TOP 5 Fusion Shred Guitar Virtuosos

In this video we look at our personal top 5 fusion shred guitarists. Fusion is one of those genres with a ton of guitarists so there will undoubtedly be some favourites not on the list. Not because they aren't amazing, just because we either don't know of them or they are not our personal favourites.
That being said there are some serious fusion chops in this video and with Face Melters benig all about the shred, you'll probably see why we've went with the 5 that we have.
0:15 - Number 5 : Derryl Gabel
4:06 - Number 4: Greg Howe
8:42 - Number 3: Alex Hutchings
12:12 - Number 2 : Frank Gambale
16:34 - Number 1 : Allan Holdsworth
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#fusionguitar #shredguitar #guitarsolo

[@MassimoOmeri]

Allan Holdsworth makes a separate story, he is in a league of his own… literally an alien!!!

[@heut4384]

I agree. I've been watching Alex's stuff for years. He's very fast, smooth, and can play anything. Alex's actually a few Level above than most guitarists out there.

[@MassimoOmeri]

@@heut4384 I saw Alex with Steven Wilson, amazing!!! These 5 are all great, but Holdsworth and Gambale are better for me... my God!!! Their phrasing is so unique!!!

[@marieginocchio222]

This is why the first MVP album with Frank and Allan was a one of kind moment for fusion guitar.

[@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697]

I actually like Centrifugal Funk better. I thought Gambale's guitar playing was better on Centrifugal funk than Truth in Shredding not to mention it also had Shawn Lane and Bret Garsed on it. Granted Centrifugal Funk didn't have Holdsworth on it whereas Truth in Shredding did, but while Holdsworth's guitar playing was great as usual, it definitely wasn't his best guitar playing.

[@tamomarfernandez7548]

Holdsworth # 1 whitout discussion

[@NeilRaouf]

without the slightest hint of a discussion.

[@모히칸모토트립]

ㅣㅔ😊ㄴㄴㅇㅇㅇㅇㄴㅇ이이ㅔ잉ㅇㅔㅣ리ㅔㅣㅔㅣㅣㅔㅣ 1:06

[@youlino]

But of course...he came to earth to bring us the last frontier on guitar shredding... 🛸🌎.... 🖖🏽👽🎸

[@paulgilbert3139]

Yes but i prefer gambale all day, even a legend like chick corea said gambale is his favorite guitarist of all time. And the most important thing is i can enjoy gambale music all day long more than Holdsworth.

[@tamomarfernandez7548]

@@paulgilbert3139 Its a question of personal taste. Gambale is fantastic.

[@ibanezprestige5964]

You forget Brett Garsed! He should be in top 3.

[@merlin5420]

Damn Straight!!

[@Sphereal]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels on KZbin. Keep 'em coming.

[@facemelters]

Wow, thanks!

[@bottleforty1]

Allen Holdsworth left a big influence on most guitarists of today.

[@jacquesfinster5034]

Alien Holdsworth.

[@1sotheary]

So did Al Di Meola, but somehow he didn't make the list.

[@richardplenos2928]

Allan is the king 👑👑👑

[@TABL3SIX]

Scott Henderson should be included. Maybe Al Di Meola. So many others I've seen in the comments as well.

[@insightguitars]

I'm not a fan of Henderson, so I'm happy that he is not in this list.

[@OndrausCissell]

Definitely Al DiMeola among others.

[@paulgilbert3139]

This list is very subjective, but i think the current Henderson is more of blues player than jazz monster like allan and gambale.

[@MrMaynardWR]

Henderson is better than most on this list but I wouldn't describe him as a shredder

[@Low.Key.Music01]

Frank's sweeping is as smooth as silk

[@slickbb7]

Greg howe is the most melodic

[@dreizweieins5348]

Shawn Lane!!! Met him way back in a rehearsal space in Vienna, Austria, and he was jamming with Joey Tafolla :)

[@43captrexkramer]

I still have my Holdsworth autographed Metal Fatigue and I.O.U. cassette tapes, dude was so cool and very accommodating. Welcomed anyone who approached him as long as you didn't act out. I noticed 5 thru 3 doing that slur technique, remember watching George Lynch doing that 35 years ago, thinking that sounds so badass with heavy distortion.

[@MMAFAN-de9kt]

Damn bro . “ Metal fatigue” is a Master Piece of an Album . Wow !

[@cerveshred]

​@@MMAFAN-de9ktThat album changed my perception of Electric guitar

[@mpgnz73]

Strange are the days when Al Di Meola isn't listed as a top fusion shredder. Probably should have listed John McLaughlin, Shawn Lane and a couple of others and made it a top ten. Not sure if the first guy was really worth mentioning.

[@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697]

Exactly. I would have had Holdsworth as number one and Gambale, McLaughlin and Al Di Meola(don't know the order. Probably would have had Gambale 2, McLaughlin = 3 and Al De at 3). Don't know who I would have at the 5th spot.

[@fusionfan6883]

@@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697 Larry Coryell was hugely important to the birth of fusion guitar. Al Di Meola definitely needs to be there also. Derryl is a fine player, but he is a Holdsworth clone largely and has in no way made a mark on the development of guitar unlike the true greats such as McLaughlin have. Alex is a stunning player and is already making his mark, so whilst maybe not a great yet, he will be one day. The criteria isn't about how fast you can play, but how you develop the art of the guitar and manage a sustained career such as the GOAT Allan Holdsworth.

[@1sotheary]

Al Di Meola and Shawl Lane should still be on the top 5 list. And then there's Guthrie Govan not on the list. Weird.

[@nfmg2265]

SHAWN LANE UNBELIEVABLE

[@papilondailha948]

A maioria desses guitarristas sobem e descem escala o tempo todo na música,dessa forma não há arte nenhuma,somente técnica, não há beleza, swing e fica muito chato ouvir só trituração. Nesse grupo aí,o Greg é mais melódico. O Allan,usa muitas notas dissonantes,deixando a música "estranha",muitos batem palmas dizendo que o cara é Alienígena,mas é só notas dissonantes e escalas,eu particularmente não gosto. A música tem que ter alegria , swing, balanço e sentimento. Exemplo de música arte: For the love of God,ou Whispering a prayer,do Stevie Vai. Existe vários outros exemplos !

[@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697]

So Shawn Lane isn't considered Fusion? I also would have put John Mcglauglin and Al Di Meola in there. OH and Tony Macalpine should be considered for his work with Cab.

[@JamesJLaRue]

Holdsworth headstock into Hutch clip, instant like.

[@thorndog100]

Alex and Greg are definitely my two greatest influences. I speak to Alex quite a bit via YT messaging. He always gives a bit of his busy time to answer anything I post. He is a brilliant teacher and has many Jam Track Central lessons. Of which I practically own them all. But going back to the video, these guys are all brilliant musicians at the top of their game ( those alive of course) 😥 Still though, they are a great influence and we should all keep up the guitar forever. Especially in these shitty times. 🎸🎸🎸🎸 Rock on people!!!

[@facemelters]

Well said 👏

[@5150mili]

Shawn Lane ❤

[@zackvanhalen]

I'm not trying to hate on the guy, but I don't think #5 belongs on this list. He seems like a lesser version of Allan Holdsworth with little originality. I would have definitely put Shawn Lane on here. I would move Alex to #5 and put Lane at #3.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

I'm a massive Holdsworth fan, I agree. Deryll is a great player, but Lane should be on there. The Holdsworth clips weren't the best here too

[@cullen4847]

Holdsworth is the most technically impressive but, Greg Howe's playing hits different. Every note has soul.

[@arosalesmusic]

Frank is the complete package. Can play any style and writes actual songs, invented sweep picking as we know it today, Gambale tuning, plays super tastety, and of course is a virtuoso.

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Great players with great taste , playing in time

[@natrixxvision6997]

John McLaughlin. Tim Miller. Carmelo Medina. Al DiMeola. Masayoshi Takanaka. Issei Noro. Scott Henderson. Rhythm Shaw. Fareed Haque. Jimmy Herring. Sanjay Divecha. Wayne Krantz.

[@OndrausCissell]

Messers Coryell, McLaughlin, Metheny, DiMeola, Scofield, Morse and Henderson can easily replace number 5 if only from a historical standpoint I guess it doesn't matter if you played and or toured with Miles Davis !

[@kitmateyawa7829]

Mateo Mancuso ???.

[@thales30]

Holdsworth soloing on Lingus was amazing.

[@fernandes5986]

How about Shawn Lane?

[@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697]

I asked the same question. I guess they don't consider Lane to be fusion? That is the only way it makes sense to leave him out but it doesn't make sense to say he isn't fusion either.

[@fernandes5986]

@@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697 Yeah. They should listen to the Hellborg/Lane albums, that's fusion in my book.

[@fernandes5986]

@@zombielandakausa7468 and Guthrie Gowan.

[@davelouis4004]

Holdsworth , Gambale , McLaughlin, , lane , Henderson all incredible, also Rick Graham , Paul Gilbert , Ian Crichton , Tom Quayle and on and on !

[@marieginocchio222]

Henderson yes.

[@i-guitar4722]

1st guy should not be with these others- what about Brett Garsed, John McLaughlin, Scofield, Mancuso and many more....just my opinion but he seems out of place to me

[@JamesJLaRue]

Yeah Garsed is who I was hoping to see. First guy, notice we don't remember his name, is like a really great inclusion on the "fusion players you should learn about" list. Has the crazy Holdsworth type computer licks. But Garsed's phrasing and tone is mastery level... Roman Bondarenko even has tone and touch more refined than first guy. Mancuso, I feel like he's usally an 'up and coming prodigy' type mention. But he's almost to legend status, he just needs to continue what he's already doing to be ranked along with these guys, his playing is there. He needs to go through a couple endorsement deals and lose some hair is all, destined for greatness. This is the type of video I wanna see though. Could easily be a part 2 for top 10.

[@okolekahuna3862]

Isn't John McLaughlin and Al DiMeola considered Fusion???

[@MMAFAN-de9kt]

I respect them all but my man Scott Mishoe would eat them for breakfast….. Best fusion guitar and most underrated in History . Facts !

[@MMAFAN-de9kt]

@@zombielandakausa7468 Love them both . Too many nowadays to choose from . Another couple of monsters are Stephan Forte’ from France and Borislav Mitic from Serbia but he’s been living in Canada for a few years now . I’m telling you man . Monsters of Monsters !

[@1sotheary]

Look, all the players on this list are fine, but if you're going to have a list for the top 5 fusion shredders of all time, you have to have at least have one of the following, if not all, or it's not a list I can agree with: 1. Al Di Meola 2. Shawn Lane 3. Guthrie Govan That is all.

[@youlino]

How about the bluesiest jazz rock fusionist Scott Henderson? 🤔🤷🏼‍♂️

[@krikeyitstimeforcricket967]

Wait just a second here guys. Can’t take this seriously without Scott Henderson in the mix. He’s a killer of a shredder and top of the bill when it comes to fusion.

[@malmsteem1963]

Frank Gambale wins this one , the only one that sounds different from the rest

[@mikeramirez5622]

Greg howe #3

[@DenkendeMystik-ll8oi]

Where is Shawn Lane? Michael Lee Firkins?

[@christianwoodberry8873]

At 17:30 is Allan soloing over lingus?????

[@MetalheadNation]

It’s an edit, the original video was Allan soloing with no backing at all. Lingus just happens to fit almost perfectly underneath of that particular part hahaha. I don’t remember which KZbinr made the edit, but it’s still up in full somewhere on KZbin.

[@MetalheadNation]

It’s an edit, the original video was Allan soloing with no backing at all. Lingus just happens to fit almost perfectly underneath of that particular part hahaha. I don’t remember which KZbinr made the edit, but it’s still up in full somewhere on KZbin.

[@christianwoodberry8873]

Ohhhh lol that makes sense

[@GerhardGeficky-jg4ok]

Holdsworth. But wjere is Bret Garsed?

[@LuoJun2]

All of them incredibly talented. Fusion gives them freedom to solo expressively I don’t have a problem with extended solos, but I do think a piece of music is like telling a story. It should have a beginning, a middle, and a conclusion. Maybe I’m a jackass, but fusion to me is all middle with no beginning or end. It’s elevator music.

[@jacquesfinster5034]

The problem of 99.99 per cent is, don't have your own style, personality....Holdsworth had.

[@merlin5420]

Brett Garsed

[@Swpb666]

Where’s Garsed?

[@paulkim1521]

I'll say the greatest invention on fusion shred is : Applied mathematics & physics as interpretation and scales out the window! Everyone sees the number proofs beyond fretboard only to acquaint the paradox like Coltrane quote saying!

[@metroidxme6470]

Wait..I know he's been on other lists of yours but you really couldn't put Shawn Lane on here? His main style was Fusion!

[@OndrausCissell]

Shawn Lane was.outstanding, but Allan Holdsworth was playing things NO ONE else could play until he died !

[@jeremiahch]

John McLaughlin?

[@davidmiller4078]

Definately Allen Holdsworth but No John Mclaughlin ? Bit strange ? Or no Bereli Lagreen or Manteo ? Glad to see another commentator mention Ray Gomez who was an influence on Scott Henderson and both could of been included Obviously its subjective all good players But i cant help but wonder how some of these so called sbredders would actualy play some recognisable changes instead of just practising their weird scales type of solo extravaganzas ? For example Night in Tunisia Stella by Starlight or anything by Carlos Jobim ? Or anything with a recognisable head ? Totaly admire the effort they all put in in but i couldnt listen to that for long without getting bored Its like they all want to be the fastest gun in the west syndrome ? Just not convinced it will replace music as i say its all subjective and you have to be dedicated Stimulating presentation never the less cheers

[@ericnaylorguitar]

A lot of people listing other players they prefer & that would be true no matter who you chose (I too would of switched a couple of people) but in the end it was a good list/good video thanks for posting 👍

[@facemelters]

Thanks Eric 👍 - Japan is definitely too talented for a top 5 😅

[@ericnaylorguitar]

@@facemelters my comment was actually on your fusion video (I've mixed up comment replies on my channel also🙂) I was planning on watching your Japan video next & I agree there are a lot of talented Japanese bands 👍

[@facemelters]

Losing my mind here 😅 thanks for watching both! 👍

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Allan Holdsworh no doubt !!!!

[@talmorris3740]

Shredders?? Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, Frank Gambale, Guthrie Govan, Scott Henderson, Ray Gomez, Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Tim Miller, Oz Noy,.Bret Garsed,. Mateo Mancuso, Bireli Lagrene,

[@williamcampbell163]

Greg Howe most interesting...got to have a little soul or u just get fused up. My head hurts.

[@mikewilcox5284]

you left out aussie Brett Garsed ?

[@CarloGuitardello]

Wasn't Larry Coryell the creator of fusion guitar?

[@pauljan118]

where is Scott Henderson ????

[@paigerocks884]

MATTEO MANCUSO SHOULD BE HERE

[@nightly522]

where is guthrie govan?

[@hankramos8663]

Great 5 guitar players no doubt but Shawn Lane smokes' em all and continue to do so 30 years after his passing.

[@OndrausCissell]

Steve Morse, Dixie Dregs

[@SearchfortheMeaning]

MAX OSTRO

[@thales30]

Scott Henderson...

[@OndrausCissell]

By the way, where is the Top 5 jazz list since this is all of a sudden a competition. How about the Top 5 pickers list i.e Tommy Emmanuel, CGP. He is just as fast or as great as any guitarist alive. Watch him in person and you will know what I mean.

[@Johnnysmithy24]

The first guy sounded just like a Holdsworth copy Honestly. Should’ve had Al Di Miola

[@firaonoyus2112]

Where is Lil" Wayne??

[@saber5401]

No Scott Henderson? Hmmm...

[@PINCHSHOTGUITAR]

Frank Gambale : and Bireli lagrene Top

[@joaopaulowdeandrade7905]

A.H is the first. Where are S.Lane and S. Henderson? To me: 1 A.H 2 S.H 3 S.L

[@robertc7093]

MATE YOU KNOW really wich is best shredders? Where is Buckethead?

[@olusolaadebisi1250]

Where's Guthrie Govan, Shawn lane

[@giovannicentorrino4644]

1# Gambale e Holsworth. 2#Greg Howe

[@arosalesmusic]

I agree!

[@leofender5753]

and where would I put this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYmngJ6leaydiq8

[@storyboarddave5860]

Funny how they always leave out Shawn Lane.

[@Khrimson]

I would have put Guthrie Govan on this list.

[@Bart91127]

Responding to some comments..DiMeola,Corryel and Mac Laughlin...they play fusion of course,but somehow outdated,passë,when it comes to legato execution,exotic scales,sweep picking arpeggios,tapping,whammy bar use and navigating intricate chord progression...l've been a jazz player for 30 years(mainstream ,straight up Montgomery,Pass,Hall) and tho valuable as well,is in my regard..guitar fusion where the challenge is...this compilation is superb..l would've included Scott Henderson tho...Metheny and Scofield are great too but are somehow limited in the arsenal of legato,arpeggios and whammy bar tricks...

[@pibucba22]

Hace mucho que estoy antojado de ver un buen documental de post punk y sobre todo de la corriente goth

[@TheMrMRsmoke]

John mayer plays fusion bro

[@josenavarro3469]

where is the number one fusion shredder.. .max ostro

[@roberthollinger3184]

Mateo Mancusco

[@PitcockFTW]

hes not original, he just copy and fingerpick others😂

[@nightly522]

Derryl Gabel should not be on this list, not even close.

[@MrIkesimba]

The omission of Shawn Lane invalidates this list.

[@nightly522]

Derryl Gabel does not belong on this list.

[@frankierodriguez8661]

Greg HOwe is amazing but with these new DW amps his tone is like shit compared with his old Cornford amp set up. these days it sounds clingy and extremely thin. a real shame because his chops are to die for. Then Alex Hutchings. Alex is technically a miracle and if you think he is imitating Gambale, you are totally wrong. Frank is just that Frank an unique voice and style among the best . Allan Holdsworth is probably the most innovative guitar player of the XX Century with a style and technique that absolutely nobody has been able to equal.The first dude is good but just another Holdsworth wannabe.

[@diverdown631]

No Shaun lane!

[@racketlauncher]

Good grief! None of these players, as good as they are, would even be a reality without Allan Holdsworth and Johnny Mac, two true innovators. McLaughlin reinvented himself at least half a dozen times, which is what separates him from many musicians, even Holdsworth, whom I loved! Looking back to his beginnings, he did amazing solo records and played on landmark recordings with Miles and Tony Williams' Lifetime, as well as, many other records both in the States and abroad, playing with a rawness, improvised sophistication, and chops, while composing in a way no one had ever heard before! Here, he and Cobham practically rip your face off! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGXNk4V-nK5ridk

[@MCHiphopotamus]

Jaw dropping technique from all of them. Cannot dream of reaching 1/100000000 of their skillset. Yet, their music is the epitome of bad taste to me.

[@DerEchteBold]

Haha, yeah, isn't it?! Alex Hutchings seems to be the only one here who's able to restrain himself and play some music here and there, instead of constant virtuoso diarrhea or stuff that's only theoretically musical ; )

[@thewestfaceofdhaulagiri6697]

This video claims to have put Holdsworth's best bits. Not even close.

[@danielhadida3915]

Did you... just use a fake mashup of Allan Holdsworth and Snarky Puppy?

[@mr-nr4td]

das ist wankage, nein?

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Shawn Lane beats them all

[@ManyThingsSeem]

The guys you're looking for... The Law Firm of Govan, Ostro, Lane and Mancuso. - Happy Hunting

[@wesworach7441]

I would definitely have squeezed Guthrie Govan in the Top 5 ! ...

[@gigwalnutz1527]

Pffff

[@fatthor2476]

gable