Greatest Guitarists Ever

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Vote for Slash 1) Slash

I’VE NEVER HEARD A SOLO LIKE THE ONE HE PLAYED IN NOVEMBER RAIN, AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT ALL THOSE INTROS LIKE SWEET CHILD O’ MINE, WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, PARADISE CITY, CIVIL WAR, ESTRANGED, ETC.

cause hes just so awesome at it point blank

hereforem

he is the best

faaiq


Vote for Jimi Hendrix, The Jimi Hendrix Experience 2) Jimi Hendrix, The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Slash!? give me a freaking break. jimi hendrix was and is the greatest. no doubt. slash had chops, but jimi’s a god

nbsabat

I worship this man. He is THE god of guitar.

e55champ

has touched so many lives n to think he only died at 27...

spitpoetry


Vote for Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin 3) Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin

greatest guitarist of all time. some say hendrix is the greatest, and i have to hand it to him, he deserves no less than 2nd greatest. but jimmy’s extremely wide diversity and unbeatable songwriting skills definitely earn him the place at the top

As a true musical virtuoso, Mr. Page has been a pioneer for all guitarists who have followed. The beauty and complexity of his compositions and performances produce an emotion in the listener emanating from the very depths of ones soul. Many guitarists have attempted to duplicate his sound but fail miserably. He and the other extremely talented members of Led Zeppelin composed and performed without limits. Jimmy Page is and probably always will be the greatest guitar player ever.

Slash shouldn’t really be number 1. He is good but better thatn Jimmy Page and Jimi Henderix I think not. They both are the greatest guitarest of all time. Slash is great and inspirational but not the best.

Tim09


Vote for Synyster Gates, Avenged Sevenfold 4) Synyster Gates, Avenged Sevenfold

Great Riffs. Plays Guitar as clean as anyone right now.

synyster gates, so cool, his solos was so very good.. and I like it listening A7x songs

laurence3x

Best guitarist today. His solos are flat out ridiculous. The solos in afterlife and bat country just render you speechless.

willzy17


Vote for Kirk Hammett, Metallica 5) Kirk Hammett, Metallica

He’s not the best, but man is he good. He’s definitely heavy metal, and can go insane with a guitar. If you’ve heard him play any of his better songs, you’ll know what I mean.

he’s an amazing guitarist and he goes crazy with his guitar, I’ve never ever heard someone play better solos than him.

hammett45

amazing guitarist! listen to the solo in master of puppets.. its insane

kameel


Vote for Tariqh Akoni 6) Tariqh Akoni

1. I find his leads matching the emotions.
2. A great sound engineer himself.

indradutt

Tariqh is a wonderful person as well as being a fantastic guitarist. Anyone who is taught by him will gain real skills and be blessed by this lovely, bright, caring, smiley man!
Tariqh - you Rawk!

Jerusha

He’s just cool!

Suzypooh


Vote for Eddie Van Halen, Van Halen 7) Eddie Van Halen, Van Halen

Eddie not only played like anyone before him, he made his own equipment as well, unlike everybody else on this list!

I don’t know who wrote this list but eddie is 20 times the guitarist that prince will ever be. just listen to eruption and you tell me different rock on eddie

One of the most skilled and innovative guitarists ever. Fastest right hand in the business.


Vote for Buckethead 8) Buckethead

You name em, I’ve seen em live. Except Hendrix. Buckethead is the best live performance I’ve ever seen. He’s absolutely unbelieveable. Unique, rare talent.

Buckethead’s unique style and impossible guitar solos make him the best guitarist. No one can or has gotten close to how wonderful his style sounds. Nor has a guitarist been able to rip such insane, long guitar solos. If Buckethead isn’t using his trademark style, he is playing metal/techno/chicken-picking/thrash metal/experimental/jazz/rock/and many more.

Buckethead cannot be on top because of simply his popularity. He chose to release his albums secretly and let it out by word, so only about two people know his name(under-exageration). Just buy an album and see for yourself, you will find yourself a new favorite.

buckethead should be the first guy on this list. this is simply because his solos are better than anyone elses, and he knows the guitar better than anyone else I have heard of.

guitarheromaster542


Vote for Prince 9) Prince

Prince is well known for being able to play many instruments and there is no doubt within the music industry that he is one the worlds leading guitarists. Prince taught himself to play by the age of 13 and by 16 was able to play Santana note for note. When he hit the mainstream with his first album at the age of 20 he was already being compared to the likes of Hendrix. And he still had a long way to go.

One thing that become apparent very early on with Prince was that he wasn’t tied down to one style of music and excelled with a versatility not seen in anyone else before or since. Because of this versatility not all his released music is guitar focused and therefore he hasn’t always been judged for his skills as a guitarist.

Arranging and Producing his own music from the beginning Prince has also become an extremely adept guitar engineer in the studio and live on stage with an ability to manage a wide range of effects simultaneously, whilst also arranging the other band members’ sections.

His ability to play guitar at the top of his game in all styles of music shows how skillful he is, and there has not been one stage he has performed on where he hasn’t torn the house down.

From loud, dirty, distorted and burning fast to slow acoustic and emotionally charged playing, Prince’s range on guitar is even larger than that of his vocal range. There are technical guitarists and there are talented guitarists and then there is simply Prince.

Musical genius who has mastered all known instruments known to man! Not really! But is Eric Clapton’s favorite guitarist!

You have to give it to this guy. Very underrated as a guitar player, it’s a shame his public image over-shadows the incredible talent this man possesses. Dig a little, check this guy’s guitar playing, a little bit of Santana, a lil’ bit of Hendrix, with his own stamp on it! Could play any style with anyone and still come out on top! You should also hear this guy play piano too!


Vote for Neal Schon, Journey 10) Neal Schon, Journey

Kicks ass man!

Neal rocks! He’s my idol!

JourneyRcks

Neal rocks!

bhourn



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Choices Not In The Top Ten

Vote for Tomo Milicevic, 30 Seconds To Mars 11) Tomo Milicevic, 30 Seconds To Mars

Tomislav is the greatest guitarist I’ve ever seen , plz echelon vote 4 him, SPREAD THE WORD {Mars is Coming}

apocalypticsoldier95

TOMO THE BEST!

Marsia

He is the soul of the guitar! He is the Best! And he loves to play the guitar!
30 seconds to Mars 4ever!
Provehito in altum!

loralei

Vote for hide (X Japan) 12) hide (X Japan)

He was the best guitarist ever! If he was American he woulb be first in the list...!

Xxgrplayer

He was fantastic guitarist!
rest in peace hide!

Xxgrplayer

J-Rock music founder...
he was the greatest influence...
no doubt about it...

akira_llolonois

Vote for Matthias Jabs 13) Matthias Jabs

Matthias Jabs is the best...
He’s so cool..
The greatest guitarist ever...

canessie

I love Matthias Jabs. He’s so cool, she can playing guitar clearly. And I like how he play the guitar, the great guitarist ever. "Scorpions Rocks"

canessie

matthias jabs is the most amazing solo player I have ever seen...
ScOrPiOnSsSsSs FoR EvEr...
i know theres guilmor and... but matthias ruless

haftrin

Vote for Angus Young, AC/DC 14) Angus Young, AC/DC

Unbelievably underrated. Listen to his solo on "Shake a Leg" to convince you. Plus, he could do all that while lying on the floor having spasms.

Hah, yeah the spasms are funny. :D

And yeah, he is the best guitarist. Just listen to Thunderstruck.

JCMercenary

This ranking is not correct. Angus shud be 2nd after Slash ...
Just listen to Back in Black , TNT, Thunderstook.

sabi

Vote for Richie Sambora 15) Richie Sambora

BON JOVI ROCKS!

richie live is one of coolest tgings ever! should be 1!

MaNnY555

Rich is my influence.
So many people are Bon Jovi fan because of Richie

richie4life

Richie is rocking hard since the early eighties. without him, bon jovi wouldn’t be what they are...

richie4life

Vote for John Frusciante, Red Hot Chili Peppers 16) John Frusciante, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Flea (best bassist) John Frusciante (best guitarist). The end...

r4czek

Nuttin but skill!

BKAllmighty

This Guy is a really amazing guitarist. I mean, whats Mathias Jabbs doin there. I think Johnny should take his spot.

a-guy-who-knows-good-bassists

Vote for Brian May, Queen 17) Brian May, Queen

one of the coolest solos in bohemian rhapsody

I think your wrong guys people like slash, kirk hammett, angus young, richie sambora, prince, John frusciante, buckethead are better than Brian May because Brian May did the best solo rock anthem which could have became a history, and this is one of the best rock anthem in the history of rock

chris56

come on guys that is not cool he might not be better then the top but he is better then Angus listen to his solos on fat bottom girls and all there old stuff

sherminator300

Vote for Eric Clapton; Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, solo 18) Eric Clapton; Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, solo

He’s a great blues guitarist, it’s a shame he has a soft spot for ballads.

This is ridiculous he is’nt at least top 5. Clapton is amazing and there has never been a greater guitar player.

NeHiVikings

WTF how is Clapton not top 5? Remember "Clapton is God"

vinzomo

Vote for Dimebag Darrell, Pantera 19) Dimebag Darrell, Pantera

rest in peace

Most people have never heard anything from Dimebag except Pantera and Damageplan. Dimebag can do some things I’ve never heard a guitarist do. To me, he’s at least top 5 material.

Viper718

I can not belive he is not in the top 10 at least. RIP

josh49080

Vote for Eric Johnson 20) Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson is, in my opinion, one of the best intrumental guitarists ever. Listen to Cliffs of Dover, and be blown away. His style is so smooth and fast.

I like Eric Johnson because his song like cliffs of dover has feelings not like other who always showoffing

chriscarino

Easily one of the most versatile guitarists in the world. An absolute joke that a guy like Sambora could be rated higher than this virtuoso.

matt7140

Vote for Matt Bellamy - Muse 21) Matt Bellamy - Muse

GUITAR GOD!...

anibalerina

Hes great and he’s able to fit the guitar in any song.

user4422

he is amazing, so many great riffs and super live. Brilliant.

GlonnAtronnAdonnAdict

Vote for David Gilmour, Pink Floyd 22) David Gilmour, Pink Floyd

His creativity knows no bounds! The only guitarist I feel that can place his heart on the guitar strings and strum away his soul. Listen to his end solo of Comfortably Numb on the Pulse tour and the tingles will run up your spine!

He drove Pink Floyd. Comfortably Numb is a great solo. Could lay down a nice riff.

Screw all rankings. Gilmour is no. 1 all o you know it. Even page and hendrix would’ve loved to be listen to his solos. Undoubtedly the greatest musical genius. period

dash

Vote for John Petrucci, Dream Theater 23) John Petrucci, Dream Theater

A true guitar great. Some of the most mental solos of all time! Listen to his work on liquid tension experiment as well!

Not many people have heard of him. But he can gun with the best of them.

If JP is this far down the list and friggin Slash is in the top ten people obviously have no clue.

Norwood

Vote for Herman Li, Dragonforce 24) Herman Li, Dragonforce

through the fire and flames shows just how good he is

moose4life19

Why you don’t vote him?
I mean he has best effect playing. Synister gates can’t beat him in "Dimebag Darrell Award For Best Young Shredder", why not Synister if synister is better than him?
So I conclude He is the best guitarist ever!

zakkwylde

his solos are just imposible to beat

allthatremainsfan

Vote for Carlos Santana 25) Carlos Santana

Without a question, nobody plays as "smooth" as Santana!

man this list is all messed up... but santana is the best there is!

Okami

Listen to Carlos playing Europa in 1976. Still one of the greatest guitar riffs to this day..!! A master .

Derek

Vote for Stevie Ray Vaughan, Double Trouble 26) Stevie Ray Vaughan, Double Trouble

It is not a matter of one’s musical taste or appreciation for the blues, or any other music genre. Stevie Ray Vaughan was, and will always be, the greatest electric guitarist that ever lived. SRV might even be the greatest musician to have ever lived - he was truly masterful and in a place all by himself.

It’s a shame that SRV doesn’t get more accolades for his awesome guitar playing. Eric Clapton wishes he could play blues this good. The only guy who could wear a boa and still be manlier than Rambo!

srv is the greatest guitar player that ever lived. jimi just experimented alot and jimi page didnt even play that fast hes old and decreped

Vote for Joe Satriani, solo artist 27) Joe Satriani, solo artist

Most technically skilled guitarist ever, without a doubt.

what the? how could joe be in the 27th? this is one of the biggest joke I’ve ever seen.. He’s the master. Smooth riffs, talking guitar, clean riffs, techniques, compositon, skills, and a golden hand! Atleast Joe could fit on the top 5 but for me he’s numero uno!

jonrak0327

I think as far as talent goes this is a no brainer.
P. S - How can Kirk Hammet be ahead of him? Joe is the guy who taught him. And in this situation the student clearly never surpassed the master.

Jason-Scott

Vote for Randy Rhoads 28) Randy Rhoads

Randy Rhoads was the greatest

no one can play as good as this man

Randy is an AMAZING guitarist. one of the best ever. he should totally be in the top 10 :)

HeavyMetalBaby

Vote for Steve Vai, solo artist 29) Steve Vai, solo artist

Steve Vai, i think is one o the best guitarists in the world.
he is very unique and has his own mind for playing, he gives guitar playing whole different meaning when he plays.

Satriani’s protege, almost as good as Satch Boogie himself.

steve is a real good guitarist and brings out a lot of feelings in his playings.

caraman

Vote for Tom Morello 30) Tom Morello

crazy sounding guitar

30? 30? More like 1...
I mean, just look at him playing Promenade with his new Band Street Sweeper Social Club. His improved solo onthe Nine Inch Nails and Janes addiction tour was phenominal

lilbullet111

Number one for me

Battlegun

Vote for Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho 31) Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho

BEST SHREDDER!... I’m surprised Alexi isn’t above Synyster Gates

leanMACHINE

he should be in top 5!

alexi_laiho

OMG! why is Alexi not in the top ten?!?!?!?!?!? he is one of the best guitarists I’ve herd lately. and he does all that whilst singing!

DopeWithABass

Vote for Mark Knopfler 32) Mark Knopfler

solo on sultans of swing, intro to money for nothing says it all,
ever noticed you never hear a cover and play dire straits its because the guitarist can’t do the song justice

pommy

One of the few popular ones that I like

Gaspar

The greatest guitarist ever! The Alchemy Live version of Sultans of Swing says it all.

Vote for Nancy Wilson 33) Nancy Wilson

Nancy is the best guitarist I have ever seen or heard regardless of style or gender. She puts everyone else in this list to shame, and she never gets the recognition she deserves. Whether she is playing in her semi-classical style or gettin’ down and rockin’ out in concert, her performance is ALWAYS dazzling and flawless. If the top ten list were compared to the knights at the round table, Nancy would be Sir Lancelot. Get real and give this great guitarist the recognition she deserves.

Cal_el

I’m a huge fan of Nancy Wilson abilities and have gotten the opportunity to see her play several times in my life and every time I saw her I was blown away. She can rock an acoustic guitar better than anyone in the business and when she’s done with the acoustic, Nancy has no problem transferring her talent to the electric. HEART always plays a LED Zeppelin song or two on their concert tours and Nancy can easily makes her guitar sound like that of Jimmy Page. She also has mastered several other instruments, Piano, Ukulele, Bass, Mandola, Mandolin, Blues harp, and Percussion. Her talents don’t stop there; she has also written the Original Score for three blockbuster movies, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky and Elizabeth Town and was nominated for a Saturn Award for the music in Vanilla Sky. Besides all of this, she has co written some of the best rock songs in history. Crazy on You, Heartless, Little Queen, Barracuda, Straight on, Even it up and Love Alive. And when her big sister Ann let her have the Microphone, it was Nancy’s voice that gave HEART there first # 1 hit ( These Dreams ).

jerryw08

i say he at my first concert at summerfest 2006 front row and wow she gives female musicians a good name and should be any female musicians hero

Vote for Daron Malakian, System of a Down 34) Daron Malakian, System of a Down

doesn’t get enough credit

have you even heard his solo in lonley day?

moose4life19

Played beautiful solo in the song science.

arpanhmr

Vote for Duane Allman 35) Duane Allman

This is bull jimmy page could not lay a finger on Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix is the only one who even comes close mainly because he could sing, not because of his skills on guitar.
DUANE ALLMAN IS #1"SKYDOG"FOREVER.

duane allman is always the greatest slide guitar player and bluesman.

bongurbina042066

how he is not number 2 slash is 100 percent not better than Duane

Zezerex

Vote for Jerry Cantrell, Alice In Chains 36) Jerry Cantrell, Alice In Chains

jerry plays metal, country, blues, grunge and spanish guitar, no one sounds like him, and he sings great too.

dominicannese

Cantrell rocks.

Whimsicalsun

no doubt he’s the best... not becuz he’s the fastest.. because he’s the most creative and influential... other notable mentions tho.. john petrucci, michael angelo batio, satriani, vai, and malmsteen

bennny

Vote for Yngwie J. Malmsteen 37) Yngwie J. Malmsteen

The third on the fastest shreader on the planet list. Only Chris Impelliteri and true speed demon Michael Angelo Batio are ahead of him, but as far as combining classical and heavy rock and metal stuff concerned, Malmsteen is f****** god.

he is the strong root of neo-clssical if anybody follow his thoery and practical as well he can be a legend so he he legend of legends (only the shredders can judge him) normal musician and public cant understand his glory

no question

MicahDarko

Vote for Miyavi 38) Miyavi

Wah! Why so low? The Jpnz Samurai Guitarist should be way higher up than this. He’s very unique in his style which ranges from soft acoustic to heavy metal.

Soovey

Wth. Miyavi should be in the top ten at least. He’s a guitar samurai who never fails to amaze peoplewith his amazing skills.

freakflop

No one can play like Miyavi~Sama. He has enough charisma to single handedly light up times square. His ability to drum out the beat on his guitar while playing is fantastic. The fact that it’s more amazing acoustic than electric just blows my mind. In my opinion he will always be #1.

Sugoi

Vote for Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest 39) Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest

Greatest ever

Homestarmy

i love judas priest’s songs&Glenn’s guitar riffs.Glenn is also my inspiration.great! Glenn great!

gomesthura

The Glen (and KK too) are a few of the most underrated guitarists in history as they both have mastered the fretboard and blaze up and down it like Metal Gods, thus solidifying that oh-so sinister authentic sound that is Judas Priest

Vote for Kitamura Ken (L'Arc-en-Ciel) 40) Kitamura Ken (L'Arc-en-Ciel)

He is so talented! &

Nejixchan

even as a child, ken is good at playing guitar, he is known as the best guitarist in their neighborhood, and introduced tetsu the bass guitar.

ronluna

he can do great improvisations of l’arc~en~ciel songs, he is the best composer, 2nd best lyrist with hyde and SONS OF ALL PUSSYS is a great band that he and sakura had made.

ronluna

Vote for Ritchie Blackmore 41) Ritchie Blackmore

Could be brilliant or horrible but when motivated, the best ever!

One of the top 10 of all time. I agree, Shild In Time on Made In Japan is one of the greatest live solos in Rock History. Phenominal solo.

pwibo

Ritchie is one of the most inventive guitarplayer, combining the classic tune when looking back and in the same moment heading for the future while he is improvising the solos that never sound the samt.

Vote for Tim Mahoney, 311 42) Tim Mahoney, 311

Hes so versatile. He can lay down a heavy punk riff, a funky jam, a reggae melodic gem. His solos sound masterful. People must consider him as a great guitar player.

Vote for Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick 43) Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick

Just saw him play a few weeks ago and the man can still play as long, hard and technical as any of the punks out there now.

FearlessFreep

Never got the proper credit due him. He’s still awesome.

Perhaps a better songwriter than a guitarist, but that’s not to say he’s weak. He’s sensational and can play with anyone, but Nielsen is better known for his catchy, quirky and rocking tunes. But as I said, he is a great player.

Vote for Dave Mustaine, Megadeth 44) Dave Mustaine, Megadeth

A really Great Guitarist.

Badger

He is top 5-better than Kirk. His solos are amazing

ciacrossfire121

he should be in the top ten not only for his riffs but for his solos to! go listen mustaine’s solo in set the world afire, five magics etc

phantomlord

Vote for Alex Lifeson, Rush 45) Alex Lifeson, Rush

It is amazing to me how the truly talented guitarists like John Petrucci, Tom Morello & Joe Satriani are down at the last half of the list while the showoffs like Eddie VanHalen are at the top. People obviously have no clue what a great guitarist is. And come on, Nancy Wilson better than Alex Lifeson? Give me a break!

moparchris

Saw RUSH in concert last night and was blown away! There is so much going on in every single song, such complexity. Mind boggling that Alex isn’t top given the credit he deserves.

weirdhenry

Melody, harmony, soloing, pedals, rhythm--Alex can do it all. The greatest guitarist in the history of civilization; no. But he definitely belongs in the Top Ten.

Timbre

Vote for Kurt Cobain, Nirvana 46) Kurt Cobain, Nirvana

Great guitarist

I first heard the name Kurt Cobain
when I was 12 I have read about him and most things are bad
But I know he is now God

sima

What he lacked in talent, he made up for in heart.

dahe24

Vote for Zakk Wylde 47) Zakk Wylde

zakk wylde the power complimenting ozzy and his own band black label society, his fast blues influenced metal solo’s are the perfect compliment to his chugging riffs... a master of guitar

For one, this is one of the few best that are alive. He is a member of Ozzy Osbourne and the creator of Black Label Society. Also a friend of the late Dimebag Darrell.

gormanilius

Zakk Wylde is 4 sure the best, I mean hendrix was the creator the influence 4 guitar and slash is only so up because his fames status of his band, when it comes down to guitar skills zakks the best of em all. He can play fast, or slow ballads, he can play metall or blues and he’s very good in everything, and the most important he´s playing from the heart.

copkiller

Vote for Tony Iommi 48) Tony Iommi

people these days who reflect on iommi’s work with black sabbath think they’re no more than a rock and roll band, but back then, they were different from all the other bands, cause iommi’s riffs were heavier than a 5 ton truck (lol)

pauler94

Almost every metal-riff that you hear today has been invented by this guy. He is the best. Guitarists like Mustaine, Friedman, Frehley, Gallagher deserve to be a lot higher on this list. And what about genius Brian Robertson (best guitarist Thin Lizzy ever had! ) and John Sykes, I don’t even see them here and they should have been!

heaviest riffs around!

Vote for Marty Friedman 49) Marty Friedman

I think he should be in the top 25. Him and Dimebag are my two favorite guitarists.

Jason-Scott

He should be at least in top 5!
He is technically wayyyy better than Hendrix, and he makes beautiful music!

LeperMessiah

marty friedman is a true shredder. Mark Knopfler has got to be one of the worst guitarist ever. people say he is one of the most talented guitarist ever just because he plays clean. so what. what is so great about playing clean. i can think of plenty of people who can play cleaner that he can. some of metallicas songs are played on clean, fade to black, master of puppets in the middle, and justice for all, call of ktulu intro. how can he be ahead of marty friedman. i mean its just not right. a well respected full blooded shredder behind a stack of overated losers who get votes by the people who have no idea about talented guitarist. knopfler cant sing properly either.

pooisgood

Vote for The Edge, U2 50) The Edge, U2

Even his mother calls him "THE EDGE"!
Just listen to the guitar riffs on "Until the End of the World" by U2 and you will believe too!

He may not play quite as fast as slash or kirk, but he produces the most unique sounding music... awesome!

spartan117

Definately one of my favorites and he can make amazing music. He can also play piano,and base guitar, not to mention he has a good back-up voice.

Baltimore1993

Vote for Jeff Beck 51) Jeff Beck

In a society where people worship speed, brilliant guitarists like Jeff Beck are usually forgotten. Most "modern" people have probably never heard of the name Jeff Beck, but most guitarists will tell you he’s one of the best. Having experimented in most genres of music, Beck has laid down the foundations of modern music, along with other greats like Hendrix, Page, and Clapton, all of whom praise him for his genius.

AznWarlord

Jeff stepped up as lead guitarist after Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds. Jimmy Page was the other guitarist sharing the stages (who took over when Jeff departed). Those three on-stage together...I can still recall The Yardbirds on their 1965/66 USA Tour (I helped with their equip).

ViperQQ

Jeff Beck listed at #74 on this list shows just how little most music fans know about the history of electric guitar. As one reviewer stated earlier, Page, Clapton, Brian May, David Gilmore, and Slash have all stated that Jeff Beck is the best guitarist on the planet. You can add Joe Perry and Steve Lukather to that list. He plays with a fire that nobody else can match and his technique is stunning, the equal of anybody on this list. Many of this generations greatest jazz musicians have recorded with Jeff, including Stanley Clarke, Jan Hammer, John McLaughlin, and Lenny White. He’s toured with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, BB King, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Steve Lukather, and Kenny Wayne Shepard. In 1966, when Chas Chandler was trying to convince Jimi Hendrix to move to England, Hendrix agreed but only if Chandler promised to introduce him to Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. If you don’t know who Jeff Beck is, pick up a copy of BLow by Blow or Wired and give it a listen.

Vote for Mark Tremonti 52) Mark Tremonti

EVERYONE NEEDS TO LISTEN TO BLACKBIRD BY ALTER BRIDGE

austinh22

I took lessons from somebody who studied under Mark and they say no matter what, he practices 10 hours a day. I know almost every creed song there is and quite a few Alter Bridge. He is a musical God in every aspect.

dietdrlove

Greatest ROCK Guitarists!

Vote for KK. Downing 53) KK. Downing

Glenn and KK as a team are the ultimate twin attack

He is the man!!!
KK rules with Glenn!
They are the twin axes attack of Judas Priest!!!

The other side of the Twin-Axes-Attack lead of Judas Priest! He has done some of the wildest and greatest solo in the heavy Metal history! He’s one of the most underrated lead guitarist in the whole world!!!

Vote for Paul Gilbert 54) Paul Gilbert

The almighty guitar GOD! no one can compare to his capabilities such as, "synyster gates" or slash.
PG has such a distinguishable sound and image. PAUL GILBERT ALL THE WAY!

is it top 10!

Most of the other guys here are overrated. But Paul Gilbert is one of the best I’ve ever heard. He’s extremely fast and very technical too.
This guy really rocks!

Vote for Frank Iero, My Chemical Romance 55) Frank Iero, My Chemical Romance

Pretty dude)with charming smile! ))But it not all his advantages. He and his guitar are like united body! Incredible energy charge!

flame_loony

He is not consummate musician yet but he is very good! Very! Frank Iero likes his guitar! He deserves more respect.

flame_loony

he is... the greatest * =D

Vote for Zacky Vengeance, Avenged Sevenfold 56) Zacky Vengeance, Avenged Sevenfold

Zacky V is the best left handed guitarist out there and he didn’t play the seize the day solo dumbass that was synyster gates

Avenged7Fold

Zacky is cleary one of the best, self-taught left handed guitarists out there.

it doesn’t take a comment to say how perfect this guy is!

Vote for Chuck Norris 57) Chuck Norris

I don’t understand. He is so down in this list.I would get him to first ten.He is a very big talent.

Chuck can play with one hand. I saw him jam with Richie Sambura and Miami Steve Van Zandt at the Stone Pony in Jersey and they were awsome!

Chuck Norris IS the real deal in this business.

Vote for Ace Frehley, Kiss 58) Ace Frehley, Kiss

K, um Ace might not be the best but 60 is just F’ed up man, KISS is the must underated band ever, And if Slash is #1 Ace should be #2 because they are both awesome guitarists, Alex Lifeson, Joe Perry, Brian May & Angus Young, Santana, Bruce Kulick and even Vinni Vincent should be up there, I do agree with Jimi Hendrix though

KISSKID95

these list are a joke whoever "buckethead" is how can that person be ahead of clapton? and nancy wilson ahead of of ace? I’ve never seen a "list" of any kind I agree with I don’t think ace is the greatest ever but he’s my favorite and his sound is the greatest

invis

He’s way better than any of the "Popular Guitarist" i better not see Billie Joe Armstrong on this list...

Moezzilla

Vote for Adrian Smith, Iron Maiden 59) Adrian Smith, Iron Maiden

every song by iron maiden has a solo and if you haven’t heard a song by iron maiden, try it.

aaron1234

How is this number 61? This band is completely underrated, they’re the greatest band I’ve ever heard!

Alex12345269

I completely agree. In the US, however Iron Maiden has always been underrated, which is sad.

mcapehart

Vote for Michael Angelo 60) Michael Angelo

Ok nobody knows anything about music talent... this man is the greatest guitar player to every live... he is the most musically talented, fastest, and BEST musician alive. he can play anybody else’s so called "guitar solo" WAKE UP PEOPLE

9AustinMcCrea9

In terms of ability, Michael Angelo is #1. Watching him play makes me want to quit guitar.

being amadextrious makes him a very unique guitarist the 4 neck guitar solo’s are great

Vote for Elliott Smith 61) Elliott Smith

Absolutely exquisite.

i love figure 8

Good Will Hunting

Vote for Rory Gallagher 62) Rory Gallagher

gallagher was definitly one of the best, if not the best guitarist who ever played

rob

This guy would be in the top 10 if he would be better known. but sadly It has become a list of the most popular guitarists not the "greatest"

rory is the most under rated musican ever he had a style of a mixture of both speed and rhythm his improvisations and feeling in his music are better than slash could ever be!

Eoin

Vote for George Harrison - The Beatles 63) George Harrison - The Beatles

He was a good songwriter and a good guitarist. And The Beatles were the best band ever.

Nataly

Are you kidding me! top ten all the way!!

biscuits

he was a good guitarist slide style and play hardly songs and solos like artist as chuck berry and carl perkins etc.. and had really talent like songwriter

Vote for Tommy Emmanuel 64) Tommy Emmanuel

Chet Atkins called him "The best finger-style player in the world"

I don’t like the "tops" because every classification has its limits...but into my music collection ordered by type of music I have: Classical, Blues, Traditional, Jazz, Country etc, and... Tommy Emmanuel which is everything and nothing of all these...he’s just between the greatest musicians ever.

mitican

Tommy Emmanual is the greatest, even the other guitar gods recognise that!

Vote for Pete Townshend - The Who 65) Pete Townshend - The Who

Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, Joe Perry, Frank Zappa, BB King, Jeff Beck, and Peter Frampton, are all listed lower than the rhythm guitarist for stupid, whiny, emo, lame Avenged Sevenfold, people these days just don’t know good music. This list is meaningless.

Stangbass16

Wow, people have no clue about music. How is one of the most talented musicians in the history of time #67? Mike McCready, #82? Go to a PJ concert and tell me Nancy Wilson could keep up with a PJ song

mike18492

I’m always shocked that I never see Pete Townshend in the top 5. Pete is a guitar god!

Vote for Joe Perry - Aerosmith 66) Joe Perry - Aerosmith

Every One Bow To The God!
This Guy Is Much Better Than Chuck Norris That’s For Sure
Listen To Train Kept A Rolling That Will Convince All Of You People
AeroSmith Rocks!

rocker1796

wtf is wrong with you this guy is GOD! he is the one of the best guitarist ever he revolutionized music and keeps rocking till today. He should be a top 5 guitarist.

Ok joey perry influenced slash for christ sake! he was the master! if you don’t believe me watch amazing live at holland and just listen to that riff! no one can do that as well as mr. JOE PERRY!

Vote for Uruha 67) Uruha

He is the lead guitarist in The GazettE, and he rocks all!

Vote for Man Kidal, Lefthanded 68) Man Kidal, Lefthanded

man kidal is the best guitar performer..vote 4 man kidal

best fastest finger

azraf

because the first solo guitarist played in palace... culture palace

Vote for Phil Collen - Def Leppard 69) Phil Collen - Def Leppard

Definitely should be in top 50 this list is wacked in some spots

so overlooked, just like his band. DEFinetely one of the best, at least out of those still living.

phil collen was guitaring since the 70’s he was fast original and made his own guitar his solo on say photograph and foolin should be ranked higher he in my opinion is in the top 5 guitarists of the 80’s thats all i got to say

Vote for Roger Fisher, Heart 70) Roger Fisher, Heart

Played some of the greatest riffs in rock history.

Today all you hear about is speed, How fast a guys fingers move and not about the perfect placement of notes. Roger Fisher has the ability to do just that. Place a guitar sound right where it should be. A master of soung placement.

Top 10 for sure.

Vote for Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day 71) Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day

simply the best

iwalkalone56

Billie Joe was my First Guitar hero, he is my main idol, he is the guy I look up to, I would like to meet him, green day is my favourite band

HighSkoolArtist

1 WORD... LEGENDARY!

Vote for Mick Thomson, Slipknot 72) Mick Thomson, Slipknot

because he’s definitely one of the best he’s very talented and has a unique sound

mick thomson is the best guitarist of the world for ever and jamy roots we loves slipknot

MICK IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST GUITARIST NOW DAYS AND SHOULD AT LEAST BE IN THE TOP TEN.

Vote for Tweke Lewis 73) Tweke Lewis

The perfect foil to Micky Jones when in the MAN band..still playing absolute brilliant blues to this day..definitely worth a mention and a listen!

manmars

So good to see you here Tweke. Your music has given me many hours of pleasure.I wish you all the best with your new project.

I’m in total agreement with the last two comments. There are those that can play and those that can really play. Rock on Tweke.

Vote for Frank Zappa 74) Frank Zappa

why is frank zappa so low? he was the first guitarist to TRUELY shred on his guitar.

latinometalhead94

not only did frank zappa introduce hendrix to the wah pedal but even hendrix himself said zappa was ’the greatest improvisational guitarist’ he had ever heard. no doubt top five to number one based on his live solos.

Zappa, like Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen doesn’t get the proper accolades because of his wacky image. Too bad, because like Nielsen, the late, great Frank Zappa could play a guitar.

Vote for Kaoru, Dir en grey 75) Kaoru, Dir en grey

Kaoru-sama is the best! Forever and ever! Love U, Kao-san!

Niikura_Akonya

He’s the greatest guitarist of all time! No man can handle the guitar as good as Kaoru! He was born to create the best songs!

NiikuraSakura

he is amazing!!!!

Vote for Peter Frampton 76) Peter Frampton

Hey, the Rolling Stones sought him out as a possible replacement for Mick Taylor (who should also be on this list). The Rolling Stones just don’t grab "anybody." Frampton can play. Too bad his time in the spotlight was brief.

He is simply the best


frampton is relly underrated fhgrs

Vote for Aoi 77) Aoi

he is underated cus he isent that fast but the stuff he plays is really complex some of it makes no sents xD but it allwase fits in the song...I don’t really like the GazetteE but I have to say Aoi is one of my fav guitarists witch is wierd lol he should be in a beter band I think

gabi326jjk

He is a guitarist from The GazettE, second best only to Uruha

Vote for Steve Lukather (Toto) 78) Steve Lukather (Toto)

Luke is my idol!... long live Luke!... he’s done some champion stuff over the years... he should be top 20 at the very least...

This guy should at least be in top 15!! He’s a genius with that guitar, a true sessionist. He can play any style, never mind the Toto (even though he makes some great solos there) but he is also a studiomusician, played on over 1200 cds!! He is a true guitar hero!

Respect to this guy. He is the reason many guitarists even start to play guitar.

Vote for Jason Becker - Cacophony 79) Jason Becker - Cacophony

best guitarist ever!!!

he was an excellent guitarist.
People are just learning how brilliant he actually was

+SoAd+

well! if you noticed if you can compose and play the guitar as same as becker, you can play WHAT EVER YOU WANT! maybe becker has not as much histoy as hendrix or jimmy page but I’m completly sure that he is the best!

Vote for Steve Morse 80) Steve Morse

He is THE BEST!

Creativity, lightning speed and unique style make Steve Morse my number one, check out his amazing 10 min solo with Deep Purple and you will see what I mean.

steve morse should at least be above eric johnson

Vote for Brad Delson, Linkin Park 81) Brad Delson, Linkin Park

Die hard Linkin Park fan. The dude rocks, should be in top 100. Doesn’t get solo’s like other guitarists because Linkin Park encompasses of too many elements with Shinda’s rapping, Bennington’s vocals, Han’s DJ’ing, the bassist, the drummer, and the guitar. Instead of having solos the band is just uniform creating amazing music.

yougnr1116

He’s being beaten by Drake Parker! I’m shocked!

Sweet intro for A Place For My Head!! Delson Rocks the house!!

Vote for Jerry Garcia 82) Jerry Garcia

As Bob Dylan elogized "There’s no way to measure his greatness or magnitude as a person or as a player. I don’t think eulogizing will do him justice. He was that great - much more than a superb musician with an uncanny ear and dexterity. He is the very spirit personified of whatever is muddy river country at its core and screams up into the spheres. He really had no equal. To me he wasn’t only a musician and friend, he was more like a big brother who taught and showed me more than he’ll ever know. There are a lot of spaces and advances between the Carter Family, Buddy Holly and, say, Ornette Coleman, a lot of universes, but he filled them all without being a member of any school. His playing was moody, awesome, sophisticated, hypnotic and subtle. There’s no way to convey the loss. It just digs down really deep."

Garcia has as much grace in his playing as any guitarist, and his ability to defy conventional boundaries between rock, blues, folk, and bluegrass should put him no doubt in the top ten. He has unlimited talent, and who else could play for 2 hours straight without ever ceasing to create one new, mesmerizing riff after another. A true genius who apparently deserves more respect. This list is ridiculous.

He once said "Dont be the best at what you do, be the only one that does what you do" He really is unequaled.

Vote for Phil Keaggy 83) Phil Keaggy

When Van Halen, Jimmy Hendrix, and Paul McCartney called Phil Keaggy the best...well they were absolutely right. I’ve seen him twice and its just an awesome experience to behold. Should definately be in the top 5 for sure on ANY list.

someone once asked eddie van halen how it felt to be the greatest guitarist in the world. his response..."i dont know you have to ask phil keaggy" (true story)

Saw Phil play a solo gig for a small crowd at a high school about 10 years ago. He laid down his own backing tracks as he went, building it into a concert BY HIMSELF. I have NEVER seen ANYBODY play guitar like Phil. You have to see it to believe it. An hour and a half of the most amazing stuff I have EVER seen. He is in a class by himself. No wonder Hendrix thought Keaggy was the best guitarist in the world.

He’s probably overlooked because he is a Christian artist/family man instead of a party animal flailing about on stage with big hair and leather tights.

Definitely #1 guitarist in my books. Brian May #2

Vote for Jack White 84) Jack White

Putting Jack White this far down on the list is almost funny. Obviously there are a lot of people that have never seen him live... if they did, they’d change their minds. Not only a phenomenal guitarist, but an innovator as well.

Rouxsgirl

should be higher

anthonymcfadden

Great rough sounding riffs, in my opinion one of the best guitarist with the an completely original sound.

Vote for Steve Howe 85) Steve Howe

Steve Howe is a lot more technically skilled and versitile than Joe Satriani

There’s a reason Guitar magazine voted him best rock guitarist for five years running in the late 70s/early 80s.

steve howe should probably be somewhere in the top 3 of this list. not only does he do an amazing job contributing improvisational rhythm, but his solos show a sense of rawness and melody unheard of by pretty much any guitarist ever. hes also an amazing classical and jazz guitarist which does wonders to his playing. look for songs "the clap", "heart of the sunrise" and "america" for his best work

Vote for Keith Richards 86) Keith Richards

Keith blows ’em all away! Listen to his solo on "Under My Thumb, " it still kills today! If Metallica or Van Halen had Keith playing lead, they’d be even better! Hendrix was even jealous of his ripping!

It’s hard to believe that Keith isn’t in the Top 10 on this list and every single conceivable guitarists’ list around...

Keith is the Range Rover of guitarists. Not too flashy in his playing, but dependable and value to last the ages. Sophistication in a drugged out way.

Vote for B. B. King 87) B. B. King

Just one of many great blues guitarists not likely to make this list.

B b King is the greatest player that ever pick up a guitar in my opinon

What does this legend in this rank? seriously? He must be in the top 10 or top 5 cause he plays guitar like a god and he can do anything with his guitar, go listen to "The Thrill Is Gone"....

P.S: B.B.King is THIRD in the Rolling Stone top 100 of greatest guitarist

Vote for Ted Nugent 88) Ted Nugent

he is god! he lives right next door to me in concord, michigan!
he is honestly the best! esspecially in cat scratch fever!

Simply the Best

Why is Ted Nugent number 88 he should be number 10. The best song from Ted Nugent is cats sra

dum

Vote for Mike McCready 89) Mike McCready

Mike is a genius, so underrated!

mtscantrell

Mike McCready is god..full of energy on stage..met him in Brisbane Australia..best day in my life..dream come true..mike rocks..

scorpjam

Eddy Vedder is the Pearl, but Mike McCready is the Jam in Pearl Jam.

Vote for Dan Donegan, Disturbed 90) Dan Donegan, Disturbed

Wow this is sad if Dan isn’t in the top 100

SynysterGates

I’m not going to tell you my opinion, since I obviously think this guy has talent, I mean why would I vote him otherwise? So instead, I’m going to tell you your opinion! This guy is the beast guitarist ever! Don’t even try to deny, it’s your opinion, remember? NOW VOTE FOR HIM! Or else Dimebag Derrall will raise from his grave. If you see a pile of dirt moving down the road with a Dean guitar on top of it, you will have cheap seats to a Black Sabbath concert. You know, behind that support beam, next to some fat lady who keeps throwing up on you.

Geddyrush

Dan has written some pretty awesome songs over his career with Disturbed. Listen to all fifty five songs he’s written and played. He has a unique, that separates him from Holy Diver. He played Pantera stuff, as a tribute band. He has a custom made Washburn, the same people who made one for Dimebag Derrall, regardless if Dimebag actually used it. Plus, no one can tab his songs out write. Bunch of morons.

Geddyrush

Vote for Rik Emmett 91) Rik Emmett

check him out on you tube,,,,,awesome at the us festival

jef767

Vote for Michael Schenker 92) Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker group/UFO/Scorpions

Michael is the best!! just perfect!!!

Schenker is my FAV!!!!!!
No one touches his playing on "UFO-Strangers In The Night"
I respect that he didn’t want too much fame and he really never sold out (like most).

Vote for Ray Toro 93) Ray Toro

To put it simply, the modern generations’ Slash and then some.

Auggie

is more better than frank iero frank ieor is only rhythm the toro solos are really good check out in youtube its not a bad guitarist

Comparable to Slash.. And Bryan May, Best ever !!

Vote for Hillel Slovak, Red Hot Chili Peppers 94) Hillel Slovak, Red Hot Chili Peppers

He is so underrated. He taught Flea, the greatest bassist ever, how to play bass. And He was probably Frusciante’s biggest influence. Without him there would be no Red Hot Chili Peppers. R. I. P.

RHCPfan

A lot of people don’t know who he is but he was the guy who started RHCP. Then he died in 1988

RHCPfan

A lot of people don’t know who he was but if it weren’t for him RHCP wouldn’t exist. He had the most unique style. Then he died of Drug Overdose in 1988. Last time I looked John Frusciante was # 14 on this list. Slovak was Frusciante’s inspiration.

Vote for Uli Jon Roth - Former Scorpions 95) Uli Jon Roth - Former Scorpions

listen to "Sails of Charon" or "Speedy’s Coming" on You Tube. Not just a lot of notes, but complexity with purpose and musicality

he is the true guitar god of the guitar gods...
just ask all the best guys in the world and they will admit that Ulrich Roth is better than them guaranteed..

Yngwie Malmsteen’s master!!!

Vote for Pepe Smith - Juan Dela Cruz Band 96) Pepe Smith - Juan Dela Cruz Band

hes a real legend in filipino music

the greatest filipino rocker

Vote for Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - The Mars Volta 97) Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - The Mars Volta

Very unique sound. Together with Tom Morello my favorite guitarists

Mindo

Talent, songwriting, and uniqueness-wise, this guy wins. But Apparently, popularity wise, he loses. P. S. Juan Alderete de la Pena deserves more credit.

listen to some of his solo stuff and be blown away

Vote for Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy 98) Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy

You are spot on mate, Just listen to his work on thin lizzie’s Black rose its just perfection.

Top 5 all the way. His solos speak for themselves

Gary Moore is top 5. Listen to his solo on "Still in Love with You" live - unreal. Mesmerizing!

Vote for Bill Theocharidis 99) Bill Theocharidis

He’s technique is unparalleled

Simply the best...

Vote for Jani Liimatainen, Sonata Arctica 100) Jani Liimatainen, Sonata Arctica

he is just amazing!
I’ve never seen any other doing such solos... his fingers fly!!
and he is so charismatic... for me is one of the greatest ever... he should definitely be much more on top!

Soko

He is fast, hes got the skills. Sonata Arctica kicks ass.

My reason to buy a Ibanez rg series guitar, so amazing, so epic! HAIL SONATA ARCTICA AND IT’S FANS!