10 Underrated Guitar Players You Didn't Know Were This Good | Part 1

[@sydeshokev]

Another underrated Canadian guitarist is Rik Emmett from Triumph.

[@Tedzepplin]

Thank you!

[@joehansonguitar]

Absolutely!

[@seanhammer6296]

Pat Traverse?

[@Tedzepplin]

Pat Travers, Aldo Nova, Rick Derringer, tons of guys out there that kill it.

[@backwatersandbackroads]

So true!

[@craigparse1439]

I don't think he would make the "Top 10", but the old REO Speedwagon with the amazing Gary Richrath (RIP) was a foundational musical experience for me.

[@bluesaloon]

"Ain't nobody talks with their guitar the way Gary does..."

[@joehansonguitar]

Definitely worth featuring in an upcoming video!

[@GT-mq1dx]

That dude was phenomenal, I totally loved Gary’s playing. And yes super underrated.

[@seanm3933]

Gary's playing on Keep on Rolling is some of the best guitar work ever. So much power when he played.

[@tomlorenzen4062]

Gary was never underrated! He was phenomenal! And anyone that saw him play, knew it immediately.

[@tomc2907]

Terry Kath of early Chicago needs to be remembered !! When he died they had to get two guitarist to replace him. Check out 25 or 6 to 4 live from tanglewood! Melting faces

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man!!

[@jed1166]

Vicious player, and a great singer!

He was so good, Hendrix considered him an inspiration. Chicago definitely went a different direction when he died.

[@robertbeckom1962]

Amen Tom!

[@drewnelson5046]

Jimi Hendrix once said “Terry Kath is the greatest guitarist ever “

There is one more I completely forgot about and I’m embarrassed to have forgotten about Steve Lukather. He’s another that gets overlooked because of the band he’s in.

[@joehansonguitar]

He’s on my list for another video!

[@c.e.anderson558]

Who are these people that overlook Luke? Dead people?

[@tpatrick44]

Lukeather is a Maestro!!! Worked with the great ones! Who doesn’t know of him?

@@tpatrick44 he’s seemingly worked with everyone from Michael Jackson to a Who’s Who list of heavy metal guitarists.

[@SylvesterCarl]

You can take the musician out of the studio, but you can't take the studio out of the musician.

[@fg3901]

Stephen Stills, Albert Lee, Alvin Lee, Roy Buchanan, Ry Cooder, Dave Mason, James Burton

[@joehansonguitar]

Check out part 2 from this series! I’ve got a ways to go to cover all these guys but it’s fun making videos about them!

[@bill2527]

The great Gary Moore and can't forget Pat Travers what great 70s albums he put out...Puttin It Straight!!

[@joehansonguitar]

Definitely. I’m trying to figure out by ear Who’ll Take The Fall off Black Pearl since there’s no real sheet music for that one. Thanks for your comment!

[@greg-warsaw4708]

I agree Gary Moore is omitted in most rankings. I'd also include Chris Rea, Jan Akkerman (among non-shredding greats), Tim Renwick; Tommy Bolin and Vivian Campbell not always getting due respect. Authors of some rankings (being biased on shredding) just sometimes forget about Allan Holdsworth - an unforgivable omission.

[@raymondvaughan6262]

And making magic album pat travers no words for gary brilliant

[@bill2527]

@@raymondvaughan6262 yes love Making Magic and Heat In The Street

[@sc2603]

Saw Pat in a relatively small club one time .. 30 plus years ago my ears are still bleeding. Very underrated and very very good guitar player

[@kenbash2951]

Just two words- Alvin Lee:)

[@joehansonguitar]

Be a good one to put in an upcoming video soon

[@ffcorona]

I agree with you 100%. His live recordings were/are flawless. Even Hendrix, Page and Eddie and everyone else made mistakes in their live shows. Not Alvin Lee.

[@paulmatolsy4593]

In 1968, while attending college, I was delighted to see an English group whose first two albums impressed me was going to perform at the Fillmore East in New York City. The group was 10 Years After, and I thought guitarist Alvin Lee's handling of jazz influenced riffs in a rock context on the group's second album Undead, was impressive. I was unprepared for what ensued on opening night at the Fillmore. After three opening acts, (they did that sort of thing in the 60s) the last of which was John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Mick Taylor on guitar, I felt bad because Mick took some awesome solos and I couldn't see what Alvin Lee could do to top that. And in the context of the Fillmore concert hall, Mayall's group had an acoustically big sound. Lee's guitar playing on the aforementioned Undead album was extremely dexterous but the overall sound on the album was that of a small Club which I didn't think would cut it at the Fillmore. In fact, many in the audience were starting to leave so I guess others shared my sentiment. I can only say I was absolutely stunned when Alvin Lee came out by himself and started playing. It was an electrifying moment. For the next two and a half hours the audience and I were treated to an amazing display of virtuosity by the seemingly never tiring fingers of Mr Lee. I returned the next night to see 10 Years After again and was not disappointed. I saw them again about a year later in Central Park and that performance reaffirmed my belief that Alvin Lee was one of the great new guitarists. Unfortunately, at the Randalls Island concert and Woodstock, the seemingly indefatigable guitarist I had seen previously was showing signs of what I assumed were drug use and the fatigue that comes with constant touring and perhaps the rock and roll lifestyle. His playing was sloppy and he used some of his signature riffs repetitively as a crutch to get him through solos. Too bad, I thought. Another one had fallen victim on the rocky road of stardom. In my opinion Alvin Lee's playing never regained its initial virtuosity but I will never forget those earlier performances which so impressed me. Thank you for that, Alvin.👍🎵🎶🎸

[@collegeparkwhiteboy]

​@@ffcoronalisten to Shawn Lane and Tony MacAlpine

[@rhmayer1]

His solo on I'd Love To Change The World - over 50 years later - still cuts to my core. His solo screams, cries, searches - so soulful. It is exactly what new guitarists need to hear that you so rarely hear nowadays. One of the very greatest rock guitar solos. He was known at the time for his speed but totally underrated for his soul.

[@Pleiades55]

2021 Remaster "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with Prince, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Steve Winwood

[@joehansonguitar]

That was my first choice clip! KZbin wouldn’t let me use the clip of that song due to the owner not allowing it to be used by anyone else

[@franckauger9490]

That's this solo which makes me consider Prince as a great guitarist. This guy was a genius : singer lyricist, guitar, bass, piano , producer ...

[@joehansonguitar]

@franckauger9490 yes!!!

[@hotwheelz55]

I saw a documentary about Prince, and the session players brought in to record said Prince played nearly every instrument-and better than most of the session players

[@GeoffreyNutt-o9t]

Prince. Monster drummer,bass,and guitar player.

[@ronwilliams1094]

Every list overlooks John Sykes. He’s a freakin BEAST!!!

[@joehansonguitar]

I featured John in a previous video but I may feature him again! He’s one of my favorites

[@skipacuff5104]

@@joehansonguitarThere is a Thin Lizzy live in concert file on KZbin featuring Sykes in his all too brief stint with them, before his life became really complicated after joining Whitesnake. He checked all the macho guitar god boxes back then.

[@happycanayjian1582]

Agreed. Sykes has a very distinctive sound and is an absolute hair metal monster. One of my faves. 🎸

[@marcoandstephanie3976]

John Sykes playing Thunder and Lightning. Wish I was able to see him play it live.

[@kevinmcconnell3641]

Steve Howe!

[@keithmcclaughry7009]

Rik Emmett from Triumph is very underrated. You can't dismiss his acoustic finger picking either.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man!!!

[@jamesllane1618]

Davey Johnstone with Elton John. I cannot count the amount of times I said "I've never heard that before" while listening to Davey. Should have won a grammy for "Funeral for a Friend".

[@joehansonguitar]

Yes!!!

[@aschule5684]

I agree, that will forever be my favorite EJ song. "Brilliant" Elton, Davey, Dee, and Nigel were a pretty special team that gave us many timeless gems.

[@tonym6326]

Agree with that! I've always thought Funeral for a Friend was one of the best guitar songs ever. He never got much recognition because Elton was so good.

[@kevinmgerber]

Frank Marino of Mahogany Rush fame!

[@joehansonguitar]

Got him on my list for another video!

[@aschule5684]

Thanks I was just coming to mention Frank 👍

[@bossfan49]

If we're talking Legends.. Tony Iommi and Neal Schon. Some unsung heroes that I like...maybe not the most skilled/fastest shredders.. but l like their style and tone choices, and how well their riffs and solos work for the song. James Young/Tommy Shaw of Styx. Neil Giraldo of Pat Benatar, Steve Stevens of Billy Idol, Glenn Buxton of Alice Cooper group. Martin Barre of Jethro Tull. Elliott Easton of The Cars. I compare some of Ellott's work to Brian May just by how creative and smartly composed they are.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man! Some of those cats are going in future videos I’m working on

[@scottdaughtry6740]

Neil - definitely top shelf player...

[@anthonydavella8350]

Schon blows Prince away, I just cant believe the Prince Train

[@stuartewoldt1513]

Schon is a great guitarist. He played what he needed to for journey, he could have been selfish and outshines the band but nope

[@scottdaughtry6740]

@@stuartewoldt1513 Schon is an egotistical showboat. I've seen Journey in concert going back to when JSS was in the band through the current lineup.. he needs to watch some more BB King videos to learn what emotion can be wrought from a single note instead of playing 300 per second. He's exhausting and I wind up tuning out the song while he's twiddling.

[@charliecoutts3003]

For tone, feel, technique and pure, sheer emotion, the late great Paul Kossoff.

[@joehansonguitar]

Will do, thanks!!

[@patwictor]

Really enjoyed the list. One addition: Ty Tabor of King's X - fantastic player.

[@joehansonguitar]

Definitely a fantastic player. I saw them in concert in the 90’s. Great show. Thanks for your comment!

[@DiBiasehere]

He is one of the best in the business. His solo albums and The Jelly Jam records are flawless.

[@phlegmbeck9224]

Same here Brings back memories of mosh pits in front of those guys. We called them slam dances back then.

[@joehansonguitar]

@@phlegmbeck9224 Oh yeah, I remember!

@@joehansonguitarI saw King’s X in the 90s, as well. Ty is definitely a terrific guitar player.

[@larrydrozd2740]

The Stray Cats got back together in 1990 and toured. They played a club called The Back Room in Austin, Texas. I stood two feet in front of Brian Setzer at the edge of the stage and watched him play the entire show. One of my all time best concert experiences ever! People have no clue just how good he really is.

[@joehansonguitar]

That's killer! I would love to have seen them live. Thanks for sharing this story!

[@mjh5437]

I remember when the Stray Cats moved to London in about 1981 they used to drink every night in the same pub as me in Notting Hill with Lemmy,Philthy Phil and Fast Eddie from Motorhead and the Sex Pistols too,and they were pretty broke because they didn`t have a recording contract yet and couldn`t afford a hotel so they would sleep in the late-night flea-ridden cinema just along the road called The Electric.

[@marlenec4536]

I know how great he is! He played a venue with Jeff Beck and they were hot! First time I saw Stray Cats, Brian came out on stage wearing a coon skin hat, The Beverly Hillbillies theme song on a banjo!

[@bigredmachine1]

Solid...met him at Rockline radio and said to him that they used Stray Cat Strut on Monday Night Baseball (yes, baseball). He jumped up and ran over to the guys and said We made Monday Night Baseball! 👍

[@joehansonguitar]

That’s a great story, thanks for sharing!

[@adammccune598]

Best Prince performance ever was at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame when he played While My Guitar Gently Weeps with Tom Petty and others. Amazing!

[@joehansonguitar]

Yep, we know. RRHF won’t allow anyone to use the clip of that performance though 😢

[@TeleTonemonkey]

Prince clip is quite Gilmouresque!

[@LethargicAnarchist]

You can add Uli Roth who is sorely underrated and is one the best neoclassical guitarist on the planet

[@joehansonguitar]

He’s going to be in an upcoming video I’m working on

[@LethargicAnarchist]

@@joehansonguitar Great! Will check that out when it drops

[@DiBiasehere]

Very well could be the greatest.

[@jamesedwards2237]

I've seen Uli live. He is impressive.

[@tpatrick44]

Thanks for including Vince Gill! Glen Campbell was another one who was the only person in the Wrecking Crew who couldn’t read music! 😳

[@joehansonguitar]

Nice! Thanks for commenting!!

[@richardk6659]

Eddie Van Halen once called Alice Cooper, a friend and neighbor of Glen's, and told him he was in Arizona and would like to play a few rounds of golf. Both Cooper and Campbell were known as excellent low-handicap players who played together a lot. After a few rounds round Eddie asked Cooper how his game was. Cooper replied " Eddie your a great guitar player". EVH than told Cooper that the real reason he came to see him was that he wanted him to set him up with a guitar lesson with Campbell. So they drove over to Glen's house...source - Alice Cooper

[@tpatrick44]

@@richardk6659 I knew Glen and A. Cooper were avid golfers, but have never heard about EVH trying to get a guitar lesson from Glen! Thanks for enlightening me. When I was in High School, I would be at CBS Studios to watch the taking of the Glen Campbell Good Time Hour. I used to take my Dates there! 😆

[@nostrilnick]

I'll admit to not being much of a country music fan, and as such, had no idea how amazing Vince Gill was on a guitar. Until a few years ago, I never gave him much thought, but I happened to catch him with the Eagles on their tour a few years ago. Holy crap, I couldn't believe what I saw/heard. What a great relief pitcher for Glenn Frey, and I'd wager, waaaay better on a six string.

[@joehansonguitar]

Definitely better from a technical standpoint. The guy is very versatile and underrated!!

[@pats5375]

Glenn Campbell and Roy Clark preceded him. Check them out

[@ClintonMcColman]

Oh we knew Alex Lifeson was that good.

[@craigharrison5406]

No doubt. A few of the names on this list are established guitar legends.

[@donjohn2695]

Same with Allen Collins everyone knows how great he was

He got overshadowed by being in a band with Geddy Lee and Neil Peart.

[@joehansonguitar]

The younger crowd doesn’t know half these names from my experience.

[@SpicyTexan64]

​@donjohn2695 no there's a lot of people who don't. Hence underrated

[@gregdemeterband]

King of Country Shred!~ Vince Gill, so much awesomeness!

[@joehansonguitar]

Thank you for your comment! He’s still a monster player although I joked with a student the other days saying he looks like the praise director at a Baptist church these days lol

[@davedwave7]

@@joehansonguitar Well he is married to Amy Grant, (Contemporary Christian singer).

[@skipacuff5104]

@@davedwave7✅

[@kurtsaxton823]

Vince Gill is definitely a badass he was a studio musician and a member of pure prairie League, but Roy Clark is the king of country shredders.

[@mmttomb3]

​@kurtsaxton823 Along with Glenn Campbell. Just a lil more cleaner

[@bdeyestwo1223]

Most underrated that no one mentions is Frank Marino.

[@joehansonguitar]

I’m putting him in a follow up video soon

[@sahb4049]

Hendrix clone.

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@sahb4049 , no he isn’t!

[@zenn3339]

Frank Marino is my favorite guitar player.

[@bdeyestwo1223]

@@zenn3339 mine too, Gary Moore used to be on top but I watched a bunch of Frank Marino reaction vid's then put on Gary Moore's rendition of red house and realized how good Frank is, forever on top now.

[@SleepingWarrior01]

Great video - definitely a few in there that I didn't know! My all time favourite (and often overlooked) is Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser from Blue Öyster Cult. He's been a consistently solid riffer and shredder since their first album from 1972

[@joehansonguitar]

He’s in my follow up video I just released! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoqmY6l6hJZ4sJYsi=GlBz0HUSDXCZ-LqD

[@reprintranch]

Could not agree more. Love Buck’s rhythm riffage and his solos - he did a lot of improvisation live, and pretty much any ‘70s live BOC is worth listening to just for Buck, let alone the rest of the band, no slouches there either.

[@debrajean5874]

Great list, I'd add Rory Gallagher.

[@joehansonguitar]

I’m putting Rory in an upcoming video!

[@dougdecloedt8450]

Thank you!!

[@guitardave3028]

Yeah, rory was one of my favs....got to see him on several occasions . Always impressed me..

[@joehansonguitar]

@guitardave3028 that’s awesome

[@VideosVarious2]

I was about to say Rory Gallagher also!

[@gabeeaglesland1378]

Lifeson is in a class by himself. Kerry Livgren of Kansas is up there check out their first 5 albums, Dave Flett & Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and a virtual unknown in Gary Hoey, among many others

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks for your comment. I’m not sure if I’ve heard Flett or Thompson but have definitely heard Hoey and is definitely underrated

[@gabeeaglesland1378]

Look up Flett and Thompson

[@gabeeaglesland1378]

@@joehansonguitar Check out Manfred Mann’s Earth Band beginning with the album The Good Earth, Glorified Magnified,Solar Fire,Nightingales and Bombers,Angel Station,Chance,Watch, it’s really great stuff…rock on …

[@greg-warsaw4708]

Can you tell parts played by Kerry from those played by Rich in Kansas? The band's 5 first albums are sensational but I am not sure who played what in the guitar department.

[@gabeeaglesland1378]

@@greg-warsaw4708 Livgren was the lead guitarist. He played most of the riffs even rhythm , plus the overdubs ,Rich was rhythm and backup. Even today Williams isn’t that good , I’ve seen this past tour twice,no Kerry appearance’s unfortunately. I’m done with them live , it’s very far from what they used to be, the vocals aren’t even close, it’s sad, even the electric violinist Ragsdale retired and that hurt the band too. It’s ironic, we saw the new violinist here in sellersville Pa. solo years ago opening up for Gary Hoey, and jamming with GH then in Glenside Pa. with his first gig with Kansas and he wasn’t anywhere close to knowing the cords, I mean he’s talented but he’s doing his solo stuff ( which we just saw him again in Sellersville) but with Kansas it’s a serious lag. So that’s that.

[@roccomancini5875]

The most underatted guitarist on the Planet is Frank marino for sure... rated by all the greats but not known by the masses... Brilliant Psychedelic, Blues, Rock, Jazz, self taught maestro from Mahogany Rush. Check live at the agora theatre on KZbin, or aint dead yet.. master Shredder and finger tapping magician 10 years before Eddie van Halen. When you know you know..

[@joehansonguitar]

Frank is definitely up there. I will be putting him in another video soon.

[@roccomancini5875]

@@joehansonguitar I remember when he supported Aerosmith in the 70s and blew them off the stage with a rubbish PA system. Then he supported Ozzy Osborne and Black Sabbath and did the same to them... showed Randy Rhoads who the Daddy was. Satriani, Bonamassa , Zak, and Zappa put him up there with Jimi.

[@bill2527]

I saw him open for Ac/Dc and Aerosmith summer 1979 he was awesome!! Love listening to Juggernaut and Tales From The Unexpected

[@sebastianfibes2126]

Damn right muh man. Well observed, well said.

[@sahb4049]

Hendrix clone.

[@stratslinger54]

I was surprised not to see Nuno Bettencourt making this list. His latest stuff is downright unapproachable by even some of the most advanced guitarists out there. But I loved all the ones included on your list. Thanks! 👍❤

[@joehansonguitar]

I have him on my list for a future episode!! 🎸🔥🤘🏻

[@g.barros8891]

Gary Moore, Steve Rothery, Rory Gallagher, Vinnie Moore, Roy Buchanan...

[@joehansonguitar]

Yes!!

[@chikkenbonz]

Roy Clark is know as a guitar master, but people often overlook Buck Owens' work. Great guitarist. Another less known gem from the hair metal days is Jason Becker. Check out "Perpetual Burn" and "The Strawberry Jams". He (Jason) only writes music now as he was diagnosed with ALS. He uses his eyes and a computer controlled sight recognition apparatus now to write music as he lost the ability to speak.

[@joehansonguitar]

Roy Clark and Buck Owens were great players for sure and are a far cry from Jason Becker lol I grew up watching Hee Haw so I’m familiar with Clark. I followed Becker not only as a soloist but also his work with Friedman in Cacophony. Thanks for watching!

[@onethumbpicker]

Don Rich was Buck Owens' lead guitarist. He died in a motorcycle crash in the 70's. And yes, he was great.

[@keithcohen5152]

Buck Owen's blows

[@66limelight]

I'm a rock and roll guy, not a country music fan but I agree about Roy Clark. Another one is Glenn Campbell. Glenn had the versatility to play any genre and was a very sought after session musician when he was young.

[@tuftoro7111]

That Vince Gil lead in Oklahoma Borderline was epic! He has Chet Atkins to thank.

[@shaunhutchison4049]

Great list! Be Bop Deluxe guitarist Bill Nelson was years ahead of his time (mid 70's.) Apparently Randy Rhoads was a fan. His use of modes, feedback, e-bow, backwards recording and general feel and fluidity were incredible for the time. Great songwriter and arranger too. Check him out!

[@joehansonguitar]

Ah yes, I will be putting Bill In a future video!

[@ndhudecz]

I didn't see Ronnie Montrose, not just trying to play fast but constructing great songs through his playing.

[@joehansonguitar]

Looks like I need to make a follow up video!

[@davidgarnsey3549]

Like the video. When I saw the title, the first two guys that came to mind were Vito Bratta and Brad Paisley, cool that they were both in there.

[@joehansonguitar]

Awesome, thanks!

[@papahoppa1776]

I'm not a big country fan, but those Nashville guys are hands down some of the best players out there.

[@joehansonguitar]

They are definitely some of the best!

[@markmiwurdz2248]

@paulhopper1630. Check out Brent Mason, Johnny Hiland, (Cousin) Kenny Vaughn, John Jorgensen, Marty Stuart. These guys are seriously good pickers.

[@joehansonguitar]

@markmiwurdz2248 gonna put them on my list for follow up videos

[@samspurgeon4222]

One of the great old style pickers that could make a guitar talk and sing was Jerry Reed...could listen to him all day

[@SD9xcp311x]

Eddie Hazel, Maggot Brain.. need I say more, when rock and funk united.

[@joehansonguitar]

Fair enough!

[@fiftyyearflood580]

J Mascis does it justice on Mike Watt's "Ball Hog or Tugboat"

[@williamking7420]

Alex Masi, Scott Henderson, Alan Holdsworth, Johnny Hiland. There are so many amazing guitar players many of whom are under the radar.

[@joehansonguitar]

I did a video a while back about 10 players who made me want to quit. Holdsworth was one of them. I met Henderson and Willis and have always loved Tribal Tech. There’s enough under the radar players to make at least a 4-6 hour documentary on

[@MisaelDelgado-wd4ub]

Ian Crichton from Saga, their best album for starters should be In Transit (1982) and one of my favorites is Craig Goldy, from Dio. Another one nobody seems to mention is Glenn Tipton from Judas Priest, it’s amazing the way he reinvented himself through all the decades the band has been around. From playing like a Hendrix style to the shredder he evolved.

[@joehansonguitar]

Saga is kick ass. Godly and Tipton definitely deserve to be in a follow up video

[@ladypopol]

👍 Ian Chrichton is unparalleled and immediately identifiable, like blackmore, hackett, howe...

[@joehansonguitar]

@ladypopol for sure, I’m putting Ian in an upcoming video!

[@sseltrek1a2b]

couldn't agree more with Crichton...incredible player, and immediately recognizable...

[@aschule5684]

Great mention love Ian 👍

[@barnacleguy]

I consider some of the guitarists on this list "often overlooked" rather than underrated. Davey Johnstone has already been mentioned in a comment, and I agree with that wholeheartedly; I always felt that his playing had SO much emotion in it, even though a lot of that could probably be attributed to Elton's songwriting. Vivian Campbell and Chris DeGarmo also come to mind as often overlooked leads.

[@joehansonguitar]

Great perspective

[@Doadab13]

I’m heavy metal but the first time I heard prince,I loved his playing.

[@joehansonguitar]

I used to discount him and anyone who wasn’t metal as well. Now that I’m getting older my tastes are definitely changing. Thanks for your comment!

[@skipacuff5104]

⁠@@joehansonguitarWhat is the source of that incredibly poignant performance by Prince? It makes “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” seem pedestrian in comparison. 🫢

[@crypto630]

@@skipacuff5104 If you like those two, check out Play That Funky Music from 2011 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn_VcnmYaK5loNU). I almost don't care what kind of music you like - that one is just fun and hard not to get into! I'm a metal head too and feel like it is unfortunate that it took me so long to appreciate him beyond Purple Rain, which I always thought of (wrongly) as a one-off in terms of guitar work.

[@ffcorona]

Ditto.@@skipacuff5104

[@celtsfan9437]

Princes live performances of Purple Rain are right up there with Gilmour’s Comfortably numb solos for me in terms of tone, feel and emotion… just amazing…

[@BruceRedman-w5t]

One really great guitarist who rarely gets mentioned on these lists is Sonny Landreth. Technically brilliant and also plays with feeling and a great sense of melody. Another underrated guitarist when it comes to creating melodic solos is Francis Rossi from Status Qou. Yes his work is easy but there are few more tuneful players, IMO.

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks for your comment! I might be featuring them in an upcoming video

[@cavecookie1]

There's a vid of Vince Gill playing Duane Allman's Les Paul Gold Top; He even played a couple of Duane's licks as an Homage in his solo. Very cool thing to see.

[@joehansonguitar]

Vince is such an amazing talent!

[@RustyManisduckman]

Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings. Both are phenomenal flat pickers. Plus there is a clip of Billy playing with Tool that's pretty good.

[@joehansonguitar]

Absolutely, I will probably put them in an upcoming video!

[@claudevieaul1465]

Frank Marino is always overlooked, yet the guy was definitely shredding before we knew what thát meant... 🤣🤣🤣 Great vocalist too!

[@joehansonguitar]

I’m actually putting a video together right now with him in it!

[@ant1738]

Thank you!! Excellent list! You knew D. ZAPPA .. unreal technique! Unbelievable phrasing ... he nailed Eruption's phrasing & swing feel

[@joehansonguitar]

I’ve always loved Steve’s stuff but he’s no EVH

[@joehansonguitar]

Monster player

[@3to5andglassy]

Great list. Another great workout solo is Rock Bottom off the Strangers in The Night album. Schenker goes for a good 5 minutes.

[@armandocarlos3805]

Love to Love was another great one, in my opinion, the best solo on that album, amazing 👍🏽

[@joemanna491]

Electric phase

[@jaydo3553]

Allen Collins is and always will be my favorite guitar player. From the opening shot/note from freebird the movie, I’ve been after that tone ever since

[@joehansonguitar]

Killer!

[@Ken_James_SV]

Carlos Alomar - the God of Guitarists! One of his finest pieces of work is on David Bowie's 'Station to Station'.

[@joehansonguitar]

Oh yeah!

There’s one person I feel is seriously overlooked because of the genre of music he plays but Christopher Cross is really good. Listen to the end of “Ride Like the Wind” and you’ll hearing him tearing it up.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man!

[@williamquigley5836]

All of these guys sound great and it's nice to see someone take note of how good Bratta and DiMartini have been. Some other very overlooked talents are Bill Steer, Eddie Clarke, Chris Oliva, Michael Amott, Vernon Reid, George Lynch, Jake Lee, Eric Gales and maybe a thousand or so accomplished guitarists that recorded starting in the eighties. You should do a segment on those rare talents that sing while they play like Richie Kotzen; That has to present a greater challenge.

[@joehansonguitar]

Vernon is in the video I'm currently working on and Chris Olivia and Kotzen will be featured in a later video. I do need to expand my list and make a series out of all these cats since there's just too many to put in only a couple videos!

[@treff9226]

George Lynch, Warren DeMartini are in no way, shape or form, underrated! Neither is Fast Eddie Clarke. C'mon now! The use of the word "underrated" is ridiculously thrown around on KZbin and should only be reserved for little known musicians! ALEX LIFESON UNDERRATED - what in the world is he doing in this episode? Holy Shnikeees, that's bat shit crazy!

[@treff9226]

Oh, and Jake E Lee is considered a genius on guitar by millions and millions of metal fans, he is perfectly rated, not underrated by any stretch. The others you mentioned, like Eric Gales, sure, totally undervalued!

[@joehansonguitar]

@treff9226 they’re not underrated to you but to a younger generation they are becoming not only underrated but unknown. You’re just getting old

[@treff9226]

@@joehansonguitar Hello Joe, although I did criticize your picks for underrated guitarists, i didn't take into account exactly WHO you were making this video for. Young music fans arent going to know a boatload of superb guitarists, due to, well......being young! Perspective is everything! All in all, the fact that you're putting these fabulous musicians out there to be discovered is a beautiful thing - I truly dig every guitarist you mentioned and got a little wound up seeing them as underrated. Best part for me was that Dweezil Zappa clip playing Eruption, PERFECTLY! Lastly, I'm not "getting" old, I've BEEN old! Gotta run, there's some dirty teenagers on my lawn....🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@phlegmbeck9224]

Great list but there’s plenty of favorites to go around. On the country side you got Roy Clark, Glenn Campbell, and Ricky Skaggs. Shredders. On the rock side I like Tommy Bolin, George Lynch, and Trevor Rabin as forgotten heroes.

[@joehansonguitar]

There's just sooo many! I'm already thinking of a few more videos highlighting these cats! Thank for your comment!

[@phlegmbeck9224]

I forgot to mention Elliot Easton of the Cars. Besides his solos he does so much behind the rhythm, often buried in the mix, but great stuff.

[@joehansonguitar]

@phlegmbeck9224 I also like Chris Hayes from Huey Lewis and the news

[@larrybailey408]

Seen Tommy Bolin band with Robin Trower & Steve Marriott,at Winterland S,F, Great show.

[@joehansonguitar]

@@larrybailey408 very nice!

[@EyesoreJr]

Prince was a genius. I saw a video of him using that white guitar that had that big arm swirl coming from one side. It was in the top so it would be out of the way when playing. But in the middle of a solo he flipped his guitar over and finished the solo playing lefty! So not only is he playing lefty when he’s right-handed but the guitar is strung righty so now all the strings are upside down AND that protrusion is in the way making it even harder and he didn’t miss a note. Phenomenal!

[@joehansonguitar]

The guy was amazing. I used to discount him when I was a younger guy because he wasn’t playing “shred” but I have since had a change of heart!

[@KenMac-ui2vb]

Watch the Prince NFL halftime in a deluge. It blew my mind.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yes!!!

[@bossfan49]

Greatest halftime show ever.

[@davidrichter9164]

Not really a big fan of Princes music, however, the man was a beast on guitar.

[@JohnnyAngel907]

I STILL rave on about Prince’s halftime performance to people! It was cosmic!!!

[@joehansonguitar]

@JohnnyAngel907 hasn’t been a halftime show in my opinion as good since

[@bkmeahan]

Love the Game of thrones Fender jam with Tom Morello, Scott Ian, Nuno Bettencourt. Brad Paisley comes in and starts shredding and you can see the others looking around like where did this dude come from?

[@joehansonguitar]

Yes! So friggen awesome!

[@timhilliard0521]

I don't think Steve Lukather gets enough credit for how good he is.

[@joehansonguitar]

I’m featuring him in another video

[@sseltrek1a2b]

yup...ridiculous soloing and songwriting...

[@joehansonguitar]

The guy has done so much

[@skald9]

Jan Akkerman (Focus), Michael Schenker (UFO, Scorpions, MSG,...), George Benson (the singer), Michael Denner & Hank Shermann (Mercyful Fate).

[@joehansonguitar]

Oh yeah, I’m very familiar with all these cats

[@FreedomAndLiberty2024]

Joe, I really enjoyed watching (and listening to) your list - all great guitarists! Thanks! After reading through all the great guitarist mentioned in the comments, it looks like you're going to have to make a Top 100 😃 One guy that makes it on surprisingly few fan top-ten lists, but is mentioned as an inspiration to numerous legendary rock guitarists, is Ritchie Blackmore. A couple other honorable mentions in the overlooked category are Larry LaLonde of Primus and Paul Leary of Butthole Surfers.

[@joehansonguitar]

You know that’s right, I literally have enough to do 100+!

[@StephenLuneberg]

Great Video! A few I consider underrated. Mathias Jabs (Scorpions), Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden), Rik Emmett (Triumph) & Jeff Carlisi (38 Special)

[@joehansonguitar]

Yes!! Thanks you! I’ve got quite a few more to cover but check out videos 2&3 from the series! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoqmY6l6hJZ4sJYsi=oJQO5QuY5CB30Tt9 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIfFknSQltKfb9Esi=xragsThFOlcjqDm1

[@JoeR203]

Vito Bratta was phenomenal. Add Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson from Night Ranger. Gary Richrath from REO Speedwagon.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man!! Brad is in next weeks video and I think Gary is in the follow week

[@zombiereagan4813]

Roy Clarke and Glen Campbell for sure. And perhaps Shawn Lane. The god of shred. I did enjoy your list. It was pretty spot on.

[@joehansonguitar]

I appreciate that!

Those two were really good 👍

[@chac65]

Add Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, and Merle Travis to that list. Country pickers get no respect. Jerry Reed can out play most of these people on an unamplified acoustic.

[@JoeandAngie]

Used to hang with Shawn in the 80s Willys days

[@gr8tnowwhat]

Two words: Jason Becker His potential was out of this world and unfortunately diagnosed with ALS right as he was exploding on the music scene with David Lee Roth. Despite that he still writes music to this day. Unbelievable fighter. He deserved better.

[@joehansonguitar]

I’ve been listening to Jason since the beginning with Cacophony and his solo stuff before DLR. very sad what happened. I will probably put him in a future video. I think I already have him featured in a previous video I made a while back now that I think about it

[@dandtintennessee7675]

Ive recently noticed how great of a guitar player Vince is. Im more of a fan of his acoustic stuff though.. I've mellowed in my older years. Another favorite acoustic player of mine is WG Snuffy Walden. And yes Prince was phenomenal.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yes!

[@FreakKitchen63]

Brian MacLeod - Chilliwack and Headpins Ronni Le Tekro - TNT Les Paul Akio Shimizu - Anthem Danny Gatton Shawn Lane Mattias IA Eklundh - Freak Kitchen Bumblefoot Jason Becker John Huldt, Clifton Wright, Rick Graham, Sam Coulson, Roy Marchbank - all on YT

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks for the comment, a few of those guys are going to be in upcoming videos I'm working on.

[@TumeniKatz]

Ronni is amazing.

[@ScottGiuffre]

Michael schenker, Jerry Reed, Jake E Lee. With that said, your list was great. Thank you

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks! Check out my second video in this series that came out Monday. It’s got Jerry Reed in it. I’ll feature Jake in a future episode

[@ScottGiuffre]

@@joehansonguitar I forgot Steve Morse.

[@ScottGiuffre]

@@joehansonguitar I saw the guitar players that made you want to quit playing. I would add Steve Morse to that list

[@joehansonguitar]

@user-mz2md1qg6x adding him on a future video

[@stevemora7845]

Was that Carlos Cavaso playing the harmonies with Warren? All these guys are definitely formidable players. Loved it!

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah its Carlos

[@fiftyyearflood580]

I noticed that too! Saw Carlos with Quiet Riot back around 84 or 85 and he was fantastic. Actually, Ratt might've been on that bill too.

[@UtoniumJock]

Athough it does look like Carlos, are you sure it is not Robin Crosby because he lays a flying v I never seen Carlos with anything other than a strat type guitar.

[@kennywilkus1632]

CRISS OLIVA from Savatage is probably the most most highly overlooked guitarist in the 80’s! The work he did on Hall of the Mountain King is unmatched!

[@joehansonguitar]

Definitely, I will be putting Chris in an upcoming video

@@joehansonguitar he was probably the heart and soul of Savatage!!

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Also, the late Terry Kath from Chicago. His solo on 25 Or 6 to 4 is amazing!

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man! I featured him in another episode from this series. Very under appreciated IMO.

[@eddyspurlock1299]

Rocky George of Suicidal Tendencies was always one of my favorite underrated guitaristd

[@joehansonguitar]

Hell yeah! I forgot about him!

[@JonMallek]

Could not agree more, love that freaking guy!

[@bakeone4406]

Pretty much all of the players listed here are well known to most casual fans of hot guitar playing. Guitarists like Ollie Halsall, Toto Blanke, Brian Godding, Sonny Sharrock, Marc Ducret, Anthony Curtis, Radim Hladik, Terje Rypdal, Chris Poland, Olli Hirvonen, Hedvig Mollestad and Allan Holdsworth are a few players who much more underrated than any one listed in the video.

[@joehansonguitar]

I have Holdsworth in another video but I agree that there's just so many great under the radar players out there

[@markrobinson8410]

Peter Frampton, steve Hackett, kazumi watanabe, andy Powell

[@dougdecloedt8450]

Good pull. I have one of Andy’s autographed flying V’s ~ 🤘😎🤘

[@crysstoll1191]

Kazumi is great!

[@richardk6659]

Roy Buchanan was one of Jeff Beck's favorites. Speaking of Roys....multi-instrumentalist Roy Clark could pick with the best of them, too. Thanks for the video, looking forward to more.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man! Roy will be in a future video!

[@robertwittenauer407]

And Clark would be the first to tell you that Glen Campbell was much better than him.

[@ALTheGuitarViking]

Reb Beach Rocks! Good choice I enjoyed it alot!

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks Al!

[@IbrahimAhmed-zi5bw]

Vitto was unique. His note choice and techniques are out of this world. ❤

[@joehansonguitar]

One of a kind!

[@thezorba1]

Dweezils fan picking! Hell yeah!

[@dlflash56]

One of the most overlooked shedders of all time, is the late Criss Oliva, from Savatage. I was fortunate enough to have been at his last gig, @ Livestock, in Zephyrhills, Florida. We were on our way home from the festival, when the news came over the radio, that Criss had been killed by a drunk driver on his way home in Tampa. Such a tragic loss of talent and a really great human being. Anyone that hasn't heard Criss's Steller guitar playing, should check him out, I believe that he was on his way to being the next Randy Rhoads. RIP Criss, you are still sadly missed.

[@joehansonguitar]

He’s in the video I’m currently editing!

[@pianoman4rent]

Number ONE underrated guitarist in the world, both for the time he was exposed to the world and just his flat out ability is and will always remain the legendary, one and only Tommy Bolin. I state this not because he was a great friend and great human being but I played with Tommy back in the day when about the only "effects pedal", if you want to call it that, was the Fuzz tone effect pedal. While I played with Tommy, he did NOT use the fuzz tone pedal and all we did for "effects" was the volume knob on our amps. This was in the "Fender 'showman' " days so you had to be really good or lean on (as I did) great guitarists like Tommy. Any list of underrated greats that don't include Tommy, are lists that I am forced to dismiss to a great degree. Yup, you can list all of "your" guys but they all had multiple effects on them and I don't know how they would stand up to guys like Tommy that had to flat out be great. I'm not knocking your guys, just bringing Tommy and his incredible talent to light. I know that Tommy did start using effects later on and that enhanced what he did, but consider the difference in what he had available to what they have now. Tommy left this Earth on December 6th, 1976 and a lot changed after his passing. RIP, my dear friend and possibly the best guitarist ever.

[@joehansonguitar]

I’ve got quite a list of cats that I’m getting to and Tommy is on there. He was badass

[@janvan31166]

Love your list whenever people talk underrated guitar players I always bring up Warren Do Martini and Brad Paisley, nice to see those guys on a greatest list

[@joehansonguitar]

Thank you 🙏🤘🏻

[@kevinkohler7997]

Brad Gillis, Marty Stuart. Glen Campbell, Roy Clarke

[@joehansonguitar]

Don't forget Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins!

[@randysmith8770]

👍Brad Paisley, 👍Vito Bratta…could someone tell me the name of the song that Reb Beech was playing? Thanks

[@joehansonguitar]

I think it’s just a solo thing he did in the middle of their set

[@BBaldwin]

Dave Meniketti

[@mitchpalmer5116]

Meniketti for sure. He's just killer.

[@larrybailey408]

DAVE MENIKETTI, Big time, Good call !

[@Newk16]

I was lucky to meet Y@T a few yrs ago Dave is very underrated not to mention he's really a great person in life, I'm still sad about Phil Kennemore another great bass player we lost.

Great pick!!

[@nd_irish_fan744]

My favorite all-time guitarists are (in no particular order) Neal Schon, Gary Richrath, Jake E. Lee, and Mr. Dave Meniketti!

[@MochaDaisy8645]

Hey there! I Actually watched the part II video first before coming here. Enjoying your content very much, even though I’m not a guitar player myself

[@joehansonguitar]

That’s awesome! Thanks! Just out of curiosity, how did you come across my video?

[@MochaDaisy8645]

@joehansonguitar It just randomly popped up in my feed, probably because I watched another “underrated guitarist” video on another channel (Prince topped that one as well). I just left a lengthy comment on your part II

[@Bwiser63]

“Ronnie Van Zant “Bring all my Mules up front here.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yes!

[@BoxTruckVagabond]

Prince doing the George Harrison tribute was probably the most memorable for me. What an amazing guitarist! Glad you put him number one most underrated!!

[@joehansonguitar]

Heck yeah!!!

[@garnethumelsine5358]

I am so damned glad you put Alex Lifeson on this list.

[@joehansonguitar]

🤘🏻🎸

[@jefflebowski3784]

Great list. You could do a few of these. A couple who come quickly to mind are Rod Price and Terrible Ted.

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks! I’m trying to cover as many as I possibly can 🤘🏻🔥🎸

[@nadermansour7487]

Linsdsey Buckingham, Junior Brown, and Steve Rothery.

[@joehansonguitar]

All great!

[@joem6859]

Brian Setzer "Jazzer goes Surfin" and "Surfer goes Jazzin" will simply explode your brain, check it out. "Cluster Pluck" showcases both Brad and Vince, and a few others. Prince at RRHOF, doing "while my guitar..." ,epic.

[@joehansonguitar]

Oh yeah!! Awesome stuff man! 🎸🔥

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

I want some super under the radar guitarists like RIcky Wilson from The B52s and Poison Ivy from The Cramps. The Reverend Horton Heat.

[@joehansonguitar]

I was really just testing the waters to see if this topic was of interest. I agree completely and I’m working on a follow up video with very under the radar cats!

[@philwright2480]

Craig Chaquico..Jefferson Starship, Mick Box .. Uriah Heep, Kuni, Mason Williams, Dale Lytle of Angeles amd Kore.

[@joehansonguitar]

Great players. Thanks for the comment!

[@derekm3180]

My old guitar teacher Dave Beegle is my pick. He's so good. And if you like the twangy sound, check out anything from Brent Mason. Superb session guy who has played with everyone.

[@joehansonguitar]

Excellent!!

[@jackmartinleith]

Here's a couple more: Larry Carlton (e.g. intro to Don't Take Me Alive) Roy Buchanan (a Telecaster pioneer)

[@joehansonguitar]

I need to make a video with Carlton but Roy was in last weeks video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoqmY6l6hJZ4sJYsi=IbKzD8nYaPBivEyu

[@TorchMagick]

Ian Crichton,Mark Kendall,Pat Simmons,Tom Johnston,Adrian Vandenberg, and many more! L L A P

[@joehansonguitar]

Yep and I think John Sykes goes under appreciated also!

[@bastianogr4960]

Oh, I love this list! 7 of these guys are my absolute heroes! Thanks for honoring them. Another underrated hair metal guitarist is John Sykes. What a monster. His tone and his energy really are one of a kind. Speaking of Tele country shredding, Jerry Donahue has to be mentioned. And once he’s named, we also have to mention Jerry Reed. There’s this live video from the 70s, him and Chet Atkins blasting "Breakdown", which made me question everything about the guitar and myself 😅 May I name a couple more? Ed King, Ricky Medlocke, Dann Huff, Marc Ford, Doug Aldridge, Warren Haynes.

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks man!! I’m working on this as a series. Some of the guys you mentioned are in some of the other episodes with more on the way! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoqmY6l6hJZ4sJYsi=Q9rwHLaQyV2181qQ kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIfFknSQltKfb9Esi=M8bL8hGL_HcFlggq kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGHMg3WuaJWGa9Esi=MU3dZs5SKEmcwkIS kzbin.info/www/bejne/anyonKWOmq9qppIsi=13yHS4b7NLUErk0u

[@steadypace747]

Lindsey Buckingham and Neal Schon are under mentioned, in my humble opine.

[@joehansonguitar]

Definitely

[@fortunatecookie9055]

Neil Geraldo, Ricky Scaggs, Elliot Easton (The Cars), Christopher Cross, Chris Hayes (Huey Lewis), and arguably the BEST under-the-radar guitarist, Terry Kath

[@joehansonguitar]

Chris Hayes was in last week’s episode and Giraldo, Easton are in the video coming out tomorrow. The others are in my list!

[@C.N.A.C.]

Brad Paisley's "Eastwood," is mostly instrumental (except for a spoken intro and some whistling from the song's namesake.) If you want to hear a good example of his playing, it's a great place to start.

[@joehansonguitar]

Yeah man!

[@jordanez1943]

Anyone heard of Gary Hoey? His cover of Hocus Pocus is insane.

[@joehansonguitar]

That’s actually a name I hadn’t heard in a while until I put this video out

[@davidmajor4484]

Luv Gary and let's not forget who originally played the piece. Jan Akkerman 😊

[@henryashley9945]

Cool tune by Brad Paisley (and Steve Miller) is Space Cowboy on William Shatner’s album of rock covers. Very cool tune and fun to pull out on a fellow music geek.

[@joehansonguitar]

Nice

[@ImYourOverlord]

Alex Lifeson is super legit! Two words: "Natural Science" 😁

[@joehansonguitar]

You know that's right

[@darrellsanbornjr2088]

La Villa Strangiato

[@roberthussey595]

Or “The Camera Eye”

[@ImYourOverlord]

@@roberthussey595 How I love that!!! And love to play it on bass :D

[@tightright7561]

Thank you! Enjoyed the ride.

[@joehansonguitar]

Thanks for watching and commenting!