The 50 Greatest Guitarists, Who's Missing?

[@samuraiguitarist]

Who got left off? Segovia, Django Reinhardt, Les Paul are some more that come to mind.

[@fudgesauce]

Allan Holdsworth, the guitarist that Eddie van Halen said was the greatest guitar player. Plus tons of jazz players that, as you mentioned, were completely missing from the list.

[@JStewartGallard]

Julian Lage

[@Lostmychill]

Definitely Django.

[@TheVideogamemaster9]

I can't believe Jerry Reed was left off. I'm not even into Country, but he literally invented a new guitar technique that nobody else could replicate. He's amazing.

[@lennythelizard9790]

D. Boon 100% the most underrated

[@mccauley6027]

Did they miss Eric Johnson???? I’m shocked by this because he’s a tone genius that inspired the likes of Bonamassa and Andy Timmons (who should also be here)

[@s3nd3r5]

This baffled me. It's unreal how Eric Johnson was missed - he is like the perfect encapsulation of everything on this list. Rooted and inspired by the blues - melodic and fast guitar like the metal guys - inspired and technical music (though not "prog") like the prog guys - and passionate about the instrument. And he seems like generally an awesome dude - deserves to be in the top 25, at least, IMHO.

[@craigharrison5406]

Eric deserves a spot on this list 💯

[@Ricko62]

Yup, yup, yup!!

[@TonySop]

Yeah, they fucked that one up big time. Probably should have been a top 15.

[@howtoeataham]

That’s what I’m saying! Eric Johnson being left out is a sin

[@JaredSawyers312]

In regards to Robert Fripp, he created a tuning system he calls "New Standard Tuning" or NST which is fifths except for what would be the high e in standard tuning as the string would keep breaking. He was also a pioneer of guitar effects, especially delay, developing something he likes to call "frippertronics" which utilizes tape delays to get some real cool sounds. He is known not just for his work in King Crimson but also as a contributor to other musicians as well. For example, he was the one who did the spectral guitar work for the song "Heroes" by David Bowie. I would highly recommend listening to more of King Crimson's music though I am biased since they are my favorite band. I would specifically recommend the songs "Starless", "The Night's Watch", either "Sartori in Tangier" or "Requiem", "Frame by Frame", "Fracture", and "Lark's Tongue in Aspic". "Sartori in Tangier" and "Requiem" are both instrumental songs that exemplify both the NST and frippertronics work. "Frame by Frame" shows some more of the complicated time signature stuff and just sounds great with the dual guitars working off one another. "Lark's Tongue in Aspic" is another instrumental song that is just a really fun with a lot of cool sounds going on. "Starless" and "The Night's Watch" are both just good songs of theirs that I like. "Fracture" and it's sequal "FraKctured" are a showcase of just how technically skilled of a guitarist Fripp is. They're probably a couple of the hardest songs you could play as while they don't feature a wide range of techniques, the amount of control and stamina needed to perform the songs is just absurd.

[@abdurrahmanzulfikry9202]

Can't agree more. Plus rearranged Peter Gabriel's Here Come the Flood, and creating windows vista startup theme.

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

You've summed this up quite well. Completely agree.

[@Memu_]

You've beautifully summarized a lot of what makes that little bastard incredible. He has fantastic skills just playing guitar too. His playing can be very impressive but he doesn't like to show off and instead does what is best for the song

[@MalMotorDedo]

He's the type of prog dude that doesn't just throw notes at the speed of light, but actually creates patterns and textures that work perfectly w every song

[@Memu_]

@@MalMotorDedo But still you can find bits where he goes fast as hell too. But his melodic parts and riffs are the best stuff he does

[@xers999]

This should be called 50 Greatest 'Rock/Metal' Guitarists. There are countless great masters in Jazz, Acoustic, Latin... etc.

[@alvar5720]

There are Jazz and blues guitarists on this list

[@ronaldkoch2766]

@@alvar5720 Only the few who would be most recognizable by current music fans.

[@catfishcave379]

I had such a good laugh. All the usual cliches biased by sales. How about Roy Clark and Glen Campbell?

[@Kriegter]

Shawn Lane, Al Di Meola, Allan Holdsworth aren't even on

[@klevesmith]

@@catfishcave379 Chet Atkins

[@jablegh]

Timestamps: 50. Robert Fripp: 0:11 49. John Mclaughlin: 0:26 48. Steve Morse: 0:39 47. Peter Green: 0:59 46. Robin Trower: 1:18 45. Tom Morello: 1:42 44. Paul Gilbert: 2:08 43. Malcolm Young: 2:31 42. George Harrison: 2:54 41. Michael Schenker: 3:32 Merch Plug: 3:57 40. Duane Allman: 4:24 39. Paul Kossoff: 4:44 38. Keith Richards: 4:56 37. Billy Gibbons: 5:21 36. Joe Bonamassa: 5:43 35. Mick Taylor: 6:24 34. Dave Mustaine: 6:42 33. James Hetfield: 6:55 32. Pete Townshend: 7:01 31. Kirk Hammett: 7:21 30. Chuck Berry: 7:39 29. Steve Howe: 7:54 28. Rory Gallagher: 8:06 27. Zakk Wylde: 8:38 26. Frank Zappa: 8:52 25. Yngwie Malmsteen: 9:31 24. John Petrucci: 9:37 23. Prince: 9:44 22. Synester Gates: 10:07 21. Carlos Santana: 10:13 20. Angus Young: 10:45 19. Dimebag Darrell: 10:56 18. B.B. King: 11:12 17. Mark Knopfler: 11:33 16. Randy Rhoads: 11:46 15. Gary Moore: 11:59 14. Tony Iommi: 12:19 13. Joe Satriani: 12:27 12. Jeff Beck: 12:36 11. Steve Vai: 13:01 10. Ritchie Blacmore: 13:15 9. Slash: 13:31 8. Alex Lifeson: 13:56 7. Brian May: 14:13 6. Stevie Ray Vaughan: 14:29 5. Eric Clapton: 15:02 4. David Gilmour: 15:26 3. Eddie Van Halen: 15:37 2. Jimmy Page: 16:08 1. Jimi Hendrix: 16:35 Final Thoughts: 17:37

[@ggh_-ts6pn]

lol in what universe is players like page, slash, and joe bonamassa better than John Mclaughlin. What a total joke of a list

[@paulgilbert3139]

Thankss

[@heatheraldazabal358]

@@ggh_-ts6pn Jimmy Page is way more influential, therefore greater.

[@shnoop123jimbo7]

i mean greatest is hard to define, but best player at the instrument of guitar is 100% paul gilbert, without question.

[@liamnaughton9505]

Rory Gallagher, Marcus King is as good as any of them.

[@archieleechjb]

Since you love B.B. King and Mark Knopfler, you really need to check out Peter Green. King said Green was the only player who gave him "the cold sweats." Check out the live "Jumping at Shadows" for dramatic, melodic blues, live "Rattlesnake Shake" for hard riffing, "Albatross" for sweet melody and tone. Took over from Clapton in Bluesbreakers, influenced Knopfler and Santana.

[@ceebee491]

Totally. Green was a Genius

[@KindaSortaGood]

100% - anyone who enjoys blues needs to check out Peter Green. I also do really love "Black Magic Woman" and "Oh Well". I believe the "Oh Well" riff influenced the "Beating Around the Bush" riff by AC/DC

[@ceebee491]

@@KindaSortaGood and Aerosmiths Walk this way!

[@archieleechjb]

@@ceebee491 Great call! Steven Tyler and Joe Perry met at Fleetwood Mac Show at the Boston Tea party. That's why Rattlesnake Shake is on the Aerosmith box set.

[@shawmcveigh7448]

You Really need to check out green!!! + Gary Moore! Him and Green should def be in top 20

[@themysticalunicorn726]

The lack of Frusciante is mind blowing to me, he was writing riffs and solos like Under the Bridge, Give it Away, and If You Have to Ask at 18 years old. Then went on to write and re-define the peppers with every album he did. His guitar playing hits right in the soul. That's not even mentioning his stunning solo career. No doubt in my mind he will go down as an all time great in 20 or so years.

[@breathblspandex4467]

Exactly

[@craigusselman546]

yeah suprised hes not on here somewhere!

[@klintburns7230]

The fact he's not on this list tells us that it was simply a list of 50 guitarists, not the top 50🤷‍♂️ He's unquestionably top 10 of all time.

[@nugget7892]

@@klintburns7230 he is def a good guitaris and he needs to be in this list but he is definetly not on the top 10, you cant put him over people like mark knopfler or bb king

[@stevencooper3202]

The chilly peppers are shit musically speaking. You only like em because of the slick marketing

[@joewg3]

Kind of a crime to not have Chet Atkins on the list. The guy was absolutely amazing.

[@commanderthorkilj.amundsen3426]

Chet Atkins was truly masterful, immense repertoire, a highly influential country guitarist. But then Chet cited Jerry Reed as a “better picker” who didn’t devote as much time to it. And both revered Lenny Breault. There is no single greatest or best. Too many genres and criteria. One thing is certain: this automatic naming of Jimi Hendrix as the god of guitars is totally foolish. If he were in your living room jamming with Roy Clark Danny Gatton Chet Atkins Roy Buchanan Les Paul, the fusion shredders, jazz players, he would quickly be humbled.

[@jasonkeith9317]

Chet was a beast. None of the guys on this list can play half as good as Chet and that's fact. Tommy Emmanuel is the best guitarist alive now. And Eric Gales. And Guthrie Govan.

[@joer1678]

Along with Glen Campbell and Roy Clark

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

This list is very limited to be honest. Lots of jazz, classical, country and prog guitarists are left behind. At least they included a couple of them but the placements are risible nonetheless.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Right on

[@renatodovecer8368]

Gary Moore is got to be the most underrated guitarist. I never heard a guitar actually cry until I heard Gary Moore play “Still got the blues”. His guitar playing moved me like no other … such emotion and feeling in every note.

[@andrewclenaghan9377]

Ferocious crying - right from the gut :)

[@sickheadjoker1421]

Gary Moore is not underrated, Jeff Healey is mate, why nobody talking about him

[@klintburns7230]

Although I have never been a Gary Moore fan, and think he was ranked higher, substantially higher than he shoulda been, u nailed it with ur comment and I couldn't agree more. Whoever it is that moves you, affects change in your life or playing, inspires you or is simply someone you could not get thru life without listening to, is who should definitely be ranked at or near the top of your list🤘🤘 That's what it's about 👌👌

[@boxboxbox624]

@@klintburns7230 You just described who Gary Moore was to me and I feel he should have been higher on the list. Try listening to some of his non blues stuff.

[@klintburns7230]

@@boxboxbox624 It's not that I dislike him, and obviously he's an all time guitarist, but for whatever reason I couldn't get into him. I'm a blues guy for sure I just didn't dig it. Any recommendations on what tracks I should check out?

[@uraniumcranium2613]

Allan Holdsworth for his alien compositions and mind blowing legato, Shawn Lane because buckethead thought he was playing with 8 fingers, Frank Gambale for taking sweep and economy picking to unseen levels, Scott Henderson for never overplaying and being in Tribal Tech.

[@michaelgaboardi9817]

Yes absolutely. Jazz fusion guitarists are never recognized but for their mastery of the instrument. No one on this list of 50 players could do what Allan Holdsworth and Shawn Lane could do.

[@markr.devereux3385]

SHAWN LANE a player that slipped my mind. I wouldn't know where to put him on a top 50.

[@danielsgrunge]

Solid list

[@bobajob13]

This list could also include a Pat metheny, django, Tommy Emmanuel, Robert Johnson or literally any jazz guitarist really. Larry Carlton is also missing and he played a top 5 guitar solo of all time.

[@paulgilbert3139]

Realx this KZbinr is a fraud

[@balintpalhegyi6864]

I am honestly stunned how Guthrie Govan is never on these lists. He can literally imitate all of these guy's playing and you wouldn't even notice

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Yes, but he has no recognisable body of work. Being an artist is part of being a "great guitarist", and not just playing skills. I agree that GG is out of this world - but making music that reaches the world, and through generations, is an absolute factor. You and I should know - it's our chief failing. You and I are better players than many famous guitarists....but we haven't put any points on the board! Doesn't matter if youry the MVP of last season, if you put no points on the board this game. 🤷‍♂️

[@mike04574]

Who?

[@RByrne]

Yeah, that's your answer. He can imitate other guys that are on this list. I cant disagree that he's probably the most technically capable player, but he has no original work. I'd put Kingfish ahead of him on the list of modern day guitarists.

[@swerdna54]

@@RByrne he has a ton of original work, you just haven't listened to it lol check out the aristocrats and I think you'll change your mind

[@RByrne]

@@swerdna54 ill check it out, thanks! Edit: those arent really recognizable songs though. Its sort of just a jam or intrumental. Like Buckethead. Its cool to listen to for a bit, but like the other commenter said it isnt really recognizable.

[@kylebremer1557]

To be honest... I dont know how Jerry Garcia is not on this list... and alot of other lists. Im not a Dead Head. I have only been listening to their music for a little while now. But his understanding of tone and just overall playing skill is amazing!

[@Juiceboxbrian]

I was expecting him to be in the top ten. Even if you aren't a dead head he was an undeniably brilliant composer, soloist and improviser. One of those guitarists you can hear only ten seconds of a solo and instantly know its him

[@minethotho5422]

Crazy to see how underrated Johnny Marr is, definitely should have been on this list

[@vb2388]

Buckethead, John Mayer, Jonny Greenwood etc all not mentioned but Synester Gates is there 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@raphaelcalado4335]

So true.

[@thetreeofclues]

@@vb2388 you're so right lmaoo

[@tomdenton.5899]

The bias in that list is unreal

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Johnny Marr was a tasty guitar player, but one of the 50 greatest to ever walk the Earth? Not even close in my opinion.

[@PotaterBoy]

EVH’s rhythm playing is absolutely unreal! The fair warning album still blows me away! One of the best!

[@saucerfullofzepp4203]

Absolutely!!! I hate how all the tapping stuff (which any guitarist will tell u is easy) and JUMP which dominated MTV in my days put me off on EVH early on.

[@Norther1y]

Fair Warning is such an underappreciated album!

[@MrClassicmetal]

I love his rhythm playing in Top Jimmy, it's so creative and groovy.

[@shewolfcub3]

Van Halen II is their best in my opinion but fair warning is top 5!

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

My favorite rhythm track of Eddie’s is Summer Nights off 5150, dude was just built different.

[@andrewclenaghan9377]

On Gary Moore - turn the volume full, close your eyes, open your mind and listen to Parisienne Walkways live at Montreaux 2010. He's like a kid in the garage playing with his guitar and amps - for me, it's a joy. I think that he might be playing the Gibson he bought from Peter Green and subsequently sold to Kirk Hammet?? (Others will know better than I).

[@therippedemon]

Pantera- Floods. This song has one of the greatest solos and outros by Dime. It doesn't matter how many times I listen to it, but when it hits that 3m52sec mark, I can just feel every ounce of emotion Dime put into every note. It's somewhat bittersweet though, since it brings me back in time to the moment I got the news about his tragic passing. Certain songs took on a different feel and impact ever since then.

[@bczarrockbeast6264]

Yes i totally agree!! I feel that solo in my soul every time.

[@calebm2242]

The sleep as well

[@therippedemon]

@@calebm2242 Totally. I was thinking of The Sleep and Hollow as a couple of my other favourite examples.

[@Ninjametal]

The solos on "Floods", "10s", and "Domination" are all great too. For Sammy, though; (as not a metal fan) I'd steer towards Pantera's "Planet Caravan" ...that solo will make Dime fans out of non metalheads.

[@therippedemon]

@@Ninjametal I can confirm that the cover of Planet Caravan can be enjoyed by all. I remember back in my teens my mom (very not into metal) heard it playing one time and asked who it was so she could burn it on a mix cd haha.

[@spaixz3503]

the fact that John Frusciante isn't on this list is just crazy

[@frenchguitarguy1091]

Rhythm is underappreciated in the guitar world.

[@fruhentus4437]

just finished to learn the whole BSSM album . Took me 3 months to perfect it as much as possible. He is just a genius player and overall musician

[@fernandodannemannneto7453]

I read this before watching the video and now my expectations are VERY low

[@ChainNonSmoker]

It's not like this is any sort of authoritative list, it's some person's or bunch of people's opinions, just as Samurai's telling his own, and there were many others missing as well

[@noamdrums3764]

Agreed

[@joshuaunderwood1056]

Pantera recommendations from a longtime fan: For Riffs: -Cowboys from Hell -Regular People (Conceit) -Shedding Skin -Living Through Me (Hell's Wrath) -Revolution is My Name For Solos: -Psycho Holiday -This Love -I'm Broken -Floods -The Great Southern Trendkill Note: I intentionally picked songs throughout their discography with a lot of variety that showcases why Dimebag is so beloved and was honestly ahead of his time. It'd be cool to see a video of you deep diving Pantera, lots to unpack and digest musically 🤘🏼

[@mcoley84]

Omg, I LOVE the main riff from Regular People. It's sooooo tasty and groovy! Those power chords on the upbeat right after that rippin' riff.....perfection!

[@Prometheus4096]

Dimeback Darrell shouldn't even be in a top 250 metal guitarists list.

[@GregGallagher]

Steve Morse is best known for Deep Purple but his work with the Dixie Dregs is what is really worth checking out.

Some of the top players consider him one of the (if not the) best.

[@DigitalChemistryBand]

Night of the Living Dregs shows you everything you need to confirm his greatness... remember... he wrote it all as well.

[@dclarkgmail]

His solo records are great also.

[@GregGallagher]

My guitar teachers favorite guitar player is Steve Morse and after trying to learn just a few of the Dregs licks, I totally understand why. He’s definitely underrated and while I’m not a big instrumental guitar music guy either, Steve Morse is one of the greatest.

[@hyutyub]

Steve Morse of Deep Of the Dixie Dreggs, STeve Morse Band, Kansas, Flying Colours… considered by all the guitar players mentioned in the list to be one of the best.

[@johnclark1000]

Glen Campbell. One of the members of the wrecking crew and he could be a great vocalist at the same time playing some amazing guitar stuff.

[@spoonybard13]

I'd say Terry Kath deserves some recognition. The solos he did for Chicago in their heyday are absolutely wild!

[@ianramage1593]

Kath was way underrated. Some of his solos are mind boggling.

[@danzemacabre8899]

You mean the guy jimi said was the best he ever heard? Nay.......lol

[@Wolfpack7000]

I've got to say, as a King Crimson fan, I think that Fripp should be way up there his innovation and mastery of the guitar are insane, all you really need to see to get an appreciation is fracture, I've tried to learn that song and... well let's just say I very quickly found out why it's called fracture. Also, there was defiantly a strong bias towards the previous generations of music in this list, I think if it took more of a look at the the current landscape of music we would be finding names like Kevin Schylds, and Mike Kinsella for the influence that they have played in the current landscape of both popular and independent music.

[@Propagandhizer_07]

Mike Kinsella is so criminally underrated

[@sct27271]

And don’t forget that Fripp plays all of this without looking at the fretboard. Also Sunday Lunch with Toya and Robert got me through a pandemic

[@manalonedies]

I'll never forget the night in '69 I first heard ITCOTCK for the first time. But even then I knew they weren't for everybody. For me Fripp is number one and if others cannot appreciate him, well, that's up to me.

[@DerHausmarder]

Alvin Lee, Chet Atkins, Charlie Christian, Albert King, Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson, Marcel Dadi, Django Reinhardt, Robert Johnson... And maybe Steve Cropper also deserves a mention.

[@melyvilorio9026]

I'll add the following guitar players who are/were great, in no particular order. John Cipollina, Terry Kath, Lindsey Buckingham, Mike Bloomfield, Roy Buchanan, Alvin Lee, Leslie West, Johnny Winter, Ronnie Montrose, Bill Nelson, Phil Manzanera, Phil Miller. Martin Barre, Al Di Meola, Philip Catherine, Larry Coryell, Allan Holdsworth, Peter Frampton, Pat Metheny, Steve Hackett, Frank Marino, Andy Powell, Jan Akkerman, Frank Gambale, John Tropea, Max Sunyer, Gary Boyle, Dickie Betts, Toy Caldwell, Gary Rossington, Eric Johnson, Derek Trucks, Robben Ford, Harvey Mandel, Larry Carlton, Grant Green, Bill Connors, Pat Martino, Jim Hall, George Benson, Kim Simmonds, Andrew Latimer, Gary Green, Gabor Szabo, Lee Ritenour, Jukka Tolonen, Steve Hillage, Georg Wadenius, Bill Frisell, Danny Kirwan, John Etheridge, Joop Van Niemwegen. Ollie Halsall, Scott Henderson, Jimmy Herring, John Abercrombie, Mario Millo, Luis Salinas, Lino Brotto, Les Paul, Wes Montgomery, Tommy Emmanuel, Joe Pass, Chet Atkins, Bireli Lagrene. Sylvain Luc, Randy Bachman, Stephen Stills, Jim McCarthy, Terje Rypdal, Volker Kriegel, Wayne Krantz, Kerry Livgren, Don Felder, James Young, Ted Turner, Richard Thompson, Robbie Krieger, Randy California, Joscho Stephan, Paco De Lucìa, Ted Nugent, Joe Walsh, Guthrie Govan, John Petrucci, Buddy Guy, Kenny Burrell, Atilla Zoller, Rik Emmett, Django Reinhardt, Tommy Bolin, among many others

[@kellykim1791]

Yeah for someone finally mentioning Richard Thompson. I think he's awesome

[@fritty9927]

Segovia! Ted Nugent?, what, he did two songs??

[@suzanneemerson2625]

Not one female?

[@scottenglert4083]

Django, Roy Clark, Jerry Garcia would definitely be on my list... Cool video that obviously can inspire endless debate over such a subjective topic... thanks for posting !

[@erikortlieb7282]

I was angry that Jerry wasn’t on this list, but the more I think about it, I think Jerry would hate being on a list like this. We all know who is number one, it doesn’t need to be said.

[@lastchance000]

So glad to see someone put up Roy Clark. What a legend.

[@landonlucero7500]

@@erikortlieb7282 well said

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

@@lastchance000 Jerry Reid too. "There goes Amos Moses."

[@Timliu92]

Roy Clark, Django Reinhardt, Chet Atkins and Les Paul are some of the best guitarists I have ever heard.

[@MrInf1nity]

I'd definitely go in depth into Fripp's catalog, be it stuff he did with Bowie, solo stuff, or Crimson in general he has some really odd phrases and sounds throughout his discography and it is very worth checking out!

[@jimganzeboom9572]

Scary Monsters would be a good intro to Fripp I think

[@somethingasaname]

FraKctured is just incredible. he plays such an impressive guitar solo, while witting with a straight face. although I'm not a huge fan of the song, It's probably his most impressive performance

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

Also his live shows. Exiles, The night watch, Starless...

[@garyharris6883]

You might want to check out Roy Buchanan. I suggest his album that's what I am here for. Great blues guitarist. Does a very good cover of. Hey Joe. Also check out frank Marino.

[@viktorwadskog3532]

Steve Howe was/is in Yes. Please listen to their album Close to the edge. Amazing mind boggling stuff!! Takes a few listens to really enjoy but when you get it, man, you're in for a treat. Progressive rock at its absolute peak!

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

Also Yours is no disgrace

[@ahampel22]

I recommend giving Rush another try. I only recently got into them as I got older. I know a list of 50 might not be big enough but I would have liked to see Iron Maiden's Dave Murray or Adrian Smith on a list. Those 2 had (still have) a big influence on me.

[@Memu_]

There are definitely a few picks who could have been easily replaced by those guys

[@Nixlplix]

Hendrix claimed that Terry Kath of Chicago was a better guitarist, and he's not even on this list. Another criminally underrated guitarist.

[@kjp2345]

Terry is the reason I picked up the instrument! He would be number 1 on my list for sure.

[@TheCousinEddie]

Absolutely, and he made it look effortless.

[@refukulated9603]

It’s a shame that Roy Buchanan sometimes get skipped on lists. David Gilmour says he was somewhat inspired by him, he has a stack of his records at his house. Buchanan was a pioneer and it’s amazing reading what he manages to do without any effects pedals on his guitar. Beck wrote a song dedicated to Buchanan.. “ Ended as lovers” or something. Buchanans music is sometimes hard to enjoy, he wasn’t an excellent song write but an amazing guitarist. They made a documentary on him in the 70’s called the greatest unknown guitarist in the world. His best work is shitty bootlegs unfortunately, but he has some televised performances. I wouldn’t say he’s number one on the list, but definitely should be in any top 50 based on technical skill.

[@dclarkgmail]

Amen!

[@beachhunting69]

Glad you brought Roy up...was going to but wanted to read the posts first. He can make a Tele sing. Danny Gatton another one. Correct me if I am wrong, but Gilmour isn't on this list either as well as Les Paul. The list is suspect at best. For me I look at a guitarists overall body of work, not just technical skills or how fast they play. In my opinion Keith Richards should be top 5 in all lists due to his overall body of work.

[@fritty9927]

He could be in top five on any list.

[@serroche]

I'm 38 and been a Pantera fan since I was 11. From the second era of the band go check 'The Sleep' solo, 'Floods' and '10's' solos also, 'Domination', 'Cemetery Gates', 'Five Minutes Alone', 'Walk', 'Heresy'... Their discography is full of beafitul and jawdropping stuff. Dimebag was a unique specimen.

[@germanCrowbar]

PANTERA 4 ever! R.I.P Dime🕊️🕯️

[@evanknowles9855]

R.I.P Dime, never forgotten

[@garrettwatson9442]

Totally my dude! Good call. One of my favourites is revolution is my name!

[@MrPantera123456]

Dimebag should be top 5 on any best guitarist list.

[@mikescott3370]

Cowboys from hell! Dime is a legend!

[@kerrym9254]

In the 80's, Steve Morse opened for Passion, Grace, and Fire (Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucía). He's an incredible musician and Deep Purple is a massive, massive step down for him.

[@VinTheHero]

I'm shocked Robby Krieger isn't on this list. His training in flamenco and his use of slides in so many iconic Doors songs shouldn't be forgotten. He's an underrated guitarist in my opinion.

[@michaelsuder486]

Well the Doors suck so

[@VinTheHero]

@@michaelsuder486 no one asked for your opinion bud

[@Yo-fx1fl]

@@michaelsuder486 I’d like to see you try make music as amazing, influential and iconic as theirs mate 💀

[@micktheman6]

I love his playing but he’s amateur.

[@griffinconaway732]

Make your own list

[@andyj845]

a few more...Steve Lukather, Neal Schon, Lindsey Buckingham, and Mike Campbell. All amazing at playing the perfect part for the song.

[@carlosperianez4111]

Lack of Lukather. Definitely. I mean, beyond Toto, he was as a studio guitarist in a masive records for world known bands.

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

In the past I wouldn't believe Neil Schon. Until I heard the first Journey records. Oh my goodness!! And of top of that discovering he was on par with Carlos Santana and played some solos for the band

[@Rasmuth]

Mick Taylor is an astounding player. His work elevated the Stones to the best recordings in their extensive catalogue and having a world class player opposite him, Keith Richards himself was elevated.

[@RobertMJohnson]

ridiculously great band, but let's face it, the Beatles and the stones were eclipsed by rock guitar talent by 1967

[@dandylion188]

@@RobertMJohnson '67 is a ridiculously early cutoff date for the Rolling Stones. After the disappointment of 'Their Satanic Majesty's Request' in '67, the Stones went on an insane tear from '68 to '72 that is unparalleled in the history of rock. 4 albums, back to back, the last of which was a double LP, that were undisputed classics: Beggar's Banquet (Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fighting Man), Let It Bleed (Gimme Shelter, Midnight Rambler), Sticky Fingers (Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, Bitch), and Exile on Mainstreet (Tumbling Dice, Happy). I'm pretty sure that a big part of this success was due to the "rock guitar talent" of Keith Richards and Mick Taylor (Brian Jones had already faded away by the time they recorded BB).

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

Maybe a guy to look at alongside VH would be Nuno Bettencourt. They're cut from a very similar cloth; the lead playing is what draws most eyes, but when they step back to do rhythm while the singer grabs the attention, they're both doing some really interesting and fun stuff.

[@sirllamalot1980]

First time i ever heard Extreme was "that" song. And it really doesn't prepare you for the absolute cyclone Bettencourt is on the guitar.

[@LocrianDorian]

I agree, would definitely have Nuno on a top 50 list myself, certainly much more intriguing playing than some of the dinosaurs on the list.

[@DavidPerry-ui2qz]

Pantera’s Cemetary Gates ….. the pinch harmonics are just unreal

[@Abasedbymygrief]

Kevin shields really should be on this. He may not be a huge shredder, but he's arguably one of the most revolutionary and unique guitarists of the past few decades. I mean, his playing literally defined a genre

[@comfortablynumb0696]

David Gilmour is my number one for me. Quality over quantity. One of my musical heroes.

[@grapsoultaker]

Johnny Marr is criminally underrated.

[@jpwaitforit5801]

Squire as well

[@kellywilson8440]

Brian patrick carroll AKA Buckethead should be on every top guitar list imo !

[@NlCKELODEON]

YES THIS! HAD TO SCROLL DOWN AND SEE IF ANYONE ELSE THOUGHT THIS BEFORE I LEFT MY COMMENT!

[@J.C...]

Bucket is my favorite living guitar player while Duane Allman is my overall favorite and why I play guitar today. Bucket was putting out music continually this year. He's been going pretty heavy the last month or two, also. Putting out 2 and 3 releases in 1 night and things. I listen to Bucket daily. My driving music is Bucketheads ambient stuff so I listen every time I'm in my truck. Helps keep me from flipping out on all the garbage drivers out there. Because there's A LOT of garbage drivers out there.

[@NlCKELODEON]

@@J.C... Haha atta boy! Yup Buckethead is a genius at the guitar, couldn’t agree more!

[@J.C...]

@@NlCKELODEON seriously. If there was 1 person to look up to, it'd be Buckethead. Not only is B an amazing guitarist, but he's an even better human being. The kind of person you'd be proud to call your friend.

[@whipsmartchris]

“Buckethead” made a conscious choice years ago to never be taken seriously by the mainstream. Clearly, that was his right and we can debate his decision to negate the person playing the instrument all day but it remains undeniable that it limited his appeal, right or wrong. Other artists have chosen disguises or “personalities” that did what they intended but his choice was full disassociation with the face covering and “bucket.” DEVO also fully adopted characterization but their faces remained their own even with the Energy Domes. Even so it’s taken them nearly 50 years to get the respect they deserve. It may not be fair that Buckethead is ignored but this isn’t some modern day reaction. There are deeply ingrained social rules that he broke, perhaps bravely, perhaps foolishly in the minds of his fans who expect him now to be judged only as a guitarist. Humans don’t work that way.

[@LuckeGabriel]

Beato did a video where he went through time of the greatest guitarists and Hendrix was the turning point. Everything before him was mostly very clean tones, but Jimi brought the noise! Everyone else could make the guitar sing, weep and cry, but Jimi made the guitar scream as well as everything else everyone else did before him. Some will argue Jeff Beck did it first, but Jimi brought it to the masses.

[@ursula3438]

Clapton when he was with John Mayall, and even before maybe Freddie and Albert but definetly Buddy Guy had some pretty screaming leads even before Jimi. And Townshend also was quite noiseful, and the Beatles did backwards solos before Jimi, but you're right, Jimi tied it all together, added his own magic and put guitar on a new level.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I'm honestly surprised George Harrison was so low on the list, I'd have thought he'd be put in the Top 10 or at least Top 15. He was the first guitarist (alongside EVH) that I really looked up to and he played a massive part in my guitar playing, his parts served the songs beautifully and I don't think some Beatles songs would've been as memorable without them. As for Pantera songs to check out, I'll recommend Cowboys From Hell, Cemetery Gates, Domination, Five Minutes Alone, Walk, Floods, Psycho Holiday and This Love

[@sendjamin]

Harrison should definitely be higher up, melodic, creative, unique, slide beast

[@bigdave1302]

Gary Moore played in lots of genres. Prog-rock[Colosseum II], in Thin Lizzy on more than one occasion. He was never a blues player as such until he thought he'd do a one-off blues lp. He was always more a hard rock guitarist. He and everyone else were shocked that it sold so well around the world. Then of course his record company just wanted the blues. He was also in BBM, with Jack Bruce[from Cream] & Ginger Baker[Cream.] Probably the greatest British guitarist ever, along with Jeff Beck.

[@tfbattag]

Gary was amazing in many ways. IMO, he was even an underrated singer. Great writer and player. (Although, he was Irish.)

[@NeonRadarMusic]

Ritchie Blackmore has had a much bigger impact on rock and metal guitarists than people seem to know about. Metal guitar owes its speed, flamboyance and classical phrasing more to Ritchie than it does to Tony Iommi.

[@Haesslich1962]

He's way underrated. Let's not forget that he came up with the best known guitar riff ever! Hand a guitar to anyone - whether they play or not - and they will do "Smoke on the water"

[@mojoredfoot]

More people need to listen to Rainbow

[@paveantelic7876]

So it would be more correct that 80s popular metal owes to him. Metal is still always going to be about the riff

[@aldeayeah]

If we're talking about Blackmore's influence on metal, Rainbow's Rising is such a seminal work.

[@kenmathews4522]

@@aldeayeah 👍

[@BuckwheatInfamous]

I know there’s a lot of guitarists out there, a LOT… but Joe Walsh man. No denying he’s brilliant

[@ohen]

Roy Buchanan to me is the most underrated guitar player of all-time.

[@jonathanorleyi6600]

Regarding Gary Moore: Check out the Live in London 1992 performance of "Seperate Ways" (especially the intro)! One of my all time favourite guitar performances... The combination of tasteful blues bends and extremely fast and energetic runs is so mind-blowing to me (also BB King shows up in the same concert and they play some songs together...)

[@proturtle6374]

John Frusciante and John Mayer are definitely contenders for this list.

[@cagecrawford103]

I LOVE that you mentioned Vince Gill. It's crazy how good he is at guitar....I was surprised the first time I saw him shred that Tele.

[@tylerdawsonmusic]

You hit the nail on the head with Slash. He’s great at what he does. The older I’ve gotten the more of an Izzy Stradlin fan I’ve become. As far as raw talent and writing abilities he’s the reason that band blew up in my opinion.

[@Ravenstorm163]

He is awesome but I like his song writting more He playing is not that influential

[@werewolflover8636]

Izzy was a good song writer and a good rhythm guitarist but he’s definitely no where near the player Slash is. There’s a reason why Guns N Roses went from seeking out stadiums (with slash) to random venues (without slash) to selling out stadium again (with Slash). Slash has also had more than one great side project with Velvet Revolver and his band Slash with Miles Kennedy. Izzy on the other hand had his band which broke up and he’s gone from writing about finding a head and a arm in a garbage can to writing that the trees are green and the sky is blue.

[@flinchey6962]

Izzy is fantastic I would throw in Andy McCoy from Hanoi izzy def inspired from Micheal and the guys

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

@@werewolflover8636 Bruh, GnR never left the stadium concerts without Slash. The dude is a great player but nowhere near the level of some names in this list.

[@RobertMJohnson]

LOLOLOLOLOL. Guns is Axl (genius) and Slash. Izzy didn't even matter.

[@AlexanderDekhtyar]

Yes. Robert Fripp is a character, but also is a guitar player deserving to be much higher than #50.

[@FoardenotFord]

Not gonna lie, I had a moment of panic that Mark Knopfler wouldn’t be on this list - he’s extremely well regarded, but is still underrated IMO. Is he the most pioneering and influential rock guitarist? Nope. Is he one of the most gifted, tasteful players, one of rock’s greatest songwriters, and someone who seamlessly marries his guitar playing to his voice and lyrics? Absolutely.

[@EchoesonMars]

Lack of Joe Walsh on this list is heart breaking.

[@DavidHernandez-of1gp]

Don't forget Don Felder! Especially the intro lead to Hotel California.

[@walterrobinson1988]

I had the same thought, I can hear a Joe Walsh song I've never heard (or a song by another artist where Joe just played on the track, even uncredited sometimes) and I instantly recognize who's playing. That kind of distinctiveness has to be telling imo.

[@RobertMJohnson]

@@DavidHernandez-of1gp Felder's a way better guitarist than Walsh

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Jerry Garcia should be up there, he inspired an entire genre of music.

[@trystinmetallica5663]

Yeah but, then again he may not have inspired Samurai. Definitely inspired me

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@trystinmetallica5663 He was a huge inspiration on me. The first real band I was in was a Dead-style jam band and I wouldn’t have had a clue what to do up there if I hadn’t listened to Jerry.

[@trystinmetallica5663]

@@TylerJohnstonGuitar everytime I hear Alabama Getaway it blows me away. Never been huge on greatful dead Lore but I know he puts it down when it comes to guitar

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@trystinmetallica5663 Yeah I’m not a huge fan of the genre but the man was really good at what he did.

[@trystinmetallica5663]

@@TylerJohnstonGuitar I looked at your channel and subscribed. Love the Kramer you have

[@bigdave1302]

How can you not know which band Ritchie Blackmore was in??? You're a guitarist yet you have no idea about some of these genuine guitar legends from the past. Doesn't matter that you're much younger, check them out, i thought you'd be an avid rock guitar historian? A guitarist that's never listened to a Satriani album!

[@Prometheus4096]

He literally said he doesn't know basically any of the guitarists in that list. Except a few who for sure shouldn't even be in that list. It doesn't make any sense. I guess he is the typical gear monkey who don't really care for the musical aspect of guitar playing.

[@MrRizoable]

Paco de Lucia is missing, "Entre dos aguas" is the best spanish guitar song in history. Also check out "Gary Moore - I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" live at avo session. Man that solo is pure heaven and purest emotion combined with his unique modern blues approach! The one and only Gary Moore, nobody can touch him... Don't miss it, what a sound! RIP Legend

[@joshrowell95]

Paco is Legendary status. That Man could Play...

[@MrClassicmetal]

Gary Moore's guitar work with Colosseum II is mindblowing. And then there's his live album _We Want Moore_ where he goes into higher grear.

[@koalabandit9166]

I think it's implied that the genre is rock, otherwise you'd also have to find the space for, say, Wes Montgomery, and Joe Pass, and John Williams, and a tonne of dudes.

[@MrRizoable]

@@koalabandit9166 no, he just mentioned Les Paul and Django Reinhardt as possible left off's himself in his pinned post

[@koalabandit9166]

@@MrRizoable Yes, but he didn't make the list. I don't want to offend rock fans and I know that's his favourite genre, but I don't think even he thinks Slash is a better musician than Pat Metheny or John Scofield.

[@warpig4942]

The five years the Stones had with Mick Taylor are their greatest years by far and Mick was largely responsible for that.

[@Jorgytonton]

Mick Taylor is a legend. Apolitical Blues live from waiting for Columbus for reference

[@vitamindeeznutz4102]

And yet Brian Jones was the most talented of The Rolling Stones

[@johncalvo1743]

@@vitamindeeznutz4102 Definitely the most talented but wasn't a good songwriter. Then there were his "issues".

[@fredtheted2259]

Please wonderful fluid player, couldn’t write a song to save his life,what’s he done since he left name just one good song,he was lucky to join in that era when mick n keef were hitting there songwriting peak

[@Jorgytonton]

@@fredtheted2259 there’s no denying a lot of that but I can’t believe it’s just coincidence that he was there during that peak. I don’t believe those albums would be what they are without him.

[@SergiVenteo]

Guthrie Govan or Paco de Lucia are unreal. These lists should be renamed "most popular" or "most hits written". Very few guitarists on these lists are really top 50.

[@btbb3726]

Michael Schenker at 41 is all I needed to hear. He was Randy Rhoads’ guitar hero. He turned down Ozzy, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, etc. He started with the Scorpions and was 16 on their first album. He then went to UFO and then went on to various Solo or collaboration efforts. His older brother Rudi Schenker has been with the Scorpions all along. He went back and played on the Scorpioms “Lovedrive” album, which was a commercial breakthrough for them. After the Scorpions recorded their “Blackout” album the ~producer asked Michael Schenker to come in a fix the guitar work on the album, which he did. He is still putting out albums and touring at 67yo. kzbin.infoUgkxPZWqu0RwlpRsURAnW6nuo1KCunKDfnFK

[@luisespinosa8269]

Townshend influenced the way every 70's-80's punk guitarrist wanted to play. His stuff live is amazing as well. Listen to The Who Live at Leeds, the rawest guitar player out there.

[@Yo-fx1fl]

The Who live at Leeds is my favourite album by the Who for sure! The drumming is fucking spectacular too

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

I agree. before Pete, players like Hendrix, Clapton, Page and Beck came from and milked the blues traditions. But Rock Guitar came from Pete Townshend. He blew-up the Power Chord to such a degree that everyone knew what Rock Guitar was by 1970. The punk bands love him because he was one of them and wrote songs about them. He wrote a song called "The Punk and the Godfather." He smashed his guitar before Hendrix and also got his feedback and volume together before him. He wrote two Rock Opera's and influenced hundreds-thousands of players that wanted to bang the crap out of their guitar's and not just play pretty melodic or shred lines. Pete's influences are immeasurable on guitarist of all ages and I'm glad that he didn't die before he got old.

[@luisespinosa8269]

Yeah, I'm glad he didn't die too! Let's not forget when he smacked Abbie Hoffman at Woodstock. He was punk before punk was even thing.

[@RobertMJohnson]

@@maximusindicusoblivious180 Pete and the Who are obviously indispensable to rock, however, Townsend just isn't and never was the player that Clapton, Jimi and Jimmy were ... not even in the same league. and then the others that came later pretty much blow him out of the water. He's an incredible songwriter, singer and rock star, but as a player he was kind of like Kurt Cobain 1.0

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

@@RobertMJohnson "Pete and the Who are obviously indispensable to rock," is where you should have left it. Because my comment was in response to Townshend's influence and not to some king guitar list.

[@jonathonarnold2565]

Loved your commentary ,thank you. FYI Peter Green wrote 'black magic woman' and played lead on the original recording- fantastic. Tommy Bolin for my top 10

[@doggy7210]

Trey Anastasio- Dude has been rocking for decades, has written a metric shit ton of music in a wide variety of styles, can shred with the best, or can play something simple and beautiful that will rip your heart out.

[@newusernamehere4772]

Probably lost on this guy unfortunately. I've watched this channel for years but hearing him say he's heard enough long fusion guitar solos hurt my heart. Probably in part because I play them lol, but Trey Anastasio pretty much specializes in long fusion guitar solos - less so nowadays but still a fuck of a lot which is great

[@newusernamehere4772]

Then again maybe Trey is so good it could get SG back into jams, I wouldn't be surprised

[@doggy7210]

@@newusernamehere4772 It just surprises me that Trey never makes it onto any of these greatest guitarists lists. Unfortunately, I don't think he will until he passes away. Then everyone will go nuts talking about how great he was. Weird that so often people have to die to be recognized.

[@willarellano833]

Thank you for mentioning Chet Atkins and Vince Gill. There are just too many great guitar players to just have 50 on a list

[@davidfallon6018]

Missing the Mozart of Rock: Kanami Tōno Lead guitarist/songwriter/composer of BandMaid

[@sammysheeesh4730]

Idk about Kanami being a one of the greatest guitarist but as a Songwriter and Composer she's one of the best of all-time if not the best. She's absolutely phenomenal

[@michaela.friestbigmikesbas2508]

Steve Howe. Yes. Really just an unbelievable and diverse player. Dig his acoustic work on The Clap. Close to the edge will give you a feel for his electric and pedal steel playing.

[@antoniolambert4738]

I got into his Yes stuff because of his playing on the 1968 Tomorrow record. Weird entry point for him.

[@ec8107]

Johnny Marr would definitely be in my top tier. If I'm ever in need of some inspiration, he's it. Johnny is melody.

[@GucciaveGettindollaz]

I honestly cant believe Chuck Schuldiner wasnt on this list. Easily one of the most powerful, skilled and uniquely talented guitar players who ever lived. I know Death Metal isnt for everyone but some of the Instrumental work on Death’s albums are second to none. Totally under appreciated!!

[@tablelover9491]

100% one of the reasons I started playing guitar

[@dennischeng4391]

8111

[@Prometheus4096]

There were 0 non-rock guitarists on that list. Why would you even think he would be on there?

[@paulewilliam8395]

Michael Bloomfield is the greatest guitarist that everyone has forgotten about. Listen to Butterfield Blues Band or Electric Flag, his playing is amazing!

[@MattHibbard1993]

Great work with Bob Dylan as well

[@kevinmichael8619]

Steve Rothery, Mick Ronson,, Peter Frampton, and Steve Hackett should have both been somewhere on the list. Gilmour, Lifeson, and Rothery are the Holy Trinity of guitar for me

[@bigdave1302]

Schenker became a guitar hero while he was in the English hard rock band UFO. Check out their great album Force It.

[@mogulmeister]

Superb player who brought a European taste to glorious solos.

[@jishmii]

The fact that Dave Mustaine is on the list, but Marty Friedman is not just triggers me so much.

[@Prometheus4096]

Kirk Hammett is on that list.

[@Private.Portal]

I feel like Prince could've easily cracked top 20 at least, especially considering his live performances.

[@segueoyuri]

I never really liked Prince music (not my cup of tea) but I always hear the same comment: Prince live was one of the greatests ever

[@jeppej4265]

You need to check Gary Moore live shows and you will love him! The stuff on the records don't really showcase the emotion he had playing live. Go with the classic Parisien walkways and you wont disappoint!

[@somethingasaname]

Eddie Hazel is an incredible guitarist, which if you've ever listened to Maggot Brain, you can (hopefully) understand. very underrated, although I don't really like much Funkadelic.

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

You're right. Only three Black men on the list. No Eddie Hazel, Ernest Isley, George Benson, Isaac Hayes, Robert Johnson, Wes Montgomery and me. This is not sour grapes, its fallen raisins.

[@somethingasaname]

I'd also include Steve Hackett on the list. Firth of fifth solo was amazing

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

Mike Oldfield definitely belongs to this list. One of the most recognizable guitar tones, and pretty good at both the acoustic and the electric. He's well known as a multi instrumental composer, but at least HALF of his greatest moments in his discography are him with the guitar

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

I think, Mike Oldfield, togehter with Gary Moore, belongs to the group of guitarists widely ignored by the American audiences, maybe because they sound too "European".

[@joodlebug]

5 minutes alone is my favorite Pantera song. I just think dime writes incredible riffs and he is really amazing live.

[@maskedmagicguy]

One of the greatest melodic improvisers of all time... Jerry Garcia 💀⚡🙏🥲

[@davesheridan7255]

I am not a fan of country but you are right with Vince Gill and Chet Atkins. One that i have not seen mentioned who is an all time favorite of mine is Roy Clark!! And with many different instruments!!!!

[@stevefeatherston4977]

Cool … another “seasoned” guitarist like that follows the SG!

[@MalMotorDedo]

The list needs Johnny Marr and Thurston Moore. Johnny influenced so much music, is a great songwriter and has some of the most tasty riffs I've heard, he is the one who inspired me to want to be a guitarist. Thurston Moore is the father of noise when we talk about guitar, he even created his own tuning and revolutionized the pedal game (as well as being a big influence on Kurt Cobain and all things noise). Edit: As someone else said, Johnny Greenwood. Although I view him the same sorta way as Sammy described Pete Townshend. And in a very different light, John Fahey guys...

[@nuttermudder4630]

Johnny Marr is so good and his stuff is a real b*tch to play!

[@hpspacecraft713]

Moore should only be included as a double entry with Lee Ranaldo. As a huge Sonic Youth fan and even as a fan of their solo work, the two NEED each other in a way other musical partners don't seem to

[@jessedekrossic]

Absolutely. Johnny Marr often flies under the radar because he isn’t a shredder. Same goes for Robert Smith of the Cure. Also missing Brian Setzer on this list

[@raydweck]

Yeah, Johnny Marr is one of my favorite guitar-based songwriters and melody writers

[@MalMotorDedo]

@@jessedekrossic I feel like Robert is more of a great general artist, ofc he can rock some awesome pedals and all that, but he's more of a frontman and an arranger. I played guitar for the first time because I wanted to learn Just Like Heaven's solo lol Edit: I really want to emphasize that Robert has IMPECCABLE taste as a musician IMO

[@thecraziichannel8288]

Marty Friedman should definitely be on this list imo

[@zacoroxmaximus1271]

Yeah it's strange they put dave but not marty who is the lead guitarist.

[@yalibarouch46]

should replace kirk's place

[@TallicaMan1986]

They'd have to put Chris Poland on their too because how utterly unique his phrasing is.

[@Fitzy215]

@@TallicaMan1986 Chris Poland was the best megadeth guitarist

[@LocrianDorian]

@@Fitzy215 nah... Great guitarist but cmon, Marty is just on a whole different level, you can tell it's him playing from the first couple notes.

[@M17_Max]

For Gary moore/thin lizzy, personally love Empty rooms, Parisienne walkways, Still got the blues, out in the fields, Chinatown, dancing in the moonlight

[@leidwallan]

I feel like zappa should easily be top 5 with all his crazy technical skill while still being really digestible for casual listeners. And Zappa taught Vai, Satriani, and Hammet and is still a high level above them all in terms of crafting solos and songwriting. Also the huge catalog he had 113 albums over 30 years is insane with barely any decrease in listenability, and Hot rats is by far the best jazz rock record

[@mss11235]

I have found that, once you acclimate to his improvisational style (important), his guitar albums are the most rewarding improvised guitar listening you can partake in.

[@uncletrash8770]

Is Zappa even on this list? The guy was a literal genius for fuck sakes

[@uncletrash8770]

Ok so he is on the list. At 26th. Eh.

[@Powerslave214]

Joe Satriani taught Vai and Hammett.

[@uncletrash8770]

@@Powerslave214 No? Zappa taught Vai. Everyone knows that. He started playing with Zappa in 1980 when he was in his early 20s. Come on man.

[@Memu_]

My main guitar inspirations that I look up to are way above my skill level but I adore their work. People like Steve Vai, Fripp, Brian May, Hendrix, etc. are absolute legends to me.

[@fredyklug3512]

for the Pantera songs that would be Cowboys from Hell, Domination, Floods, Suicide Note Pt. 1 and most importantly Cemetary Gates, as all of Dimebags skills as a guitar-player are used in that one song.

[@dillonadelman2094]

Dime had a great groove for heavy music. He always added a tricky twist (suprise pinches and awkward picking patterns) to easy riffs. Cowboys from Hell would be a great example, especially on his open string runs at the end of the song

[@hughneutron5303]

i also think he made the band approachable. i remember my older cousin showing me them in an interview and dime spoke first and i thought he seemed rad! then Phil spoke and i frankly was scared but super interested. i think if Phil started the interview i never would have had that sense of fear and interest (mind you i was like 7 at the time lol) that made me want to listen to them

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

As silly as it sounds, playing Glam metal throughout the 80s is what made his playing so good in the 90s. He was able to take the best parts of both styles of playing and create his own.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@Stossburg As a teenager, any time he would show up to a guitar contest they’d automatically make him a judge because they knew that he would’ve beaten all the grown men there by a mile. Dude was something special.

[@flotenn3351]

Rory Gallagher is criminally underrated. My personal favourite, but has to be in Top10 no matter what..

[@LocrianDorian]

Yup, he is massively underrated. I live in the UK and almost nobody knows him.

[@bogdog1755]

Rory is top 3 at minimum

[@jimharris1356]

I wear his or Allman Brothers T-shirts to all music events to keep they're music alive.

[@ronalda.saname396]

How can NOT include Paco De Lucia?

[@ronalda.saname396]

Paco DeLucia

[@LBSDispatch]

Steve Morse won best overall guitarist 6 years in a row in the 80s in guitar player magazine

[@codycoyote7046]

Underrated: Neil Schon of Journey. Listen to the second solo in “mother father”. I feel since they made more commercial music people didn’t give him the rock star respect he deserved. Plus he helped write some of the greatest songs of all time.

[@LocrianDorian]

Is he really underrated? He totally deserves to be on the list. Absolutely monstrous player and has very recognizable work as well.

[@codycoyote7046]

@@LocrianDorian I think so. With the songs he helped write, and how he played, the fact that no one really ever mentions him is crazy to me. Pretty sure The dude skipped high school to play in Santana. Maybe it’s because he wasn’t particularly innovative but my god he could play with the best of them.

[@hyutyub]

The best guitar solo for me . Mother Father .. nothing comes close. Finally another person that noticed this solo. Rock on mate!

[@codycoyote7046]

@@hyutyub fuck yeah!!!

[@RobertMJohnson]

Journey: supergroup. their secret weapon, however, was Perry, not Schon. I think Neil certainly held his own in the band, but he's not exactly guitar player who set himself apart like the monsters, and he can't play as well as the monsters.

[@xdef1ne]

Peter Green is one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time

[@rodjones117]

IMHO the greatest white bluesman (not just guitarist) of all. So much feel and soul.

[@keats1858]

Hey man, for some Pantera songs you should check out, i would give a listen to cemetary gates, domination, and this love. those will get you hooked for sure!

[@JubaDeMetalAlumínio]

Floods.

[@bluescreenfree]

Those are the common ones. Definitely needs to listen to Floods and 10’s. I personally enjoy those songs a ton.

[@wglennhowells]

Thank you for having Lifeson in the top 10. Rush shaped 50 years of my playing and musical love.

[@Mule4ever123]

Peter Green at 47 is a damn crime. He founded Fleetwood Mac and played on many early records of theirs including Black Magic Woman. Edit: Paul Kossoff was a legend. Played in Black Cat Bones and Free. Also had his own band for a couple yrs after Free

[@beachhunting69]

Kossoff is one of my favorite guitarists. Gone too soon like a lot of others. His tone is amazing. Free's Fire and Water album is a classic.

[@Mule4ever123]

@@beachhunting69 Same here. I especially love Free’s original run of albums but Black Cat Bones isnt to be slept on. Some amazing British Blues

[@beachhunting69]

@@Mule4ever123 Andrew...thanks for that info. Never knew about them nor that PK was in the band. Gonna listen later tonight.

[@Mule4ever123]

@@beachhunting69 They had some good stuff. Not sure if you like any Foghat but Rod Price played with them on their “Barbed Wire Sandwich” album

[@beachhunting69]

@@Mule4ever123 I like Foghat. Stone Blue is probably my fav song by them. Rod plays a mean ass slide guitar.

[@davidmiller9485]

Dude... As a Deep purple fan you should know who Steve Morse is. (plus he played with Kansas for a while) Even with all that, my all timer is still Ritchie Blackmore.

[@TheBoboMaker]

Tommy Todesco arguably the most recorded guitarist who ever lived. Pivotal member of the Wrecking Crew, Los Angeles' pool of session musicians that recorded almost every hit in the 60s and 70s.

[@jlb6]

Funk Brothers say what 😀

[@TheBoboMaker]

@@jlb6 not saying they weren't successful. This is according to Guitar Player Magazine. Tommy Todesco literally did 3 or 4 separate studio gigs a day for years, 12 hour days.

[@Timliu92]

Each one to his own, but I personally would not consider Gary Moore to be just "too impressive but not much raw emotion" category like Joe Bonamassa. His solos, even with all the fast stuff, were always emotionally intense, and his leads on songs such as Spanish Guitar, Parisienne Walkways, Still Got the Blues, and I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know never failed to make me feel something. Not to mention Gary was not just a mere blues player - the man also played jazz fusion, hard rock and heavy metal during his long career as a guitarist, and he did them all good. IMO Gary is one of the greatest ever to have picked up the instrument - RIP 🙏🙏

[@Prometheus4096]

Comparing Gary Moore to a hack like Bonamassa is criminal.

[@iscout61kenney10]

Elliott Randall, Jeff baxter, gary green, rick derringer, ted Greene, ed bickert, Larry Carlton, lenny breau, wes montgomery, danny kirwin, mick abrahams, mick ronson, Jesse ed davis, david Lindley, denny dias, Michael bloomfield, dom troiano, randy california, martin bore, Jonny winter,

[@Acroanidd]

Buckethead and John 5 not being on the list is kinda strange. Both are crazy talented and hugely influential, especially with modern guitarists.

[@LocrianDorian]

I don't think either of them is mega influential. Both amazing guitarists though, I am a big Buckethead fan.

[@juanvillagar2958]

@@LocrianDorian although i can agree big b is not the most influential, it is an absolute crime for him not to be on this list. i'm an immense fan. quite possibly the greatest for sure imo

[@camgar8197]

If this guy has never heard any Pantera songs, he definately would not have ever heard any Buckethead songs or any of John 5 stuff. This guy needs to listen to more guitar players before he makes a rediculous list.

[@Clueless81]

Cemetery gates is definitely a must listen to the whole song is just perfect and the guitar work is 10/10