THE GUITAR 1929-1969 | THE PLAYERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

[@sashasavisha146]

Even though I’m a big fan of rock, blues, country and jazz. Andres Segovia played some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. The mood and space he created was incredible. You could hear the love.

[@marlonb.8243]

No argument there; totally agree.

[@austinhernandez2716]

I'm a fan of all those genres and classical. I've studied classical music on trumpet in college for 4 years and now I'm studying jazz improvisation. I practice guitar on my own, applying what I learn on trumpet and in music theory.

[@itsme-le1bg]

Amen. Never went to one of his concerts but a friend did and described it. In a big music hall a man comes out and puts a chair on an empty stage. Then a little man comes out, sits down and fills the place with musical bliss.

[@itsme-le1bg]

Amen. Never went to one of his concerts but a friend did and described it. In a big music hall a man comes out and puts a chair on an empty stage. Then a little man comes out, sits down and fills the place with musical bliss.

[@eleffbee]

I had the privilidge a seeing the Andre Segovia on two occasions in the 1960s. As others have said, he came on stage, sat down and waited until the hall was completely silent. Onlt then to he commence. Fortunately the Royal Festival Hall in London had very good acoustics and he could be heard perfectly To me, he was a true master of the insrument and did so much to transform the image of the guitar and bring it to concert halls. He also transposed many pieces for other instruments to the guitar. I would recommend anyone who is interested in guitar music to listen to his recordings.

[@Hmranger]

I think these are all important players but on artist you missed who was a pioneer in his playing, as well as an innovator-Roy Clark. He could do things on the guitar that was simply amazing. And to be featured on “The Odd Couple” TV show! I remember his performances. Everyone just sat back and let him do his stuff. And so funny on the guitar too!

[@treasure2behold282]

Robert Johnson blues is heavy. Buddy Guy is one of my favorite blues guitarists. He called out to me at a concert. I was thrilled beyond words.

[@watamatafoyu]

He missed Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock'n'Roll, whom rock gods of the '50s and '60s saw live as teenagers, and used her songs to warm up in the studio.

[@inter215]

Yes sister Rosetta had a huge influence on other musicians.. She was basically playing Rock and Roll electric guitar by the early 40s.

[@jaykaadams2900]

💯

[@Steve19345]

She liked the cream sg/Les Paul custom.

[@jlatimer716]

Sure did. !!! Women are almost always overlooked

[@rlud304]

Women didn’t exist back then, apparently.. actually most of history.. they barely exist today as musicians,considering they’re half the population Not sure why, maybe they’re just not as talented 🤷🏻‍♀️ It’s a mystery lol

[@jmm09015]

what blows my mind is players like chet atkins, glen campbell, and jerry reed. their tone is unbelievably clean and they are still absolutely rippin all over the fretboard, playing the changes mixed with cheeky licks, playing the bass line with a separate melody and you can hear absolutely every single note. Unreal.

[@kevinb3812]

Those boys could really play and kept it fun too!

[@tweettweetjones1262]

Travis-picking Maestros. Also Scotty Moore, and Tommy Emmanuel. Master the technique and you'll sound like two or three people playing at the same time.

[@MartinWeeksmw]

Yep, most folks don't even realize what an accomplished guitarist Glen Campbell was. As well as an original one of the "Wrecking Crew" L A. session Pros

[@havenlane992]

Lenny breau

[@kevinspencer1813]

They forgot Roy Clark!

[@bigdogbob845]

Having been in the sound production business in the '60's in LA, I had the occasion to meet BB King and actually, with BB's permission, got to briefly hold his Lucille once, a Life Changing Religious Experience.

[@kingkeefage]

Amazing! Play his music for your children and then let them know!

[@russellmusictv4403]

Met him at 17 years old. Hung out in his dressing room and talked blues. Life changing.

[@TerryPullen]

I hope you're talking about his guitar.

[@kingkeefage]

@@TerryPullen Read much?

[@TerryPullen]

@@kingkeefage My comment was meant as a joke using sexual innuendo to imply that somehow BigDogBob had actually held BB King's penis. Having re-read my comment it was a $hitty attempt at a joke and I don't think you picked up on the inference. Not your fault.

[@kevinkendrick7805]

Not trying to “where’s So and So?!” But I really think Sister Rosetta Tharp, based on how she (according to them) blew Keith, Jeff Beck, and Page’s mind at her show with Muddy in England and how she played such a role in Chicago becoming the center of elec blues, should have been on this list.

[@chetsenior7253]

He’s just displaying his ignorance

[@paulinwoburn9680]

This is a great list of guitarists. I'm so glad you mentioned Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery. One guitarist you left out which I think should have been included is Link Wray. And someone else mentioned Sister Rosstta Tharpe should have been on your list in which I agree.

[@gregoryg.armento6074]

Link Wray... and iconic power chord.

[@WithScienceAsMySheperd]

Reinhardt was a no brainer mention. Did he mention Melvin Sparks though :P Love Link Wray, & his Ray-Men !

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

I agree Sister Rosetta is a must-have!

[@spacecadet35]

Link Wray, the only musician I know of to have an instrumental piece banned from the radio for inciting violence.

[@jasonbone5121]

Thanks for throwing Glenn Campbell in there. At age 5, he is who made me want to play. Oddly, I have never learned one of his songs, but he certainly gets the credit for planting the seed.

[@EclecticHillbilly]

It's only in the last few years that Campbell has started to get respect from non-guitarists. The guitarists always knew.

[@kenlee5015]

Yes! Everyone knows him for his country and pop hits, but as a session guitarist, he was amazing.

[@WizardOfArc]

And he was a member of the wrecking crew!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

He was a phenomenal player.

[@kpd987]

Glenn also toured with the Beach Boys. Mad props for Glenn

[@Prince_Luci]

Wow Hendrix is such a jarring transition. It’s all these guys who are all incredible but are all different branches of one tree and then BOOM out of nowhere Jimi Goddamn Hendrix.

[@mdheinze57]

And THAT is why he's jimmi goddamn hendrix

[@willthomas2310]

Naw! Without a lot of these guys, it would be no Hendrix

[@cbcalkins8620]

One thing that made Jimi Hendrix stand out is that he channeled the guitar. He was truly one with his guitar.

[@Prince_Luci]

Charles Calkins the Vivaldi or Mozart of guitar.

[@furiacabocla2furiacabocla589]

Hendrix changed the way of music was played untill his time.. For me he changed the world..

[@dawsonp3314]

Was glad to see Glen Campbell get some recognition!! He was a great artist and an amazing singer as well, but also an absolutely incredible guitar picker!

[@ScottCleerePatLaw]

His work as a session musician for so many great rock and country records would be enough to merit inclusion. Add to that his career as a soloist and he's one of the greats.

[@tweettweetjones1262]

Part of "The Wrecking Crew" in L.A. back in the 60's. (great session players aka 'guns for hire', you pay and they'll play) He's best known for his top 3 solo hits: "Rhinestone Cowboy", "Wichita Lineman", and "Southern Nights".

[@ruscular]

@@tweettweetjones1262 sad that Alzheimer made life hard at the end. The great mind leaving the body too soon!

[@duffgordon9005]

What do you mean about Glen Campbell- There would be a riot if excluded - The studio guy who did not read, with Alzheimer's deep in his mind, he could play from memory. Plus you would not want to be at the drag strip without driving GC's car.

[@jtking76]

Check out the Fresh Air interview Terry Gross did with Glen Campbell. I was amused that the very sophisticated Ms. Gross was obviously a fan of Glen.

[@darthmater691]

Classical- 0:39 Blues- 1:37 Jazz- 7:54 Country and Rock and Roll- 12:11

[@spacecadet35]

No Gospel :(

[@littlewing2357]

So glad you put George Harrison in there. Sometimes unrecognized Maestro of Melody. A Master.

[@alexandero9936]

All of the above, and my personal favorite beetle

[@m.s.g1890]

@@alexandero9936 Beatle ;)

[@Ernesto87]

His slide guitar is phenomenal. His part in the song Day After Day is killer.

[@gianfrancodebertolini5430]

@@alexandero9936 L

[@spindle909]

Agree . He was encouraged by George Martin

[@TonyBurke100]

Saw Buddy guy and he was AMAZING. From Chicago blues to Jimi to Buddy Guy. He walked off stage into the audience like a bunch of knuckle heads we followed him not realising that he was playing to the pretty girls and like a bunch of knob heads we were cramping his style. Holy crap he could play...

[@adonaiyah2196]

I can say that buddy giy was the best to ever do it i like his performance with blues great Son House the man who taught Robert Johnson

[@KIIDKYAAS]

Boys will be boys!

[@jimmysapien9961]

He a squirrel got to get a nut 🌰

[@catdaddy3302]

Buddy put on the best electric blues show I’ve ever seen in Helena, Arkansas in the late 1980s. And I saw Jimi in Memphis, 1968. I can die and go to Heaven now.

[@catdaddy3302]

@@adonaiyah2196 he recorded the Folk Singer lp with Muddy in 1958 too. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@moabt.frican7163]

The way Freddie King shook those notes.. what a haunting sound he creates. Idk how else to describe that emotion, its so raw and pure. Just watch his face when he holds those notes man raw emotion. If anybody out there likes this style with bends and harmonics galore, check out Roy Buchanan!! Hes my favorite blues Telecaster guy of all time, very talented musician Roy was...

[@georgebuck2269]

I shared a table one night in a Jazz club with an unknown guy at a sold out show. I looked at his hands and said to him: "You have to be a famous guitarist or piano player with hands that big." It turned out to be David Maxwell the famous Blues pianist from Freddy King's band. He said "My career has been well documented on KZbin." I never got to see Freddy King live he passed on in 1976.

[@woverby1963]

Saw George Benson a couple years ago in his 70s, the man put on one hell of a show, he still kills it!

[@johnferrara392]

Roy Clark, Alvin Lee, I can keep thinking of awesome guitar players but the video would be a few hours. I was failing English in 75 but did my big project on the history of rock guitar starting with the delta blues. Got an A, kept the class awake and the teacher loved it and passed me.

[@ronaldhux7226]

Alvin Lee was a maybe still is a fantastic guitar player

[@mikesales8611]

Roy Clark was a killer guitar player pre-1969!! He was an influence that everyone was effected by. And Glen Campbell? Good lord that man was lightening

[@graminovore]

used to watch hee haw when I was a kid just to see Roy Clark

[@widmermt]

Yup, I was expecting to see Roy Clark as well.

[@widmermt]

Actually, Roy is included in Rick's 1970-79 video at 5:43

[@pegasusgalaxy68]

Roy clarke the king of strings so should of been on this video.

[@nealixd.3011]

I went to HS in MD with some girls who were Roy Clark's nieces. He was something!

[@Martha_thl]

Thank you for the high praise of Wes Montgomery. My dad had every one of his albums, plus the one he did with Jimmy Smith, B-3 organist. I hear it in some of Prince's music, and really do in Carlos Santana's cover of "Right On."

[@willmercury]

Yes! Great call on the Santana track-- beautiful intro straight out of Wes.

[@edwardofgreene]

If he ever does a Heroes of the Hammond video I suspect Jimmy Smith will get huge mention.

[@RedDirtRules]

No guitar list is complete without Roy Clark ❤️

[@gb2828]

That was going to be my comment, exactly. Well done "ya beat me to the punch !!" lol !!

[@Murry_in_Arizona]

And/or Grady Martin

[@bobpenny8011]

For sure!

[@Divided_Highway]

I could listen to Robert Johnson every day. I love his mastery of sounding like 2 guitars. John Mayer does this really well in some of his songs

[@natalechkalevkovich3987]

Yes!

[@marcosvalverde2451]

I totally agree with you

[@backspin6698]

I struggle with five fingers, and then watch Django Reinhardt play like that with two, wow. So many guitar players touch by something divine. Thanks for sharing Rick. Looking forward to next episode.

[@citizensnips2348]

Backspin66 it's just determination. Everyone's fingers can move around the same speed. It's just a matter of making your brain remember what to do with them fast enough.

[@carolinecorma8n69]

Aylbdr Madison well said. Love you brother.

[@czgibson3086]

Two thoughts about Django: He actually could use his ring and pinky fingers to play some chords, especially things like Am6 or D9 in the fifth fret area. You can see this in the full version of the Django video footage. Some people think that being limited to two fingers can actually speed up the thought process of improvising in his style. It cuts down the decision time needed to choose which finger to use. In fact, it's not uncommon for people attempting Django's style to tape up their third and fourth fingers and try and learn to get by without them.

[@ryanwhiteguitar668]

Rick, I am so happy you included Hank Marvin. He is one of the most underappreciated guitar players of all time. His tone was incredible and his style was completely unique. He was my first guitar hero and really deserves more credit. The influence he had on future British rock guitarists also cannot be understated.

[@toniyoung5131]

I watched a documentary about Neil Young, about 18 years ago, while in Toronto. He cited Hank Marvin (and the Shadows) as a huge influence .

[@cynthiacoleman4577]

Oh. George Benson! I saw him in concert in the mid 70s a couple of years after White Rabbit came out. Best concert I ever went to! Just Benson and one other guy on stage. I have the concert written down in my journals during that time, but I can't remember what they other guy played. But Benson had a tambourine he played with his foot. I still have my White Rabbit album! Another super great concert was Herbie Hancock. Can you tell I was dating a jazz musician? He later played keyboards for Joe Cocker and some other greats. Also in Phoenix, I saw Frank Zappa twice. First time I saw him was in 1969 in Farmington, Mass, with a Mothers of Invention concert. My younger sister and I were with family at a reunion (we were from Asheville, NC) and my mother told us to go see a concert. Gave me the keys to the station wagon and some money for the tickets. We ended up seeing Zappa. Worst concert I ever saw. Zappa wore a pink ballet tutu, at various times humped his band mates, the band never played any song all the way through. I loved the albums, not the concerts.

[@jmvmike]

Thank you for featuring Albert King.Years ago his grandson’s band was performing at BB Kings in Memphis. Albert walked in and sang about six songs and sat down enjoyed the rest of the show. A few weeks later Albert passed away. It was an incredible moment. I was so glad that my wife and I could share that together.

[@georgebuck2269]

I got to see him live around 1978 and just the charisma he had was enough to entertain the audience.

[@pgsomers8775]

Mother Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family was the first guitarist in popular culture to be able to play both rhythm and lead with one hand - and of course the second generation of the Carter Family were responsible for bring Chet Atkins to the Grand Ole Opry. Agree with others, Roy Clark was close to a genius too. But like Rick Beato (what a great name!) everyone has an opinion ... keep rockin'!

[@AdrianApollo]

Great comment! Maybelle's influence started in 1927-1928.

[@ericwhitehead6451]

Great list. I wish you mentioned Mother Maybelle Carter, a true pioneer in bringing country music to the modern era and the originator of the Carter scratch.

[@qkranarchist3015]

Maybelle Carter Elizabeth Libba Cotton, Sister Tharpe.

[@robertodiaz9680]

Excellent guitar appreciation class ! Hats off to Rick. Surprised to see Bloomfield here, not many ppl give him recognition.

[@steph.electric]

Wes Montgomery is my all time favorite (arguably) but Jimi Hendrix actually inspired me to play guitar. Wes is my Idol, because he looked good playing as well.

[@cheesegyoza]

You just can’t go from Glen Campbell to Jimi Hendrix like that without a warning! LOL. I was mesmerized by Glenn’s style of playing and then all of a sudden I get the greatness of Jimi.

[@deannilvalli6579]

All of these guys are incredible. The list can never be long enough, though. So many greats.

[@jonobester5817]

Nice that you included Glenn Campbell. I played his show several times in Reno, at Harrah's, in the 70's and 80's. He had a killer banjo player with him. For an alleged classical violin player I have an unusual C & W influence! "We play BOTH kinds of music: Country AND Western." 🙂 What about Ricky Scaggs? And Clint Strong???

[@stanleyokimoto]

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the godmother of rock and roll

[@Snarkapotamus]

Yep, and a huge influence on a lot of early rockers. Everyone from Johnny Cash to Elvis point directly at her as an influence.

[@patron40silver]

Love listing to that lovely lady.

[@hamiltonjosezanata3799]

I agree!

[@kellythompson1318]

I was surprised not to seeing her on this list. let down.

[@RainStickland]

I was pretty disappointed to see her missing as well. He's usually good about showing female guitarists, but to miss the godmother of rock is pretty bad.

[@Fryboy-xy1is]

Thanks for including Frank Zappa. Most people don’t know how great a guitar player he was.

[@skinnykarlos710]

Absolute legend. Prolific, absolute master musician and all-round innovator !!

[@whatupinthehizzle]

What’s the name of the Zappa song in the video?

[@jackmills8177]

Who is the guitar player with Johnny cash on Tennessee flat top box?

[@annablenun1974]

FZ is the most popular underrated rockstar.

[@BluesLicks101]

Could not agree more: Back in the 80's I saw Frank several times at his peak, and it was like Jimi Hendrix came back to life, but even then something different and IMHO, better - Franks leads were absolutely sublime and spiritual.

[@parnellitube]

Listening to all these great players back to back and Hendrix's style really sticks out as being unique. People must have been blown away when he came on the scene.

[@nicfox3874]

His tone in that short clip is fantastic. Would have been amazing to see him play live.

[@xkguy]

We Were...blown away..

[@hailmary7283]

It's been 50+ years and he still blows me away.

[@jmattbassplaya90]

parnelli jones Agreed. Hendrix really stands out as something new for the instrument. You can hear the impact he had on those who came after him.

[@garysmith8455]

Sterling, I was going to mention your very post above!, but no need to, thank you for mentioning that. (O:

[@gunnarmarks5754]

Hopefully Rory G gets spotlighted in the next video. On the Boards and Deuce are both incredible

[@haroldwelch7483]

Love Gallagher the man had a gift

[@precisionbrown6829]

Dam I’ve been playing for 30 years and the jazz guys always amaze me

[@deadsightsx]

Django's injury inspired both Jeff Beck and Tony Iommi to keep playing after both of their respective injuries, no Django story no Black Sabbath with Iommi. Jeff Beck is also quoted as naming Django as the greatest guitar player to ever live! Django's guitar playing even had a big influence on Synyster Gates (Brian Haner Jr.) of Avenged Sevenfold! I have fallen in love with Django Reinhardt and his guitar skills

[@ournarrowslice6601]

:O Life without Black Sabbath??? 0:

[@TokyoBlue587]

@@Vintage_geek he didn't leave him out

[@dsam6990]

Hello, for info, I read many years ago in a music magazine an interview with BB King, can't remember the exact words of BB, but he said something to the effect that Django was in his opinion the most amazing guitarist ever

[@PoeticInsanity]

If Jeff Beck gives someone that much praise they really are badass.

[@ricotomas5450]

And you can hear Django all over Willie Nelson's playing

[@tgirard123]

You know, one guitarist that seems to always miss these lists is Alvin Lee from 10 years after. Let's all be honest he's the one who brought down the house at Woodstock with the song I'm going home. Just an incredible player and a really cool guy

[@roblloyd8718]

Absolutely agree!

[@mattfetter4123]

Me too!

[@circleofstone3114]

Yup

[@mpraineri]

Agree, but I have seen him on a variety of top guitarists lists. The one guitarist that I have never seen on one is Lonnie Mack

[@GigHaba]

I saw 10 years After play around 1970. It was the best concert I ever saw. I think of that night every once in a while & smile. I really saw that & it was fantastic.

[@urbanabrandon]

Glad to see Mike Bloomfield getting a mention. Best guitarist I ever heard perform live.

[@doobeedoo2]

Yay, he included Glen Campbell, who for some reason is always overlooked on these lists and was such an unbelievable player and singer.

[@billgreen6263]

Yup.Glen was great!

[@jorgec8296]

Amen.

[@duskintheforest584]

Glen Campbell smoked all the other players in this clip

[@oklahomahank2378]

When you watch Glen he never seems to be working hard. He makes it smooth.

[@bobbybrooks4826]

He could play, had the voice and looks,, he just needed people to write songs for him ,, Jimmy Webb, John Hartford

[@Thevolumex]

JOSE FELICIANO. A master who in late 60s introduce classical nylon string guitar in pop-rock international music and his personal fingerstyle techinc, mix of classical and flamenco with jazz-blues touch, At that time He was considerated an innovator and inspirator for many musicians and one of the most incredible player for his wide range and personality. Voted for 5times Best Pop Guitarist consecutive from Guitar Player Magazine in USA and voted Best Jazz guitarist in Playboy contest. Voted also on Pop-rock-blues and classical fields . Sad is almost forgotten and underrated

[@kloppmann-electrics6660]

Check out Luis Bonfa!

[@eshaman3334]

one of the first fusionist musicians,..can't be overlooked-you right. Nylon Love🎸🎼👍

[@Thevolumex]

know well Luis. It's a really big artist and guitarist. But closely connected to bossa nova and Brazilian styles. Jose Feliciano did something different, a first crossover of nylon guitar and personal fingerstyle in pop rock manistream blended in other and many differents styles, from latin to classical, from jazz to blues and folk. Was innovative a that time,

[@toddflowers8052]

Great list Rick ! I can't wait for the Blues List Part 2 ! Thank you for all you contribute to the guitar community.:-)

[@williamkiss8517]

Please don't forget Magic Sam, Rick!

[@gazac48]

@@williamkiss8517 & Charlie Byrd

[@rebelrocker113]

Thank you for including The Legendary Les Paul & Mary Ford, Mary Ford Was My Cousin ,Mary Ford Was her Stage Name , Her Real Name was Coleen Summers Born in El Monte California 🎸

[@BrunoPereira-cb9gg]

Whoa!!!! I'm from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and when i saw Tom Jobim (Antonio Carlos Jobim) in this video among the greatest guitarrists i'v shed a tear!!! Thank you very much, Rick!!!!😊😊😊😊😊

[@ChristopherLawrence1969]

This video is a big disappointment. OK we know Rick loves blues jazz and rock, but if you are going to talk about guitar players there needs to be more classical and world music, particularly Brazil.

[@georgebuck2269]

The song "Girl From Ipanema" was a huge hit in the sixties in America. !965?

[@GraceandWisdom]

THIS WAS AWESOME!! Couldn't help but notice the shortage in women who have influenced guitar. Two that come to mind: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and (believe-it-or-not) Charo.

[@theunrealtimemm]

and Mother Maybelle Carter.

[@georgebuck2269]

Memphis Minnie, Maybelle Carter, Elizabeth Cotton. Blues guitar player Johnny Copeland had a daughter named Shemekia. Don't forget Bonny Raitt. Carol Kaye was a known session bass player and part of the studio session group "The Wrecking Crew."

[@cindydufala7646]

Jennifer Batten

[@foughtstatue1023]

Yeah, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is literally one of the most important guitarists of the first half of the twentieth century, don’t know why she wasn’t here.

[@mikemccool7575]

Fuck that where’s Memphis Minnie?

[@andrewz4537]

Pretty good job. I know it's an impossible task still some notable oversights are Hank Garland. Perhaps Larry Coryell. I've looked at the comments and am surprised to see no mention of Richard Thompson. We are fortunate to have so many greats. I had the good fortune to see a number of the rock and blues players on your list. Mike Bloomfield was a favorite of mine in the late 60s and I saw him quite a few times.

[@scottleacox7516]

I can just imagine the logic that had to be used deciding who made what list. Great work.

[@MrRoach-yo3mz]

The song Spoonful Blues by Charley Patton is where the band "The Lovin Spoonful" got their name....That was told to me personally from Steve Boone (Spoonfuls Song Writer & bass player) during the recording of "Little Feats" album "Feats Dont Fail Me Now" at Mr. Boone's recording studio in Baltimore circa 1974.... The Lovin Spoonful still tours today! 2018

[@seankearney5469]

Glen cambell was versatile, and a monster!!!

[@thomasflynn5366]

That's what made him a great session player.

[@quantanglement]

He was part of the wrecking crew for a while wasn't he?

[@northernthrifter8817]

I had no idea Glenn Campbell was such an accomplished player I thought he was more of a singer interesting selection.

[@oldermodel74]

Samantha on a cigar box guitar can get it like the real deal she is

[@dannilaser16]

per aspera ad astra ¿ you are absolutely correct.

[@brandonessick775]

That excerpt of Freddie King playing at 5:17 floored me.

[@1223baddad]

That clip of Glen Campbell's rendition of Back Home Again In Indiana is definitely worth checking out ✔️

[@jonlennon3348]

Wes Montgomery was one of the polished players like Joe Pass, love Geo Bensen too. I met Herb Ellis in Rochester in the early 1980's. Tal Farlow was really in a league by himself and Les Paul , well what can I say he was astonishing. Chet Atkins, Jerry reed, Glen Campbell were out of this world with talent. I saw Johnny around 82 and was deaf for 3 days. Zappa was really a good player but he was hooked on weird arrangements.

[@robinstokes5179]

Probably Zappa was a better writer than player? (not that he was a bad player!); e.g. Peaches & Regalia

[@ant6n]

I'm so glad to see Peter Green on this list, him and Danny Kirwan is almost criminally overlooked when people talk about blues.

[@williamjc7195]

Let's not forget Jeremy Spencer. He add a whole dimension to Peter green's Fleetwood Mac.

[@aquamarine99911]

Should have shown him playing Black Magic Woman. That would have been educational.

[@EmptyGlass99]

Fleetwood Mac's early blues stuff makes your heart ache.

[@brötzmannsax]

I saw them second on the bill with Fairport Convention opening and Savoy Brown with Kim Simmonds and Chris Youlden as headliners at the Fillmore East in August, 1970.

[@ssimon64]

Peter Green has always been one of my favorites

[@brucensuz]

To me the smoothest sounding was Kenny Burrell, His music was so cool and mood setting. I can close my eyes when listening to him, and his music just takes me to another place in time.

[@haroldwelch7483]

Joe Pass was as well.He did a great album with Ella Fitzgerald incredible

[@XViTNg]

Great list. And I don’t know if I missed him some how. Or if he wasn’t on the list but John McGlaughlin from Mahivishnu Orchestra.

[@Diwger]

Guitar players in this video: 1. Andres Segovia 2. Julian Bream 3. Charley Patton 4. Robert Johnson 5. Lightnin Hopkins 6. Blind Lemon Jefferson 7. Leadbelly 8. Elmore James 9. Muddy Waters 10. Freddie King 11. Albert King 12. B.B. King 13. Buddy Guy 14. Otis Rush 15. Django Reinhardt 16. Charlie Christian 17. Wes Montgomery 18. Joe Pass 19. George Benson 20. Barney Kessel 21. Herb Ellis 22. George Van Eps 23. Kenny Burrell 24. Jim Hall 25. Grant Green 26. Tal Farlow 27. Antonio Carlos Jobim 28. Les Paul and Mary Ford 29. Chuck Berry 30. Hank Marvin 31. Dick Dale 32. George Harrison 33. Keith Richards 34. Steve Cropper 35. Chet Atkins 36. Jerry Reed 37. Glen Campbell 38. Jimi Hendrix 39. Eric Clapton 40. Jimmy Page 41. Jeff Beck 42. Peter Green 43. Mike Bloomfield 44. Johnny Winter 45. Carlos Santana 46. Jerry Garcia 47. Ritchie Blackmore 48. Frank Zappa

[@pepebotella971]

Tom S Tom S Mate he's not doing a top guitarist, he's just talking about all the guitarists of those times, taking as a guide the time and the style. It isn't a top.

[@TomVegas]

Ha! I totally misread/misinterpreted the comment. I'm gonna delete my original statement then.

[@devinbuchhorn]

Doing God's work right here

[@jdwb7045]

Great Profile name BTW!

[@chickenybeefytacoxxx]

Beato should’ve included mclaughlin

[@ideasonek3374]

0:32 The reason why you stop at 69 is because we're very mature

[@jeortiz-luis4288]

lmao

[@donathancampbell6568]

IdeasOnEK or it’s just 30 years, and 69 was a pivotal point in guitar

[@urmum1959]

hehehe funny number heheheh heheh

[@marissax.x4951]

IdeasOnEK snitch nine

[@moabt.frican7163]

It would be more mature if you stopped at "68"

[@redvolsung]

Narcisco Yepes, Al Demiola, Paco Delucia, john Mclaughlin not saying you forgot them, those influenced me and might interest others.

[@myflyonthewall48]

For sure paco. Not only the best of that style but also arguably just the best.

[@thatgreenparrot9732]

I think I might put some you've mentioned more into the 70s category. For instance, I feel that john mclaughlin's most influential work is with mahavishnu, and that is technically in the 70s ('71? I forgot when the inner mounting flame was released). I need to watch the 70s video though.

[@lukegalon]

Without a doubt, the Brazilian Tom Jobim (who appears in the video) is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. However, he is a pianist. He learned to play guitar only for one concert with Frank Sinatra. The most influential name in the Brazilian style of guitar playing (and who immortalized the songs of Jobim and bossa nova) is João Gilberto. Toninho Horta is another very influential Brazilian guitarist, without whom Pat Metheny's music would never be the same.

[@lgoler]

What’s incredible is the variety of sounds this one video encompasses. Even within just the blues segment, the incredible variety of tone, style and techniques. The fascination with the instrument will never end:)🎸

[@rooseveltmartin15]

What about Rosetta Thorpe

[@douglasfolsom3426]

I was glad to see Glen Campbell but was surprised to not see Roy Clark.

[@artdonovandesign]

Yes! Clark's Great personality and showmanship actually put his masterful abilities on stringed instruments in second place ( in the TV viewers minds)

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

@@artdonovandesign - Excellent observation. Well said.

[@johnanderson5026]

yes not to forget Gatemouth Brown

[@chrissouthall411]

Roy Clark blows them all away

[@thandalion6313]

As someone who has been trying (and struggling) to play the guitar for over two years I was fascinated by Django Reinhardt playing with two fingers. I promise never to complain again about my short fingers and lack of reach. Very interesting video all round.

[@冨里ブライアン]

Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath guitarist, made his own prosthetic finger tip after a work accident and made songs like "Iron man " etc.

[@russellsackett4319]

@@冨里ブライアン I never knew that.

[@seamusrmful]

the 1st time l heard Django l was maybe 22 or 23 and had been playing guitfiddle for about 8 years. l sat listening in awe and in agony, contemplating getting my '71 D-28 out of its case and cutting the headstock off, knowing that it would never be like that for me, that l didn't even have a frame of reference in my own mind on how to play like that. sure, l knew l could learn some of the melodies and 'borrow' some licks and concepts (l love his triad runs across all 6 strings jumping up 7 or 8 frets) but l would never think like that. l would never have heard the music like that in my own mind without having had it put there by Django (check out Oscar Aleman, another french gypsy jazz guitar player and phenom and contemporary of Django's and in many respects his equal yet he was completely overshadowed by Django and has been all but lost to time. how Django played was a style not unique to him and the french gypsy culture he was born into has an amazing and storied history of music and musicians. it was something you just did and it was expected of you that not only did you play but you play extraordinarily well. it was like being a Kennedy and politics or a Corleone and the Mafia.) l digress. that was one doozy of a tangent. so - no matter how much l study the music and how well l learn to play in that style l would just be a hack, a watered down version of something great. l would never be able to take the music and internalize it and come up with something uniquely my own that pushed the boundries of and added to it. (thats how l determine and justify playing a cover of a song. when Hendrix does 'Watchtower' he took it, internalized it, and from that process breathed a new life into that hadn't been there before. why would someone want to come see me (or anyone else) playing out and doinf Dylan's version of 'Watchtower', only not nearly as well? if you play out and playvtraditional music or music written by others as the bulk of yr material and the versions are obviously attributable to this person or this band and are more than likely a cheap knockoff and not nearly as good as the original yr a hack parroting, regurgitating and butchering great music for selfish reasons, as if in yr eyes when people see you play that song for that moment you are somehow embodying the essence of the original, channeling its core elements to the table of drunks sitting in front you seemingly oblivious to the fact that yr playing this beautiful, soulful ballad that you imagine someone will tell you after the gig that it made them tear up but in fact these drunks are giving the proper response. you should be mocked and scorned for defiling all those wonderful songs without having attempted to contribute anything original to the music. write original music or do yr own original arrangements of other people's music but don't just sit up there and ask that others devote the time to pay attention to what it is you have to say if all yr gonna do is play someone else's version of someone else's song, only shittier.

[@rishmatic]

The things you do just gets my motor running for music and guitar! I really love the passion you have in guiding aspirant musicians!

[@molomix]

13:40 gotta love that transition from a cheery moledy to the power sound Hendrix had. hahah

[@burkholdst.rudderberg3574]

John Cipollina ( His custom Gibson SG guitar is on display in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum )!

[@bayareablues2255]

That was awesome, Rick. How about a discussion of the style differences between some of these guys, and what was new about what they did.

[@jeffro.]

Yes, Segovia! I've heard him play things that I couldn't get out of my head. Later I sat down with guitar and learned to play some of them. Yep. Segovia was a big influence on my playing.

[@jipster2020]

I'm happy to see George Benson in the list. In the 80s he was mostly known for soppy love songs rather than a great jazz guitarist, but he is a smart guy - he knew he'd never make any money from jazz, so he wrote a few albums of housewife love songs, made a fortune, and then went back to playing jazz. I was lucky to see him at the Bournemouth BIC in 1991 (I think it was '91) with my Mum. I bought her the tickets for her birthday - she was there for the love songs, I was there for the guitar. Great performer. Great show, even if I did have to listen to "In your eyes"...

[@TheGreatToucan]

Hey that's not fair. He does some very impressive chord changes on "Give Me the Night" and "This Masquerade" Give him some credit--he's so good that you don't even realize what he's doing unless you listen hard, like a musician.

[@Jalapablo]

Glad to see Zappa included. He's often overlooked. Saved the best for last (after Freddie King)

[@hottraindude]

Great list, as always, but, with due respect...gotta ask why no Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Mother Maybelle Carter?

[@bluephalanx]

oh my lord good point

[@claytonwalter8700]

Because nobody cares. Next question.

[@imaginationisthefabricofli7145]

@@claytonwalter8700 I care👌

[@SeanRosati]

Good point!

[@francescaemc2]

word

[@wadewilson8011]

Thank you for giving the credit to the pioneers of Blues, R&B, AND Rock n Roll. Without these guys you showed there would be no Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Slash, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, John Mellencamp, EVH, you get the point.

[@russellberry9156]

By starting at Segovia you elevated your listenership. Everyone following showed your attentiveness to excellence. That advert just as you got into Robert Johnson hurt my attention span. At last, I skipped across it. You put in Hopkins and continued into a delicious list of delta, slide and the Kings. From there any thing you could do would be tasty gravy.

[@mikethebeginner]

Thanks for including Peter Green. "Station Man" is still a favorite.

[@georgebuck2269]

The reason Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac got noticed was the late night Rock radio stations started playing the "Then Play On" album. There was no Blues on Boston stations in 1970. And then "Kiln House." The song "Albatross" was used in a BBC nature documentary and it got some notice around the world.

[@dasbear10]

Station man is a danny Kirwan and Jeremy Spencer song.

[@jonathanfcooper]

Thank you for including Glen Campbell! I think a lot of people either forget or never knew he was such a phenomenal player as well as a singer.

[@johnnyx9892]

A big part of the original Wrecking Crew.

[@pauldickinson1434]

Awesome video this one Rick...So many great players to choose from ,but I do agree with others that Sister Rosetta should have been included....

[@balijukka9963]

All those skilled guitarists make me drop my jaw in awe , Peter Green makes me cry.

[@HAL9007]

Yep. The only guitarist that made BB King sweat. The King of Tone. A mentor to many, including Danny Kirwan.

[@JohnThomasManstis]

Yeah, 'A Man of Sorrows'. 🎸

[@tompope6522]

That Hendrix clip was ice cool. I'm studying Chet Atkins at the moment - truly one of the greatest ever. Classical, Blues, Jazz, Country and Rock & Roll, sometimes all at once!

[@pstick9934]

Did you know chet was the brain behind the everly bros , writing and supplying the guitar riffs .

[@barryselseth254]

Brian jones

[@barroningram7286]

that video of hendrix shocked me back in time , he was on top of his game, I thought he the last one featured in my mind he's the goat

[@Knards]

Glad to see the inclusion of Zappa. So many pass him by. He was a superb guitarist, I think one of the best

[@watkins65]

Who can listen to Zombie Woof or Montana and not love it... Overnite was my intro to FZ, rapidly followed by Just Another Band. I think I've preferred live albums ever since...

[@caseymather1957]

MrMrwilson11 the reason why Zappa is passed by people is because Zappa’s skill as a songwriter, arranger, and composer vastly outweighs his guitar playing. He’s still a master player, but compared to his ability to compose, arrange, and write is minuscule in comparison

[@robertvetter1011]

Yes. Zappa wasn't even very much interested in guitar playing himself, excerpt for touring. He wrote in his book that he did not even touch the guitar between tours.

[@Knards]

Which is strange, because he was easily one of the top 10 guitarists in the world.

[@sdgakatbk]

@ Shibo He had a real strength in getting good musicians and bringing out their best. Man I miss his music and his wit! Glad a lot of it is captured on youtube videos.

[@bikiniatol4606]

I am worried about it, Rick. Blind Willie Johnson influenced Zeppelin, Dylan, countless folk groups. I tried to learn some of his stuff and my teacher at corner music said some of the stuff didn’t seem possible. Dark was the night is an amazing piece of music and the vocals are beyond genius.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Excellent. Thank you for starting with Segovia and Bream xoxo

[@terrylodercreative]

Hope you include Roy Rogers in a future show if you haven't already done so. Not only did he show us how to crush the slide, but he knew how to make us watch him do it. A performer who just never seemed to get the global props he deserves.

[@lilmarine32]

He was greatly influenced by elmore james and muddy waters. There are so many great guitarists

[@jimmullis8007]

Wow. I love your show, but you really hit it out of the park with this episode. Great work! I'm almost sixty and have been playing guitar as a serious hobby since I was 15, but had no idea the significance of some of the players you discussed in the video. I'm going to give them a serious listen, especially Wes Montgomery, who I can hear had a very strong influence on Pat Metheny. I'm heading to your Patreon site now... :-) UPDATE: Holy smokes - no Patreon site! I guess I'll have to purchase one of your courses to show my appreciation.

[@EdwardJenny]

it is always nice to watch your videos, it is amazing how many great players there were when I was growing up so many its hard to remember every one all the time. Thank you for being a superb historian. Be well, Peace.

[@WillieEWoof]

It is hard to make any list and not forget someone! Laurindo Almeida and Doc Watson are not included here (Paco DeLucia, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, Richard Thompson, Johnny Guitar Watson, Stefan Grossman, John Fahey... too).

[@neetrab]

0:35 - This guy said he had to split this video up into 2. Maybe they're in that video?

[@JC-11111]

Why does no one ever mention Duane? His mastery of blues and other styles was the basis of Southern Rock music as we know it. 🤷‍♂️ His playing on Boz Scaggs 'Loan Me a Dime' is transcendent.

[@frankieknuckles9610]

Right on

[@frankb2099]

I’m not an afficionado but obviously Rick Beato has no love for Duane Allman. I enjoy the channel but I’m kinda shocked.

[@jakecantrell7958]

Yes. Duane's playing on so many songs. I had always thought it must've been Boz Scaggs on 'Loan Me a Dime', since it was his solo album, then learned it was Duane, later. Of course it was Duane. His tone and phrasing were just the best. 'Loan Me a Dime' always came to mind when someone asked my favorite blues. But also, with the Allman Bros., there were so many, 'Ain't My Cross to Bear', 'Whippen' Post', One Way Out', I could listen to Allmans all night long. I've loved playing and singing many of them over the years. Another southern Duane who was skipped in this list was Duane Eddy, completely different, but still notable, if you were listening back then. Also, Lonnie Mack, whose slow blues 'Why' is right there with 'Loan Me a Dime' Both Stevie Ray and Johnny Winter were heavily influenced by Lonnie.

[@frankb2099]

@@jakecantrell7958 That’s something I don’t have the trained ear to figure that it was Duane Allmans vocals on “Loan Me a Dime” kinda makes the song even more significant to me...just like his ripping guitar on Layla. Thanks for the info!

[@kvernon1]

Duane is one of the guitarists featured on Rick's 1970-79 video. So he didn't miss him.

[@Doc92IDH]

Django Reinhardt never fails to blow me away.

[@theHumanBryno]

I think Django's music offers something to non-jazz music fans that isn't very available anywhere else.

[@Majik53]

He reminds me of one of my great uncles. He was dismantling a land mine at home after the war to get wire to make bracelets for my mom and her sister and blew all but his thumb and first two fingers off his left hand. Here I am, 10 years old and bored on a remote farm in Missouri in the early 60s. My great uncle comes downstairs with his guitar and turns on the radio to a program with Chet picking like lightning... and he is matching him note for note, jaw hit the floor. I decided then that if he could play like that, I could learn too.

[@msullivan92]

Django deserves a video breakdown of his own imo. The best older guitarist

[@juancpgo]

Charlie Christian was more brilliant and innovative, and possibly the instigator of bebop (playing in Minton's Playhouse where played Monk, Bud, Dizzy, etc.). But Django played beautifully, no doubt.

[@tomc.3987]

Willie Nelson's influence.

[@peetyw8851]

Another wonderful video, and this one’s a valuable documentary. I read Segovia’s autobiography nearly forty years ago and remember: 1) Practice your scales 5 hours a day, and 2) The guitar contains a thousand forest perfumes.

[@EarthWindandFirepower0990]

I LEARNED SOME NEW NAMES TONIGHT SO THIS WAS VERY INFORMATIVE FOR ME.THANKS

[@samwatkins75]

The most glaring omission from this list is Lonnie Johnson (B.1889-D 1970). He invented the electric guitar solo and is probably one of the most influential guitarists who ever lived.

[@ChrisWrightOM1]

... and Eddie Lang, but his influence was somewhat lessened by his early death.

[@schnowtza]

I hope to see Terry Kath in the 1970 to preset. He's been overlooked for too long in the mainstream, let's give him some credit!

[@RickBeato]

He’s one of my favorites

[@schnowtza]

I kind of figured that, I know you recognize real talent, he just seems to be a forgotten player at times! Thanks for the response!

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Billy Deskin I'm with you brother, Terry Kath was the greatest. No guitarist came to his talent during the late 60s early 70s.

[@schnowtza]

Yes sir, Terry was incredible, and rumor is he was about to go solo...I can't imagine what great music he would have bestowed. A terrible loss. Even Hendrix said Terry was the better player...

[@billythekid5258]

You are SO right! Kath was a monster!! And highly under-rated!!

[@rohanawolf2089]

I grew up in Chicago. I was into all these guys, including Segovia and Bream, in my teen years. // Lucille!

[@PaulandAnthonyShow]

Great site, glad you included Richie B - I made a live album playing keys with him on a Screaming Lord Sutch Bash. Sorry you missed out Albert Lee - he was quite good also... John Carroll

[@jamesedwards2237]

Chicken picking from Albert Lee is incredible.

[@marvinstorm9153]

Quite good?! An Englishman who could outplay the best out of Nashville!

[@johnt7630]

Good to see Hank Marvin mentioned. He influence so many British guitarist including Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler.

[@hittheskins2648]

HANK MARVIN . genius.

[@dmsharman]

I'd love to see a segment on session guitarists. Granted some were on this list, but not for their session work. People like Tommy Tedesco were hugely influential and deserve wider recognition for their contributions.

[@georgebuck2269]

In the sixties and seventies I always thought Glen Cambell was a TV guy and I'm almost seventy. Never knew he was a session guy.

[@hal1740]

Yea and throw James Burton in there as well

[@georgebuck2269]

But you knew there are documentaries on every session group that ever existed on KZbin. Such as The Wrecking Crew, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, The Funk Brothers who worked with Motown Records, The Nashville A team, Booker T. & the M.G.'s and others

[@dmsharman]

@@georgebuck2269 Yes, I know about and have watched them. I would still like to see Rick Beato do a segment on the influential session guitarists.

[@gottliebheinrich8413]

Thank you very much! I am from Germany and i watch a lot of your videos together with my nephew.

[@stuartanddebbie]

It's a great list - the player who always gets missed out is Curtis Mayfield. I hear his influence everywhere, especially on Hendrix, yet he never gets a shout out.

[@MuhGlassRibs]

curtis mayfield ...Legend

[@ganttmann]

I think you should have included some of the studio guys from the late '40s into the '50s - Hank Garland, in particular, if for no other reason than he's one of my personal favorites and influenced George Benson as much as Wes did! Hank and Grady Martin played on a lot of records that influenced rock'n'roll for decades to come!

[@senorcucho]

didn't know this is twitter

[@rickeypoppell3456]

Gantt, you're SO RIGHT. Hank Garland was probably the greatest guitarist ever from the fifties and early sixties. Ass kissing Chet played the corporate game, so he always gets the mention, but he couldn't carry Hank's picks for him.

[@TheLeverrou]

Another great video. Of course, it's impossible to make a complete list. I think that John Fahey and Paco de Lucia deserve a mention.

[@遠哲-e7p]

Paco de Lucia was a great talent. I saw him play and sat close to the stage. When he played my heart beat faster and my body was sweating.

[@zachb5803]

My all time blues favorite is Albert King 👑 Stevie ray learned from him more than anyone else imo based on hearing the two. I also learned a lot watching this! Superb video history lesson! 👏

[@MM-Iconoclast]

When I was listening, I could hear his influence on Jimmy Page...