Top 10 Best Shredders of All Time

Throughout the years, many factors have defined what makes a great guitarist.

In this context, we are focusing solely on speed. Who is the fastest? You decide.

The Top Ten

Buckethead

Brian Patrick Carroll, known professionally as Buckethead, is an American guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has released over 300 studio albums. He is recognized for his unique style and stage persona, which includes wearing a KFC bucket on his head and a white mask. Buckethead has worked across... read more

Best guitarist ever! And I'll tell you why. He can play any type of music very soulfully and beautifully, expressing his emotions on guitar. It's like he's speaking with his guitar!
Not only that, but the guy can shred like a master. He shreds, solos, plays bass, banjo, and 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 an 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 bipolar songs. The ones with passion and emotion. That's what sets him apart from any other guitarist out there!
John Petrucci

John Peter Petrucci is an American guitarist, composer, and producer, best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He is widely recognized for his technical proficiency and complex compositions. Despite his acclaim among musicians and fans of progressive metal, he remains... read more

The absolute god of the electric guitar. No one comes close. There are some who can play faster, but none of them can play as well as JP.
His work in Dream Theater is what comes to mind immediately, but his solo stuff and Liquid Tension Experiment are also crazy. And if you think he doesn't have feel, listen to "Another Day," "The Spirit Carries On," and "The Best of Times" before coming back.
Plus, this guy can play every single technique. Listen to "Under a Glass Moon," "Stream of Consciousness," and "A Rite of Passage" for proof of that. Great rhythm player too.

The absolute greatest of all time, no questions asked. He is my biggest influence as a guitarist and musician. This is why I love progressive metal.
He can shred really fast and also play with feeling. Just to name a few examples, he proves his skill in sweep picking with "The Glass Prison," which is an all-shred solo. If you want to hear more feeling, listen to "The Spirit Carries On" and "The Best of Times." If you want progressive complexity, listen to "Under a Glass Moon."
This man can do anything.
Yngwie Malmsteen

Yngwie Johan Malmsteen is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader born June 30, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden. He's renowned for his neoclassical metal playing style. Malmsteen gained prominence in the 1980s with virtuoso albums such as Rising Force (1984).

Extremely great and influential. All of the classical compositions that he turned into metal are amazing.
His only downside is his lack of feel, that he doesn't like donuts, and that he throws too many picks.

There are a handful of guitarists faster than Yngwie (Synyster Gates is not among them), but none who have contributed so much to rock and metal lead guitar technique. I guarantee you 90% of the guitarists on this list would list Yngwie as an influence. 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!
Eddie Van Halen

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 is widely recognized for pioneering guitar techniques... read more

The biggest innovator since Hendrix (who I wouldn't call a shredder). Eddie literally invented shredding. Listen to "Eruption."

He was in a friendly rivalry with Randy Rhoads, but ultimately Randy was a better guitarist. Their rivalry 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 more, influential than Hendrix. Listen to how solos are done after him and see where they originate. EVH is the greatest of all time, enough said.
Paul Gilbert

Paul Brandon Gilbert is an American hard rock and heavy metal guitarist. He is best known as the co-founder of the band Mr. Big. He was also a member of Racer X, with whom he released several albums, including Street Lethal and Second Heat.

- Buckethead's teacher.
- By far the cleanest at those speeds.
- Best picking in the world. Every stroke is ten times more accurate than it needs to be for the human brain to consider it spot on.
- Insane left-hand dexterity, speed, and accuracy.
- Perfect genetically engineered fingers, lol.
- By far the best teacher, with more videos than the others and more lessons on all topics. Offers better and more detailed explanations than anything I've ever seen. Has an amazing ability to 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.
Steve Vai

Steven Siro "Steve" Vai (born June 6, 1960) is an American guitarist, composer, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and has released numerous solo albums. Vai was born and raised on Long Island, New York.

The only mainstream guitar god who is actually a god, besides maybe Marty Friedman. Actually crazy. Listen to Tender Surrender if you think he has no feel.

He 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 proof of that.
Randy Rhoads

Randall William "Randy" Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. He was widely regarded for his innovative guitar work and neoclassical metal style. Rhoads was killed in a plane crash on March 19, 1982, at the age of 25.

The creator of so many things that shredders do now. I don't care what anyone thinks. Randy clears EVH in every single possible category.

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.
Okay, 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.
Synyster Gates

Brian Elwin Haner, Jr., better known by his stage name Synyster Gates or simply Syn, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the band Avenged Sevenfold. He joined the band in 2001 and has since become recognized for his technical skill and melodic solos. Gates... read more

This dude is the best guitarist since the 90s gods like Petrucci and Marty. Listen to Nobody, probably the best and most technical solo of the past 15 years.

He can mix fast licks with unbelievable feel, he has an amazing tone, and his solos are incredible. He's young and among the greatest, which shows how great his talent is. This beast can even rip amazing jazz solos and many other different styles.

I think he never makes a mistake whenever he plays the guitar, especially when he plays the melody. His fingers are really fast and accurate. He puts his feelings into his guitar playing, so we can feel his expression in his music.
Shawn Lane

Shawn Lane was an American musician known for his exceptional guitar skills and genre-crossing collaborations. He released two solo studio albums and worked with a diverse array of artists, including Ringo Starr, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Reggie Young, Joe Walsh, and Jonas Hellborg... read more

Crazy good. This guy could also shred on piano for anyone who is unaware, on top of being one of the best guitarists of all time.

I used to think the fastest shredders were Yngwie Malmsteen, Buckethead, John Petrucci, etc., and that there might be faster guitarists, but not much faster. However, when I first heard Shawn Lane play, I realized he was miles above every other shredder I had ever heard.
His technicality, 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 contributed to his lightning-fast playing. Until future generations pick up the guitar, there has not been another Shawn Lane yet, and no one has ever come close to his speedy and flawless playing, all while sounding incredible.
Zakk Wylde

Zakk Wylde is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his work as a guitarist with Ozzy Osbourne. Wylde also founded the heavy metal band Black Label Society, where he serves as the lead guitarist and vocalist.

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 a rock star personality, and he 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.

The Newcomers

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Fredrik Thordendal

Fredrik Thordendal (born February 11, 1970) is a Swedish musician, best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. He is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the djent subgenre of metal. Thordendal was ranked No. 35 by Guitar World in their list... read more

How is he not on here? While his guitar work isn't conventional, it is still absolutely amazing.
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Peter Lennodo

Peter Lennodo is a British musician. He is also a composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the vocalist, lead guitarist and main songwriter of the rock band The Arcana.

The Contenders

Michael Angelo Batio

Michael Angelo Batio, also known as Mike Batio or MAB, is an American heavy metal guitarist and columnist from Chicago, Illinois. He is known for his technical skill, particularly his ability to play complex pieces on a double-neck guitar. Batio has released several solo albums and instructional videos... read more

I'll tell you why MAB should be above those other three.
1. Buckethead is fast, but his shredding technique often repeats the same notes, making it easier.
2. John Petrucci can't shred. Sure, he can play fast, but that's not the same as insane shredding.
3. Synyster Gates is fast, but most of his faster solos have never been played live. This suggests he would probably make a lot of mistakes.
By the way, what are Slash and Kirk Hammett doing here? Slash has never shredded in any of his solos, and while Kirk is good, he's 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 ranked higher than where they are, especially Michael Angelo Batio and Jason Becker. MAB has speed faster than any other. He deserves credit for this. And Jason Becker for his great arpeggios and sweep picking. These two are ahead in these aspects compared to other shredders.
Guthrie Govan

Guthrie Govan is an English virtuoso guitarist and guitar teacher, known for his technical proficiency and improvisational skill. He has performed with bands including The Aristocrats, Asia, GPS, The Young Punx, and The Fellowship. Govan is also known for his solo album Erotic Cakes and his work as... read more

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 revelatory throughout his music.
Whether 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 anyone.
Of course, these are all robotic characteristics and would be meaningless without a beautiful marriage to real, emotion-laden sound waves. The fact that Guthrie can be such a technical heavyweight and still maintain a focus on the emotional content of music is a testament to his preeminence.
Jason Becker

Jason Eli Becker (born July 22, 1969) is an American neoclassical metal guitarist and composer. At age 16, he became part of the Shrapnel Records-produced duo Cacophony alongside his friend Marty Friedman. They released two albums, Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988.... read more

It's such a shame that he got ALS, since he was on track to becoming the best guitarist of all time before that disease happened. Listen to Perpetual Burn and Altitudes, and Speed Metal Symphony that he did with Marty Friedman in Cacophony.

Slash and Synyster before Jason Becker? That's stupid! This guy just shreds! I realize that many people haven't heard of his work and think Slash and Synyster Gates (the most overrated guitarists ever) are better.
Picture Jason playing guitar with one hand and playing yo-yo with the other hand (search 'Jason Becker yo-yo' on YouTube). All his solos in his solo work, in Cacophony, and with David Lee Roth are just mind-blowing!
Do you know why I think he is one of the best guitarists and composers? Because he is creating awesome music even when he can only think and move his eyes. That shows he can make good music at any time.
Dimebag Darrell

Darrell Lance Abbott, also known as Diamond Darrell and Dimebag Darrell, was an American guitarist and songwriter. He co-founded the bands Pantera and Damageplan with his brother Vinnie Paul. Abbott was tragically shot and killed during a performance in 2004 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.
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. Kirk Hammett shouldn't be taken lightly, but Dime would've outshredded him any day. Pantera for the win!

I don't even know why Syn is on this list or is ranked higher than Dimebag. I'm a pure Pantera and Dimebag Darrell fan. Dime was a guitarist who could match anyone on speed but chose not to, creating his style.
Dime's solos and guitar playing are unparalleled today. He could make the guitar squeal and sound different from everyone else. Dimebag's music deserves more credit than it is getting. Put him higher up.
Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola is an American jazz fusion and Latin jazz guitarist, composer, and record producer of Italian descent. He gained fame in the 1970s as a member of the jazz fusion group Return to Forever. Di Meola is known for his complex guitar work and contributions to world music.

Undeniable speed, technical ability, and creative talent. This guy is one of the all-time greats and one of the most influential guitarists of all time. I've seen many of the guitarists on this list live, and very few can match this guy.
Just ask them. A great shredder will tell you how legendary Di Meola is. Melodic, emotional, and adventurous - he has Malmsteen's speed on both electric and acoustic. Ask Steve Morse, one of the greatest and most versatile players of all time in all genres. He will tell you all about Al's influence and greatness.

First of all, the first shredder ever was Niccolò Paganini, who was Italian. So it's 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 McLaughlin and Corrado Rustici, the first 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.
Joe Satriani

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, including 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 it's 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 is just mind-blowing. When Joe is on stage, that's 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. This is why he is the king shredder.
Ilan Ashkenazi

Mr. Ashkenazi's technique is unmatched. His speed and clarity are 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!

I have no clue how to say this name! Basically, it's insane shred taken up a few notches and truly one of the fastest and cleanest shredders around. Songs to check out: "Master" and "Endurance" for pure shred. Ashkenazi has a great melodic mind and combines sheer speed and intense skill with great musical content.
Vinnie Moore

Melodic, speed, feel, and creative talent that fans and musicians can only dream of.

Amazing melodic and accurate player - very cool runs. Love all his solo and UFO work.
Glenn Tipton

Glenn Raymond Tipton is an English guitarist and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Judas Priest. Tipton joined the band in 1974 and has contributed to many of their classic albums.

What has happened to people? Listen to the All Guns Blazing solo, where he literally out-shreds all these so-called modern technical axemen.

Glenn's been shredding since the late '70s. He is one of the creators of the whole subgenre, or whatever it is.

Most evolved guitarist from the '70s (with K. K. too), still competing with modern shredders today.
Alexi Wildchild Laiho

Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho (April 8, 1979 - December 29, 2020) was a Finnish guitarist, composer, and vocalist. He was best known as the lead guitarist, lead vocalist, and founding member of the melodic death metal band Children of Bodom. Laiho also performed with 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, it might be due to his childhood. He didn't have gloves, but he had guts. He trained his skills with a "keppi" or "stick" outside in temperatures below -36 degrees Celsius.
All he cares about is the pure sound he creates, fast and clean. This is truly a man who deserves a top 6 place. Thank you. Carry on, Perkele.

Although I think that Alexi doesn't stand a chance against Dimebag or Zakk Wylde, I do believe he's better than Herman Li. Just an opinion, but other than Petrucci, I'm not much of a Dream Theater fan. Children of Bodom have had me hooked since Hatebreeder.
Les Paul

Lester William Polsfuss, known professionally as Les Paul, was an American guitarist, songwriter, luthier, and inventor. He is credited with pioneering the solid-body electric guitar, which made the sound of rock and roll possible. His work spanned genres such as jazz, country, and blues.
Dave Mustaine

David Scott "Dave" Mustaine (born September 13, 1961) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, actor, and author. He was the original lead guitarist of Metallica before being dismissed in 1983. Afterward, he formed the band Megadeth, where he became the lead vocalist and primary creative force.... read more

He deserves number 1. His solos in Holy Wars, 44 Minutes, This Day We Fight, Sudden Death, Burnt Ice, and Five Magics rule. Moreover, he can do way faster solos if he wants to, but doesn't (dunno why). He can also do solos while singing. Go Mustaine.

I don't see how anyone can go faster than him. The demos on Kill 'Em All. The solo on Hit the Lights. That is so fast it's crazy.

Is this supposed to be who goes the fastest? Almost all those guys ahead of him do not go as fast as him. What the heck?
Kerry King

Kerry Ray King is an American musician, best known as a guitarist for the American thrash metal band Slayer. He is a founding member of Slayer who has played with the band from its inception, through its 2019 farewell tour, and since its 2024 reunion. In 2024, King launched a new solo project under his... read more
K. K. Downing

Kenneth "K. K." Downing, Jr. is an English semi-retired guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. He's known for helping shape the band's signature twin-guitar sound alongside Glenn Tipton. Though he's no longer with the band, Downing was inducted into the... read more

K. K. Downing is the original whammy bar player in metal. I find it stupid that K. K. Downing doesn't get attention from modern guitar players who use the whammy bar, usually without knowing who the guitarist was who influenced that kind of guitar playing. K. K. and Ritchie Blackmore are among the earliest metal whammy bar players and shredders in metal, before everybody started to bring some noise into their guitars.
Tom Morello

Thomas Morello is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and political activist. He's best known for his tenure with the band Rage Against the Machine and later with Audioslave. Morello's also known for his innovative guitar style and his solo project, The Nightwatchman.... read more

Without a doubt, better than Buckethead and all these other garbage guitarists, with respect to a few. He is presently the best guitarist on the planet still making new music. I don't care what people say about speed and all that jazz, but Tom takes the cake in today's world.