Top 10 Best Punk Rock Guitarists

The Top Ten

  1. Greg Ginn

  2. Johnny Ramone

    John William Cummings, known by his stage name Johnny Ramone, was an American guitarist and songwriter. He was a founding member of the influential punk rock band the Ramones. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, and Johnny Ramone remains recognized as one of punk's most... read more

    Johnny is the best punk rock guitarist. He invented punk rock guitar riffs.

    Johnny is better than Steve Jones. Even Billie is better than Steve Jones.

    Johnny is the best. He's my guitar inspiration. You don't need to know a lot of songs or chords. Just play.

    He influenced most punk guitarists. He originally started punk rock music.

  3. Dr. Know

    He has the best and most original sound as yet. He could adapt to any other genre without much effort, and I also speak of Jazz, to which Ginn has been linked. It's my humble opinion that Hendrix would have found the doctor quite interesting, given a time machine and a few minutes to listen. Not that it would be the thing for Hendrix, though listening, yes!

    I was going to vote for Greg Ginn, but then I remembered the solos that Dr. Know ripped on the Bad Brains self-titled album, especially on Big Takeover and Right Brigade. Those solos are just damn awesome.

  4. Billie Joe Armstrong

    Billie Joe Armstrong (born February 17, 1972) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and guitarist of the punk rock band Green Day, which he co-founded with Mike Dirnt.... read more

    Ok, I get that people say the Ramones are the best because they invented punk rock, but if Green Day was around back then, Billie's guitar wizardry would far surpass that of Johnny Ramone.

    Listen to 'Dry Ice,' 'Only of You,' 'Judge's Daughter,' 'One for the Razorbacks,' 'Jesus of Suburbia,' 'Still Breathing,' 'Give Me Novacaine,' 'Basket Case.' You'll eventually get what I'm getting at here.

    He comes up with the most melodic riffs and solos and is absolutely amazing live.

  5. Steve Jones

    Steve's guitar playing has changed my life and continues to be a resounding influence on me.

    He created some of the best punk riffs.

  6. East Bay Ray

    It's rare to listen to a punk rock record and think, "Wow, what a good and creative guitarist." Kudos to East Bay Ray for his "weird" solos and cool riffs.

  7. Brett Gurewitz

    The guy writes most of Bad Religion's songs. Enough said.

  8. Pig Champion

    Belongs way higher on this list. Way underrated and never skimped on precision or aggression.

  9. Johnny Thunders

    John Anthony Genzale Jr. (July 15, 1952 - April 23, 1991), better known by his stage name Johnny Thunders, was an American rock and punk guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame in the early 1970s as a member of the New York Dolls. Thunders later played with The Heartbreakers and also pursued... read more

    Just badass! Don't need to say any more.

  10. Mick Jones

    Mick Jones is probably the reason The Clash had so many great songs. His funky and bluesy guitar playing gave The Clash that unique edge, like on London Calling.

    He has made some of the best punk rock guitar riffs in songs like London Calling and Tommy Gun.

    White Man in Hammersmith Palais - listen to the intro.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Ron Emory

  12. ?

    Greg Sage

    13. The Contenders

  13. Tim Armstrong

    He's the best by a long shot. Innovative and has a great feel for his craft.

  14. Brian Baker

    How can we ignore a founding member of Minor Threat?

  15. Greg Hetson

  16. Rob Ramos

  17. Billy Zoom

  18. Ron Asheton

  19. Lyle Preslar

    Great guitarist! Underrated, in my opinion.

  20. Jake Kiley

  21. Tom DeLonge

    Thomas Matthew "Tom" DeLonge Jr. is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and film producer. He was born in Poway, California, on December 13, 1975. While in high school, he was expelled for drinking at a basketball game.... read more

    Most catchy, amazing melodic riffs... Exactly what you need from punk.

  22. Stephen Egerton

    Are you kidding me? Stephen is number one, and it's not close.

  23. Captain Sensible

    Still going strong, punk rock's Jimi Hendrix.

  24. Mike Ness

  25. Rikk Agnew

  26. Fletcher Dragge

    What's to say? He's probably the best one.

  27. Luke Pabich

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