Rock & Roll’s 5 Most Underrated guitarists!

[@DTMBYLEZ70]

Martin Barre from Jethro Tull is criminally underrated. Just incredible that he is never mentioned- no articles about Martin, not a word, even overlooked by you.

[@drj602]

God BLESS you my friend !!!

[@cjsm1006]

That's the name I was looking for on this list.

[@johnw.mcintosh4740]

Martin is still rocking with a great band.

[@drj602]

Well, as it turned out lets say, I say “lead guitarist in Jethro Tull” was, for years, the top “job” in the business ! And of course only Martin Barre could have demonstrated that so clearly through those years!!!

[@davidwright9318]

Saw him live this past summer..I was blown away by his level of musicianship and his youthful energy…Hard to be excited after 59 years of concert going but I was by this man’s show and he had Clive Bunker with him too.

[@tektoniks_architects]

Great video, Michael! Terry Kath is someone that never quite gets the press that he should. In terms of popularity, you drop the name "Terry Kath" and a large majority of mainstream listeners might say: "Who is Terry Kath?" A shame, because I consider him to be an elite guitarist. Thanks Michael. Excited for Houses of the Holy.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Wow! Kath is someone I just mentioned in passing conversation, and you’re right, he was amazing! And the predominate reason I was ‘open’ to Chicago Transit Authority! 25 to 6 to 4= 1000%!

[@tektoniks_architects]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Many of Terry's live performances can be found online, and he was truly special. TY.

[@paulreese3071]

I always thought the Hendrix quote about how he felt being the greatest drew the reply, "Go ask Terry Kath"?

[@angrylittlespider4593]

Thank you for mentioning Terry Kath, RIP! Way too few props for that man.

[@jennifertierney9076]

I agree. Terry Kath was amazing.

[@georgeedward1226]

Brian Setzer is one of the most amazing guitarists I've ever seen live. I caught the Stray Cats in 1982 at the height of their popularity at The Ritz in NYC so I was right up close to the stage and got a good look at his guitar work. He was still very young then, early 20s but man, his maturity level and sophistication as a guitarist was mesmerizing. And he sang lead vocals at the same time which made his performance even more impressive.

[@jamesdean1143]

And his hero is Eddie Cochran.

[@scottmccullough4267]

Agreed

[@alexmlinar9300]

Saw the Stray Cats open for the Stones in Minneapolis in 1981, from the 6th row, center. I could see the Stage crew keep motioning from the wings to keep playing, ie, the Stones ain’t ready, keep playing, dude. F’n blew me away. Setzer had my respect from that day on.

[@williamandrews3648]

dude’s as good as anyone

[@musicauthority7828]

Brian Setzer is an amazing guitarist. especially when you watch him playing the guitar. his small stature playing those big white falcons is an amazing sight to see.

[@JAB66JR]

Gary Richrath. REO Speedwagon. Underrated. May he rest in piece. He was incredible live. IMO the most underrated guitarist that ever lived!!!!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Very underrated, JAB!

[@jeffcurtis5470]

Big time.

[@todmarks175]

I've been yelling the praises of Gary Ritchrath for many years.

[@angrylittlespider4593]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving Lindsey Buckingham his well-deserved appreciation. I was beginning to think I was the only one who thought he was a truly great guitarist. Love your approach and I hope more people discover this absolute gem of a channel you have here!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thank you ALS! Lindsey is a true artist on so many levels! He should be in the band right now!

[@quigley6643]

I SOOO AGREE!!!

[@stephenosullivan9016]

I agree completely. I’m not even the biggest Fleetwood Mac fan…I love Rumors and other songs, but their not in my top ten say. But Lindsay is amazing. Rolling Stone had the audacity to list him in the nineties in their top 100 guitarist. And their a music publication???? They’re frauds if you ask me.

[@donpietruk1517]

Without Buckinghams guitar work that iteration of Fleetwood Mac is basically just another run of the mill pop group. Lindsey gave them a certain edge.

[@stoneyj.5538]

Love Ronnie Montrose and Rory Gallagher. I even convinced my daughter and son-in-law to name our oldest grandson Rory to honor the Irish legend. He never sold out and would only release albums, no singles . He wanted to his music to be listened to in its entirety. In my opinion, Alvin Lee is extremely underrated. I saw TYA numerous times in the late sixties and the seventies. Every show was amazing. Thanks , Michael. Keep the great videos coming.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Alvin Lee! The second I heard ‘I’d Love To Change The World’, I was hooked! Tasteful & Fast!

[@mysticchordz8846]

I’m so glad you mentioned George, I’ve always thought his playing was unique and perfect for The Beatles.

[@KathySandru]

George ushered The Beatles into the psychedelic era with his collaboration with Ravi Shankar. I believe Norwegian Wood on the Rubber Soul album was their 1st exposure to the sitar & how this Middle Eastern sound was a staple of 1960’s rock.

[@judewessel5713]

Even George said, the Beatles should’ve got Clapton haha

[@charlesoneil1899]

@@judewessel5713 So what George was very humble and played with most of the greats and was phenomenal himself period.

[@kevmac1230]

Totally agree!

[@malcshone4409]

Leslie West ( Mountain) had an incredible “ tone” and “ vocabulary”. Check out “ Nantucket Sleighride” !! Or his album with Jack Bruce “ Love Is Worth The Blues” or his solo album “ Still Climbing”. Underrated doesn’t even come close.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Oh yeah, Leslie rocks!

[@drj602]

A-A-A-MEN

[@kevmac1230]

100%

[@BruceColon-BSides]

What a great list. Gallagher has been a fairly recent discovery for me. I’ve always heard the name, but really got into him over the past two years and am so grateful. Love his stuff with Taste and have since collected dvds, blu rays, and recent box set reissues. Incredible. And that Strat is a thing of beauty. Buckingham is someone I’ve always been blown away by. Especially in a live setting. And Harrison has always been one of the great silent heroes of guitar. Tasteful and song-focused. Beautiful. Thanks again for the ongoing and kind support. So appreciated. Great to see the channel growing. Keep up the awesome work!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, Bruce! Song focused is a perfect term! And because he ‘served’ the song, he wrote beautiful, if not extremely difficult to play solos! Solos that have to be played by ANYONE covering these songs!👍

[@robertwoodward9231]

Rory could play many instruments. He could be called the best of his time.

[@robertwoodward9231]

Nels Cline, from Wilco.

[@robertwoodward9231]

Listen to Impossible Germany.

[@jimbee3452]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Michael wanted to mention Glenn' Schwartz as the most under rated guitarist of all time

[@vincentdeangelis2558]

I can't believe you mentioned Ronnie Montrose. The first Album with Sammy Hager is an absolute classic. Rock Candy, Space station #5, Bad motor scooter, Rock the nation, these are all hard rockin songs. Spent a lot of time in my misspent youth playing the carp out of that album.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You know Vincent when I saw them the first time they played every single cut on that album! I owned the album before I went Home!👍❤️

[@davidmaraman855]

Montrose cover of Gene Vincent's Town Without Pity is another kick butt example of Ronnie's ability to make the guitar talk and cry.

[@ExplodingPsyche]

@@davidmaraman855 Yes, fantastic.

[@steveludwig4200]

@ArtieBRockin Actually he toured with Journey and Van Halen (their first tour) for nearly all of 78 and Ronnie played the entire Open firs album with ZERO "Montraoe" songs.

[@robertfmorton]

George's slide playing is amazing. It's immediately recognisable and beautifully executed. When you think of his early, adequate contributions to songs and compare them to his Abbey Road onwards contributions, it's like, "who are you and what have you done to George?".

[@youtoo2233]

Alex Lifeson from Rush DEFINITELY underrated!!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree, but it kinda seems to me that he tends to get a just a little bit more luv than some of the guys I’m bringing up! AND he has a strong current fan based that at least assures him slipping too much! But yes, you’re right!✌️

[@linjicakonikon7666]

That's rich, an underrated guitarist in an overrated band.

[@musicauthority7828]

Another guitarist from a similar three member group. was Ric Emmett from Triumph. also a great guitarist.

[@ronh.798]

@@linjicakonikon7666 That's rich, Rush an overrated band! 😄

[@MochaDaisy8645]

This is actually the first time I have ever heard Rush called overrated. Normally, people either love em or hate em, not that they’re just OK or overrated. Most people point to Geddy Lee’s voice as cause for their hatred towards Rush. Ever heard the other 2 guys sing? 🙄👎🤮

[@johnw.mcintosh4740]

There are a lot of channels that cover similar territory, but you always make your case in a very thoughtful and articulate way. Of course individual tastes will vary, but you always respect the artistry. Great channel.

[@caryrodda]

Thank you for mentioning Rory Gallagher, one of my favorite guitar players. I was fortunate enough to get to see him play 5 or 6 times and he always gave great performances and put everything he had into it.

[@davidkelly1820]

One amazing guitarist that never get any attention is a guy by the name of... Frank Marino . This man came on the scene in the early 70s. He's an amazing player. But as always , no one acknowledges this. Before Ronnie montrose died he did a tribute album with others to honor Frank.

[@allenhonaker4107]

Saw him live at Cal Jam II. He was just amazing.

[@stevenhollingsworth733]

Mick Taylor, Steve Hackett, Trevor Rabin, Don Felder & George Harrison. George Harrison was by far my favorite slide guitar player he had a tone like no one else.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Great choices, Steven!

[@ricbains2709]

Always enjoy watching your videos. Great views, insights and vibes.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx so much Eic!❤️👌

[@ManBoo55]

Yes Bob Welch and Peter Green eras were by far the best Fleetwood Mac iterations. They never flew commercially but definitely better music.

[@magnuswettermark8293]

My top 5. Laurie Wisefield(wishbone ash),John Lees(barclay james harvest),Jorma Kaukonen(jefferson airplane/hot tuna),Gary Richrath(reo speedwagon),Zal Cleminson(sensational alex harvey band)...

[@markrich7171]

Laurie Wisefield had the hard job of replacing Ted Turner in Wishbone Ash but he did it. I saw him last when he was in 'We will Rock you' musical at the Dominion Theatre London and he was great. I agree as well that Jorma Kaukonen is also very underrated

[@jflaugher]

Michael, love your channel. I'm a major Rock 'n' Roll fan. I love every era of Rock 'n' Roll from the early days in the '50s and early '60s up through the '80s and '90s. With that in mind, would you please go through each decade of the Rock 'n' Roll era and rank your favorite artists from their respective periods? Thank you.

[@audiojunkie1047]

DUDE... DUDE... You nailed it on the button with Fleetwood Mac. Hypnotized the PINNACLE Mac tune. My #1 Mac tune where #2 is way way in the distance. Lyrics, Mic's drums, the dance between acoustic and electric guitar, etc. Monster tune that evokes emotion!!! Yes... Bob Welch was the master mind on Hypnotized! I told a fib above... I forgot about Albatross!! Albatross is 1B behind Hypnotized!

[@elfman5176]

Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult Some of my favorite guitar solos of all time

[@adamschronk3620]

Glad to see Jerry get his due here. He to often gets pigeon holed into the Grunge genre only. I’ve recently been studying his playing. Dude is super creative! One Hell of a songsmith.

[@eddynewton4081]

Sorry not a fan of the grunge scene. All the grunge sounds the same.

[@billkelley4860]

I really enjoyed this and look forward to more. One guitarist who is often overlooked by the public but not by musicians is Richard Thompson. I have seen him twice, once solo acoustic and once electric and was blown away each time.

[@keithdf2001]

He is one of the best that hardly anyone knows about. I too have seen him several times--once with a band where he got to play electric

[@ronaldalanperry4875]

I was checking the comments just to see if someone would mention R.T.

[@ronaldalanperry4875]

I was checking the comments just to see if someone would mention R.T.

[@TudorSmith]

This is a fab video! LB and RG - I can go along with that. Here's my 5 rock guitarists who, for what it's worth, "send me" with their playing: Eric Stewart (10cc - and man, can he play slide when he wants to) Ian Bairnson (Pilot & Parsons, but also Kate Bush) John Miles (Check out "Nice Man Jack" if you get a chance) Dave Gilmour Randy Bachman Keep up the good work mate!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Ian! Saw him with The Alan Parsons Project and like several Kate Bush musicians, they are some of my very fav musicians! David Gilmour? Absolutely! More on him in the very near future!😉

[@wayneblanchard97]

Ian Bairnson, for sure. Also Andrew Latimer of Camel. This track includes Bairnson's bass-playing pal from Pilot, APP and Kate, David Paton, with Anthony Phillips, original Genesis guitarist, on 12-string. Simon Phillips is drumming. At one point, 10cc drummer Paul Burgess was also in the band (see early 80s live clips from Hammersmith Odeon). And Roger Waters wanted Latimer for his band (to play the role of Gilmour) but the guitarist's voice didn't fit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5yyY3WVqMegb6c

[@TudorSmith]

@@wayneblanchard97 I've never really listened to Camel....but listening to this track makes me think I'll have to binge-listen now! David Paton though, I'm a big admirer of his work!

[@MrCherryJuice]

@@TudorSmith Camel have gone through numerous phases and players since their debut in the early 70s. Only guitarist/vocalist Andrew Latimer remains - and he still plays exquisitely. Here is Ian Bairnson doing a one-off reunion gig with a band he was in prior to Pilot. When I lived in Edinburgh I was in a band with the guitarist who took his place in this band. His then missus, Liz MacKewan was also part of our band, and she sang some tunes with East West on this occasion. I see 'God Bless the Child'' is still available on YT, though posted under her name. In case you are not aware, Pilot were and Edinburgh band. Paton still lives there and continues to be musically active, though seemingly focusing on his own things. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rprdZIKJprF3j9U

[@nohandleforme....]

Elliot Easton of the Cars is my favorite guitarist of all time. He has never been of the "show-off" mindset like the virtuoso type guitarists. He could play anything he wants, but chooses to play exactly what each song needs. That, in my opinion, is the best you can be.

[@ScarletVoodoo]

George Harrison had a similar approach which I appreciate in a guitarist for a band.

[@MochaDaisy8645]

Good call, Elliot is definitely underrated

[@gtrslinger6262]

The thing that blows my mind about Harrison's slide playing is that it seemed to come out of nowhere. All Things Must Pass comes out and instantly he has his own style. Beautiful melodic playing with awesome harmonies. VERY underrated. I think he did use some open tunings on a few. BTW, Duane (one of my favs) is another one who only played slide a couple of years and set a whole tone chasing world on fire that still exists today. Amazing.

[@davidhumphreys7218]

Respect for including Rory at least he's recognized by many top guitarrists. However you missed maybe the most insane player of all time, a man who only used his fingers/volume control NO pedals or gimmicks. ROY BUCHANAN. He's missed by 99.999999% of all these lists so you are not alone.

[@ExplodingPsyche]

Let's not forget Danny Gatton. Incredible.

[@caperbye474]

@@ExplodingPsyche OH yeah. I was amazed when I first heard him. And I'm still amazed by him. Wish he was still alive

[@kennethnovath6332]

Buck Dharma, Dave Maniketti, Pat Travers, and Rod Price....underrated to the max....

[@davidmaraman855]

Fleetwood Macs Future Games lp with Danny Kirwan and Bob Welch along with the rest of the band resides deep in my mind...probably leading to Hypnotized, Emerald Eyes, Miles Away...Some of Fleetwood Macs best. Christine McVie with her supportive and indispensable piano work and vocals that rival heaven's angels should never be overlooked.

[@frankingenito]

Good list. I'll add Buddy Guy, Mike Campbell, Terry Kath, Michael Schenker, Gary Moore, George Kooymans,and Nancy Wilson.

[@chriskarley384]

I love this list!!! The guitarist whose style may be considered linear as you described, that I feel is extremely underrated is Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult!! He plays with so much feel! Especially live and is still rocking hard at 70 years young!!!👍🎸

[@rickbabcock6397]

Good analysis ,a favorite of mine that gets no credit is Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown.

[@downhillblur708]

Very tasteful player!

[@Devilsblood]

I think Soundgardens Kim Thayil doesn't get as much respect as he should. Badmotorfinger is one of my all time favorite albums of the 90s and I still get goosebumps when I listen to the track Searching with my good eye close. Kim was a phenomenon on that Guitar. Props for bringing Jerry though.

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Hi Michael, we’re recent subscribers. We get a lot of enjoyment out of your videos. Really agree with your list, especially Rory Gallagher. Personally, we think today’s generation have discovered him due to the vinyl resurgence as well as Rory’s estate releasing some of his work at the same time. Thank you for sharing, you’re a breath of fresh air.-Chris & Beth🎧🎸 P.S. Another guitarist in Our conversation is the late Gary Moore. We put his blues playing against some of the best.

[@treff9226]

Hypnotized is simply amazing in every way! And yes, that is Bob Welch Fleetwood Mac!

[@LoyalOpposition]

"I'm So Afraid" is my favorite guitar work. The dual guitars. Amazing! Maybe his best vocal, too.

[@drj602]

It’s a masterpiece 👍

[@Smootman1]

Neal Schon...Rod "The Bottle" Price...Martin Barre...Ricky "Rattlesnake" Medlocke...Kerry Livgren

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Yeah, especially Martin Barre, Sootman! Nowhere near enough love going around for his playing!👌

[@michaelboyle5805]

Brian May also got his guitar tone straight from Rory, one night after a gig, Brian and his friends saw Rory packing up after a gig, and Brian asked him how he got his sound and Rory spent an hour showing him how he made the tone with his speaker, there's a video of Brian telling this story.

[@alaplex100]

Yes. It was Bob Welch on hypnotized. I think that was the best lineup of Fleetwood Mac.

[@beatledavesbeatleschannel]

Thanks for the shout out my friend! Absolutely agree , Rory Gallagher great guitarist aa indeed is Lyndsey Buckingham. Moving onto George and what he has to achieve on the spot in sometimes very little time, who else could have produced such fabulous guitar riffs and fills like George! Love your channel , really doing well and ready for take off ! Stay well!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Hey brother! Yeah as I predicted, I’ve got more comments on him & Rory than the others! And right now, it’s about an even split as to whether George even belongs on the List! But of course he does! I could easily do an hour long video on just exactly why he belongs in the top 20, outranking some very fine shredders (besides Vai & Van Halen, I never really developed a taste for), and Heavy Metal Wonderss! It wasn’t his ‘Lick-A-Bilities’! It was all about tone, developing something to say, and emerging as the leading example of his style of slide! You know, it was Paul who didn’t want George playing slide on the couple of Real Love Casstte songs, provided by Yoko! He thought it was tooo-Harrison sounding, forgetting that sound is all over Abbey Road! Thank God, Harrison insisted, along of course with their producer, Jeff Lynn! So as you might have guessed, I have very strong feelings regarding his stature as a guitarist! Thanx, for your kind words Dave😉👍✌️

[@mickhegartyhegarty]

Peter green Danny Kirwan?

[@garymillward2890]

Been a Rory fan since I first heard Irish Tour 1974 was introduced to him at 15 by my late friend Pete back in 75

[@beatledavesbeatleschannel]

@@mickhegartyhegarty Ahh yes Peter Green definitely!

[@beatledavesbeatleschannel]

@@garymillward2890 He’s definitely underrated !

[@ronh.798]

Great to see some love for Rory. I saw him open for Foghat in 1976 and he blew me away! The next morning I went out and bought Against the Grain... still one of my favorite albums of all time. Thanks for using that Hendrix quote about him.

[@MuggerRingo]

I like the videos! One thing I recognise are the hands becoming bigger when moving forward. Looks kind of … unique. Anyway, very entertaining and informative!

[@debu9374]

- Punky Meadows of Angel should be on this list

[@JM-bg5oh]

In addition to your list...may I add Robin Trower, Roy Buchanan, and Robin Ford. Rory Gallagher an absolutely underrated blues rock guitarist. Robin Trower is another fantastic and powerful guitarist whose music is overlooked and unknown. Roy Buchanan was a monster genius with his tone, style, and feel, and to my knowledge he played clean. Robin Ford a great fusion, jazz, bluesy underappreciated guitarist. Cheers. Love the channel.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Robin Ford! Yes! He hadn’t come to mind, but the very second I read your comment JM, his name just seared into my brain! I became aware of him after he was already established, but became an immediate fan! Thanx for hitting my ‘Refresh’ button! DOH!

[@rickhibdon11]

Love Roy Buchanan!

[@deepfryblue]

sorry to be pedantic , but Robben Ford i think you mean- i only had one album of his 'talk to your daughter and i think, like Rory Gallagher his voice kinda let him down a bit. If he, like Rory, would've had a top ten vocalist along the lines of Plant, Daltrey et al he would've been better known

[@bangcolt]

Brother, you are speaking my language. I’ve loved Robin Trower for 35 plus years and have listened to Mr. Telecaster Roy Buchanan for just as long. Robben Ford I have only recently discovered (within the past 10 years), but when I did I could not get enough of his tone and technique, so brilliant yet so soulful.

[@porkbelly0713]

thanks Michael .................. I would like to nominate Martin Barre as a highly underrated talent. I totally agree on Jerry Cantrell and Harrison

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Yes! Barre! Great underated talent!

[@billbez7465]

Channel is a great find. Love the passion and insights

[@royceinthehouse842]

Hi Michael another excellent show, I appreciated all your choices in particular George Harrison. Noone had better hooks an underrated talent in itself. Great job and thank you for the shout out.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Brother, my pleasure! George is perhaps the most maligned guitar player in Rock!

[@ThisOldGuy3]

Rory falls into my top 5 of all time, Jimmy Page Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Gary Moore & Rory Gallagher

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Wow! 4 outta 5 of your Top 5 are in my top__________ Oops! Almost spilled the beans there!😉❤️

[@rickferrari9042]

Michael..another underrated guitarists. Do you remember the band triumph. They really rocked they have an album called allied forces. The number one song on that album was magic power Rick Emmett the guitarist for triumph I saw them at the US festival in 83

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Yeah Triumph kinda got blindsided a bit by other bands like Foreigner & Kansas! Very good band, I agree Rick!

[@paulnuyens1203]

Rik can hold his own with any guitar player in the world. Rik's ability to bring down the house with a 2 minute classic guitar piece (Mid Summer's Day Dream) in the middle of a hard Rock concert is a testament to his versatility. Not many other rock bands could pull that off.

[@robbielux8353]

Steve Hackett..Steve Howe, Steve Marriott..Terry Kath..Johnny Marr..Pete Townsend, Robert smith..Brian Setzer.. and many more..being a great guitarist is way more than just shredding…it’s creativity and influence.

[@todmarks175]

You could make a top 100 underrated guitarist. Bachman, Travers, Ritchrath, Fogerty, Menketti, Marino, Bolin, Mitchell. List could go on for many more.

[@ckallaher]

I saw Ronnie Montrose on tour with Van Halen (their first national tour, I think) and Journey in the late 70s. It was right after Open Fire came out so Ronnie did all instrumental songs. Not too many guys can grab attention away from EVH and Neal Schon but Montrose did. He was just outstanding and cool as the other side of the pillow, too.

[@benavich8]

I saw that show as well, Chris! Flint, MI...April of 1978. Yeah, that was a great show, I mean, EVH, Schon and Ronnie on the same bill....! I still have my fresh copy of Open Fire on LP....one of my favorite instrumentals of all time..

[@steveludwig4200]

@@benavich8 May of 78 in Fort Worth. Ronnie stole the show ALMOST because Van Halen absolutely KICKED ASS that night. Journey was booed off the stage after 3 songs and VH cam back on for a couple songs. Awesome.

[@benavich8]

@@steveludwig4200 Wow Steve...that's amazing. Journey wasn't booed off at the show I attended, but I think every single person at that concert knew that something was very special with VH. I absolutely LOVE Open Fire...just a killer LP and chops from Mr. Montrose.

[@kennethkrause6366]

My top 5 underrated are, Rik Emment,Bonnie Raitt, Brian May,David Gilmour, and Glen Campbell.

[@christophersanders5007]

Robert Smith of the Cure came up with some guitar sounds that where very haunting. Songs like 100 Years, Fascination Street, and Prayers for Rain. Geordie Walker of Killing Joke is another Guitar player that even Jimmy Page has said is a phenomenal guitar player.

[@michaelwilson2340]

Love Geordie. And Killing Joke have kept their credibility.

[@yeti1002]

Page is my favorite all time , but I do like all the other great guitarist out there from classic rock, grunge, early metal, shredders , jazz , blues ,fusion to country and every other style out there. They all have something to give , to learn from.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Yes! Guitar playing is a living art! Or at least, it should be!

[@yeti1002]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine your 👍 right on point. %100

[@mikiegood]

George’s slide playing is exceptional. His intonation is amazing

[@JimiBurleigh]

The two names that came to mind that I personally think are among the most underrated, if not under appreciated guitarists in Rock are Steve Hackett and Alex Lifeson. However, I can't find fault with any of your picks. Those two just seem to fit the parameters you outlined perfectly.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Yeah, it seems though that with Alex, he rises or falls with Geddy’s popularity! If Geddy is doing fine with the critics, he does fine! I love his guitar work!

[@michaelperkins9404]

That’s it. SH and AL. You nailed it Jimi.

[@tipsylibrarians7764]

I think Lifeson gets overlooked because the other two guys in the band are so good on their instruments.

[@judyhawkins1290]

Glad to see Rory on your list. A truly great artist who flew too far under the radar. Love Good to see Rory & Lindsey on your list along with Ronnie Montrose. However two great rock Guitarists, who are also not just that but have extensive songwriting credits with their respective bands who IMO didn't get enough recognition were Donald "Buck Dharma" Browser of Blue Oyster Cult, and Gary Richrath of REO. Before Kevin Cronin wrecked the hard rock legacy of REO with his schmaltzy ballads, Gary was the primary force behind their all-out ROCK. You'd do well to listen to Gary's amazing performance of "Golden Country" from the Live Album, "You get what you play for" and see just how stellar he was!

[@josephliptak]

I always liked Rod (the bottle) Price's slide guitar playing with Foghat. I saw them in concert in 1976 and that band could definitely rock live.

[@bobhope3716]

I n my opinion THE most criminally underrated rock guitarist is FRANK MARINO of Mahagony Rush!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

An extremely underrated guitar player! I agree! His whole story is interesting!👍

[@bobhope3716]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Saw Frank at big festival concert in the Oakland stadium in 1979. AC/DC, Mahagony Rush, Aerosmith and Ted Nugent in that order. Frank Marino owned all of them .Mahagony Rush should have been the headliner .

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Agree completely!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@bobhope3716 holy shite…what a line-up! Lucky you.

[@edhunt1215]

Love the way you explained guitar vocabulary. You can take a guitar’s sound many different ways. But some people just have it

[@royceinthehouse842]

I'm curios how would rank G n R'S SLASH. A favorite of mine. I rate Hendrix and Page on top of the heap.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Hmmm! You know, I love his playing especially apart fro G&R! But I’d have to listen (YUK!) to his stuff with G&R! Now you did it Teach! Sending me home with unpleasant homework! Do you have any grease I could use for the Rusty-Assed-Squeaky-Axel that I’ll have to endure? Do I get extra credit?😉

[@royceinthehouse842]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Extra credit for sure lol

[@royceinthehouse842]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Saw him in concert as Velvet Revolver and sat through the 7 takes of the making of the November Rain video.

[@jimharris1356]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine I say your video on Axel and I always thought the same thing. Sooo hard to listen to.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

L Buckingham, great mention ,he keels it on Second Hand News ..Silver Heels by FMAC is one of my fav songs of the Bob Welch Era .. Rory should get as much attention as possible being the guitar man he was ..His music is all top. .Ronnie Montrose ,yea that is a very overlooked player.. He was an original member of Edgar Winter Group right before he started his band with Sammy Hagar ...Before you mentioned the Harrison style of side playing I was thinking about that also and you explained it exactly how it is with his standard tuning and that is why he is a innovator of a different slide method .. One of my fav rarely mentioned players is Toy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band , he never used a pick and mostly played with his thumb and only played a Les Paul and it exaggerated that woody tone that Les Paul guitars have ..

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You, know ND, You’ve got me thinking, regarding Rory! Hmm!

[@VIDSTORAGE]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Rory was called the Irish Eric Clapton at one point in time ..I wonder if he took that well or not ,maybe he did not resent it but that was a weird tag for him ..

[@pawelec66]

Jan Akkerman from Focus.

[@jimmyfederico473]

All others vanish. Another level than what is being discussed here.

[@steverobertson6748]

Once I seen and introduced to Mr. Gary Moores music and playing,I couldn't believe the talent of this man .Incredible

[@thatmeanmexican9423]

Might get extreme hate for this but Vinnie Vincent is an extremely underrated guitar player. He’s like a bootleg Randy rhoads but a good bootleg

[@bobfurman2739]

Tatood Lady,Irish Tour 74!

[@jimharris1356]

Awesome tour.

[@billconwell390]

I saw Stan Webb in 1970 with Chicken Shack at the Kickapoo Creek rock festival and was amazed.Bob Welch did Hypnotized and Ronnie Montrose was great from Space Station#5 to Town Without Pity.You're just showing off with some of these picks,aren't you?

[@mojobag01]

Paul Kossoff is probably the most underrated I can think of.

[@deepfryblue]

oh i don't think Kossoff has ever been underrated, well not by true music fans/people in fact i think you'd always find him in any top 10. The thing is he died a long time ago now and great guitarists keep popping up so the older blues based axemen get more forgotten than underrated i think. I also, and i'll get death threats now, think that Jimi is vastly overrated. He was certainly extremely innovative but tends to get too much admiration for what really was maybe half a dozen stand out tracks, there was a pile of dross amongst it too. He changed rock guitar forever with his innovative over-the-top distortion and that was his true genius...reinventing the rock sound. Truly underrrated, though not my style of guitarist, is Larry Carlton

[@Kc-rz5eh]

Gallagher, Gary moore, Gilmour, Tony iommi and clapton my top 5

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You know Clapton is always my second or third (Depending on my mood, of course!) favorite guitarist of all time! But you’re right, it seems he doesn’t quite get the love he once had!👍

[@maverickminstrel1557]

No Richard Thompson?...i'm surprised sir1

[@jimharris1356]

Hey Michael I watched 2 of your videos the other day and enjoyed them but didn't subscribe but thought I'd watch this one just to see if Rory Gallagher was on the list. You really know your stuff. I don't subscribe to many things but you got me with Rory my absolute favorite who is for sure underrated as are the others on your great list.

[@charlesoneil1899]

George blazed his own path,Alvin Lee is great and George Harrisons slide is beautiful on the Blueest blues spot on all the guitarists you mentioned, subscribed and liked!

[@williambaldridge1203]

I think Martin Barre is one of the best guitar players in the world, and I've seen a lot. But I don't know if he's underrated or not. I rarely hear people mention him, but hes definitely one of the best.

[@saifonlawrence2044]

You are correct sir

[@paulinwoburn9680]

I also agree.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

I like your choices in this list, and it's cool you included a Traveling Wilbury in it! 😊

[@GoldtopDude]

Much like your list, thanks

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx Ez! I appreciate you letting me know!👍

[@patrickcasey357]

What a lot of people don’t realize with regards to George’s slide work on Badfinger’s Day is that Pete Ham is doubling the part in unison.

[@glenkepic3208]

Nice work !!! Good pick with Rory Gallagher to start. Fan since Irish Tour '73, 'A Million Miles Away' via KSAN back then. Saw his albums before but never bought anything. This, had to have it. Still got it and more, now. Queen's Brian May was a big fan, seeing him everytime he could and 'adopting' Vox amps as a result. As a 'thank you', he invited Rory to open a series of shows in the '80s. Ronnie Montrose,,,,I saw every incarnation from Sammy Hagar and Bob James at Winterland and Gamma at the Cow Palace. Even a club date in '84 (Keystone, PA) with a singer who could cover everything. It was amazing. Last time i played out, we covered Rock Candy featuring my co guit and Voyager, me. I'll never forget it. Thanks and Rest In Peace, Rory and Ronnie.

[@eddygsmusicworld1708]

my 1st show. Nazareth,Rush,Rory Gallagher. I was 14. 1974 montreal. Quite great.

[@awickedtribe]

Rory Gallagher (Pronounced Gal A Her)--- I discovered Rory back in 1970 and I have touted his guitar playing every since. No one knew he was for decades, not until the Internet, but what I think is telling is that every guitarist I have ever exposed to RG has been blown away. BTW, this is the guy who beat out Eric Clapton for Blues Guitarist of the Year in either 70 or 71... I am 71 so my memory is heavily messed up by Oldtimers disease. One thing that really sets Rory part from every other guitar player out there is that most Electric guitarists who pick up an Acoustic, play it the same way they play their Strat or Les Paul or whatever their axe is. It sounds good, but good isn't Rory, he plays acoustic with an entirely Acoustic approach, being heavily influenced by Davy Graham, a folk singer in the late fifties and early sixties. He does the same with the mandolin, Dobro. slide, steel, and every other stringed instrument he picks up. I was lucky enough to have met him and he approached every instrument in the same way, rather than just riffing out like he would on his Strat. This is why he is a Guitarists Guitarist, most players knew him and admired him, while the general public ignored him or wasn't exposed to him. Lindsay Buckingham- I first heard him when Fleetwood Mac opened the show for Loggins and Messina and headliners Rod Stewart and Faces at the Anaheim Stadium in '75 or maybe '76. I was expecting the previous line-up, not this new one with another chick in the band and a guitarist from a single album i owned (Buckingham Nicks). This was before 'Rumors' and the band did a lot of older FM songs, which was what I was into. At first, I wasn't impressed but then I started to really pay attention to him. I was especially impressed by his avoidance of playing 'box chords', and his use of rhythms which he incorporated into his leads. Absolutely brilliant! Jerry Cantrell - I was not a fan of Alice in chains when their first album came out, though I started to appreciate his playing with the second album. He has a way of being very heavy and thick in his playing but maintains clarity note for note. I really dig his sessions with Gary Sunshine of the New York band Circus of Power (stand back Axl, Alex Mitchell wants his look back), a seriously underrated band. Ronnie Montrose- I met Montrose, and Hagar, when they opened for Black Oak Arkansas. You couldn't;t go to a concert without the opening band being Montrose or pre-Perry Journey. I think I saw them easily 20 times in just a two-year span. Ronnie was incredibly sensible and experimental, two ways that don't usually go together. His tones weren't like anyone else's and his playing was phenomenal but he was so humble about it. George Harrison- I have to start this by saying that I am NOT a Beatles fan, never have been. I always saw them as a girl's pop band, since it was my sisters who were acting the fool every time an album came out. I have never owned a Beatles album though I have heard most, like Rubber Soul and Sgt Pepper. That said, I own every George Harrison solo album because, while he may not be a 'great' guitarist, his playing is always spot on and perfect for the feel of the song he is playing. Honorable Mention: Earl Slick - It's amazing that so few know who Earl Slick is, especially since he replaced two incredible Bowie guitarists... Mick Ronson and Stevie Ray Vaughn... at two different times. Listen to his 'Earl Slick Band: Live '76' album and you will see why Bowie chose him twice. He also 'replaced' Brian Seltzer when BS left the Stray Cats... forming Phantom, Rocker, and Slick. He is so incredibly underrated it's blasphemy.

[@arunb3713]

Like your choices. I could add a few names that I think are underrated: Pat Travers, Steve Hackett, Andrew Latimer, Richard Thompson.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

All excellent choices Arun!👌

[@james-he7xv]

Hendrix actually said this about billy gibbons not Rory Gallagher.

[@discernment8963]

Rory's 1 of my absolute favorites as well, Tattoo around the same time is when I discovered him too. The "Hendrix supposed quote" is claimed to be said about both Billy Gibbons, and Johnny Winter also. ZZ TOP opened for The Experience on a tour with him and Gibbons jamming together becoming friends. Hendrix and Winter jammed together quite a bit at Steve Paul's (Winter's manager at the time)"The Scene" club in Greenwich Village. There's video of them playing bass for each other when there wasn't anyone else to cover. Both considering each other the top of the line. If Hendrix did indeed ever said anything like that any of the 3 would've worked, with the feeling being mutual no doubt.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Saw Ronnie Montrose with Edgar Winter. Still blows me away.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

There y’ go, JJ!

[@jasonladd6400]

Rory at Isle of Wight is something to behold. Hendrix saw that show.

[@georgemorley5926]

From Australia , ALVIN LEE , and RORY GALLAGHER , shamefully not spoken enough of , both very under appreciated, Peace from down under.

[@rickferrari9042]

Michael do u remember don kirshners rock concert and midnight special with wolfman Jack......... Michael do u like the Fleetwood mac song...green manalishi with the two prong crown

[@kevinbrady6075]

Jimi was asked "What's it like being the world's greatest guitar player?" Jimi "Go ask Rory Gallagher." :-) Good list! I agree!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx Kevin! I’m shooting part 2, in just an hour or so! My next 5 Underrated Guitarist hopefully out tomorrow!😉

[@roberteltze4850]

I've seen a dozen different responses to "Jimi was asked to name his favorite guitarist". I've since become skeptical of the authenticity of any "Jimi was asked" folklore.

[@kevinbrady6075]

@@roberteltze4850 yes,he did admire others,only natural

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Yet another name for the urban legend that begins: "Jimi Hendrix was asked how it felt to be the world's greatest guitarist, to which he allegedly answers " I don't know, why don't you ask (fill in the name)" I've heard that he named Phil Keaggy, Stephen Stills, Kat from Chicago, etc. It's JUST AN URBAN LEGEND. I saw him asked that question by Dick Cavett and his response was"Well I don't know if I'm the best in the world...maybe best in this room, or actually the best guitarist sitting in this chair"

[@michaelcraig9449]

Rory had a lot of mainstream success in Europe,. yes he did. Rory had fantastic tone, he was not basic.. he was so far beyond Clapton it is ridiculous. he just made it sound like music, not straining like a science project.. Frank Marino is the most under rated and he is in the top 5 greatest of all time!

[@frannyp46]

Frank Marino is so underrated, it’s so sad.

[@Deborahtunes]

Underrated Guitarists: •James (JY) Young •Tommy Shaw •Nancy Wilson

[@74900kdw]

Get the hell outta my head! Love Lindsay Buckingham but "Hypnotized" is also my favorite Fleetwood Mac song. Yes it was Bob Welch. Agree with the whole list and George definitely belongs! Great video.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, Kieth! Hypnotized is my personal fav in regards to the whole band! The ‘Classic’ line-up did great stuff, but they really hit it on the head with ‘Hypnotized’ for me! You gotta pair of ears on you, brother!👌😉❤️

[@tonym3408]

I always bring up Jeff Healey in my circle of friends, his style cant be taught, I challenge anyone to try to play , not only well but solo in his style with your guitar flat on your lap , oh and let's not forget, he was blind. Thanks Mike, love your channel.

[@mekonium7843]

Another fantastic KZbin video with the first quarter dealing with one subject; I, I, I.........

[@bowtieguy377]

George H. is like Ringo in that you recognize his playing on non-Beatle records right away so there is distinction in his playing. Also, he played lead guitar and influenced the feel on a lot of the greatest songs that were put on record so yeah, he is pretty damn good. One thing about George though is that he never practiced once the Beatles had made it (his own admission) so he did not reach his full potential once he focused on songwriting. At least technically, George was probably playing his best right after the Hamburg days when they were playing every day in clubs for many hours a day. Later he was quite the melodic player though and so many of his peers thought he was a great slide player.

[@jamesreding6336]

Hypnotized I love that he did sing that song he did the French kiss album

[@marcusantonyledulx]

What about Francis Rossi for his Melody, his clear Single Notes, tight Rhythms & clean Guitar sound?

[@MochaDaisy8645]

What about Robby and Robbie (Krieger and Blunt)?

[@webexplorer007]

Man, that's great info; no, that's some helllvah knowledge!! But it would have been really nice to have snippets of this video performances of the mentioned guitarists. Had that been done, it would have been surely a relish!! Kudos nevertheless. 👍

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree! But with the KZbin strike system, I’m kinda limited, WE! But I’ll do my best to describe what I hear, and at least provide a direction for viewers to listen for themselves! Like I said, at the very best, I’m a Moderator & Observer with an opinion only! It’s in the comments where we as a tribe can get a consensus! 👍✌️

[@robertwoodward9231]

Saw Rory at the First British Pop festival 1971. He was the only one to play twice out of over 30 big name bands, because they wanted to get him on radio..

[@robertwoodward9231]

Steve Lukather of Toto.

[@webexplorer007]

@@robertwoodward9231 Rory is one fantastic guitarist. Love him. You are one lucky guy to enjoy his performance. I was a toddler then and was introduced to his music many years later during my teens. 😊

[@webexplorer007]

@@robertwoodward9231 Very true