Greatest Guitarists Ever
The greatest guitarists of all time.
(See related TheTopTens Blog Post: Why Prince is the Greatest Guitarist Ever)
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1)
Jimi Hendrix, The Jimi Hendrix Experience
“he is the absolute greatest guitarist
”
“Jimi Hendrix - The Father of Modern Guitar Shredding.”
“he is the reason I started to like rock more he is insperational best song machine gun.”
2)
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.”
“Slash is the best guitarist in the world followed by herman li and sam totman from Dragonforce. my opinion”
“Slash is #1 hands-down.”
“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.”
“jimmy page rocks
”
4)
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!
”
“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.”
“It’s simple, all the Scorpions members are true ownage. Matthias deserves to be one of the greatest guitarists ever.
>>>Scorpions Rock<<<”
“SCORPIONS RULE!..Great guy, nice man..sure did help a few of us DIE HARD FOS fans get in for a meet n greet this last Humanity Hour 1 tour! THNX MATTY!.....ocs”
“Matty is great...”
7)
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.”
“I think Buckethead is the greatest guitarist ever because he’s got the most insane riffs I’ve ever seen in my life. If you’ve seen Jordan on Expert in Guitar Hero II, it’s un-humanly retarded, and it’s only 3 times harder on a real guitar”
8)
Synyster Gates, Avenged Sevenfold
“Great Riffs. Plays Guitar as clean as anyone right now.
”
“this guy is a genuine legend
amazing is the word for this guy”
“Syn is just the greatest.. hands down.”
“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.”
“Riffs are awesome”
“His riffs and solos are way too good not to be number one.”
10)
Richie Sambora
“Rich is my influence.
So many people are Bon Jovi fan because of Richie”
“Richie is rocking hard since the early eighties. without him, bon jovi wouldn’t be what they are...”
“Bon jovi’s one of the best bands ever and its mainly cause of him.”
Choices Not In The Top Ten...
“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.”
“most of his solos are unique. those haters have to be idiots and say "well, all of angus’ riffs sound exactly the same just like all their songs and albums" but they never heard songs like "ride on" or "the jack" so they’re pretty stupid”
“heis just amazing with his guitar solos and huis way toplay it wjile doing crazy moves he rocks!”
“rest in peace”
“From glam to thrash, this dude could shred. Dime was innovative and imaginative, putting his whole soul into everything he played. RIP.”
“the solos he played to walk and cemetery gates were masterpieces, and let’s not forget the intro to cowboys from hell, it’s a metal anthem”
13) 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.”
“There is a reason he is called god!”
“a talent from heaven, he hears the angels in his music”
14) John Frusciante, Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Frusciante is probobly one of the most influential guitarists ever, he has come up with his own style of funk and rock with some craziness put in there haha. he can go from power of equality to under the bridge to can’t stop and hten to venice queen, he has so much talent and see’s the world in such a beautiful way and is the only guitar player in my opinion to put that beauty injto his music.”
“he is the best guitarist love his riffs go rhcp”
“Frusciante is so underrated. He has written some of the greatest riffs in rock history and developed his own style. He should be higher.”
15) Brian May, Queen
“one of the coolest solos in bohemian rhapsody”
“Brian may is the best ever”
“He is the most amazing guitarist ever for so many reasons, All of his solo’s are amazing, he is extremely versatile, He is the pioneer of the Delay effect and whoever hasn’t voted for him should check out his 10 minute solo at wembely”
16) 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.”
“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.”
“his tone is very unique and sounds like no one else, smooth, fast, seamless, he is a great guitarist”
“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.”
“David Gilmour is great! His playing is bluesy, but it has that cool spacey sound as well. He is very experimental. Experimenting always results in HITS. One of a kind.”
18) 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.”
“No one in the World can play as fast as Petrucci, listen to the solo on As I Am”
19) Carlos Santana
“Without a question, nobody plays as "smooth" as Santana!”
“2 kewl 4 skool
”
“Coming from Mexico he obviously is the greatest guitarist in history. He should at least be #10.”
“I agree. This guy is definetly the best player of all-time. If you don’t believe it, listen to Through the Fire and Flames, or any other Dragonforce song. (Prince? lol c’mon)”
“Dudes you can’t except the truth. I mean who really belives the Prince is better then Herman Li? All I know is just listen to a couple of DragonForce’s songs and then vote.”
“Sick! the best!”
21) 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”
22) Randy Rhoads
“Randy Rhoads was the greatest”
“no one can play as good as this man
”
“Randy Rhoads was by far one of the greatest guitarists of all time, he would have been better then any of these other guys on top of him on this list, imagine how good he could have been and still was at his young age. So vote for randy, he at least deserves a spot on the top 10.”
“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.”
“Most technically skilled guitarist ever, without a doubt.”
“Not only one of the most underrated, one of the most diverse talents ever to pick up a guitar. Smooth licks, emotionally powerful, technically masterful. While he’s easily as fast as anyone on this list, sometimes a few notes can be just as powerful and impressive as any speed lick. Satriani has mastered this art (witness "always with me, always with you). His non-inclusion in the top ten is a travesty that robs this list of any legitimacy.”
“I completely agree with the comments of another person, it is a joke if Satch is not in the top three. He is absolutely incredible with not just speed, but how clean it sounds and is incredibly creative as well. Watch him live and you’ll be convinced!!! Number 1 on my list.”
“Hes great and hes able to fit the guitar in any song.”
“he is amazing, so many great riffs and super live. Brilliant.”
“One of the reasons he is so great is because of his amazing live performances. the way he uses his technology live is amazing!”
26) Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest
“Greatest ever”
“i love judas priest’s songs&Glenn’s guitar riffs.Glenn is also my inspiration.great! Glenn great!”
“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”
27) Tom Morello
“crazy sounding guitar”
“made the guitar sound like a freaking harmonica.
”
“He makes a guitar not even sound like a guitar”
28) 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.”
“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 ).”
“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”
29) Jerry Cantrell, Alice In Chains
“jerry plays metal, country, blues, grunge and spanish guitar, no one sounds like him, and he sings great too.”
“Cantrell rocks.
”
“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”
30) Mark Knopfler
“The greatest guitarist ever! The Alchemy Live version of Sultans of Swing says it all.”
“The best ever”
“mark knopfler is in no doubt best guitarist on planet. his finger work and solos speak for themselves. sultans telegraph road etc must I go on...”
31) 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
33) Miyavi
“I love Miyavi his unique way of playing the guitar inspired me to start playing.”
“Miyavi can rock like no other. He is the reason I’m playing guitar right now, love playing his riffs. Rock on Man!!!”
“He is the best guitarist ever! He is great! Listen to Selfish Love”
“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!”
“come on guys 37? this guy is amazing! hav you ever listened 2 him? should be top 20 atleast”
“Why is he there? he should be in the first 10s.. And wtf is synyster gates doing that high? Alexi is way FAR BETTER than him.. Headbanging without missing a note screaming and as the lead guitar of children of bodom.. He’s AWESOME!”
“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”
“That Malmsteen and Satriani are not numbers 1 & 2 in either order, is rediculous!!! While there are many great ones, these two stand alone in my mind. SRV is a distant 3rd.”
“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.”
“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.”
37) Tony Iommi
“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!”
“He really should be # 3...I mean come on, don’t be so ignorant because of the style of music he plays.. Just listen to "War Pigs" and "Iron Man" and you will agree with me. Keep on rocking !!!”
“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.”
“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.”
“the working man solo will blow you away. rush is indeed a SUPER group”
39) Daron Malakian, System of a Down
“doesn’t get enough credit”
“not the massive solo type but still a great guitarist”
“He’s not only one of the best guitarists of this new millennium. But also a first class composer...”
40) 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”
“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.”
“Zakk Wylde is the best guitarist of all time nobody is even on the same level as him when it comes to rockin and the only two who were (Dimebag Darrel and Randy Rhodes) are dead so therefore Zakk is the best and should be number one.”
41) 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!!!”
42) Marty Friedman
“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.”
“marty freidman has got to be number one for sure. rust in peace album is the best example for this. the speed and the difficulty of his playing is awesome. i cant beleive that prince is at number 2. i didnt even think that he played guitar and im sure if he did then he would really suck at it. jimi hendrix is a good guitarist but just because he is talked about so much doesnt make him the best guitarist ever. fredmans solos are ridiculously good and very hard to play. i play guitar myself and i find megadeth, pantera, and metallica songs(especially the mustaine written ones) much harder and advanced then hendrix songs and led zepplin songs. i dont see whats so great about eric clapton either. he is famous for playing tears in heaven but my friend played it for an assessment in music and got a good mark. people say if you are to be a good guitarist then you have to write great stuff. megadeth, in my opinion are the best band ever, write the greatest songs ever. i dont know why these type of lists insist on putting all the way overrated guitarists such as jimmy paige and hendrix at the top and forget about the heavy metal guitarist who are way better. i think its because they are too scared.”
“TOTALLY UNDERRATED!! Marty is GOD of guitar. He’s and Mustaine should in TOP 5. Come on guys...”
43) 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.”
“Please people, listen to Live at Fillmore East and then tell me he is only the 54th best. "SKYDOG" is without question a top three, or better guitarist. He is a legend, and not enough people have been exposed to his greatness.”
“c’mon duane should be higher then this
”
44) Mark Tremonti
“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.”
“He just freaking rocks, he deserves a lot more that the 82 place”
“Although he lacks experience, he has about as much skill as slash. In my opinion he is the best metal guitarist out there. Listen to Find the Real”
45) 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!”
“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.”
“A really Great Guitarist.”
“omg how could anyone not vote for mustaine, please listen to songs like angry again, go to hell, RIP... Polaris etc. etc and revote”
“how the hell did jimmy paige and prince make it ahead of mustaine, freidman and dimebag darrell. jimmy paige plays the so called best solo ever made but i learnt to play it when i was 12. that just gos to show that metal is much more advanced then crap rock. dave mustaine should also be ahead of kirk hammett because hammett stole mustaines solos and got all the credit for it. dave mustaine is also a way faster and better guitarist then hammett is.”
47) Elliott Smith
“Absolutely exquisite.”
“i love figure 8”
“Good Will Hunting”
“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
”
“What he lacked in talent, he made up for in heart.”
49) 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”
“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!”
50) Paul Gilbert
“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!”
“he is such a funny guy, I mean just go to his website, he cracks you up
not to mention he is blazing fast yet still really fun to listen to. all of his licks are really catchy.
maybe his racer X stuff isn’t so hot, but it was the 80s he didn’t have a choice. but his solo stuff is superb!”
“Kicks ass man!”
“Why the frick is Neal Schon only #57?! CLUELESS! Do I dare even ask what number Tom Scholz is?”
“I love his facial expressions he makes when he plays! He is the BEST!”
“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.”
“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”
“He’s way better than any of the "Popular Guitarist" i better not see Billie Joe Armstrong on this list...”
“he’s just awesome”
“Ace Frehley is without a doubt one of the most influential guitarists ever. That is an automatic spot in the top 10. With out him you wouldn’t have Dimebag, Slash, Snake Sabo and half the others that rose in the 80’s.”
55) 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”
“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”
56) Kitamura Ken (L’Arc-en-Ciel)
“Ken is without a doubt a sheer genius when it comes to guitar playing.
If you have the change watch one of his lives, his solos will amaze you.
He definately should be among the Top 10.”
“ken is the best oneforme,ifat you could listen to Ibarano namida or kasou, you’d understand ,he’s great!!”
“Ken is a Master gitarist, is very cool”
57) Rory Gallagher
“the reason why guitarists do not play his music is simple, they can not!. RORY was a one off. He lived the music while the others lived off of it.”
“Just listen to Laundramat! He is unreal”
“55? this planet is corrupt. He rightfully should hold the No. 1 spot. Jimi hendrix, clapton, SRV, no-one is half as good as Rory Gallagher...
listen to Shadow Play, Million Miles Away, Walk On Hot Coals, Cradle Rock...
RIP Gallagher. your music will live on for ever.”
58) 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.”
“Tommy Emmanual is the greatest, even the other guitar gods recognise that!”
59) 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.”
“man kidal is the best guitar performer..vote 4 man kidal”
“best fastest finger”
“because the first solo guitarist played in palace... culture palace”
61) 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!”
“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.”
“I completely agree. In the US, however Iron Maiden has always been underrated, which is sad.”
“Excellent guitarist and songwriter. Too bad he’s often overlooked He’s an incredibly talented musician, same as everyone in Iron Maiden.”
“the guitar played in ’THE THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE’ is the best ever.So thumps up for Smith.”
63) 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”
64) George Harrison - The Beatles
“Are you kidding me! top ten all the way!!”
“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”
“he was 1”
“I’m always shocked that I never see Pete Townshend in the top 5. Pete is a guitar god!”
“Okay - this list obviously means nothing - because if it were real Pete be in the top 5.”
“Are you innsane!!!! Townsend has to be no must be in the top 5 at least people may remember hendrix breaking his guitar but before him it was townsend it’s like not crediting john lennons imagine as one of the greatest songs of all time! Townsend has some of the greatest riffs of all time and tommy is a master piece. Prince shouldn’t be in the top ten at all top 15 maybe but top t
en! just remember the def dumb and blind kid named tommy.”
66) Frank Zappa
“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.”
“A true musical genius, Zappa created music that was incomprehensible to many. He was always underestimated due to the raunchy nature of some of his songs. Definitely a top ten if not a top five.”
67) 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”
“Joe Perry is amazing! Why is Herman Li on this list? He Sucks! Just playing fast doesn’t make you good. Li doesn’t have any technique and his speed is enhanced in the studio. Aerosmith is so much better than half the people on this list. This site is a joke.”
“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!”
“best guitarist ever!!!”
“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!”
“guys come on he is a really bad ass guitarist too, even better yet a musician. he made an album in a wheel chair suffering. he is amazing”
70) Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day
“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”
“1 WORD... LEGENDARY!”
“he is so cute and an amazing guitarist and I love green day! The best band EVER!”
71) 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.”
72) Keith Richards
“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.”
“Greatest Guitarist to ever walk the planet and above”
73) 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.”
“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).”
“There was a tour where Clapton, Beck and Page shared a stage. It was the ARMS concert. Jeff Beck made Clapton and Page look sad. With Beck not being in the top 2, then this list has zero creditability.”
74) Rik Emmett
“check him out on you tube,,,,,awesome at the us festival”
75) hide (X Japan)
“WHAT THE! HIDE NOT IN DA top #10 damn! He’s the fastest guitarist man! yet his legend spread to all the world! his da greatest! greather then any band or metal.. but his da best!!”
“he should be in the top ten!”
“hide is an inspiration to me. He is an amazingly talented musician! Not only was he the lead guitarist of X Japan (the greatest band ever), but his solo work was creative, versatile, and simply incredible!
Even though he is unfortunately no longer with us (;____;), he has left behind an amazing legacy.”
76) 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).”
77) 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”
“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.”
79) 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!!!”
80) Mike McCready
“Mike is a genius, so underrated!”
“Mike McCready is god..full of energy on stage..met him in Brisbane Australia..best day in my life..dream come true..mike rocks..”
“Eddy Vedder is the Pearl, but Mike McCready is the Jam in Pearl Jam.”
81) 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
”
82) 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”
83) 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”
“Ted Nugent could easily own any of the guitarists above.”
84) Jack White
“Great rough sounding riffs, in my opinion one of the best guitarist with the an completely original sound.”
“This is the man who brought the guitar into garauge rock”
“Jack White is an amazing guitarist. He has outstanding technical skills, and is an extraordinary blues slide guitarist. He should be at least in the top twenty.”
85) Andy Summers, Zoot Money, Strontium 90, The Police, solo
“Coolest!!!”
“Most of the people don`t remember him, but he really cool! Sometimes his technic is just unique. Just listen him and you`ll understand.”
86) Richard Z. Kruspe, Rammstein
“Lead guitarist of Rammstein. Dont let the bands image make you overlook him. He has great skills, with a style that is unmistakable!”
“totally underrated. He has great skill!”
“Amazing guitarist!!!! there is no other that does his kind of music the way he does. P.S Rammstein is way overlooked there are my favorite band hands down and i have literally listened to everything.”
87) Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - The Mars Volta
“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”
“the most unique sound since .... well...
for sure, the best left handed guitarist out there.”
88) Pepe Smith - Juan Dela Cruz Band
“hes a real legend in filipino music”
“the greatest filipino rocker”
“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!”
90) Terry Kath
“Rock/Blues/Jazz....muscle guitar”
“I really believe terry kath belongs in the top 5. jimi hendrix once said "im good, but that cat blows me outta the water." truly underrated, probably due to his early death. look u[ his song "free form guitar" if you’ve never heard it. a true genius with the guitar.”
“I’ve been a fan since I was a teen in the 70’s, the real heart of Chicago. On my way to buy Chi IX now. RIP TK, you were the man.”
“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.”
92) Nuno Bettencourt
“this guy is sick! just listen to play with me or play it on gh80”
“He is a genius, funky by nature. His solos are truly amazing!”
“he’s so absurd.. one of a kind. out of this world.. listen to "Cupid’s Dead" or "Tragic Comic" or any angst- driven- a- yell- to- grunge- genre songs on WAITING FOR THE PUNCHLINe album.. you will know what I am saying..”
93) Oli Herbert - All That Remains
“This guy destroys. He is way better than Herman Li. Why? Because he is just as good live as he is in the studio, unlike Herman who is terrible live. Also, he knows how to make a SONG, not one big solo, which Herman can’t do. Oli could play the Dragonforce songs live better than Herman does.”
“Wow he’s only 90? Try listening to their albums. Almost every song has a freaking amazing guitar solo in it by him & only him.”
“He’s a beast. Super Fast Solo’s. ATR doesn’t get as much credit as they diserve”
94) Bill Theocharidis
“He’s technique is unparalleled”
“Simply the best...”
95) Luca Turilli
“One of the best metal guitarist and compositor of the world with no doubt about it!”
“Luca rocksss!......he is underrated”
96) Chet Atkins
“only reason not in the top 5 is an anti-country music bias. one of the best guitarists ever”
“Chet has to be the greatest, or at the lest one of