Best Metal Guitarists

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The Top Ten

1Dave Mustaine - Megadeth

Dave was one of the pioneers of metal. His invention of the spider rhythm technique and his blistering solos inspired a generation. His solos are inventive, melodic and suit the songs perfectly. Dave has got to be the king!

Dave Mustaine is truly talented and truly the best. Most people forget that not only is he playing masterpieces, but he is also singing. He is WAY BETTER than Kirk Hammett. Kirk is better at playing other people's songs than his own. But Dave is better on his own AND other people's songs. Dave should be number one. No doubt about it. I bet if Metallica didn't kick out Dave, they wouldn't have any challenge. They would be a mono

Mustaine puts so much energy into his riffs, you can't deny he's one of the best. His solos blow your mind with his technical playing style.

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2Kirk Hammett - Metallica

This is a joke. Putting kirk hammett, the BEST GUITARIST OF ALL TIME second, and that to under a guy who's is miles from being the best guitarist on the planet - that is Dave Mustaine.
Kirk's leads are by far the most insane in the world, whether it is Jump In The Fire, Fade To Black, Creeping Death, Battery, Master Of Puppets, One, Dyers Eve, Fuel, Judas Kiss, All Nightmare Long... The list is endless.
Kirk's only match is Dimebag Darrell (another lead legend) who sadly, died to teach God the guitar.

Alas No1 he definitely deserves no1 position as he is the part of the epic GOD OF METAL band METALLIC. HIS SOLOS ARE UNMISTAKEABLY THE BEST OF BEST Enter sandman's badass wha solo, master of puppets, fade to black a very long list. Kirk Hammett joined Metallica in 1983 when Dave Mustaine was kicked out of the band because of his aggressive behaviour and drug abuse... Known for his confidence and passion while playing, Kirk always uses wah-wah pedal in his solos leaving everyone amazed and jealous of him

Perfect use of effects, shows his technique, shows how good he is on the guitar, but does not overdo it like many others do, he is just what Metallica needs, he is the first guy most people think of when someone mentions who is the best metal guitarist. Surely there are many other guitarists who are better players technically than kirk but no one else plays their solo with so much power, emotion and quality, he is excellent live, he is number one

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3Randy Rhoads - Ozzy Osbourne

This just demonstrates the folly of democracy. Either those who have voted for other guitarists have not listened to Randy Rhoads, or have rooted themselves in denial that any guitarist outside their obscure (probably destructive) taste could be any good. Randy Rhoads is the best metal guitarist because he doesn't play metal for the sake of metal. He plays music for the sake of music, and luckily for metalheads, he just happens to play metal. Maybe other guitarists are better at playing pretentiously technical arrangements on guitar in a metal format, but none are better at playing music in a metal format... Than the legendary Randy Rhoads.

He's the best. Those two at the top are metal Gods but more so with a complete band this is about best guitarist. You're confusing the two.

Randy, rest his soul, was one of the fastest guitar players in history. While he was only featured on 2 Ozzy albums, everyone was able to see why he was so great. He was just soulful enough to be truly great, while fast enough to melt even Medusa's face. Definitely the best metal guitarist.
1. Randy Rhodes (Ozzy Osbourne)
2. Kirk Hammet (Metallica)
3. Dimebag Darrel (Pantera)
4. Marty Friedman (NOT Dave Mustaine)
5. Chris Oliva (Savatage)

Hallowhat

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4Synyster Gates - Avenged Sevenfold

He's the most talented guitarist on the planet who has achieved this huge spot in a very young age. I bet in the upcoming few years he will be the number one in the greatest guitarists ever as he is number one in best metal/rock guitarist. His solos are full of feelings and creativity. This century has come for him.
Additionally, he is the most good looking guitarist ever... No offense!
-Syn

... Dave and kirk plays greatly, yet this guy can play better... Try listening to any song by the avenged sevenfold.. All have great instrumentals..

He playing very good in no matter type of music such as acoustic, solo, metal, rock and etc... He can play it better...

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5Dimebag Darrell - Pantera

dimebag should be number 1 no other guitarist can do or could do what he did he's the best end of story

Dimebag saved Heavy Metal.. Literally! More than once, with PanterA!
Even Dave Mustaine wanted him in Megadeth..
Kirk is just good.. Without the wah wah pedal, he would be nothing! James Hetfield is better than Kirk!

You just can't say anything bad about him, he had every thing, he could play fast techniques like no one could, and seriously I never heard someone play with so much feel.
Rip dimebag the best guitarist ever was we all love and miss you

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6John Petrucci - Dream Theater

Hands down the best Guitarist on this list easily! Kurt Hammett at #1? What a joke... He couldn't stand toe to toe with John Petrucci on Kurts best day and John sick with the flu in bed!

All in one... this man is an monster... No one here even close! he has study, feeling, experience and technics... all in one definitely

This guy play anything! He's probably the one who have the best technique.

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7Alexi Laiho - Children of Bodom

Hey, whoever made this is kind of stupid I guess. Alexi and all the guitar player listed here are just like listed the lord and slaves. He alexi are far higher than all of them.

This one should be voted number 1 because alexi was really fast. Just listen the song : Needle 24 7, every time I die. It has very fast guitar shred

Just go and watch cob live in Stockholm guys...
And for those who vote for kirk, go and read his interviews about the best guitarist of world! He himself said alexi.. Forgive me for my english

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8Dave Murray - Iron Maiden

This guy can play! That's the main thing you need to know...

kameel

Dave Murray should have been replaced with dave mustaine. It is sure that Iron Maiden is one of the best metal band of all time. Also known as NWOBHM. And the guitarists play the main role in metal songs. Dave Murray is a hero.

It's not about being the fastest, or heaviest guitar player. Rhodes would probably get my pick for best player of his time, but if you're talking longevity, there are not many that can compete with Murray for his amazing technical skill and memorable riffs. Not only that, but to be that consistently great for over 3 decades of kick-ass metal, is outstanding and noteworthy in its own right.

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9Slash - Guns N Roses

Even though he's NOT ACTUALLY A METAL GUITARIST he has an amazing sense of improvisation and melody, and sounds a hell of a lot better than the pick-thrashing that is played by metal artists nowadays

Slash is probably the best technician after Jimi Hendrix, and he is a important part of one of the best bands ever.. So, my vote goes to him.. My favorites are also Dimebag, Iommi and Hammet, though there are too many good guitar player, so in a probably in the next ten minutes I'll change my mind, and I'll say 'I forgot some excellent guitarist'.

The best guitarist is always and will always him. He Was AWESOME, no one can't beat him. He stunned us when he enter the fields.

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10Tony Iommi - Black Sabbath

Acts such as Cream, King Crimson, and Blue Cheer helped reshape rock music. However, it was not until Black Sabbath's arrival onto the budding heavy rock scene that the face of music would be changed forever. Tony Iommi took the blueprint set before by other musicians and added heavier distortion, lightning-fast solos, and killer riffs. Mixed with the gloomy and depressive lyrics of Geezer Butler (Geezer also gets credit for being one of the most creative bass players in heavy metal history), the wailing vocals of Ozzy Osbourne, and the pummeling drumming of Bill Ward the result was that of an unorthodox rock machine that favored dark topics of obscure over the optimism of the hippy-era. And the driving force behind the band's songs were Iommi's riffs.

Songs featuring notable riffs of Iommi: Black Sabbath, N. I. B. , War Pigs, Paranoid, Iron Man, Electric Funeral, Sweet Leaf, Children of the Grave, Lord of this World, Into the Void, Wheels of Confusion, Supernaut, Snowblind, Under the Sun, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, A National Acrobat, Hole in the Sky, Symptom of the Universe, Megalomania, etc.

WHAT? WHAT? WHAT! THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS WEBSITE! DOES IT HAVE NOTHING BUT KIDS ON IT? AWFUL. TONY IOMMI IS THE BEST! KIRK HAMMET IS NOTHING HE RIPPED OFF TONY AND EDDIE AND PUT A STUPID WAH-WAH PEDAL INTO IT AND THAT HIM THE BEST? LISTEN TO REAL MUSIC KIDS! GOD NOTHING BUT DAMN MAINSTREAM METAL FANS ON THIS WEBSITE! STUPID KID-I LISTEN TO METALLICA, SLIPKNOT, AND AVENGED SEVENFOLD BECAUSE ALL MY FRINDS DO TO I'M SUCH A REBEL MY PARENTS HATE ME EVEN THOUGH THEY BUY ME ALL OF MY SONGS MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES I HATE YOU POSERS! TONY IOMMI IS THE BEST BECAUSE HE IS THE FIRST! HE PUTS CARE AND SOUL IN HIS GUITAR PLAYING! STUPID KID-BUT HE IS SLOW! SO IS JIMI HENDRIX AND HE IS ONE THE BEST TO YOU IDIOT! BTW MICK THOMPSON IS ONE OF THE WORST HE SUCKS HE CANT SOLO STUPID KID BUT HE'S FAST!

mentalfeed70

The fact that Tony Iommi and his sledgehammer riffs aren't at the top of this list is practically spitting in the face of heavy metal. Iommi and his guitar practically created heavy metal. Any guitarist on this list would more than likely say Iommi influenced them in one way or another.

ybothermatt

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The Contenders

11James Hetfield - Metallica

this is totally unfair, james wrote all metallica's guitar parts and kirk just stood on stage and only played guitar solos

I like James the best because he comes up with legendary riffs and he can still play amazing solos even though he isn't the lead guitarist. He plays the ballad solo in to live is to die, the bluesy solo in master of puppets, the last solo in one and harmonizes with kirk in a lot of other songs.

In metal the rhythm licks are what drive the songs and are much more important to the music than solos. With the one exception of Dave Mustaine who is a god, Hetfield is above and beyond the greatest rhythm player in metal and he wrote all of metallica's guitar parts including the solos that kirk gets credit for. I think randy rhoads is #1 personally and mustaine, dimebag, and iommi follow him, but james should be top 5

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12Marty Friedman - Megadeth

If we would play a mindgame and say Friedman would have been in Metallica and Hammett would have been the lead guitarist in Megadeth than Marty would be on top with a rate of maybe 40% maybe less maybe more neverless doesn't matter, but he would be for sure on top. And if Kirk Hammett would be at Megadeth. It could have been the way that nearly no one even had voted for him. What I want to say is that Kirk just benefits in his votes by being a part of Metallica while Friedman isn't appreciated so much, even though his lead play is unique and way more harder to copy. I play the electric guitar for 19 years now and I am playing a lot of Solos of both bands, but when I play Martys solos I have to practice parts of them so often because they contain a way of playing you can't just learn like a typical solo, ok hard to explain here for a non solo guitarist, but I can tell you I am very very good in guitar playing and it is still so hard for me to learn martys solos, because your fingers have always to be in perfect position. While when I play Kirks its more like when they are in your mind you got them, sure Kirks got something special as well, but not as special as Friedmans. It is hard to understand if you can't play such speed, but it is really amazing how Martys solos are. He plays such hard stuff and it still sounds so powerful. I don't want to underestimate Kirks playing but Friedman has so much talent; Megadeth never would have had such good Albums, like they got today without Friedman.

Marty Friedman can kick all of their ass. 'Cause he has really a awesome technique. He can play fast and meaningful solos with no mistake

Mustaine the best metal guitarist? Far from it. He isn't even the best in his own band.
And I love metallica(still my favorite of the "big 4" but Marty Friedman is a better guitarist than Kirk Hammet.

Chris-1

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13Chuck Schuldiner - Death

Why is Chuck not at least number ten? He might not have sold as well as Metallica or Megadeth, but his legacy was HUGE! He may have single-handedly created the entire Death Metal genre, thus inspiring countless musicians, including myself.
His writing and playing skill was no joke either.

chrisseafoodfu

Chuck needs to be at least in the top 10 he may not be the best shredder like Randy Rhoads but his songwriting is unmatched. I'm sick of these posers who think sinister gates is a god at everything on a guitar and for the record avenged sevenfold isn't even a metal band.

Synsyter Gates? Really? All those solos are like the same, only fast shredding, no creativity, no meaning of the solo, nothing. Chuck Schuldiner should be at least in the top five, his solos are legendary and memorable. Listen to solos in the symbolic album for instance (crystal mountain, misanthrope etc)

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14Jimmy Page - Led Zeppelin

Jimmy Page is the reason that most kids have picked up a guitar in the first place. He is the god of the fretboard, without denial. I think that he should easily be at #1!

I changed my mind as an atheist when I first heard Jimmy Page's guitar playing. Since then I believe in the god of guitars.

Jimmy is the best!

15Steve Belong

He's not famous but is definitely worthy of being on the list. He's a seriously high octane guitarist, very fast and articulate. All of the technical skills are there : Scaling, Sweep Picking, Tapping, String Skipping, Harmonizing, Legato, etc, but he also possesses a fantastic sense of melody and emotion.

16Eddie Van Halen - Van Halen

Eruption is an epic song. End of story.
Why is Eddie at 25th? I respect Kirk and Slash and all the others, but EVH is the real deal, the original.

Best on the list, Van Halen live was awesome No others could hold a candle to this man.

Should have been in the Top Ten.
Set the standard for heavy metal Guitarist!
Probably the most copied guitarist ever

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17Steve Vai

Steve vai is one of the greatest legend guitarist of all time!
He is obvious amazing guitar hero in new generation and forever.
Nobody is compare with steve vai skills except his master joe satriani.

Steve Vai is one of those who has influenced me deeply. He is a God's incarnation. Nobody's skills are meant to be compared to his. His solos are just to incredible.

.. Best tone comming out of his fingers... Passion, creativity, control, shredding skills, humor.. All on highest level!

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18Adrian Smith

I think is the number 1 guitarist of the world
His is better than dave murray. He plays godly solos

His melodic riffs make Maiden music the great metal materpieces that they are!

Kickass guitarist. He can indeed "pluck the notes right out of the air. "!

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19Daron Malakian - System of a Down

Why System of a Down is just so awesome. Listen to the intro of B.Y.O.B. and the solo in Lonely Day and tell me that isn't good. Did I forget to mention he's kinda cute?

every riff this guy creates is just SO brilliant. listen to SOAD!

He's awesome ^^ his guitar playing is awesome... Specially is darts

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20Mick Thompson - Slipknot

mick's shredding skills, guitar design, and sheer amazing riffs should put him as number one

He's simply outstanding and is one of my favorite guitarists. He should be rated in the top ten list

Just listen to before I forget. Better than any modern guitarists, although dave mustaine is just the master of the guitar

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21Jason Becker

Jason did what Eddie Van Halen did for rock guitar for metal guitar. He took Malmsteen's and Rhoads' technique to the upmost level, and put undeniable passion in every note he played. It is a shame that he was stricken down with ALS. He is the greatest to live.

Jason's Skill was undeniable....anyone who has heard his music should know that it is one of the most amazing things ur ears have ever heard..jason is hands down...the greatest...

Jason Becker was a best guitarist I've ever seen, His guitar playing was unbelievable. He is very good man. If he able to play guitar now than he could be the number 1 guitarist of the world. We love him very much.

22Yngwie Malmsteen

I love this guy! I have ADD and drinks pots of coffee so I need a guy that plays like this! Thanks Yngwie!

Seriously, you know yngwie basically gave birth to speed metal because of his extremeley progressive solos and all guitar parts he brought you a new genre, as a neoclassical guitarist myself I am really dissapointed that synistergates was voted before yngwie malmsteen

Yngwie is superb Guitarists his tone & rhythm is one of the best ever

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23Herman Li

Are you guys kidding me? Seriously bands like mettalica are total crap. They are not even real metal. What bands like dragonforce play is beyond the capabilities of anyother. As for herman li, no one and I mean NO ONE can match his skills, speed and technique. Not petrucci, not synister, not hammett not mustaine, even sam totman( the rythme guitarist of df) is nowhere near good as herman li. If you want real metal listen to this guy otherwise go for mettalica or dream theater

I love the speed, skill, and the effects of course. Just listen to Dragon Force's song: "Heroes Of Our Time" and "Through The Fire And The Flames"

He should be in top 1! You should see the way he played, from: play on the TOP of the neck, play with his tongue, the speed, the effects, and else. Although he was self-thought, but he's very talented. You can hear his solo in "Through The Fire And The Flames" song m/

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24K.K. Downing - Judas Priest

Sophisticated, atmospheric and completely supporting Rob (Priest's vocalist) with out-if-this-world musical riffs. A genious.

25Zakk Wylde

zakk is the best guitarist of the world is fast & have the best sound

carlos

Zakk Wylde's middle name is epic... I think thats enough said.

No metalhead can match Zakk's skill, he is the best at what he does, and what he does is awesome!

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26Mark Morton- Lamb of God

Starting to sound like a groove metal poll? Mark Morton has never wrote a riff that wasn't heavy, every song stays brutal. As far as rythems I say lamb of god can create more ass kicking mayhem than pantera. Even. Not the memorable soloist petrucci or dimebag are. But still an extremely underrated soloist. Plus he has a sweet beard

The man is a complete legend.

Whats this? He must way up the list.. He's just awesome to hear.. Listen to walk with me in hell, again we rise, ghost walking etc

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27Michael Angelo Batio

Best guitarist ever, even better then Hendrix

You people are crazy! Go listen to his solos and you tell me that he isn't better then kirk. Look up how long he has been playing. Watch his videos and how he plays! Worth it!

He should be number one, speed, skill, and technicality, no one close to him, except maybe petrucci.

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28Matt Tuck

The best metal guitarist ever I've heard. Playing is amazing, singing is fantastic. The metal god, is here. Vote for him guys, don't you like the best guitarist and singer.

He has some different style and can shred as well as play rhythm, really cool guitarist and the band "bullet for my valentine is wicked awesome... Love them and their songs... And he sings great too...! He should hve been in the top 10...

What could anyone say ever about his playing and singing. A bit disappointed to see him so down in this list. Maybe the the list is incorrect

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29Glenn Tipton - Judas Priest

Guitarist superfine should be on the top list
One of the of the world

Glenn Tipton should be first, he plays at a level that no one else can play at he's better than hammet and mustaine for sure his best solos are ram it down painkiller touch of evil and there are a lot more good solos to and his best riffs are touch of evil painkiller breaking the law and there also a lot more

Glenn Tipton is my favorite guitarist and he plays for my favorite metal band he's the best along with yngwie malmsteen (don, t know if I spelled his name right) and randy Rhoads

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30Paul Gilbert

HE IS NOT AS FAMOUS AS MUSTAIEN OR HAMMET, BUT HE'S GOT MORE TALENT THAN BOTH GUYS

Paul Gilbert, who teaches music theory and can play any style you can think of. Seriously, if this is a list of 'talent'... Then many of you don't have an ear for Mr. Gilbert. If you're a guitar musician, you know who Paul Gilbert is - period.

Agreed most of the people who vote on this list aren't guitarists. Paul gilbert is probably the most under rated guitarist I've heard. Type in scarified on you tube and u'll see why

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31Michael Romeo - Symphony X

One of the most skilled guitarists I've ever listened to. He should work on putting feeling into his playing, but in terms of raw skill he gets a 10. He is definitely in my top 15.

An excellent, well polished guitarist. He's actually a musician I'd consider learning from. His power and skill are wonderful, but he should work on putting feeling into his technique.

An excellent guitarist to say the very least. He is crrently in my top five best unrecognized guitarists on the planet.

32Joe Satriani

I also am quite surprised not to find Joe Satriani in your top ten, but then he's never really played in any real popular bands. Always the lone wolf. However that may be, He is definitely up there with the best of them. He and John Petrucci of Dream Theatre and Liquid Tension Experiment are two of my most favorite guitar players in the world that I can listen to anytime day or night.

Yeah, not many kids know who he is, granted. I'm 14 and know who he is and how amazing of a guitarist he is. So not many kids know him, but remember this is a METAL guitarist list, and Joe isn't really metal. That said, as an overall guitarist, Joe should be number 1

Am I one of the only ones who know what they are talking about here. Satriani has taught the best of the best, hamme and vai. Joe is the best guitarist out of all listed. Unfortunately it is obvious that no bossy knows him and his guitar magic seriously search him up.

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33Michael Paget - Bullet For My Valentine

Great guitarist. Just nails every note perfectly and clearly. Solos are so memorable and with great taste. He's not the most technical guitarist, but is very creative with his leads and riffs. Dude is nasty!

Padge is so talented. He is a beast on the guitar. One the electric, his intensely powerful solos are fierce- and written for Matt (lead singer) to join in such perfect harmonies, it sends shivers down my spine. Same applies to his acoustic talent-first time I heard it, my soul was at ease. Awesome, awesome guitarist and awesome awesome awesome band! I own every single song they have ever made to date.

The best one ever my band's lead guitarist is greatly inspired by this young man. I future him and bullet for my valentine will be the best they are improving rapidly and are coming up really great I wish he was there in the top 20s. Anyway he will soon make his way

34Jeff Loomis

Probably one of the most under-appreciated guitarists ever. There is no excuse not to have him in the top 10. He can sweep better than almost anyone(Devil Theory, This Godless Endeavor), has written some of the best riffs I've ever heard and most of all isn't just a mindless shredder like so many.

one of the smartest and talented guitarist in terms of metal! one of the great member pf nevermore,.. he should be at top5 ;)

Incredibly underrated and overlooked. Amazing arpeggios, especially diminished arps. He could run circles around every player in the top 10... even the robot known as Petrucci.

audiobyrne

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35John 5

It doesn't matter if he is playing metal, country or whatever, it always sounds great! His ablities are unbelievable!

You damn! How can you rated him so low... ?

36Phil Demmel - Machine Head

37Scott Ian

Scott Ian is one bad to the bone metal guitarist.

38hide - X Japan

He should be in the top ten people vote for him. The reason you should vote for him because 1. He really is a badass guitarist 2. He has the fastest beats he can play really fast sometimes I can't keep up! And 3. He is also a very good songwriter and singer he is very talented so amazing he is the number1 guitarist in my book!

Same with me and yes his is a badass guitarist so amazing and what is more amazingis... HE HAS PINK HAIR! Haha his pink hair is cute he is very cute! He is the kind that can look cute and innocent when he's not being so innocent hehe!

Hide is THE BEST GUITARIST in THE WORLD!

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39Mikael Akerfeldt

Only Guitarist / Growler / melodious singer in the world! LONG LIVE AKERFELDT!

He got me into metal in the first place.
He's influenced so many of my composition.
Every time I hear his growls, It raises raises goosebumps over my arms.
If I had to listen to one band forever more, It would be Opeth.

The greatest guitarist, the greatest singer/growler, the greatest songwriter ever! Long live mikael and OPETH!

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40Luke William Fielding (Legend)

I have had the priviledge to see him live and even meet him, he gets my vote and I do believe he is the best metal guitarist in the world but hes quite up himself, needs a personality check

FATRESS

I have heard this man play and sing and think that he is the best I have ever heard in a very long time, come on everyone vote for Luke.

luke william fielding has been very successful in his short but great career. he has come up with solos that i only dream i could play. this man, maybe in a few years, could be compared to the legends of heavy metal guitarist such as dave mustaine, kirk hammett, dimebag darell, kerry king, zakk wylde, eddie van halen, steve vai, buckethead and slash. i dont see why you wouldnt want a true hero to top this list. im not saying that dave mustaine isnt a legend. vote fielding.

pooisgood

41Buckethead

puts so much passion into every note, such an amazing player, should be a lot higher on the list

Very underrated, and Metallica is my favorite band, yet that doesn't mean Kirk is the best guitarist, he is a little overrated in my opinion...

doodad

If you have not heard of him check him on you tube you will be blown awy i promise.... simply amazing!!!!

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42Kurt Cobain - Nirvana

43Emppu Vuorinen - Nightwish

when he plays he don't hit the strings, he dances with em!

What can be said? He is amazing, his guitar skills are beyond mortal man. He is hands down the best guitarist going ever.

One of the most underrated guitar players ever exist. He plays metal riffs in the most interesting, evocative and yet melodic way.

44Max Cavalera - Sepultura, Soufly, Cavalera Conspiracy

45Don Donegan - Disturbed

dan donegan, is one of the best guitarists ever and easily my favourite. Solos in songs such as Inside the fire, torn, the night, remnants, stricken, 3 and many more show is amazing skills. Amazing live as well. Disturbed are my favourite band and he would be the biggest reason why!

46Richie Blackmore

This guy needs to be at the very top. Seriously speed does not make you a great guitarist.

I've lost faith in music! Half of these guitarists aren't even metal.

BETTER THAN JIMMY PAGE...
... THAT�'S WHAT I WANTED TO SAY...
MY LIFE IS COMPLETE NOW.

R.I.P. jON LORD. (16.07.2012)
I MISS YOU.

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47Brendon Small - Dethklok

Shreds quicker than anyone I've ever heard while still being melodic

Listen to Thunderhorse or Laser Cannon Deth Sentence and you will agree with me.

One of the most unique sounding guitarists out there. He was able to record all the Dethklok tracks in studio by himself.

48Jani Liimatainen

You know, it saddens me when there are these morons that actually think Kirk Hammett or Dimebag was the greatest, yet when there are so many great underground metal guitarists like Jani Liimatainen who would whoop them! He should be one of the top 10. Along with Mike Davis too, another really underrated guitarist.

Jani friggin' owns. Go listen to FullMoon, Still Loving You, Wolf and Raven... Hell, I could go on for ages... (Just avoid Fade to Black, that's not so good). Sonata Arctica FREAKIN' RULE!

jani is really good... i just wish more ppl would listen to sonata arctica... maybe not the fastest maybe not the best but one of my favourites!!!

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49Alex Lifeson - Rush

One of the most under rated guitar players His guitar playing stands out I'm most of Rush's songs even though he is over shadowed by arguably the best drummer Neil Peart and Bassist Geddy Lee in rock

Working Man, 2112 Overture, The Trees, Freewill, Circumstances, Spirit of the Radio, Tom Sawyer, Limelight... Alex' integration of acoustic classical guitar and tight electric within a piece of music make for some of the best rock guitar ever.

50Angus Young - AC/DC

The best of all time, slash isn't even that good he just plays easy songs

not really metal but very underrated, also one of the best showmen ever

DeathToMayo

I've been to 3 AC/DC concerts. In every one I don't remember Angus taking a break. He was out there playing his soul out the whole time. There is no one that can compare. It's true that his stuff isn't overly complicated, but that doesn't make a good Guitarist, Showmanship Is a large part of the entertainment value. Isn't that why we go to concerts in the first place?

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51Mick Mars - Motley Crue

Not technically metal but for a glam rock guitarist his guitar solo's really were awesome!

52Matthew Heafy- Trivium

Seeing as Corey is higher up on this list. It's Matt's turn to shine. A great riffer, and great at composing driving epics, the reason he is much lower in this list is the fact that he doesn't record any rhythm tracks on trivium records, I have seem them live and he is badass live and could easily record most of the record himself. But since he didn't, he gets the #9 spit. A great lead player, just doesn't always write as interesting leads as Corey. But considering that he does solos, rythems, sings and screams as well as he does at the same time. He definitely redeemed himself enough to get back on this list.

Damn, he is so much better that that Matt Tuck guy.
He is the better Singer, Songwriter and most important: the better Guitarist.

Mathew heafy and corey beaulieu are fantastic they're solos are hard and unbelievable

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53Tosin Abasi - Animal As Leaders

Wow he can shred faster than I make your mother cum. He leaves you wanting more and more. In CAFO he plays fast and amazingly. He's the black metals god, bow down to this man. His technique is flawless and has a band built around his awesomeness, much better than stupid metalcore guitarists stuck in drop d whilst cutting their wrists. Tonsin Abasi all the way.

I think he is one of the only modern guitarists that tries to be different.. His playing is just amazing and in a few years he will be well known...

Great skills, tecnical, armonic, the best guitarist and the more underestimated one

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54Richard Z. Kruspe - Rammstein

Really talented and brilliant guitarist! R.Z. K forever! <3

55Kerry King

This freaks me out that Kerry King isn't listed as one of the best guitarist in the world. Who plays faster, tighter, and cleaner than him. Whether you listen to him live or recorded you cannot tell the difference. Slayer has 3 of the best musicians in metal/thrash. King, Hannemin and Lombardo.

The metal guitar leader, near 30 years of Fast loud metal at his best heil the king!

Slayers lead guitarist. I don't even know how they get through an entire set list at the rate they play.

DieForMetal555

56Michael Amott - Arch Enemy

Good guitarrist of metal

Mick amott is the best guitarist of the year 2012! This solo are very expressive! Look the solo of shadow and dust!

57Matt Pike

58Donald Buck Dharma Roeser

Amazing how Buck Dharma goes under the radar. Taking all things into account E.G. musical ear, creativity, technique, speed, dynamics, riff writing, song writing, singing, etc. Buck Dharma is in a league of his own. There is no one that comes even close, no one. And he's been doing it consistently for 40 years.

One word encompasses Buck's guitar playing. UNDERRATED. No one has the ability to do what Buck does with a guitar, as well as he does. Buck often combines the speed, heaviness, complexity, and melodic qualities of several higher rated guitarists in a single solo. There is no one better than Buck, a true Pioneer of American metal, Buck deserves better.

Buck Dharma's guitar playing is memorizing; not just the playing talent, but the sounds that forever stayed in my musical soul. In my book, there is no finer guitar player, no more perfect sound, than that of Buck. I've watched him play since I was a teenager and after all these years, I still feel the same. Move over Hendrix and Clapton, the real master of guitar playing is Donald Roeser!

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59Zacky Vengeance

Better chord guitar

I love him

He can play the sound that so have power

He's my idol

He definitely is no Synyster Gates, but he can shred up right along side him when he needs to!

39? Is that a joke? So underrated. He played all the main guitar in the first couple of albums leading up to city of evil... He's better than 39..

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60Fredrik Thordendal - Meshuggah

Wow I'm really surprised fredrik wasn't up here yet. Anyways if you've never listened to meshuggah please do and if you are looking for some of the best guitar work around listen to new millennium cyanide christ, combustion, bleed, rational gaze, I, or Fredrik's solo work Sol Niger Within.

NO one Can play any GGUUIITTAARR like this man...! His Head-banging is Awesome and his Beard and hair... They jsut fit... Listen to his solos... Fckn incredible!

61Sander Gommans - After Forever

62Cipher - D'erlanger

one of the most influential guitarists in japan in terms of hard rock, rock, metal

ronluna

cipher is kauru of dir en grey's idol

ronluna

63Josh Christian

64Muhammad Suicmez

best guitarist on earth. no doubt. number one.

Two albums, EPIC! He produced the entire album himself. The drum tracks the guitars, the bass, this guy is THE modern GERMAN legend. People just have to listen to his classically influenced technical Compositions in death metal and understand the reason behind me writing a short story about his EPICNESS!

just listen to mutilate the stillborn, only ash remains, intestinal incubation, or symbiotic in theory and tell me thats not awesome

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65Jim Root - Slipknot

Excellent melody, rhythmic notes. The solos just flow through your ears. Should be at the top with Mick Thomson.

He belongs at the top. A true guitar god. Smooth solos that give you chills

What? HE SHOULD BE ON the TOP HIS SOLOS are not Just Fast but he puts his soul into it. His SOLOS beat overrated guitarists like SYNSTER GATES. Please vote.

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66Kaoru - Dir en grey

Kaoru is a truly amazing and talented guitarrist. His guitar skills are awesome, and the guitar solos are simply breathtaking! And he's also a songwriter, and has given some of the most beautiful songs to Dir en grey.

Die is great, but Kaoru is better XD

saya

As the others said, Kaoru is a great guitarist, I don't know if it's better than Die, but he doesn't lose quatity because of that.

67Stevie Ray Vaughan

The only man who can make you say Damn that's as good as Hendrix without being the same!

68Lemmy - Motorhead

I don't care if Lemmy's a bass guitarist, he knocks all these other guy's socks off by just strumming a note! HE IS GOD! THE ONE AND ONLY RULER OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD!

69Kostas (Gus G.) Karamitroudis - Firewind

He not only has such raw skill, he is also incredibly melodic. For example listen to the fire and the fury. In that example he shows great speed, emotion and awesome rhythm, what more can one ask for?

amazing, The fact that Ozzy has considered this guy to be one of the best he's ever worked with, this man will be legendary!

An amazing guitarist. He is one of my idols, a man whose skill cannot be described with words alone.

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70Jon Schaffer - Iced Earth

Jon Schaffer should be number 1! if not, then at least in the top 10! His left hand and right hand are bionic! He's fast as hell and definitely beats kirk hammet not only does he play monster riffs but also does backing vocals!

People should listen to this guys riffs before voting to anyone else. Voting for Kirk is a joke compared to the quality of other musicians on this list.
Jon Schaffer top 5.

How the hell did Dan Donegan beat Jon Schaffer!? How the hell did Kirk Hammet beat Schaffer! This guy is the riff MASTER, goddamn it!

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71Marc Rizzo

his solo albums are godlike shred. enough shred to demolish a library.

72Hizaki

Hizaki is great. Not just because of his skills in playing and composing the best symphonic metal I have ever heard, but also because he is modest and has time for his fans. Also his recent participation in fundraising for victims of the japanese tsunami raised my respect for this guy. What can I say, this guy is the best! WE ARE VERSAILLES!

73Jeff Waters - Annihilator

Oh I'm shocked he is not in the list. Guys listen to him and you'll know why he is the best.
Mine top 3
1) Dave Mustaine
2) Jeff waters
3) John Petruci

deadlydawn

Personally, I think mustaine is the best, but I voted for waters because he is SO underrated, jut listen to W. T. Y. D. And pretty much all of the Alice in hell album, and you'll be convinced he should be in the top 10

Studio perfect even live! Amazing

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74Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker - the guitarist of this world. So low in the list. Why is that? I think the main reason for this is because he never pursued fame as some people listed above. Kurt Kobain for example - how voted for this guy?

75Syu - Galneryus

Syu is outstanding and deserves to be in the top ten and considering who else is on here it is dissapointing. On another note where the hell is Hizaki? Hizaki should be at the top of this list.

This guy definitely needs to be in the top 5, easily. He rips harder than about 90% of this list!

It has no Fame in america, but he's a superb guitarrist, he deserves to be at the top 10, just listen his live performances and you'll see! He has a lot of technique and energy

76Troy Azagthoth (Morbid Angel)

Come on guys. Trey azagthoth is the best death metal guitarist ever. He definitely deserves a place in the top ten list. Hasn't anyone ever heard the brutal riffs he composes? In my opinion he's the best guitarist

Too Low.
He deserves to be much higher.
Maybe even top ten.

Should be in the top 10 easily better than some of the guys in the top ten right now

77Pat O'Brien - Cannibal Corpse

He is a god, with his bcrich he is undefeatable, just check out his solos in followed home and killed. He is the best guitarist this world has ever known
my best five
1-pat o'brian
2-dino cazares
3-willie adler
4-dallas toller wade
5-mick thompson

78Chris Broderick - Jag Panzer, Megadeth

Best guitarist to ever play in Megadeth, which is saying a lot.

Even if is creation skill is not the best technically he is easily in the top 10 best technical guitarist spot than Hammett can't even be in top 200 we have Mustaine to create awesome riff and lyric and Broderick to play it perfectly

I highly rate Marty Friedman. But Chris is a better guitar player than Marty Friedman. Chris is the best modern Metal guitarist.

79Die - Dir en grey

He's a gifted man, his style is always pleasently loud and notoriousley fast

Die is just pure awesome definitely deserves to be on this list but he could be on the top ten no he deserves the top 10 kaoru is good to

He is a great guitarist! He's the best!

80Steve Stevens

One of the best ever. Michael Jackson and Billy Idol will both agree, I assure you.

81Jeff Hanneman

.. He must be at top 20... What people WAKE UP... Kirk Hammet JUST SSUCKS... I listen to Metallica very much.. But no... HE IS NOT ONE OF THE BESTS>>>>>>>>>>>

85 you gotta be joking Hanneman is easily number two while Mustaine is number one

Jeff & King are in my top 10! Reign in blood is my all time favorite album!

82Jon Donais - Shadows Fall

IVE SEEN THIS GUY LIVE AND IT WOULD HAVE TO HAVE BEEN THE BEST PERFORMANCE I'VE EVER SEEN

83Dan Jacobs

no doubt.. belongs in top ten

although atreyu aren't that big... yet.. He is an amazing guitarist

84Steve Clark - Def Leppard

Can't believe he is only 85th! Definitely Leppard always seems to get overlooked and yet it something I still listen to. Watching his performances he IS the music! Presence and power with some of the most memorable guitar solos. Wish alcohol had not taken him too soon...

Such an underrated guitarist. The songs he wrote had great rhythm as well as the lead parts. 'Switch 625', 'Die Hard The Hunter', 'Photograph', 'Rock Of Ages', 'Love Bites', 'Gods Of War. Anything from the first album to Hysteria, you can hear his sound influencing the band through those albums. He played to the song and wrote most of DL's music, plus he had awesome stage presence.

85Oli Herbert - All That Remains

he's like god with a guitar and he also has one of the most epic beards of all time

someguy12345

86Timo Tolkki - Stratovarius

He has speed (in stratosphere he sounds just like a violin), quality and a great knowleadge of barroq style. All of that makes him a considerable top ten. METAL

There is a simple pleasure in listening to this guitarist.

skinsman

This is the best because he has the feeling, and his compositions are beautiful and amazing, the way he plays is his own, it is TIMO TOLKKI!

87Jack E. Lee

Great guitar player listen to ozzy's bark at the moon CD

88C. C. DeVille - Poison

one of the most influential metal guitarists of the 80s

C.C. DeVille is easily one of the best players to ever to pick-up the instrument.

All those who bag DeVille and his playing do so only because they were once turned on by his appearance and hate themsleves for that, but take it out on DeVille.

Be it in his riffs or solos, a brilliantly talented guitarist is Mister C.C. DeVille.

89Phill Collen - Def Leppard

was part of my favorite band to me he was the 2 best guitarists guitarist of the 80's besides eddie van halen should be higher on the list totally top ten material

90Ron Jarzombek

I know this list and lists like it are all subjective. I'm just glad that he got a mention. Extremely talented, and way underrated.

This guitarist is from a group called Watchtower, and has a separate group called Spastic Ink. His playing is pretty amazing, and very technical. It is a blast to listen to. Love that Wild Hare. If you love complicated speed thrashing metal, have a listen.

91Ace Frehley - KISS

Ace Frehley has influenced so many people that are playing now days. He is a metal legend and a bad ass guitar player. Classic Rock is true metal. Rock n Roll!

92Alex Skolnick

Why is alex at 64? Definitely one of the most diverse guitarists out there, which shows from his soft metal, to death metal, to his jazz trio he is currently part of, not to mention being one of the lead guitarist for the philharmonic orchestra.. Testament!

This man is EVERYTHING a metal guitarist should be. Heavy, melodic, fast, precise, technically sound, innovative and a great song writer. He's way more enjoyable to listen to than many on this list, in my opinion.

One of the greatest guitarists in early thrash metal. He (along with Chuck Billy) put Testament on the map and his skill is widely acknowledged and respected in the thrash scene.

thethrasher

93Skwisgaar, Dethklok

should definitely be in or at least near the to 10

94Gary Holt - Exodus

95Eddie Clarke - Motorhead

Fast Eddie Clark deserves to be with his contemporaries like Adrian Smith, Glenn Tipton, and Tony Iommi. He was a key figure in combining heavy metal with punk rock and incredibly underrated.

96Ben Bruce - Asking Alexandria

97Aoi - the GazettE

98Mike Davis - Nocturnus

Mike Davis never got the exposure or respect he deserved, just listen to 'The Key' or even 'Thresholds' for example for sick/creative and unpredictable shredding skills

Mike Davis is a freaking virtually unknown legend. You have guys like Kirk Hammet going, "ooh, listen to my wah! Aren't I so great? " when you have guys like Mike Davis that whoops the crap outta him but isn't even considered a legend simply becuase he's a death metal guitarist. FOR SHAME!

99Vinnie Vincent - KISS, Vinnie Vincent Invasion

100Ihsahn - Emperor

This list is awful. Do avenged sevenfold fans listen to anything other than avenged sevenfold?

Some of the all time best riffs ever were written by this man! Plus, the 8-string work on his newest album are fantastic!

sorteal

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List Info

This list was created 6 years, 129 days ago and has been voted on over 15,000 times. This top ten list contains 156 items, has been remixed 24 times and has been blogged about 2 times.

Updated Saturday, May 25, 2013

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