Top 10 Best Australian Guitarists
From AC/DC's iconic riffs to the intricate fingerpicking of Tommy Emmanuel, Australia has produced some of the greatest guitarists in music history. These virtuosos have not only conquered stages across the globe but also inspired generations of guitar players to follow in their footsteps. But who are the best of the best?
From the pioneers of rock and roll to the modern shredders, these guitarists have left their mark on music and continue to influence and inspire guitar players of all levels. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to strum, come join us as we celebrate the best of Australia's guitar heroes.
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Angus Young
Angus McKinnon Young is an Australian guitarist of Scottish origin, best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, songwriter, and the only constant member of the Australian hard rock band AC/DC. He is recognized for his energetic stage presence and schoolboy-uniform stage outfits. When performing live... read more
The Scottish-Australian guitar legend. He should be and stay the number one.
Everybody else pales in comparison to Angus.
Angus Young is probably the most famous guitarist on this list.
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Tommy Emmanuel
William Thomas "Tommy" Emmanuel is an Australian guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He is best known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances, and his use of percussive effects on the guitar. Emmanuel has received multiple awards and honors throughout his career, including being... read more
I listen to all kinds of guitar, from classical to screaming, raging metal guitar, and also violin and dobro. One guitarist constantly leaves me gobsmacked: Emmanuel. His skills are extraordinary! The comment is correct. It's not a matter of opinion.
Emmanuel is a national treasure who continues to display skills well past the peak performing ages of other guitarists. I have been privileged to live in his lifetime. He is a reason for being alive. Thank you, Tommy.
This is not a matter of opinion. For skill and guitar mastery, composition, and technique, not to mention just serious ability, Tommy Emmanuel is chosen as the very best in the world every time.
Of course, if one loves to see someone sweat and play music more with his hair than his hands, then Young is your guy.
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Chris Cheney
His song Closing In is one of the most advanced Aussie guitar masterpieces I have ever heard.
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Ian Moss
Ian Moss is talented to a crazy level. He was perfect as a musician. The sound he achieved was always fantastic, and his stage presence was just amazing. The way he moved and the amount of passion he showed while playing is so intense.
Moss's guitar work, both electric and acoustic (his Six Strings CD is quite breathtaking), is second to none in terms of Aussie guitarists, in my view. The fact that his musical talent is not so well known outside of Australia is the rest of the rock music world's loss.
There's no question in my mind that Mossy is up there with the better-known guitar greats. He has a distinctive style, whether on electric or acoustic, alone or with Chisel, playing lead breaks or rhythm. A rare gem.
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Jim Moginie
So complex in his writing, it takes someone of equal brilliance to play. Jim and Martin Rotsey are an amazing combination.
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John Butler
John Charles Wiltshire-Butler, known professionally as John Butler, is an Australian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He is the frontman of the John Butler Trio, a roots and jam band. The group was formed in 1998 in Fremantle, Western Australia.
I haven't seen anyone play guitar like him. His style is unique and versatile.
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Malcolm Young
Malcolm Mitchell Young (January 6, 1953 to November 18, 2017) was an Australian musician best known as the rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist, and co-founder of the hard rock band AC/DC. He was a key force behind the band's sound and songwriting, contributing to many of their greatest hits. Young remained... read more
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Andrew Stockdale
Andrew James Stockdale is an Australian rock musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist of the rock band Wolfmother. He is the only constant member of the band, which formed in 2000. In 2007, he and his bandmates won Songwriter of the Year at the APRA Awards.
Where Eagles Have Been solo is one of the best I've heard. And don't get me started on Back Round.
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Orianthi
Orianthi Panagaris, known professionally as Orianthi, is an Australian musician, singer, and songwriter. She was born on January 22, 1985, in Adelaide, South Australia. She is best known for her exceptional guitar skills and her work with major artists such as Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, and Carlos... read more
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Tim Rogers
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Kevin Borich
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Jona Weinhofen
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Murray Cook
Great guitarist who has inspired children from a young age to play guitar. The Wiggles show is the first exposure that many children have to music and instruments.
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Mark Seymour
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Keith Urban
Keith Lionel Urban, born on October 26, 1967, in Whangārei, New Zealand, is a New Zealand-born Australian-American country singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He released his self-titled debut album in Australia in 1991, which produced four singles. In 1992, he relocated to the United States to further... read more
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Cameron Muncey
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Tim Farriss
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Smokin' Joe Robinson
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Frank Gambale
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Phil Emmanuel
It's remarkable that he's 18 on this list. One of the greatest electric guitarists that ever lived in the world, not just Australia. He never sought fame and never found it. Rest in peace, Wiz.
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Daniel Johns
Daniel Paul Johns (born 22 April 1979) is an Australian musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the lead singer, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of the Australian rock band Silverchair, which gained prominence in the 1990s.... read more
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Paul Kelly
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Brad Shepherd
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Jeff Lang
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Brett Garsed
John Farnham's guitarist is an amazingly talented guitarist. Garsed has been with Farnham Band since the massive Whispering Jack album.
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Harvey James
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John Brewster