Top 10 Shredders of All Time
Throughout the years, many things define a great guitarist. Here, guitarists are defined only by their speed. Who's the fastest? You decide.
Brian Patrick Carroll, known professionally as Buckethead, is an American guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has worked within many genres of music. Best guitarist ever! And I'll tell you why... He can play any type of music very soulfully, beautifully, and express his emotions on guitar! It's like he's speaking with his guitar! Not only that... The guy can shred like a mother! He shreds, solos does bass, plays banjo, piano! He's definitely the best guitarist out there... Ever actually! I love Hendrix, and people say he was like an alien! Don't get me wrong, I love Jimi! He's damn good! But if he's alien, then I don't know what the hell Buckethead is because he doesn't need lyrics or singing in his songs to make a masterpiece, all he needs is his guitar his mask and his bucket! He's known for his shredding but he definitely does NOT shred mindlessly! Buckethead is the best for his emotional bypolar songs! The ons with passion and emotion! That's what sets him apart from any guitarist out there!
There's something special about Buckethead that sets him apart from the crowd. He possesses unreal speed that only one or two people on this list can match. However, on top of that, he has precision. You can hear every single note he plays without slowing the track down. However, what is most special about Bucky is his heart for the music. Not everything he does is shredding, and that is where his passion truly sings. Musicians seem to be losing the heart of music the more we progress as a society, but Buckethead has kept in touch with that sensibility.
Buckethead is the most rounded player to date playing anything and everything from Neo classical, to blues, to metal, to flamingo and latin, banjo, bass, video game themes, you name it he's done it and he's one of the fastest players ever. Gilbert himself said in an interview "I will admit, he's quicker than I am" and it especially showed when he was in the deli creeps. How many people can go from Disembodied part 1 and 2, to a song like Sled Ride.. Not many. Guys like Slash just don't have the range. Guys like Vai, Satch, and Gilbert are all on the same level but Bucket is a little more diverse
I'm not even sure when I first got into Buckethead. All that I know is that when I first did get into him, the whole world of guitar totally changed for me. He inspired me to play more, he had so much different musical styles under his belt, and it was all worth listening to. He can shred, he can go slow, he can make his effects complement his music fantastically. He just knows what he is doing and he hasn't lost his touch! Not only is he one of the best shredders of all time, he's one of the best guitar players of all time. Long live Buckethead.
John Peter Petrucci is an American guitarist, composer and producer. He is best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Compared to his level of skill, John Petrucci is relatively unknown in the modern music industry. Laugh out loud @ buckethead being before petrucci. Petrucci has one of the most unique styles that is very hard to master. He always surprises me with every dream theater release. His stuff with Liquid Tension Experiment is amazing also. Also for the people who think that he can't play with emotion, check out the music he did with explorer's club. You'll be proven otherwise.
A lot of people says that Petrucci's guitar playing has no feeling, but even when he is shredding you feel emotions that you can't feel with Malmsteen or Batio. Petrucci should be no. 1 here. (And even if you say this isn't about feels, then just listen the solo from "Stream Of Consciousness"
His fingers are the most flexible and stretch the widest. His sweep picking is clean and very fast. He is the most calmest and relaxed when it comes to guitar playing. I like His unique style.
Best in activity. Syn Gates can't even be compared to him. Both are completely different from each other, and Petrucci let him down in everything he does. Petrucci is the best Guitar player in a Band nowadays
Yngwie Johan Malmsteen is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter and bandleader who was born on June 30th, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden. He was known for his neoclassical metal playing style back in the 1980s. There are a handful of guitarists faster than Yngwie (Synyster Gates is not among them :p), but none who have contributed so much to rock/metal lead guitar technique. I guarantee you 90% of the guitarists on this list would list Yngwie as an influence, and those who wouldn't most likely came before Yngwie (and also probably shouldn't really classify as "shredders"). Also, where is Uli Jon Roth? That guy can shred insanely, and came even before Yngwie!
Most of the newbies nowadays consider "shredding" as "playing as fast as possible". Well, that's not how it is. You gotta be smooth, melodic and innovative in various ways to be considered as a full-fledged shredder.
It is also impossible to say that a certain guitarist is "the best", because all of them has a different style and every shredhead has a different taste, but when you compare them in means of their musicality and compatibility with varios styles of music, it is fair to say that YJM is better. When you look into his stuff, especially live shows rather than studio records, it is obivious that
his way of thinking and using his guitar is way simple yet powerful than any other. Also he has appeared in the era where everybody was rocking with their blues-based licks and he refused to copy them creating his own barouqe-based licks. (Guitarists such as Jason Becker, Vinnie Moore and Joe Stump and other various artists alongside him.) Even his tone is screaming like it is ...more
Yngwie should be the second on the list. Every time I listen to his playing, I always remember paganini and other classical musician. He is pure classic guitarist and shredder, to be specific. Here is my own top 10 list of great shredder:
1.Michael Angelo Batio
2.Yngwie Malmsteen
3.John Petrucci
4.Steve Vai
5.Paul Gilbert
6.Joe Satriani
7.Reb Beach
8.Jerry C
9.Neil Zaza
10.Eddie Van Halen
I saw him live in Dallas, he is just as good as he used to be. He invented the neoclassical shredding genre. He is like the bigger brother of Vinnie Moore and every other neoclassical player.
Just listen to the songs - Evil Eye, Far Beyond the Sun, Black Star, Icarus Dream Suite Op 4 (make sure it's the acoustic version), Trilogy Suite Op. 5, Little Savage, Brothers, Amberdawn, and Molto Arpeggiosa.
Edward Lodewijk "Eddie" Van Halen (January 26, 1955 – October 6, 2020) was a Dutch-American musician, songwriter, producer, and inventor. He was best known as the lead guitarist, occasional keyboardist and co-founder of the hard rock band Van Halen. He was in a friendly rivalry with Randy Rhoads, but ultimately Randy was a better guitarist. His rivalry with Randy pushed both of them to make great music which influenced almost every guitarist in some way.
He is the fastest guitarist bar-none. No one can strum faster than him and he's as if not mroe influential than Hendri. Listen to how solos are done after him and see where they originate. EVH is the greatest of all-time. enough said.
Eddie should definitely be at least the top 3
Eddie may be the king of tapping but he shreds like a madman on that guitar too!
The king of finger tapping, I have listened and seen many great players but no one has the subtle touch of Eddie.
Part of my top 10.
Shawn Lane was an American musician who released two studio albums and collaborated with a variety of musicians including Ringo Starr, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Reggie Young, Joe Walsh, Jonas Hellborg and many others. I used to think the fastest shredders were Yngwie Malmsteen, Buckethead, John Petrucci, etc and that there may be faster guitarists but not that much faster. But when I first heard Shawn Lane play, I could see that he was miles above every other shredder that I had ever heard. His technicality, along with his speed, and ability to play notes with impeccable cleanliness, are almost inhuman. He even said that he was just born with a freakish nervous system, which helped contribute to his lightning fast playing. Until future generations pick up the guitar, there has not been another Shawn Lane yet, and no ones ever even been close to his speedy and flawless playing, all while sounding incredibe.
This is the most ridiculous list ever. first of all stupid Avenged Sevenfold fanboys that probably don't play guitar voted for him. Guitar Hero fanboys voted for Herman Li and Slash are you kidding me put Slash playing next to Shawn Lane, Jason Becker or Petrucci, he would look like a five year trying to play what they're playing. anyway now that iI got that of my chest Shawn Lane is defiantly the best shredder just watch any video of him playing. Look up the live version of Get You Back the licks that he plays near the end are not only insane but also sound absolutely beautiful. I tried to learn how to play them but although I know the notes he is playing it'a almost impossible to make the stretches, make it sound clean and play as fast as he did. In the words of Paul Gilbert"He has Amazing Blazing Phrasing"
Was the rarest of guitarists in that he could shred your head clean off but still maintain musicality. Anyone who doubts the fact that he was the fastest listen to "Gray Pianos Flying" and "Get You Back" off of Powers of Ten. Or check out some of his instructional videos.
How is he not number one? If you were to ask many of the players above his on this list they'd probably vote for Shawn. Certainly Buckethead, MAB and Paul Gilbert would. There are great guitar players and then there's shawn lane all on his own above the rest.
Steven Siro "Steve" Vai is an American guitarist, composer, singer, songwriter, and producer, born and raised on Long Island, New York. Has tons of feeling and is very versatile. You know it's Vai when you hear a song, because he has such a distinct sound. Also the GOD of the Whammy Bar.
Steve might not have the fastest fingers but he surely has the strongest grip, his JEM is a proof of that.
Go see him live. He's god tier, my number one.
Buckethead, Synyster Gates, and Herman Li... Above Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, And Eddie Van Halen... (goes into corner and cries)
Guthrie Govan is an English virtuoso guitarist and guitar teacher, known for his work with the bands The Aristocrats, Asia, GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship, as well as his solo project Erotic Cakes. Guthrie Govan is an endless catalogue of technical expression. His command over the guitar is second to none. His speed is at a level that only decades of playing can supply. His precise attention to each note is remarkably revelational throughout his music. Wether it's a slow groove bend or a series of notes strung together at an alarming speed, he presents a measure of hair-splitting attention to each note that's unsurpassed by no one. Of course, these are all robotic characteristic and would be meaningless without a beautiful marriage to real, emotion-ladened, sound waves. The fact that Guthrie can be such a technical heavy weight and still maintain a focus on the emotional content of music is a testament to his preeminence.
You'll love him instantly when you search him on youtube. He's the most complete guitarist I've ever seen, he can play almost everything... from slow jazz, neo soul, rock, until traditional folk music. Best shredder in term of musicality.
I don't understand how Guthrie is 10th on this list. His technique is supreme and musicality is on another level. You can watch him ripping Steve Vai apart on the G3 tour with Joe Satriani. Beats any guitarist on this list hands down.
I don't believe guthrie govan not in top ten and he should be #1
He's the unique shredder, he combine jazz and shred and make cool licks.
Just listen his songs fives, wonderful slippery, waves, etc...
Brian Elwin Haner, Jr., better known by his stage name Synyster Gates or simply Syn, is an American musician, best known for being the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the band Avenged Sevenfold. He can mix fast licks with unbelievable feel, he has an amazing tone, his solos are incredible. He's young and he's among the greatest, this shows how great his talent is. This beast can even rip amazing Jazz solos and many other different styles.
I think he never make a mistake whenever he plays the guitar, especially when he does the melody. His fingers are really fast and accurate. And he put his feelings when he plays the guitar, so we can feel his expression in his music.
Synyster Gates is like a god of lead guitarists. His shredding are also special and he is not a man like others. During he playing his guitar he will never hear all the things surrounding him like exploding the world...
This guy is flawless. When he is killing it on stage, and looks really bored, he is actually focusing intently on not screwing up. It pays off because not only a top shredder, but top 10 all-time Metal Guitarist in my opinion
Al Di Meola is an American jazz fusion and Latin jazz guitarist, composer, and record producer of Italian origin. Undeniable speed, technical ability and creative talent.
This guy is one of the all time greats and is one of the most influential guitarists of all time. I've seen many of the guitarists on this list live and very few have anything on this guy.
Just ask them. A great shredder will tell you how legendary Di Meola is. Melodic, emotional, adventurous - with Malmsteen speed on both electric and acoustic. Ask Steve Morse who's one of the greatest and most versatile players of all time hands down - in all genres, and he will tell you all about Al and his influence and greatness.
First of all, the first Shredder ever is Niccolo Paganini, who was Italian, so, it is no surprise that Di Meola is Another of the amazing race of Italian Americans like Zappa, Satriani, Vai, Petrucci, Impellitteri, Michael Angelo, Vito Bratta, etc. But with Al Di Meola starts the real Shred in guitar, along with Mclaughin, Corrado Rustici, the first's Shredders ever. Just try to imagine living in that era, and you will understand why Di Meola has to be one of the best guitar players ever.
Um... The fact that Al Di Meola isn't in the top TEN of this list gives the entire thing the smell of a popularity contest rather than a semi-objective appraisal of the genre.
Seriously.
Ask John Petrucci, Steve Vai, or Paul Gilbert and they'll tell you Al was a main inspiration for them to play FAST
Paul Brandon Gilbert is an American hard rock/heavy metal guitarist. He is best known for being the co-founder of the band Mr. Big. He was also a member of Racer X, with whom he released several albums. Sorry, but Buckethead is not the fastest known player. Buckethead is great, but unfortunately he suffers from stupid licks syndrome. Much more interesting guitarists out there that are faster. Slash should be down in the 100's. Batio is faster than Buckethead, but is kind of lick repetitive. Not a well rounded player as far as different styles. Herman Li is fast, but not in a good way. He is way overrated. Petrucci's solo work aside from Glassgow kiss is not appealing, and he can play fast though. Surprised not to see Guthrie Govan on here, or Shawn Lane. Really ashamed at the voters here to be honest. Probably a bunch of 15 year old boys.
-Buckethead's TEACHER.
-By far the cleanest at those speeds.
-Best picking on the world, every stroke is 10 times more accurate than it needs to be for the human brain to consider it spot on.
-Insane left hand dexterity, speed, accuracy.
-Perfect genetically engineered fingers lol.
-By far the best teacher, more videos than the others, more lessons on all topics better and more detailed explanations than anything I've ever seen. Amazing ability simplify and pass on his point in most cases in the most humorous way possible.
-Most humble guy in the industry.
-Best string skipping technique ever conceived by miles.
-Manages to do all of the above with picks like tortex 0.60 mm the "orange ones".
-Technical god, and very close to a musical god.
Simply the best. Best quality of shredding of all time (unlike Michael Angelo or Herman li who just hits random notes in purpose of being faster) and I honestly never seen slash shredding for real. Paul Gilbert is truly amazing and not really tries to be one. Petrucci, Yngwie and Vai are also great shredders, Syn too however he wont be on the top ten. And why is Marty number 24?!
Has the ability to play any style of music. His playing is Crystal clear, and he has great knowledge of what sounds will complement each other on an Album. On his albums, every song is different from the next, making it a mixture of feelings which as a whole still go together.
Randall William "Randy" Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. He was killed in a plane crash. Alright, so he's not the fastest. But he comes from a time when it wasn't entirely about speed. You hear him play a solo like on Mr Crowley, Diary of a Madman or Crazy Train, and you think "damn! That's a solo! " He's obviously no slouch in terms of technique, but speed's not his only trick. OK, Gilbert is really fast, but his solos lack substance. Randy plays with excellent taste and inspiration, showing true beauty in his solos. It's surprising how few guys here know how to shred with feeling (I'd have to mention Petrucci and Alex Lifeson as two who do). Not to mention the songs he wrote are brilliant. This man was a brilliant guitar player, who truly knew how to use a guitar. I remember seeing the live video of Crazy Train which blew my mind. He was my first guitar hero
My favorite guitarist of all time. Randy was one of the greatest guitarists to walk this earth. Inspiring, and being an Idol to every guitarist Above and Below. Hard to imagine his true talent since he was taken so young, and no one got to hear his true talent except Ozzy, his Family, and Quiet Riot.
He's my favorite guitarist of all time and is and is my biggest inspiration for writing and playing guitars wether it's a cover song or my best written guitar solo, he is trully amazing and is a an amazing inspiration to many other guitar players like zakk wylde, jake E. lee and ozzys other guitarists, trully amazing, may Randall William Rhoads rest in peace
He was the first to use classical phrases in metal solos.
Virtually every single metal guitarist since has done the same.
He was the greatest metal guitarist.
Darrell Lance Abbott, also known as Diamond Darrell and Dimebag Darrell, was an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member of two bands, Pantera and Damageplan, alongside his brother, Vinnie Paul. Abbott died in 2004 after he was shot by a mentally unstable fan. Dime obviously paved the way for the rest of the greats. Especially Synyster Gates. I am a die hard A7X fan foREVer so I know what I'm talking about when I say Dime was the best guitarist ever. Syn is the best alive right now. But Dime is a legend and if it wasn't for him, none of these other bands around now would even be playing this kind of music. And Kirk Hammett shouldn't be taken lightly, but Dime would've out shredded him any day. Pantera for the win!
I don't even know why Syn is on this or is even up higher than Dimebag. I'm a pure Pantera and Dimebag Darrel fan and Dime was a guitarist that could match anyone on speed but chose not to create his style. Dime's solos and guitar playing are uncompared today. He could make the guitar squeal and sound different from everyone else. Dimebag's music deserve more credit than he is getting. Put him higher up.
You don't even have to like his music to be a fan of his skills, he was and always will be untouchable. Nobody can match him. He pulls inspiration from every guitarist before him and then feeds inspiration to every modern guitarist today. Synyster Gates owes a lot to Dime.
I'm not the biggest Pantera fan in the world but my god Dimebag was a incredible shredder and guitarist. Slash was a classic guitarist too but HELLO GUYS this is the top 10 SHREDDER LIST. So vote for the fastest! Tom Morello doesn't shred at all. All Synyster Gates does is his little sweep picks and arpegios here and ther
Lester William Polsfuss, known as Les Paul, was an American jazz, country, and blues guitarist, songwriter, luthier, and inventor.
Michael Angelo Batio also known as Mike Batio or MAB, is an American heavy metal guitarist and columnist from Chicago, Illinois. I tell you why MAB Should be above those other 3.
1. Buckethead is fast but his shredding technique goes always over the same notes. Making it easier
2. John petrucci can't shred come on, he can play fast but not do an insane shredding
3. Synyster Gates is fast, but most of his faster solos have never been played live. Means he would probably make a lot of mistakes.
PD What are slash and kirk Hammett doing here, slash have never shred in any of his solos, and kirk is good but not one of the fastest.
Chris Broderick from megadeth should be added to the list as well.
Michael Angelo Batio, Jason Becker and Joe Satriani should be higher than where they are. Especially Michael Angelo Batio and Jason Becker. Cause MAB has speed. Faster than any other. He deserves his credit for this. And Jason Becker for his great arpeggios and sweep picking. Two of them are ahead in these things than other shredders.
Synyster Gates before Michael Angelo and Yngwie? This guy have played two guitars at the same time and he has done so much songs with shredding like "Peace", "Dream On" and "Prog". This is the best shredder in my opinion (tied with Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Buckethead).
Without a doubt. Michael Angelo Batio is the fastest, most talented shredder in the history of guitar playing. If you have actually seen his lessons, heard his solo albums or even jammed on Nitro, you will understand his skill level is unparalleled.
Zakk Wylde is an American musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and occasional actor who is best known as the former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, and founder of the heavy metal band Black Label Society. This man is an Idiot. Besides being hilarious, he is an Exceptionally good blues player, and comes up with excellent riffs. Zakk is blindingly fast and you can't forget those Pinch Harmonics
Dude hasn't evolved much, but has rock star personality, and can still keep up with the shred kiddies.
Synyster is the 6th and Zakk is the 12th? what the heck is going on man. Zakk is way better than him
Joseph Satriani (born July 15, 1956) is an American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Early in his career, Satriani worked as a guitar instructor, with many of his former students achieving fame, such as Steve Vai, Larry LaLonde, Rick Hunolt, Kirk Hammett, Andy Timmons, Charlie ...read more. What is with these lists Joe is simply amazing. No one else even comes close. I think its his composition and ability to express emotion in his music that sets him far above any others. I have been a fan since the early days, Not of this Earth is still one of my all time favorite songs. This song live just is mind blowing. When Joe is on stage is when the magic really happens. There is no need for any type of list, there is Joe, then everyone else.
Satch combines shred and melody like no one else, he knows his theory and has the technical ability but always with much feeling and incredible melody which is why he is the king shredder.
Excellent guitarist. Started the G3 tour which includes Satch, as well as 2 other Shredders in a show that will melt you're face off.
Sigh, I can't be botherd explaining why this guy is the best... Just listen to his stuff all you young people who don't know anything about guitar skill...
Jason Eli Becker (born July 22, 1969) is an American neoclassical metal guitarist and composer. At the age of 16, he became part of the Shrapnel Records-produced duo Cacophony with his friend Marty Friedman. They released the albums Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988. Cacophony broke up ...read more. Slash and Synyster before JASON BECKER! THAT'S STUPID!
This guy just shreds! I realize than many people haven't heard of his work and think Slash and Synyster Gates (the most overrated guitarists ever) are better than Jason playing guitar with one hand and playing yo-yo with the other hand (search 'Jason Becker yo-yo' in YouTube)! All his solos in his solo work, in Cacophony and with David Lee Roth are just made for blow your mind!
And you know why I think he is one of the best guitarists and composers?
Because he is doing awesome music even when he can only think and move his eyes, that's shows that he can do good music at any time
This is interesting because he is is one of the greatest shredders, and he was in his early 20's! He was playing Yngwie Flawlessly at age 17. He is also a Musical Genius and continues to write music even with ALS. He is unable to move, yet he still manages to create really beautiful music note by note, using only his eyes. A true inspiration to all guitarists and musicians over the world.
What the Hell! This list is a joke. Putting feel guitarists(slash, jimi hendrix) above true shredders. They are f-ing awesome guitarists but we're talking bout awesome shredder guitarists. In my opinion ths should be 1)Shawn Lane 2)Yngwie malmsteen 3)Michael Angelo 4)Paul Gilbert or Chris impelliterri 5) Rusty Cooley or Buckethead 6)John petrucci or Herman Li 7)Jason becker and then after them probably steve vai or steve morse or joe satriani or marty friedman, vinnie moore, jeff loomis, alex lifeson, uli Jon rotth, Al Di Meola, Frank Gambale etc. The list should be in this direction
The most skilled guitar player ever. No doubt about it. Just to listen Cacophony work and to think that was made by a teenager, 17-18 years old. If Jason would play today he will just destroy every guitar player if these days. Unmatched talent.
Kirk Lee Hammett is the lead guitarist and songwriter for the heavy metal band Metallica and has been a member of the band since 1983. Before joining Metallica he formed and named the band Exodus. Are you kidding
you're asking that kirk can shred tell me this after listening to the four horsemen's solo. He's probably the best and also one of the top guitarist in the world he has changed the metal genre and is indeed
THE GOD OF METAL
Kirk Hammett at 21. This list is a joke
I'm sick tired of people comparing kirk hammett to god, I mean he's pretty bad ass but by no means he is kirk "the ripper" hammett
Kirk hammett honestly sucks at guitar he plays blues over metal tracks and it sucks
Saul Hudson, known professionally as Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Can you take a man with kentucky fried chicken basket in his head seriously?
He's the darth vader of musicians, but who's the anakin? Why not Slash? He gets my vote.
He have the capacity to play like jimi, like bb king, he is amazing without changing parts of a guitar.
This guy got me into shred. And his music makes much sense and flow!
Slash is my favorite guitarist!
Mr. Ashkenazi's technique is unmatched. His speed and clarity is insane. Malmsteen can't touch him. His songs are also very melodic and not just a bunch of notes which is rare for shred at that level. He should be much more famous. There are some monster videos of him on youtube. Truly a monster virtuoso!
No clue how to say this name! Basically insane shred up a few notches and truly one of the fastest and cleanest shredders around. Songs to check out:
"Master" "Endurance" for pure shred. Ashkenazi has great melodic mind and combines shear speed and intense skill with great musical content.
Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho (April 8th 1979 - December 29th 2020) was a Finnish guitarist, composer, and vocalist. He is best known as the lead guitarist, lead vocalist, and founding member of the melodic death metal band Children of Bodom. He was also the guitarist for Sinergy, The Local Band, and Kylähullut. ...read more. He's been underestimated just because he's a Finn. A man from a very odd, cold country, If he's not as fast as the others might be it's his childhood. He didn't have gloves but he had guts. He trained his skills with "keppi" of "stick" outside in a temperatures below -36 degrees celcius. All he cares is the pure sound he creates fast and clean. This is a trulu man who deserves top 6 place. Thank You. Carry on, Perkele
Although I think that Alexi doesn't stand a chance against Dimbag or Zakk Wylde, I do think he's better than Herman Li. Just an opinion, but other than Pettrucci, I don't like Dream Theatre that much. Children of bodom have had me hooked since Hatebreeder
He might be a little bit unclean but he can write one of the heaviest licks and manage to make a melodic solo, he is far far better than slash and many more of the list, just listen to his Sinergy Project.
Come on... Kirk Hammett better than Alexi Laiho... give me a break, listen to the solo of Kissing the Shadows and then we'll talk, pure tehnique by Alexi...
Richard Stephen "Richie" Sambora is an American rock guitarist, producer, singer and songwriter who was the lead guitarist of the rock band Bon Jovi for 30 years. He is known for his work with Bon Jovi from 1983 to 2013. He is a very praised guitarist who played solos for songs like Dry County, Stranger In This town And Wanted Dead Or Alive. He has 3 solo albums - Stranger In This town (1991) Undiscovered Soul (1998) & Aftermath Of The Lowdown (2012). Richie Sambora, the Musical Shredder with Feeling will make the other Shredders look like Just... Shredders...
However, the Following Shredders should also be Ranked much Higher:
Yngwie Malmsteen, Shawn Lane, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Randy Rhoads, Buckethead, Dimebag Darrell, Eddie Van Halen & Eric Johnson (All Great Musical Shredders).
Musical Shredding is the Secret, not just Shredding! Richie Sambora does exactly that! He Shreds with Feeling & Emotion!
Shredding = Richie Sambora
End of comment!
Melodic, speed, feel, creative talent that fans and musicians can only dream of.
He's in the top ten.
Amazing Melodic and accurate player - Very cool runs - Love all his solo and UFO work
Martin Adam "Marty" Friedman is an American guitarist, known for his tenure as the lead guitarist for heavy metal band Megadeth which spanned nearly the full decade of the 1990s, as well as Cacophony alongside Jason Becker until 1989. Friedman has resided in Tokyo, Japan since 2003, where he has hosted Japanese television programs such as Rock Fujiyama and Jukebox English. This list should be renamed to-most popular guitar players of all time, marty jason yngwie and so many great players after that kirk and slash, disgusting.
Dragon's kiss, the first Marty Friedman solo album, is THE masterpiece of shredding. It's even weird that people did try to make some guitar albums after that...
He was one of the pioneers of shred metal, he should be right up their with gilbert and backer. He can add substance and shred really fast
TORNADO OF SOULS... Listen to the solo... Best solo of all time... Without a doubt better than most of the guitarists listed here... And what is Syn doing on top? And Slash? And you have Marty Friedman on 26?
Jimi Hendrix (born November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music". Hendrix is consistently ranked on lists of musicians who died too soon. This guy is the original Guitar Shredder who completely changed the way people played guitar. I can't believe he wasn't on this list before now! What blasphemy! There were no shredders before him, period! Eric Clapton definitely influenced Jimi before he was famous, but Eric didn't shred. Even though he was no Buckethead or Satriani, he should still be on the top ten of this list because of his influence on today's music.
Top 10 at least. Come on guys, it's JIMI HENDRIX. Listen to him playing the national anthem, and all of the unrelated shredding he breaks down into. He over doubled the length of the national anthem by breaking down into the most famous shred in history.
One of the best shredders in my opinion.
His licks are hard as hell.
So I consider him very talented.
He might not have a destroying tone but damn he plays fast hard and good.
I honestly don't know how this man isn't first, he was the pioneer for rock and roll guitar styles.