the virtuosic guitarist of Led Zeppelin, masterfully blended blues, rock, and folk influences to create the band's iconic sound, complete with unforgettable riffs and innovative techniques.
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, is celebrated for his innovative playing techniques, distinct tone, and multi-layered harmonies, which contributed to the band's diverse and memorable sound.
David Gilmour's guitar work for Pink Floyd is characterized by his melodic, emotive, and atmospheric playing style, which has helped define the band's progressive and psychedelic rock sound. David Gilmour is awesome, but seriously, at least in front of Linkin Park. Comfortably Numb has got to have one of the best guitar solos of all time next to Time.
I go to another world while listening to the end solo of Comfortably Numb!
The best ever... "Time," "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," "Comfortably Numb."
Jeff Loomis, the virtuoso guitarist of Nevermore, combined elements of thrash, progressive, and power metal, resulting in a unique sound marked by his technical prowess and melodic solos.
Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers make up the guitar trio of Iron Maiden, delivering harmonized riffs, melodic solos, and a blend of heavy metal and progressive rock elements that define the band's sound. Underrated. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are the ultimate duo. Just listen to the harmonies.
For solos, I recommend Powerslave, The Trooper, Two Minutes to Midnight, Alexander the Great (just every Maiden song).
And Janick is also good...
Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young formed the backbone of AC/DC's guitar sound, with Angus delivering high-energy, bluesy solos, while Malcolm provided the solid rhythm guitar that drove the band's hard rock anthems.
Boasting a lineup of guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, The Yardbirds were a breeding ground for innovative guitarists who went on to shape the sound of rock music.
Tommy Vetterli, the guitarist of the technical thrash metal band Coroner, showcased his intricate playing, fast riffs, and complex solos, which played a pivotal role in defining the band's progressive sound.Fair enough, not many people know this band, but Hizaki and Teru are geniuses. I suggest everyone who reads this check out Wish Master (just Hizaki) and Reminiscence (just Teru - not his best, but it will give you an idea why this band should be on top).
Haha. You, those who read my comment, should and must start listening to Versailles. Then you will know for sure the real music for the ears.
Wish Master? Race Wish, perhaps?
Anyway, Hizaki and Teru are some very talented guitarists and composers.
Daron Malakian, the guitarist of System of a Down, combined elements of heavy metal, punk, and Armenian folk music to create a unique and powerful sound, featuring unconventional riffs and striking solos.
Chuck Schuldiner, the founder, guitarist, and vocalist of Death, was a pioneer in the death metal genre, known for his technical skill, heavy riffs, and innovative songwriting that pushed the boundaries of extreme metal.
Matt Bellamy, the guitarist and frontman of Muse, is celebrated for his innovative playing techniques, wide range of influences, and unique blend of alternative rock, electronic, and progressive elements.