The 20 Fender Stratocaster Players Who Changed the World

[@petermach8635]

I was walking along Denmark Street on my way back to my studio, the short street was lined by guitar and music shops and through an open door I heard someone playing a guitar ...... I thought "that sounds a bit tasty" so I went in to see who it was and lo, it was Rory Gallagher sitting on a Marshall combo and just noodling on a Strat whilst chatting to everyone who stopped by ...... truly a wonderful player and a true gentleman.

[@clickem2697]

My son bought an early 90s Japanese Strat in Denmark Street last week.

[@marcellino1956]

great memory....I met Rory In a elevator

[@thelemonademan6235]

Wow that's an incredible story

[@biffphuddle6581]

Here's mine in no order. Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton , Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Tommy Bolin, Ritchie Blackmore, David Gilmore , Steve Vai, Robin Trower, Dave Murray, Adrian Belew , Dick Dale. Frank Zappa, Lowell George. Jerry Garcia, Yngvie Malmstein Eddie Van Halen , plus 3 unknown studio musicians who never get their credit ... but often use Strats. Some of the guys above also played other guitars as well, but went through a Strat period or ended up playing one even if massively customized. Some contributed to Strat Abuse and others learned some tricks on the Strat and move on. Some of course also spent alot of time on Gibsons. I probably left out your favorite obscure Strat abuser but this is my list. But not in any order. Tough. Lol.

[@sparkeyjames]

As much as I love EVH I don't think you can put him in with Fender Strat players as all his guitars were Frankenstein's as he called his No. 1. His number 1 was a strat body with a Charvel neck and a Gibson PAF humbucker with the metal cap removed and mounted on a slant with a Floyd Rose Trem system. Then he played Kramer guitars for a while. Strat clones. Later on he would go on to design and make his own brand of EVH signature guitars with Peavey and then Music Man before striking a deal with Fender to make his EVH Wolfgang guitars. So you could say that the Franknstrat was a strat that was only partly a strat.

[@Chris_the_Dingo]

I think Buddy Holly should've been more than honorable mention. He (arguably) introduced the Strat to the world!

[@charlie-obrien]

Absolutely correct. In my opinion, honorable mentions should go to well known Strat players like Ritchie Valens and not pioneers like Buddy Holly, who absolutely inspired a generation, who would then go on to inspire all players after that.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Totally. And in Australian terms, Ian Moss was the master in dingo country.

[@paulvsmith]

This.

[@chrischandler7650]

Buddy Holly started out playing a Gibson, and left this world too soon!

[@Joeljparks]

I’m biased since I grew up right next door to Lubbock, but I completely agree.

[@guywerry6614]

Hendrix's music is so effortlessly melodic. Just wonderful.

[@grinkashman7884]

Great list. I put Jeff Beck at #1. My favorite musician, saw him 3 months before he died 2nd row. Still can't believe he's gone.

[@davidpepper442]

Same here. Saw him 2nd row in Austin last September. I still get the chills just thinking about that performance.

[@thomasfritsch3536]

@@davidpepper442 your both soooo lucky to see him when I was a kid i n the imid 70s my brother got me blow by blow and wired he was trying to set the five finger discount record of 64 I benefited with two of each one to save and one to play I cut up the album to hang both sides on my wall guitar has never been the same thanks Timmy

[@nedludd3641]

Why do so many musicians live short lives?

[@comatoo]

I came to say the same.

[@rickjason215]

It was amazing at 78 he was better than ever. I was shocked when I heard he had died. Still haven’t gotten over it.

[@jorgehothypego4681]

For me, Ritchie Blackmore should be in the top 5...not only for his immediately distinctive style and tone, but for his impact on countless guitarrists, including myself.

[@billdbas1691]

top3

[@gummball]

Ritchie was my favourite guitarist for many years but watching KZbin since the start, and having watched many videos of Ritchie over the years, has shown that he was far too loose far too often. Made In Japan was his peak (and what an awesome peak!) but IMO he never reached that level again. At his best he was IMO second only to Hendrix but he was rarely at his best

[@davidharding200]

@@gummballI know where you are coming from but I wonder if it is a an era of Blackmore you are referring to rather than generally. I think when that may be true of 80’s Blackmore onwards but I don’t think 70s Blackmore. I also feel it might be unique to 80s deep purple and less so 80s Rainbow.

[@davidharding200]

My first concert was Deep Purple with my Dad who recently passed. The most enduring memory was Blackmore playing slide with a beer bottle.

[@davidpuckett9106]

Thank you for the compliments. I do love playing, and I've always put my all into it. Thanks Ritchie

[@RickDelmonico]

I saw Rory Gallagher at the Los Angeles stadium with many other bands April 16th 1976, he was a stand out. No other guitarist at the show could match him.

[@miknev5]

Rory needs more respect , one of the greatest ever !!

[@toddcroteau1144]

Yep! He was top notch!@@miknev5

[@Philtration]

I saw him at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago in 1976, one week after my 14th birthday.

[@stoogecoach3280]

When Jimi Hendrix was asked, who was the greatest guitar player, he replied: No idea, ask Rory Gallagher. Its incredible what variety of sounds and dynamics he got out his famous strat with only a minimum of effect gear. No one else of the presented here players achieved that. Still one of the most underestimated musicians in R'n'R.

[@matthewpaluch777]

@Philtration Da Aragon "Brawl"room! My 1st concert there was a young Def Leppard opening for the Scorpions.

[@brooklynogsk8r890]

It's great to see Trower mentioned - he is so often overlooked 🤷🏻‍♂

[@prajnachan333]

I saw Robin at Winterland in S.F. It was a phenomenon. The room was in a trance! One of the best. Then I was lucky enough to see him at this little bar in the Oakland hills on Redwood Road, called "The Hill". Again, he cast a spell. I'm so glad I got to hear him live. Cheers 🍻 👏

[@markbeavers5747]

Can't beat your top five. I have Ritchie Blackmore rated higher for me because he really got me to play a Strat very early. His Deep Purple and Rainbow sounds was huge for me!

[@misterschubert3242]

Blackmore is top 10 for certain, possibly top 5.

[@barryrammer7906]

​@@misterschubert3242 I would say top 3 in the world in his day.

[@hulldanfan]

Should certainly he higher than wanna be Yngwie. Ritchie and Iommi are the 2 real metal inspirations

[@markbeavers5747]

@@hulldanfan I agree with that!!

[@chrisman8272]

No 1!

[@peterjarvis7335]

At least you mentioned Buddy Holly but I think he should be more than an honorable mention. He was one of the first to play a Fender Strat on National TV and his music is extremely influential. He is one of my greatest guitar heroes along with BB King, Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix. And although his career was tragically cut short, he made some of my favorite recordings ever made. I would put Ritchie Valens as an honorable mention as well. He mostly played a Fender Strat throughout his short career that was also tragically cut short in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and JP The Big Bopper Richardson. Ritchie made some of my favorite recordings as well.

[@PeteA54]

Great list! I was glad you put Jimi number 1 as many guitarists I speak to today don't seem to appreciate his playing. I saw him in Montreal in 1968. He didn't play the guitar, he was the guitar.

[@guithawk-ij8is]

I can't argue with your top 5, spot on. I feel Dick Dale needs to be in the top 20. The king of surf guitar on his iconic left handed strat, also a key person in working with Leo Fender to develop reverb. Hell, Leo built the Showman amp for him!

[@kmajor44]

From David Gilmour "The Stratocaster tends to enhance the personality of the person playing it," he told Guitar Magazine in a recent interview. "People playing Fenders are more recognizably themselves than people playing some of the other well-known guitars." He has also stated that he absolutely loves his ’55 Gold top LP.

[@drzecelectric4302]

So true. I often call it a guitar players guitar

[@Kosinus912]

My experience has been completely opposite - I had a great strat for a couple of years before I sold it, took it out to jams and all, but never used it for recording my original music - whenever I played it, I couldn't shake off the hendrix, srv, mayer etc. influences and it felt unoriginal to me. I'm gravitating more towards more neutral colored guitars that just feel like a blank canvas, not giving you that glassy ring when you hit it too hard.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

@@Kosinus912 I totally agree with you. I still love my Strat and use it in recordings (usually little feature bits here and there), but I use other guitars to try and find a more original voice. Unfortunately I'm currently obsessed with a Telecaster style guitar and I'm beginning more and more to gravitate towards cliches in that area as well.

[@randomguyontheinternet7940]

@@Kosinus912 Definetly, it just depends on whatever gives you the sound you genuinely want. It's just wood, your personality is what you put into it.

[@randrothify]

I think that what Gilmour said is largely true even though I am a Tele guy. The native sound and dynamic range of a Strat, the trem, its combination of warm and woody sounds and metallic sharp attack, and the fact that it can so easily be layered on top of with effects, makes it’s a more expressively nuanced platform than other guitars that I think lets the emotion and soul of the songwriter and the song come through in the most pure way. Nothing against Les Pauls or other humbucker guitars because I love them for what they do, but despite being having more output and tube-compressing ability, to me they somehow do not have the same effectiveness at capturing and expressing a mood or feeling as the Strat. Neither do Teles, SGs, or anything else. But maybe it’s all in my head because I’ve listened to too much of Gilmour, Knopfler, SRV, Mayer, Beck and other bluesy-type players rather than the out-and-out rockers that tend to primarily play other guitars. Peter Green would be the exception but ironically that’s because his LP was more open and Strat-sounding due to the out-of-phase and inputted microphonic pickups.

[@RickBeato]

Nice job Hypes!🔥🔥🔥

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Hypes!

[@santosmadrigal3702]

This video made me go and play my Strat . A Strat is were it's at .

[@JBarbarosa]

Hi Rick👋🏻😁🤗

[@melodymakermark]

@santosmadrigal3702, I once owned a fat Strat and played it wearing a white hat for an audience of just one black cat. That was a great Strat.

[@rattlesnakedaddy7566]

Nice list. I would have to have Richard Thompson to the list. I have always loved his picking style.

[@goodun2974]

Thompson is a fantastic player, singer-songwriter and lyricist, unique, a 1 of 1, equally skilled on acoustic and electric. A confirmed Strat player, though occasionally seen with a Strat-like custom Ferrington electric, or very rarely with a Telecaster. His right hand utilizes hybrid picking technique with pick and fingers, and sometimes he palms the pick and just uses thumb and fingers. Also, he *never* plays blues cliches. Never. I've seen him many times over the years, both with a band and doing solo acoustic shows, and at age 74 he is still playing and singing at the top of his game.

[@jokermaan1]

@@goodun2974 Great guitarist as well as unique singer and songwriter, but this list is about the most influential Strat players and I wouldn't put him in that category.

[@Bbbbad724]

Vincent Black Lightning was amazing song, I was in the middle 70s, the Boss of his generation!

[@Ganjamancer]

For me Ritchie Blackmore is the one. I know I am not alone in that. For more obscure choice I would have included the great Robbie Blount of ‘Big Log’ fame. Great list !

[@MarioHernandez-zc7dv]

I love many strats players, but my favorite has to be Eric Johnson. He made me love the original strats with his clean tones

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Oddly enough it's rumored that he played the opening of Cliffs of Dover on a 335. I'd love to know if that's true. Either way it sounds amazing.

[@jefferyroy2566]

My first exposure to the best Eric on a Strat (Clapton has been a hack since his "I Shot the Sheriff" Marley ripoff) was in 1978, when he opened for UK at the Univ. of Houston on their first tour of the U.S. He was a member of the Austin-based Electromagnets, whose work is available on this platform. The solo Eric had his breakthrough on Austin City Limits in 1984, and then played Rockefeller's in Houston (my hometown then) at least three times in the next few years (caught two of them). Friends kept insisting he was better than Beck, and I couldn't go there. Still, Johnson's immaculate, crystalline style is unmatched by the vast majority of guitarists on any axe of their choice.

[@johnfeery2240]

Richard Thompson - gorgeous customised red strat - unique style and palette from his folk roots and a great song writer

[@RJGleave]

I would have liked to have seen Richard Thompson in there too, superb songwriter and stunning guitar player. I must admit I associate him more with his old sunburst Strat with the loose pickup. Perhaps there should have been 21 entries!

[@bricebuchanan9195]

Thompson was/is a superb guitarist. No question. Good call, RJ!

[@hellodacky8715]

Great list! Dick Dale is a top 5 Strat player for me for sure for his innovative tone and for being one of the biggest pioneers for surf music.

[@charlie-obrien]

After all these years the Surf music is still seeking a little respect, even though it is the most "purely" guitar genre.

[@kylemoran4343]

Dick Dale's cousin doesn't live to far from me, and I've talked with him on a few occasions. He told me that Dick was one of Leo's guinea pig Strat players. Even though Leo didn't play, he knew a lot of up and coming, great musicians he would give his latest "experiments" out to (guitars & amps). Mostly to country artist, but Leo liked that young surf guitar player, that swept up around the shop. The cousin told me that Dick had a tendency to blow up Leo's amps, by "shredding" on those Stratocasters. Funny thing he said was, Leo liked that he played them so hard !

[@guithawk-ij8is]

Leo made the Showman amp for Dick because he kept blowing out the other Fender amps. He also worked with Leo to develop the first reverb units. Truly one of the greats!

[@calsurflance5598]

Dick Dale bought an airplane from where I worked at the Fresno Airport, and we became friends for many years. I have played his original 1961 Strat that Leo Fender gave him, and he signed and played my Strat, which I still own. Absolutely he should have been on the list as he was a friend and mentor to Jimi Hendrix. Also half the surf bands of the early 60s played Strats because of him.🎸

[@CHlEFFIN]

Telecaster next please!! This is an incredible series, thank you for the excellent research and presentation.👏🏽👏🏽

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

My favorite Tele player ever is Jimmy Page. My favorite Zeppelin tones were achieved with his Tele and I've actually got the Mirror Tele and man that thing is AMAZING! Best "production" Tele ever.

[@nightwishlover8913]

So glad you thought of Robin Trower - amazing player.

[@-somedude]

Fantastic list, Gilmour and Knopfler are some of my favorites, but when i think of a strat I see a black '73 in the hands of the edge

[@TheSpiderbridge]

Robert Cray plays his strat in a way that makes such a great use of its punchy potential. I also love Wayne Krantz for his innovative use of time/rhythm all articulated by his 70s strat. I guess I prefer Stratocaster without much (or any) distortion!

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

“Robert” has a problem with Clapton. I have a problem with boring Robert. No Small wonder that broad left him in his only charting song.

[@LXS-ud6yf]

Cory Wong is another cat who's carved out a space for himself playing a lead/rhythm hybrid style while using a clean sound.

[@wacka2489]

Gary Moore - Emerald Aisles. Live In Ireland wow! no mention

[@radupopescu2370]

Rory's the ultimate guitar master, his command over the instrument while pouring his soul into it is unmatched. And an absolute volcano on stage!

[@jhellnowh]

Great job and I totally agree with your number one choice. It couldn’t be anyone other than Jimi.

[@kentcrawley]

What got me into Hendrix was his performance of Johnny B. Goode at Berkley. The fire in his playing, the tone, the ferociousness, and the lineup of the band in that particular moment is to me the quintessential Hendrix sound

[@davidrpriest]

Hendrix was Johnny B. Goode.

[@davidcollin1436]

Berkeley was one of his best captured performances. I was there, we didn't have tickets but brought our guitars in cases and conned security into letting us in saying we were roadies for Jimi. 😅 I was dating the girl who made a lot of his clothes.

[@davidrpriest]

@@davidcollin1436 That is awesome!

[@jasonmant]

Could have not been anyone else Hendrix is a musical and generational full stop.

[@lolly_bread]

I like that you elevated Dave Gilmour to the lofty No.2 position behind the universally obvious No.1 Hendrix; I would have been happy with Dave at 1 but that's cool. No other guitarist influenced my own style more than Dave; and this treasure of a man is still alive!! Long live David Gilmour. Post edit: I would have liked to see Gary Moore in there, even up very high, as his Strat work through the 80's was just scintillating,

[@Michael-mm3fm]

It got to top 3 and I thought hmm I bet he puts Clapton at 2….result! And well done that man for recognising the obvious.

[@cgtarga1]

'universally obvious No.1 Hendrix; ' Not 'universal' if simply because I put SRV #1.

[@lolly_bread]

@@cgtarga1 Good for you pal.

[@Bluesharp1896]

@@cgtarga1 How can a guy who made hits out of slavishly copying the sound of another player be #1? Hendrix played Little Wing and Voodoo ChildAll SRV had to do was figure out how to play it. Go listen to Pali Gap and tell me Stevie could ever create something like that as a jam.

[@We_All_Seek_Truth]

I think Gilmore influenced more styles, but Jimi influenced more hearts to become players. But they both influenced the use of Strats.

[@Jamzocd]

Hendrix is my number one ever since hearing his “Experienced” album in the summer of 1967 the year I graduated high school His playing was other worldly.

[@Jamzocd]

@NolanVoid-dr1ch I saw him at Winterland in SF in 1968. It was a trip 😵‍💫!

[@amled69]

Kudos for bringing Robin Trower to the list..! 😊

[@ronn4238]

SRV is my personal #1, but I can't argue with this list. Awesome video once again!

[@iancpowell]

Dick Dale should have been in the Honorable as he was one of the artists who worked closely with Leo on the Strat, although his amp needs might have changed more of the world.

[@yvesturgeon9585]

Hallelujah!!!

[@sacredhighway1]

Great job! Your channel is one of KZbin’s hidden gems.

[@phillipasby9202]

Won't try to make my own list - being of a "certain" generation Mark Knopfler is without a doubt the strat player most relevant to my formative years. I admit that other than appreciation for his impact and legacy Hendrix has never really resonated with me ... but because I trust you Keith I'm gonna download those two albums and listen to them on the commute tomorrow! Thanks for doing these - always a treat!

[@mattc5025]

Your top 5 is spot on. Great list Keith. I don't think anyone can argue against Jimi at #1. As a Lubbock, TX native though I think Buddy Holly is bigger than an honorable mention. Well done!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I think Stevie has to be number2. He is honestly even more ripped off than Hendrix and I truly believe he single handedly created the whole "relic" guitar thing, which has made the Custom Shop an absolute fortune, because EVERY kid (self included) desperately wanted a beat up Strat as a result of him. Oddly enough that guitar originally belonged to Christopher Cross who is actually a really great player himself and when Stevie discovered that guitar at Ray Henning's store in Texas Ray tried to talk him out of buying it because he thought it was junk! If ever "one man's trash is another man's treasure" has been true it HAS to be that moment right there. LOL!

[@garycharland3018]

I agree about Buddy. Hendrix said in an interview that he liked the sound that Buddy made with the Strat, and that he wanted that sound too. That comment alone is reason to have included him on the list.

[@ethanedwards1181]

The reason more people play like SRV is because they CAN... Not too many people can play like Jimi! And if anyone started the "relic" style it has to be Rory Gallagher!!!

[@sparkyguitar0058]

Buddy Holly should definitely be in the top 5. His influences to so many is undeniable. And Blackmore should definitely be above Malmsteen. Way more influential.

[@gazmasonik2411]

So glad Lowell George was mentioned I've never been able to emulate slide well & he takes it to a sublime, soulful level. And what a voice! Mayer may play a PRS but honestly we all know its a flash strat lol.

[@mikejohnson3737]

Ed King wrote one of the most famous Strat riffs.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

You got that right!

[@ryangunwitch-black]

…sho got that right

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@ryangunwitch-black glad a Skynyrd fan got my reference.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@CraigHollabaugh Steve Gaines and Ed King were both absolute beasts on a Strat. Steve even more than Ed honestly but man they're both a part of my musical DNA and will be for all of eternity. My favorite Ed solo is probably his Workin' For MCA solo, and then his solo on Am I Losin' but don't even get me started on Mr. Banker! Not to mention he wrote the riff to Saturday Night Special and played that cool honky tonk Strat stuff on Whiskey Rock A Roller. When I was a teenager I was OBSESSSSED with Skynyrd and Ed used to chat on AOL in the late 90's under the name Humbuck54 and I got to talk to him a few times on there. He was an absolutely great guy and super down to earth and generous with the fans.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 That's a great post. I too was a massive Skynyrd fan in the 70s. I went to Georgia Tech in the late 80s, saw a movie at the fabulous Fox Theater. My friend was excited because that's where "Gone With the Wind" premiered. I was excited because that's where "One More from the Road" was recorded. Play it pretty for Atlanta. I take it you've seen the Muscle Shoals doc?

[@matthewpocock4824]

Excellent video, man. Regardless of who did and didn't make the list and in what order, we can all agree that they left a lasting impact not only on the music scene, but in the hearts and minds of generations of fans ☮️

[@thomaspervanje]

Great job Keith; so much information in such a succinct presentation. I too had to take the long way around to Hendrix, but what an amazing pot of gold at the of that rainbow. Here’s a Strat player that never gets mentioned: Tony Joe White, one of my favorite musicians. Only saw him one time, where he opened for the B-52s…..(multiple artist billing) and he was as swampy as ever with that Strat and a heavy dose of tremolo.

[@LXS-ud6yf]

Good call with Gilmore at #2, and of course Hendrix at #1. The two glaring omissions for me are Uli Jon Roth and Richard Thompson: amazing guitarists who did their best work using a Strat. Two others Strat masters I'd cite are Richard Lloyd and Robert Quinne. If you haven't heard either of these players, check out their playing on Mathew Sweet's album "Girlfriend" and you'll know what I mean. 😊

[@lolly_bread]

Hey nice to see a nod to Uli. I dug him years ago and of course his Sky guitars allowed for those unique, soaring solos.

[@andypearce5537]

Richard Lloyd ❤! Good call

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

My God you nailed this one man. I was Immediately saying No Way on David Gilmore ahead of SRV and you explained it perfectly on his playing and made me reconsider. Again Well Done man!!!!!!!!!!

[@DeffoZappo]

I really love both Gilmour and SRV but Gilmour's solos on 'on the turning away' and 'high hopes' are so incredibly emotional 😭 also just slowly playing those four famous notes on 'shine on you crazy diamond '.

[@liamfahey7836]

Thanks for introducing me to Robin Trower. Never heard of him before and love that Bridge of Sighs album. Love your channel and the knowledge you share. Love the power of music and broadening my knowledge and collaboration. A fan from Australia. 🎸🎸

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

🎸That album….. Lord almighty blasting out of the radio 1974 …. James Dewar casting soul crushing lyrics over the spell of that Strat in Robin’s hands. He may tour again yet and again Lord almighty….. still has the goods… killer tone for days‼ His wife passed away, then plandemic and he’s taken a pause. All his albums are special…. Live ones show his prowess …. He was in early Procal Harum as well.

[@ivanflores8639]

In my earlies, day dream blew my mind...México

[@josephcrowley3460]

First song I ever heard when I was able to buy a stereo in 72 was Robin Trower- My Love, Burning Love. He’s got a new disc coming out in October

[@jimc4839]

Great album.

[@larbueno]

How cool that you found BOS at whatever age you are. Robin's playing is so trippy and his vocalist, James Dewar (bass player, too) is among my all-time favorites.

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

Props for including Hank Marvin at #16, Keith. Vastly underrated outside the UK, Australasia & Canada, Hank and the Shadows who, as the UK’s 4th all-time top recording artists behind Presley, the Beatles and Cliff Richard (their vocalist, who purchased & imported the Fiesta Red Strat specifically for Hank), were robbed of recognition for their seminal instrumental ‘Apache’ in the States by the terrible, butchered cover version, recorded by Dane Jørgen Ingmann following a massive marketing campaign by his US label ATCO, a campaign, and indeed US release, denied the Shadows by the idiots at EMI and their US label Capitol. 🙄

[@welbyroberto6581]

Hank Marvin's guitar playing has influenced many famous musicians and they went on to develop their own styles.

[@welbyroberto6581]

Hank Marvin's guitar playing has influenced many famous musicians and they went on to develop their own styles.

[@josevi5835]

Wonderful video. None argues Jimi being the number one and SRV being among the top five. Eric did not reaches SRV level as a guitar player, but commercially and as a writer is far ahead from the texan player. Gilmour style is majestic and deserves his position. Jeff style was unique and very recognizable, another badass artist. If Gary Moore had not been a Les Paul guy it deserves one of the top positions... however he sometimes beautifully played a Stratocaster.

[@eupraxis1]

Love it. Love it. Love it. Love it. Love it. I have to admit that I teared up at the Jimi point, looking to my own antique white Strat.

[@SeanOHanlon]

I'm glad to see that Bonnie Rait made the list. I didn't know who she was before 'Nick of Time' but I instantly recognized her talent. John Mayer is so good that Clapton has commented on him and no list can be considered legitimate if it doesn't include SRV.

[@macsarcule]

Five Watt histories: always magnificent, and always over too soon! That’s why they’re so fun to watch over and over! ✌️😌🎸

[@PFB1994]

Yngwie was the first concert I ever went to back in 1985, and nice to see him on the list. His Strat tone was fresh air to a world full of super strats with tons of distortion or chorus effect that was all over the 1980s.

[@MetalMaineiac]

Amazing first concert...I dont care about his personality, I'll never have to deal with that... love his music, especially the early albums.

[@lolly_bread]

@@MetalMaineiac I hear you. I was hooked on YJM for years after I got his plastic "Black Star" single in the Guitar magazine (circa 84-85 I think); and years later I suspected he had a huge ego; but when you think about it, perhaps his aggressive and gigantic playing style was probably a product of his personality.

[@MetalMaineiac]

@lolly_bread compared to someone like Buckethead who personality wise is the polar opposite. Giant talent who is far more humble.

[@xoxb2]

Great list. Thank you for including Hank Marvin - he was also cited as an influence by Brian May - well, he pretty well *was* electric guitar in the UK before Clapton. I think I'd have put Eric at No2 because of his enormous influence. Couple of omissions who might've got a mention are Robert Cray and Ernie Isley.

[@andrewsandoz8005]

I agree with Hendrix being your number one choice. Being of that era I was fortunate enough to witness Jimi on two occasions, he blew our minds. Not only did he almost reinvent the electric guitar with his never been heard of style, song writing and lyrics. Also brought this sexy swagger and confidence while remaining down to earth, almost humble. RIP.

[@davidrpriest]

Jimi also made all of the great players of his era better. He was a challenge to everyone to push their limits.

[@davidharding200]

That is a memory of a lifetime. Life the phrase ‘shook Sinatra’s hand’ there’s a special cred / respect for those who have seen Hendrix.

[@andrewsandoz8005]

@davidhouprimecom: When Jimi first played in London, all the guitarists of the day were so awe struck, they couldn't believe their eyes and ears. Beck, Clapton and possibly Page were ready to through their guitars in the Thames...he was that impressive.

[@dreamscuba]

Excellent video and a great list. Maybe an honorable mention for Jeff Healey.

[@ΝίκοςΤερεζάκης]

And Gary Moore in the hard rock years

[@johnrusselman1364]

I thought he played a Squire..

[@dreamscuba]

@@johnrusselman1364 good point. I think he did play Squire.

[@lukkuoi]

Dave Murray, and to a lesser extent Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden. Both more than capable guitarists, and Murray particularly a strat loyalist. It's said that the black 57 strat that he used to record most of maiden's early classics had previously belonged to Paul Kossoff. Those guys in Maiden have been hugely influential within metal circles, and there wouldn't be many of us who were teenagers in the 80s that aren't familiar with that strat driven sound. PS still waiting for the guitars of maiden video Keith....😉 and keep up the great work, your content is terrific.

[@davidestes9971]

I’m not 100% sure but I believe Dave Murray’s strat has a humbucker in the bridge which would disqualify him from being included in this list.

[@lukkuoi]

@@davidestes9971 you are correct. I'd say almost every strat Dave has played has probably had a bucket. Nonetheless the guy has had at least 2 different signature strats which says to me he is a major strat player. But I guess Keith had to put some limits on the list otherwise it would have been very hard to narrow it down.

[@TheRicardoSanchez]

Absolutely Dave Murray. Nailed it. I could be inspired and compelled to play Strat only by the two Daves. Both on my Mt Rushmore of guitarists. Excellent call.

[@martinkasper197]

Dave only replaced the bridge pickup, as others in this list did, too... But he playes a Fender Strat, that qualifies him for the list. BTW Jannick Gers also plays Fender Strat.

[@ziplocktheimpostor1402]

When davey arrived just newly in our band & plays all our songs flawlessly in just a mere 5 years -steve harris.

[@kennyblackbird5674]

Uli Roth and Ernie Isley. Two blazing guitarist from the 70's who used Strats exclusively.

[@12groney]

Ed King, one riff, one song that instantly says "Stratocaster".

[@andymelendez9757]

WELL DONE! That number one is totally justified. Listen to Jimi to see how bewilderingly amazing he truly was. Live and studio. A musical shaman.❤

[@kevinmosher6027]

Went to see Blue Oyster Cult and Bob Seger at Winterland (‘76) for my 16th Birthday. A band I had never heard before was opening, Rory Gallagher - wow- sizzling. A life changing moment for this just turned 16 year old! Another great topic, thanks Keith. BTW the FWW beanies are a must have!

[@stiglinneberg751]

Rory Gallagher No.1

[@3storiesUp]

@@stiglinneberg751 Absolutely .. 👍

[@PhpGtr]

I LOVE that you put a picture of a yellow strat with a Floyd on it for YJM's signature model. (He despised Floyds)

[@johnw4659]

Rory Gallagher

[@kayakchrispy]

#13

[@HolyCow66]

Yes sur. Another so underrated Genious. Rip bro.

[@metalworx4765]

One of my biggest influences! Heard the record Calling Card at 14 y/o and that was it! 🎸

[@fishypaw]

My first guitar hero was Jimmy Page, so I wanted a Les Paul, but then I was introduced to Jimi Hendrix, Richie Blackmore and David Gilmore, which made me want a Stratocaster. I was eventually able to afford a Strat. I got a Black Fender strat, with rosewood fingerboard, similar to ones I'd seen Jimi and David play. I still have it, I've played it so much that I wore its frets totally flat, and then refretted it, myself. I've modded the guitar a bit over the years, and learned to set it up just the way I like it. It now feels like it's part of me, and I'd never sell it. I eventually got a Les Paul too, which I love, but the strat is my number one love, when it comes to guitar. Great upload as always. Slàinte mhath.

[@dr.s.]

Nothing to argue with your list, I might put one or another a bit higher or lower but overall, I think, it's pretty fair specially with influence on the guitar scene in mind. Glad you had Robin Trower and Rory Gallagher as well as Bonnie Raitt on the list.

[@IggyBing]

Great list with most of my must-haves present. I would add Dave Murray, who has toured the world many times over in Iron Maiden, always armed with a Fender Strat. Also, Eddie Van Halen is hard to exclude... it may have been a Kramer, but the body shape was undeniably Strat, and his influence is just too huge to ignore. Great list nonetheless!

[@timmaher1989]

Love your list! I think the only change would be putting Blackmore ahead of Yngwie, but then I enjoy them both! Tough choices you made but they’re solid and well thought out.

[@biljettertjugotolv104]

Excellent list, and a compilation that most people probably will agree on. Expanding the list beyond the top 10 is a key to this. The mentioning of slide players on strats had got me pining for some Sonny Landreth right now.

[@robertlear2712]

I’ve seen Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix all play Stratocasters in concert. All three guitar gods.

[@larrycraft7522]

Add David Gilmour, and I think you have the 4 best!

[@bobmcklv]

I missed out on Hendrix, but I saw Gilmour twice to make up for it. SRV was fantastic, too.

[@tiffsaver]

I just discovered your videos and found them to be the most articulate, well-balanced, and informative of all the others I've seen. I just watched your Telly Top 20 and enjoyed this one equally as much... kudos.

[@barkeater9606]

Michael Landau would also be on my list. Great video 👍

[@philodonoghue3062]

SOOOOO glad Rory is included and his admirers such as Brian May, Slash, and EC cited

[@tommyraper3895]

Keith, I am 59 years old, about to be 60 this month. Your top 5 matches mine exactly, but maybe a slightly different order. What I found most interesting was your late appreciation for Hendrix because it was the same for me, almost too much to take in at a younger age. I wonder if that is a common thing for those around our age?

[@ethanedwards1181]

I'm 62, born in 60... When I was about 12 or 13 my older brother gave me two 8-track tapes of Hendrix... In The West and Band of Gypsys... I just remember listening to those tapes over and over again and looking at the pictures of three dudes onstage... I couldn't believe 3 guys could make those sounds!!! Still incredible today 50+ years later...

[@frankfellhauer5136]

There are lots of important Strat-Players; Gallagher, Hendrix, Trower, Holly, Blackmore, SRV,Knopfler, Garcia,Dale to name a few.

[@bstrat596]

Great stuff, Keith. Been waiting for this one. Jimi is the legend. I love all the people you have mentioned, but Jimi literally changed my life one night laying in bed with the radio in my ear. On came " All along the Watchtower". I too was late, but I had no idea this was possible.

[@roberttosa2560]

So happy to see Lowell George on your list.

[@BlueHero112]

#26 Christopher Cross trully underated strat player great at really bringing the harmony out of a strat. Also one of his strats ended up becoming SRV's second hand

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I was mentioning this in an above comment. Actually Stevie's MAIN Strat was originally owned by Christopher Cross and he traded it to Ray Hennig in Austin and that's where Stevie got it. Ray actually tried to talk Stevie OUT of getting it because he said it was junk. Imagine trying to convince someone these days to NOT buy a 59 Strat. LOL!

[@captnsquid8151]

Hi Keith This is One of the best 5 Watt Worlds to date, I am a Fender Pre Bass player and some times I drive a Telecaster, There is no mistake the Stratocaster was the most copies shape guitar ever, Thanks and a firm follower of 5 Watt World

[@davidpepper442]

Thanks for another fantastic video Keith! I would have Knopfler in the top 3 along with Hendrix and Gilmour. Cheers

[@maggieo]

A list I can't argue with, every player is fantastic. BUT...here's my list! I bought a 62RI in 1983, because of these guys, my top players at the time: -Richard Thompson he's lie Knopfler, but trippier and twangy-er, and lord what a voice and what songs! -Richard Lloyd, from Television; his solos are breathtaking and his part playing impeccable -Adrian Belew; Bowie, Zappa, Talking Heads, King Crimson, his Strat added magic to all of 'em. -David Byrne; super underrated, but his Strat on the Heads albums is pretty wild. -Ike Turner; bad human being, great Strat slinger

[@nickangelo3283]

Keith, a truly difficult task to compile a list of the most iconic players of the world’s most iconic guitar. Anyone could quibble with this or that, but honestly this was impeccably done. Cheers to you, sir. One thought for an honorable mention, because he was somewhat behind the scenes but on so many important records: Hubert Sumlin. Maybe also Jimmie Vaughan. But again, outstanding work.

[@haihechina]

Yes vote for Sumlin, good call. Saw him in 1975 here in Chicago playing with Howlin Wolf who was really on his deathbed, and Sumlin carried the day.

[@Zootallures100]

Absolutely brilliant video!! From my personal influences I would add to the list Jerry Garcia alligator, Frank Zappa 84-88 tours, Robbie Robertson and a special favorite of me Richard Thompson

[@89digits59]

The only Guitarist that fully extracted every thing possible from the stratocaster was Jeff Beck, I'm sure all Guitarist would agree, for me he's number One.

[@OldStreetDoc]

This perhaps would be the toughest ‘Top-10’ list for ANY of us to nail down… having to come back to it time & again to change the order up a wee bit after listening to one, or all ten or more of them again. To be honest it would prove difficult for me to limit it to 20 or more. What resonates most with me about this particular list, is how over the years so many of the greats you’ve listed here have cited each other as influences or favorites. Perhaps that simply in itself can say a great deal towards backing up the choices. Maybe ‘my’ list would differ slightly. But then again… how could it? These folks really are at the “top” with their Strat(s). Thank you, sir. Well done. 👏🏼👍🏼

[@dbmabe]

George Harrison was almost a Strat player from the beginning. There's a story that a member of Rory Storm's band knew of a Strat that someone in the area was selling and was trying to help George get it when another member of the Hurricanes asked why he was helping George get a Strat when their own guitarist needed a good guitar. So they swooped in and bought it before George could get it. He then found the Duo Jet in a classified ad and bought it.

[@stikcler]

George played a Futurama Grazioso early on. I believe there was an embargo of American guitars in England and the Futurama was the closest thing to a strat.

[@dbmabe]

@@stikcler I should have specified: George's first professional guiitar was almost a Fender Stratocaster. When John got his Rickenbacker, George was determined to get himself a good guitar and that was when he first heard about the Strat that ended up going to Johnny Guitar Bryne.

[@stewartaubel3842]

Very good list! I agreed so much with almost all your choices and reasons for them. I never seen anyone match what Jimi did with a strat and Marshall combination. His amazingly creative and expressive soul, came through every note when he was on. I was pretty young yet when he was at the top. I never got to see him in person. David Gilmour is my current favorite. His touch and feel are the best. Comfortably Numb is my favorite guitar solo of all time. His singing voice as Rick Beato points out, is amazing. I think the singing and the playing are intertwined with David. His solos sing.

[@michaelshearer3559]

I always enjoyed Steve Miller's rhythm on a Strat. Loved that Fly Like An Eagle album cover growing up.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Love Steve Miller Rock'n me".

[@monahantp3767]

5. Blackmore 4. Beck 3. Dick Dale (gave birth to surf music & is the "Father of Loud") 2. Clapton 1. Hendrix Thanks for another fun list Kieth!

[@chrisman8272]

Change 5 to 1

[@derekgreenacre9530]

Yes Buddy Holly deserves more credit for the introduction of the strat into pop culture. In every sense he was a true innovator and huge influence on both the Beatles and the Stones. Before Holly there was Rock band Roll but he was the first true rock/pop artist hugely influential in establishing the accepted line up of a pop group, exploring the potential of the electric guitar as a lead instrument, fusing black r&b into pop music and most of all writing his own material. If you want to know how good he was just listen how bad everyone else was at the time . As ambassadors for the strat Holly and Hendrix were the true pioneers.

[@Iggytommy]

I feel the same way. Plus, how many players in this list did he influence to get a Strat? Many.

[@alexnagy2044]

I'm glad to see FrusciantE is on the list, and ofc also for found this channel! Rory, Beck, SRV, Gilmour, Hendrix in my top 5. (The order doesn't matter, mood dependent) But is just my personal opinion. An extra surprise for me is Buddy Guy... I think a lots of person simply forget him, how really superb soulful player he is. All the best! ✌💜 PS.: I recommend everyone to watch McCready play in another level the Mad Season supergroup with Layne Staley! 🔥🎸

[@fredherfst8148]

Well done. Nice to see Bonnie in there. Off topic…. Would be interesting to hear about all the guitars that were stolen over the years. We often hear…that instrument was stolen, so he replaced it with… Cheers

[@DPG-Guitar]

Really can't argue about who is in the list, but my order would be different. Top 3 for me would be 1. Rory Gallagher, 2. Ritchie Blackmore, 3. Jimi Hendrix. I'd also have Robert Cray in the top 20 somewhere as well. As usual a great video and topic for discussion, cheers Keith.

[@brucerichard2904]

It's hard to argue with any of the 20, but Buddy Holly needs to be upgraded somehow.

[@fernandoroza6061]

I think 🤔🤔 that that guy , that Holdsworth guy ( that Allan, who played like "someone from Mars in the XXII century") also played some strats🤔... 😊👍Nice video.

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

Each of the above has truely earned their place in the list. However, I would have expected The Edge to get at least an honourable mention. He was certainly one of the most influential guitarists of the 80s. Many pop productions picked up his sound. On the other hand, he uses strats not excusively.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I honestly think of Edge as more of a delay player than a Strat player. LOL!

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 I obviously have a different way of thinking than you. Of course The Edge can't be compared to virtuosos like EVH, Steve Vai or Stevie Ray Vaughn. But I think he has done something that only a few guitarists were able to achieve: create a unique, distinctive trademark sound. I don't think you can explain that simply by him using delays.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@ChrisTian-rm7zm Oh I didn't mean that as being dismissive. I just associate him with that effect more than his guitar. I also associate him more with an AC30, which I play on every video I make myself and is my favorite amp ever. I'd honestly maybe associate him with an Explorer more than a Strat. An Explorer was my first guitar because I grew up obsessed with Skynyrd and Edge got VASTLY different sounds than Allen Collins.

[@simbadlemarin1815]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 his signature guitar is a Strat. He recorded the vast majority of his most famous riffs/solos on strats. I saw U2 in 2017, and he played strats most of the evening. EVH played an Ibanez version of an Explorer, but do you associate EVH with that guitar?

[@simbadlemarin1815]

Couldn't agree more, never been more disappointed in a 5-watt list.

[@crackwelltowers]

My all time favorite "5 watt world." so far...! Very moving and poetic ... ! VIVA la STRATOCASTER ! ! VIVA la MUSICA ! deep gratitude ...

[@Scaredycat-dad]

Great list and video, I have to say that I came around to truly appreciating Hendrix the same way you did. Maybe it’s a being born in 1960 thing 😉 , I would have put Robbie Robertson on the list. I know he also played a Telecaster and other guitars but when I think of him, I think of The Last Waltz and that bronze Strat, finally allalthough Steve Gaines career was short, I love his playing and would’ve liked to of seen him on the list.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I first heard Hendrix and liked him when I was 14, but absolutely became obsessed when I was 20. Bought everything I could on CD, bought a strat and cheap Marshall combo, and drove all my friends nuts playing Hendrix music all the time. There are a lot of bands that I thought I didn’t like, when I only had heard them on a radio at work. When I listened to them with headphones or on a good stereo, different story

[@eddiecarter9831]

Though I've mainly played humbuckers most of my life, many of my favorite guitarists are Strat players. I'm not a Hendrix fan, but I'll go back and listen more closely as you suggested. I like a few songs, and I think I liked him more in my teen years. Several others on the list are guitarists that I need to dive more into. Thanks for another great video!

[@g8ymw]

As a Brit, I was pleased to see Hank Marvin there. As you said, he was a major influence on many British guitarists. I'm old enough to remember just before The Beatles and The Rolling Stones appeared

[@jokermaan1]

He was hugely influential for my generation. A Fiesta red Strat was the dream of thousands of young guys, including me!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I recently seen Yngwie at one of his Master Classes. Magnificent as always. The Maestro is still unique and off the charts.

[@NDFlyFisher]

Great list! Hendrix has always been my pick for greatest guitarist of all time.

[@kirkericson2722]

Can't argue with numbers 1 and 2. Gilmour is the reason why I bought a Strat as my first guitar, and his solos were the ones I first sought to master.

[@beornthebear.8220]

Gilmore definitely has made his place. His leads were full of melody.

[@combatOracle1]

There's no doubt that if you were 15 when Jimi Hendrix arrived on the scene, music would never be the same again. The force of his psychedelic presence and the complete reinvention of the musical guitar-playing rules were impossible to ignore. There is no “best” when it comes to guitar but I've always felt that Jimi is in his own category. Excellent list, they all deserve their places as the great innovators that shaped our guitar world. *Rory Gallagher - A musical force of nature.

[@mikem668]

I literally was 15 when Hendrix burst on the scene. By pure luck I'd seen one of Cream's last concerts in the US. From the fifth row. Didn't what I'd seen and heard until I listened to Wheels of Fire. I convinced a friend with a driver's license to take me and a friend to see Hendrix and the Experience. Wasn't his best night IMO, as I confirmed by a KZbin recording of the show. During the pandemic, I decided to get serious about playing the guitar. I started with four heroes. Hendrix, Clapton, Jerry Garcia, and John Mayer. (Come to think of it, why not Robbie Robertson or Dylan himself. ) Anyway, I found that I was casting the net too wide. I ended up, not exactly sure why, focusing on Garcia and the Dead. Which has connections to Strats - Alligator - and Mayer, even though Garcia is not primarily a blues player. Mayer once said learn songs and riffs, then reverse engineer them to figure out why they work. I've been doing that and making incredible progress. I like Gilmour's comment. I will never be a speed demon. And I certainly will never be able to play like Jimi. Clapton, to the extent that I could (and have learned to) play blues riffs is theory doable at a low level. But Gilmour and Garcia have something else in common. They are melodic players - I love the idea of a song within a song - and aren't worried about playing the same thing every time. And ultimately you learn from everyone. I'm exploring Freddie King's minor-major composite scale in hopes of understanding Garcia. Whether it works or not is irrelevant, as long as I'm learning.

[@abeellis4470]

You are a great sound board for all of us that love rock & roll. Thank you Keith.

[@oldguitarjames9303]

In terms of 'players I like' Robin Trower would have been much higher. One name was missing off that list, a name that I would have well up the top ten. Richard Thompson. He has all the attributes of the top players (singer, songwriter, unique tone) and is arguably single-handedly responsible for incepting the genre 'Folk-Rock'. Keith you could at least have given him an honourable mention. 🙂

[@goodun2974]

RT gets nowhere near enough love, or credit. Perhaps he's an adherent of the old maxim that "there's no limit to what a man can accomplish if he doesn't care who gets the credit". He just goes on his own way and does his own thing,and people are either with him or they're not. I have seen him play many times, both with full band and as a solo performer, and he's amazing. Nobody else sounds like him. Nobody. And at age 74 his spark has not dimmed or diminished.