The Greatest Metal Guitarists of All-Time (According to you Viewers)

[@anti7928]

Nice to see Mustaine get some respect...

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@pppl6664]

He always gets recognition for his guitar skills.

[@wafflemanofficial3130]

Like he doesn't have a fuck ton of insane fans worshipping him already

[@jakobgustafsson7898]

I think Dave Mustaine gets just the right amount of recognition, which is a lot. And he deserves it

[@TheNothing6]

Love Mustaine! №2 is too high, in my opinion.

[@philipibaugh2925]

Glad to see Chuck from Death make the top 5 because I just love his guitar work. It's no surprise Tony Iomi make no 1 as he should because he's the OG Riff Master General

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yes, nobody can be above god. ;) 🤘🏻

[@ronniedio19422010]

@@RuthlessMetalYT No other god could play that well with plastic fingers though!

[@gregoryvigneault1824]

Nice pun 👊

[@brunomelo547]

John sykes (Tygers of pan tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder) deserves an honorable mention. The guy just changed everything in the 80's, he influenced many guitarists on this list

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes, certainly an important guitarist. Cheers! 🤘

[@Hecatecrossways]

How about Montalo from Witchfynde, Mark Shelton from Manila Road, Kevin Heybourne of Angel Witch, Sphinx from Ostrogoth and Jerry Fogle of Cirith Ungol. Those gentlemen took guitar playing to a much higher level. Their influence is still found in almost every popular guitar player's style

[@Hecatecrossways]

Jon mutha fukkking Norum

[@smokerise]

Gotta agree 🤘

[@King_Conan]

It's a shame he didn't do more with Whitesnake or something else that was more popular with the rock/metal fans because he's way too overlooked.

[@carlosabad6596]

This shows your channel has a very intelligent group of followers. A great top five chosen by the viewers.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, I guess that most of my viewers are fans of 80s metal more than any other decade so. :)

[@carlosabad6596]

@@RuthlessMetalYT Im really glad about the results and also seeing Chris Oliva receiving some respect. I missed the poll but it's great what people chose from 8th place forwards.

[@realscience948]

More like a favourites list?…..musically speaking, there are many “metal/proto- metal” guitar players “much better” than most on this list!

[@carlosabad6596]

@@realscience948 yes could be but they are the founders and the cornerstone of this type of music. I'd like see Piggy on this list. Along with Michael Weikath from Helloween. Some people forgot these two guys.

[@WeGachaMetal]

I love this, for putting Criss Olivia in the top 10. That guy was pure fever back in the 80’s and early 90’s. GreAt job!

[@josephbobbitt7759]

Criss Oliva is so underrated. His guitar riffs on Hall of the Mountain King are awesome!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@sonountaleban]

This is roughly my list ;) but one important guitarist is missing for me: Uli Jon Roth.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes! Cheers! 🤘

[@daroblackheart383]

Nice to see Criss Oliva in the top 10. Great player but definitely underrated in a similiar best lists. Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads are true gamechangers in metal playing, but of course number one is grandfather Iommi :)

[@seagullpoet]

Oliva was so damn dark and unique ! Great albums.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, he should be in every mans top 10. cheers

[@daroblackheart383]

@@RuthlessMetalYT True words. Cheers!

[@SPak-rt2gb]

I voted for The Mad Axe Man, Michael Schenker. He was an influence to some of these guys on the entire list.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes, certainly one of the most important guitarists of all time. Still somewhat underrated.

[@Roargus]

Nice to see Iommi as winner. Surprised not to see Hendrix among top 50s, though.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

He was disqualified. more of a rock guitarist in my opinion. Got to draw the line somewhere.

[@LongLiveRockAnRoll]

​@Ruthless Metal It's harder to draw the line with older musicians. These days Angus Young usually isn't counted, Jimmy Page is sometimes, Ritchie Blackmore a bit more and Tony Iommi almost always. If I speak to my dad or other people who were around back then they all had pretty much the same fan base and the metal/hard rock distinction wasn't so clear.

[@Wanderer_1877]

@@woodguy4410 Van Halen was obviously hard rock and not metal, but the vote was about the greatest guitarist "in metal and hard rock", wasn't it?

[@arturoalmazan5262]

@@woodguy4410 thats what I said . EVH was hard rock. but whatever the people voted for him

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Sure, hard rock. But Jimi Hendrix is more of a rock guitarist for me. plus it was another era when metal wasn't a thing.

[@Fomich22]

Kind of disappointed that Andy LaRoque didn't make it on the list. But still good video! :))

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, he is easily a top 10 guitarist for me.

[@daroblackheart383]

Indeed. I love Andy, he is in my top 5 guitarists for sure.

[@Qliphirot]

His work with King Diamond and that album with Death are top notch

[@metalmaniac6667]

Great Video 👍👍🤘 I miss Jeff Hannemann RIP from Slayer.....

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@RonaldT2113]

For those against Mustaine.... Go watch him play live at the age of 62, post throat cancer, sing AND shred. It's incredible, THIS MAN IS A GOD. And he still does it to this day. Great list!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@SaintMartins]

My Top 5 1. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen/ Van Hagar) 2. Yngwie Malmsteen (Solo) 3. Kirk Hammet (Metallica) 4. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple/ Rainbow) 5. Alex Lifeson (Rush)

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cheers!

[@RicardoLopez-vn6cn]

Without Iommi and Ritchie none of us would be having this conversation right now

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

true

[@marcobaroncelli7763]

Classifica ridicola. Non è una questione di gusti sempre discutibili ma din soggettività, di storia. In questa classifica NON può mancare Jimmy Page l'altro grande padre, forse in ordine di tempo il primo, dell'hard rock insieme a a Toni e a Ritchie. "While Lotta Love", Smoke On The Water" e "Paranoide" sono rispettivamente il Blues stravolta ed indurito, la meravigliosa influenza della musica classica ed il lato oscuro nel percorso dell'hard rock e poi dell' heavy. Possono non piacere ma questo sono lo si voglia o no

[@kenfrederick6223]

Michael Schenker for me.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@claudio6512]

Great List!Randy Rhoads,Criss Oliva,Van Halen,including David Pritchard,David Chastain,Akira Tagasaki,Joey Tafolla,and many of 80's Metal!!!🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yyes sir

[@thefateshavewarned]

Very pleasantly surprised to see Criss Oliva on this list. RIP to the legends Criss, Eddie, Randy, and Chuck.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@KittenRaptor]

Quick Reminder for any newcomers: Eddie Van Halen: Metal AF Van Halen: Not Metal Ace Frehley: Metal KISS: Not Metal Lemmy: Literally the definition of Metal Motorhead: 'Rock'n'Roll'

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@kathydukakis1663]

I woiuld like to suggest an Honorable Mention: Jimi Hendrix. Way ahead of his time, and set the stage for all the stage antics we're familiar with today.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes, I didn't include those 60s and 70s rock guitarists in this one. :)

[@aaroncoroner5915]

Nice to see Criss Oliva is not forgotten. Hall of the Mountain King is probably the only perfect metal album.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@216Numbskull]

No doubt! Criss deserves his props for sure. But IMO the dude who was mainly responsible for the "Hall of the Mountain King" LP was Paul O'Neill. That's the album when Savatage pretty much did a 180° in their songwriting. And also the time Savatage was first under Paul's direction who influenced & pushed the band to write in more of a progressive, classical symphonic style with a concept to the album. O'Neill was assigned to come in to help with the songwriting & produced the "Hall of the Mountain King" album from then on forward. It's easy to see if you connect the dots really how they eventually developed into creating TSO. Which the idea who came up with the TSO project also was by Paul & another guys idea. Just saying...

[@thedeschannel3169]

Nice to see Criss Oliva in this list. I would have put KK or Tipton in the top 10. They are just beasts on the strings.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, both of 'em should be in it. Cheers! 🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

If you enjoyed the playlist then hit the Like-button 👍 and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE 🔔 if you're new! 🔴 Patreon & Discord: www.patreon.com/user?u=54741783 💲 Donate: streamelements.com/ruthlessmetal/tip 💳 Ruthless Merch: ruthlessmetal.myspreadshop.se/ 🤘 Ruthless Metal Blog: ruthlessmetal.blogspot.com/ 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/groups/176669589198816 🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/JimRuthless 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/ruthless_metal/ 🤡 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ruthlessmetal 🎵 Spotify: open.spotify.com/user/nla1154q1kamkscnp5z1d79h3?si=d2e38302c3594d93 Stay Heavy! Cheers!

[@dragonqueen6589]

There’s not a placement I honestly disagree with… now following you on IG btw🤘🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cool, I just added the instagram link, I forgot that it wasn't in this message that I post in every video. haha great timing then. Cheers!

[@67lylef.lepageiii91]

And fucking Lars U. will bitch about not being on the list stating "uh, I thought about being a guitarist once".Excellent Fucking Channel, keep up the good work.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@deantodd8103]

Tony Iommi was number one. As he should be. It's nice to know he got his money's worth when he sold his soul for rock and roll. Lol. 😂

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah who else. Cheers!

[@LedgerJoker77]

eddie van halen is too low but looking at who’s above him, it’s hard to push anyone back. great list

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@cristianconnolly2709]

Eddie should be higher if it were a rock/metal list like rock in general, but being a metal top, him being hard rock even though he obviously influenced metal players... number 6 is not bad.

[@franciskocher200]

For me:Michael Schenker 👍

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@MetalPilgrim]

I personally think Glenn Tipton should have been in as well

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah I agree, he would be on my personal list. :)

[@damiananglada4685]

Mustaine should be always at any top 5 metal guitar player👌

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Songwriter perhaps

[@sirdarklust]

form me, #1 is Blackmore and #2 Iommi. I'd also throw Leslie West in there somewhere Take care.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, He seemed like a talented guy, haven't listened that much to him though.

[@xhannesx8881]

For my it is Tony iommi and randy rhodes but I love marty too

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@DanielGarcia-sh8gk]

Hetfield? 😅

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@Qliphirot]

He's the best rhythm guitar player in metal

[@ivanildocafu3452]

Can you compose historical riffs like him? 🤔

[@andrettski8686]

Riff machine and song writing, I guess, but Scott Ian is a bad ass rhythm guitarist/songwriter as well and didn't make Top 50

[@CizerKedi]

NO.

[@hmetaljustin]

So happy to see Criss Oliva in the top ten! Also always wondered what Randy would've done beyond the first two Ozzy solo albums. Very solid list!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

go back to quiet riot maybe. hehe Cheers!

[@fettz5426]

My list would look something like this: 10) Jake E. Lee (Ozzy Osbourne) 9) Marty Friedman (Megadeth) 8) Michael Schenker (Scorpions, Michael Schenker Group) 7) Warren DeMartini (Ratt) 6) Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) 5) Ritchie Blackmore (Rainbow, Deep Purple) 4) Chuck Schuldiner (Death) 3) Dave Mustaine (Megadeth, Metallica) 2) Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen) 1) Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Solid list, I plan to do more videos about some guitar heroes. Maybe during the summer or so. :)

[@declanoshaughnessy7733]

Jeff Watters from Annihilator should definitely be in the list without a doubt 🤘🤘🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@declanoshaughnessy7733]

@@RuthlessMetalYT Oh Yes Jeff Watters should be there and obviously I think in the list is the Olivia brothers Chris Olivia was a genius guitarist rest in peace always remembered never forgotten 🤘👍👍🤘🤘🤘

[@masterofmicrowave]

Great list. In my own list Uli Jon Roth would play a more significant role. Good to see Kurdt Vanderhoof in the honourable mentioned. And I like Mick Mars!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@Protometal66]

Glad to see Chris and Chuck on the list. Dave would make my top 10 , not top 5 but thats just me.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@ligamentpull1]

I am sorry but EVH should have been way higher on this list, considering his impact, innovation, songwriting, and tons of influence.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

it's a vote after all. ;) Cheers!

[@roddypampa3906]

my top 10 hard/heavy guitarists are: 1 Iommi (Black Sabbath) 2 Hendrix (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) 3 Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) 4 Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow) 5 Randy Rhoades (Quiet Riot, Ozzy) 6 Rory Gallagher (Taste) 7 EVH (Van Hallen) 8 Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) 9 Kirk Hammett (Metallica) 10 Kerry King (Slayer)

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@MrGusano975]

Feliz de ver en esta lista al inmenso Cris Oliva y, me alegra que Tony Iommi haya sido escogido como el mejor. No es el más técnico ni el más veloz pero, si el que transmite mucho sentimiento en su manera de tocar. Ovación para el creador de esta música.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@gavinrabinowitz1255]

Chuck at number 4 !! Yeah right !!!! There are numerous and far better guitarists in the top 50 that should have filled that spot

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

he is better than a lot of the other top 10 guitarists. :)

[@abboed.4076]

Somewhat weird list, but I still kind of like it. 😉👍 PS: Loudness guitarist Akira Takasaki should be in the honorable mentions as well. 😎

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

only the 50 who got the most votes were in the honorable. :)

[@robertrowan9893]

Talking of Mr Mustaine, or should I say making reference to the written word, his autobiography is one recommended read...indeed! Singling out Tornado of Souls, I've never listened to it in quite the same way since he outlined its emotional heritage. No hyperbole or anything and in no way eishing to come across mysoginistic - but some couples are each other's worst enemy. Throww in booze, drugs, more drugs and more drugs agsin - and the farrer two folk are apart the better. Sure made for a mean song though. Not all metal songs sre autobiographical, but the one's that are have a certain stamp to them, and some. Coming back to the poll, always a pleasure to hear a few players from a less trodden path to my normal diet. As variety truly is the same said spice of life.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

I haven't read his book, maybe some time in the future though. :) Cheers!

[@WhiteLion47-j5f]

Vito Bratta from"White lion".Nuno Bettencourt from "Extreme".

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@KingTvlip]

the Iommi clip is from Heaven and Hell if I'm not mistaken right? Either way, this was another banger list, very good choices by the followers.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, I would change it a bit but yeah. Glenn Tipton needs to be up there.

[@KingTvlip]

​@@RuthlessMetalYT For sure, I'm kinda surprised he didn't get on the list, considering he has written some of the most iconic Metal Riffs, but still a great list at the end of the day

[@aldersmoke1]

Criss Oliva was a welcome surprise. I've always thought he should be talked about the same way as Randy Rhoads. Also, good to see the Godfather at number one where he belongs.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@markbaston8147]

John Petrucci not number 1...WOW. Where's Tony Macalpine? and Micheal Romeo all the way down the list.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

HEHE Cheers! 🤘

[@josephbobbitt7759]

I was surprised Andy LaRoque and Alex Skolnick didn't make the top 10. I'm glad Tony Iommi is number 1.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah Andy should be on a list like this. :) Cheers! 🤘

[@Jakelyn7133]

My List (no order) : Yngwie Malmsteen Joey Tafolla Vinnie Moore Eddie Van Halen Ritchie Blackmore Randy Rhoads Tommy Bolin Jake E. Lee Tony Iommi Jimmy Page

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@allendean9807]

When i was 12, blizzard of Ozz came out- and I’d just started playing guitar. Saint Rhoads was a huge influence in my desire to play like him. Then i heard Vivian Campbell, Tony Iommi, And the new wave of west coast thrash, with Officer Holt and Alex Skolnick, further shaping my playing, and altering my perception of what makes a player “great”. Is it solos? Riffs? Rhythm? A combination of all these? I dunno. I still dunno. I switched to vocals in ‘85, thanks to Tate, and still play, but mainly as a writing tool. With that said; Vivian Campbell is severely underrated Steve Clarke was an incredible songwriter on guitar Gary Holt IS thrash metal Skolnick is incredible, and an amazing person. Though he did steal the last chicken breast back stage at mayhem, 2009… heheh Scott Ian has very, very few rivals when it comes to riff writing, lyrics, arrangement, and rhythm playing. Finally, if i asked 100 players who came up in the 80’s who put their first guitar in their hands and drive them to want to be rock stars, ACE FREHLEY would be the answer for most.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@mattiapramotton7486]

Michael Schenker deserved to be here, he was very influential for both hard rock and heavy metal. Also Tipton-Downing, as they were the most famous guitar twins of metal.

[@arturoalmazan5262]

agreed. UFO strangers in the night is one of the best live metal albums ever. better than kiss alive; unleashed in the east which was not live at all lol. schenker so influential

[@sonountaleban]

Yeah, those three should be stay much more higher.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@arjanhurkmans9190]

Excellent list, number is is the metal guitar overlord! I don;t care about the ranking but I would add Rocky George ( Suicidal Tendencies), George Lynch (Dokken) and Vivian Campbell (Dio).

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@independenceltd.]

Surprised Chuck made the list. Not surprised Hetfield made the list. Nice to see Oliva.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Chuck is more popular than ever before. Cheers!

[@independenceltd.]

@@RuthlessMetalYT so i see

[@Dobrulez70]

Randy had the best metal sound backed with so much skill his spooky eerie sound fit the genre perfectly

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@AnnWahlquist]

This was one wack list.... What about guys like john petrucci or paul Gilbert... The guys in judas priest...kai hansen, And so on....

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@n0b1rium23]

As a young metalhead who got into this only recently, it makes me sad that Chuck was kinda the Van Gogh of metal as far as I understand. Death's music is absolutely timeless, mean riffs and solos damn near every song, great trailblazing drumming on most records, thought-provoking lyrics in many of their songs (we don't talk about the zombies he gets down with in SBG lol), powerful vocals and a sweet person fronting the band. Still the music Death made will be here forever and it MUST be respected and listened to.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@krisu101]

For me the hardest pick is a guitarist. There is so many great ones in this list!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@Wanderer_1877]

For me it's easier than for example the greatest bassist or drummer, since you're emotionally more attached to the guitarist, so you have those really special ones :)

[@krisu101]

@@Wanderer_1877 You may have a point there. I just find it hard to pick just one clear favorite.

[@Wanderer_1877]

I voted for Randy and I'm happy for his 3rd place, which is really mindboggling considering he was around only for a few short years. His package of composition, virtuosity, melodies, adding the looks and the attitude on stage, were not of this earth. 😍 And he was always thinking in the totality of music and the songs, so he never overplayed just to show off his skills. 👍 I think he was the greatest loss ever which the musical world has suffered, bc his time was cut so short and his passing was not at all his own making. 😢 Other than Randy I think Iommi's first place is evident. 😉 I think the guitarists of Priest and Maiden would have got a higher ranking if they were evaluated as guitar duos and not as single guitarists.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah some people make a huge impact in such a small time, kinda like cliff burton who was in Metallica for like 3-4 years.

[@malakbrood667]

I missed James Murphy (Death, Obituary, Testament, Cancer...).

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

too obscure for a top 10 of all time. ;)

[@cubapete7954]

Good list. Surprised to see James Hetfield in the top 10 but not kirk hammett. Also Dave Mustaine should've been #1 😛

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

nah, not sure if Dave should be on a list like this. hehe

[@Itsshaunbewarned]

dave mustaine is hella overrated

[@michaelmontana71]

I know this is about the guitarists,but it was nice to see footage of Nick Menza with Dave.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cheers!

[@anthonyw5261]

Wken it comes to the ultimate influence in metal and impact Black Sabbath is number 1. Bassist, drummer singer and guitarist.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes, long live Dio hehe

[@heavyitalia3379]

Great list! I think my honorable mentions that didn't appear in the list are Andrè Olbrich from Blind Guardian and Paul Chain, from early Death SS and his solo project, as well as Luca Turilli from Rhapsody and Mille Petrozza from Kreator

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

great names

[@joebleaux2321]

Every honorable mention beats hetfield by MILES! WTF

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hehe Cheers!

[@TabithaReminiec3399]

Shouldn't #10 be Kirk Hemmet ? Hetfield is a rhythm guitarist

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

The people voted for Hetfield, this isnt just about lead guitarists.

[@ggcade8896]

Awesome to see my favorites at Number 2 and 4.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@TheNothing6]

Mustaine at 2? I love Mustaine, but that's a bit too high, in my opinion..

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, he has had even more misses than hits in my opinion when it comes to their albums.

[@Hecatecrossways]

It was great to see Chriss Oliva make the list

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@Bravilor]

I'm glad some of those on the list aren't all about solos/shredding. Riffs are better than solos!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

But no Ragne Wahlquist. :)

[@dersumc4343]

Are you planing to make a video of your List aswell?

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

That's not in the plans right now, maybe in the future. I have some other guitarist video ideas coming up sometime later this year. Cheers!

[@KittenRaptor]

I'd have to have Brian May in there somewhere because like Eddie he may not have made Metal music as a rule, but was hugely influential to guitarists who would and played a part in creating the sound that would form the base of NWOBHM and hence speed and thrash. You can literally hear the seeds of Kill Em All on Sheer Heart Attack (the 1974 album and the 1977 song oddly enough).

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, not really metal though. I think he was in my guitarist series that I posted earlier.

[@julespiritcrusher2410]

I'm disappointed that Trey Azagthoth is not in the Top Ten.But nice to see Chuck.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@andrettski8686]

I can rest, my work is done, Criss Oliva Top 10. Hon. Men. not listed : Akira Takasaki, Dave Pritchard, Andrey Smirnov, Warren DeMartini

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

deservingly so.

[@dantelombardi]

🤘wow fabulous list🤘#5 #3 #2 #1 👏👏👏👏🤘brilliant video🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@evaldasevaldas1234]

Satriani, Buckethead not counting since they should be in shredders top? ok, then I would suggest some really distinctive and influential guitar sound of bands like QUEENSRYCHE, DEF LEPPARD, early W.A.S.P., LOUDNESS (of 80s)

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Buckethead ain't amongst the 100.000 best guitarists of all time. It's almost a bannable offense mentioning that poser here haha

[@evaldasevaldas1234]

@@RuthlessMetalYT perhaps you're right but he has been very outstanding internet sensation for many years amongst youngsters many of them calling him an inspiration

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

@@evaldasevaldas1234 kids are morons. :)

[@Kriegter]

Jason Becker

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@Nayoradnavolio2013]

Kai Hansen, Timmo Tolki, Jason Becker, Alexi laiho(Children Of Bodom), Adrian Smith, Chuck Shuldiner, Jeff Waters (Annihilator), KK Downing, Gary Holt, and Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower) saludos fraternos.🤘🤘🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yes, more guitar videos is planned for the summer. stay tuned.

[@cristianconnolly2709]

Great list! The only one missing that surprised me is dimebag

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

overrated. ;)

[@kochstevens3210]

As for most popular/influential? Must have Via/Eddie/Blackmore/Iommi/Malmsteen & Page in your top 6, but there r 3 or 4 others that r faster & probably better/more technical players than the above but their music/songs were not as popular/mainstream.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, influence is one thing and those are certainly up there even if I prefer listening to some more obscure guitarists.

[@thalesvasconcellos2086]

I voted for Hank Shermann, but man, this is a hard a choice to make (the hardest one for me, actually).

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah. I can agree with that. I would have rearranged it quite a bit. It could be a list of only Mercyful Fate and King Diamond guitarists actually. haha

[@thalesvasconcellos2086]

@@RuthlessMetalYT That'd be awesome to see! Great work man! STAY HEAVY!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hehe, I have some plans to do some videos about different guitarists coming up this summer I guess. Have a few other videos to do first.

[@thalesvasconcellos2086]

@@RuthlessMetalYT That's really cool, man! I'm hooked for that. Great work and STAY HEAVY!🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes but next up is a video about Ed Repka. ;) 🤘🏻

[@renbontherui]

All they are guitar heroes till the end of music but amongst them Randy n EVH are my chosen RIP the two n respect 'em all.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cheers

[@rogermansour6085]

No mention of Leslie West Vagrants. Mountain Evangelist Roger Mansour former Leslie West Vagrants Drummer

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

not a metal drummer

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

I just have several more guitarists to add. For the list itself, I like and know Chuck Schuldiner, Randy Rhoads, Marty Friedman, and Dave Mustaine. Of course Tony Iommi's at the top as he's the guitarist that started the heavy metal sound. I know James Hetfield is a great guitarist, but I don't know if he can be in the top 10 and I think Dimebag Darrell would be in the top 10, though that's just a personal choice. In the honorable mentions, there's so many to list but I say it's good that Kai Hansen, Ross "The Boss" Friedman and Alexi Laiho are there. The rest I like to include: David Shankle, Andre Olbrich, Luca Turilli, Herman Li/Sam Totman, Timo Tolkki, Anton Kabanen, Emppu Vuorinen, Oscar Dronjak, Michael Amott, Olavi Mikkonen/Johan Soderberg, Mille Petrozza, Dino Cazares.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@edgardorivera4992]

Vivian Campbell

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes

[@figu6ka379]

My top would be 10. KK Downing and Glenn Tipton 9. Jeff Hanneman 8. Jeff Waters 7. Dave Mustaine 6. Marty Friedman 5. James Hetfield 4. Chuck Schuldiner 3. Randy Rhoads 2. Tony Iommi 1. Dimebag Darrell

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@techdeath3609]

My top 10 is really different 1. The almighty Chuck 2. Randy Rhoads 3. Adrian Smith 4. Tommy Vetterli 5. Muhammed Scuiçmez 6. Alex Skolnick 7. Dimebag 8. Andy Laroque 9. James Murphy 10. Tony Iommi

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheerios!

[@marvintimke3978]

It's interesting that Kiko Loureiro is so low on the list. I thought he was more popular.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good player but he was quite unknown before joining Megadeth.

[@Mysterio-Solar]

1. Randy Rhoads 2. DimeBag Darrell 3. Steve Vai 4. Paul Gilbert 5. Vito Bratta 6. George Lynch 7. Brad Gillis 8. Yngwie Malmsteen 9. John Sykes 10. Zakk Wylde .

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@Hecatecrossways]

Chriss Oliva sort of became the placeholder to represent the True Traditional Metal Underground of the 1980s

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

deservingly so.

[@stratoscar]

Hetfield, Oliva, Schuldiner & Mustaine Nooooooo..... Glenn Tipton, KK Downing, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith; Gary Moore Yesssssss

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Gary Moore is kinda boring though. hehe

[@SlingshotMustang]

Nice to see DAVE at the top! Behind only Tony Iommi...which let's face it, he has to be number one simply because he invented heavy metal guitar. Glad to see Randy right behind Dave, although honestly those two can be interchangeable. Here's my personal top ten metal guitarists, and I'm not saying all of these are the greatest necessarily, they're just the ones I personally like the sound of the most (and this is strictly metal, so I can't include Angus or Malcolm Young or Alex Lifeson, all of whom would be on the list if I was including rock): 1. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) 2. Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne) 3. Gary Holt (Exodus) 4. Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) 5. Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) 6. Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth) 7. Mark Morton (Lamb of God; I don't actually like this band that much but I LOVE Morton and Adler's guitar playing) 8. Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) 9. Paul Quinn (Saxon) 10. Peter Brabbs (Tank, the early years specifically) I might be forgetting some major ones, this was just off the top of my head.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@hamesparde9888]

Glen Tipton is great. He really should have been somewhere on the list. I'm glad Dave was near the top though. He's a riff machine!

[@pederitopallorina2953]

# 10 guitarist James hetfield or Kirk Hammett?

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

het

[@thegrreekvampire]

Not guitarist but bassist, for me is forever Peter Steele.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

I did a video on the greatest bassists too. :)

[@solaris70]

nice to see Eddie Van Halen play 3,458 extra notes 🎶 for three minutes 😅

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@michaelleahey2759]

I don't think you can really argue with the list. You might with the position of players, but the list has everyone you would expect to see on a list of Metal players.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

🤘🤘

[@allencolvin4320]

I know Motley Crue will not likely ever make anyone's list, but I still go for Mick Mars

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@viriathas9910]

My brother in Lemmy, how have you forgotten Fast Eddie Clark, or Michel Akerfedlt from Opeth? Armin Rave from Pavor? Dan Swano? Peter Tagtgren? Virtuoso guitarists are talented for sure, but their riffs usually aren't memorable. And one must look over the body of work rather than a few songs or one album that gets mainstream airplay. Still agree fully with Dave Mustaine, Chuck, and the legend Tony Iommi on the list.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

gotta vote 'em in. Cheers!

[@jamesscarselletta3446]

They are all great in my opinion. There isn't anyone here I don't like. My favorites are Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Steve Vai, Dimebag, and Randy Rhodes.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘

[@patrickkem689]

All good choices but disappointed not to have seen George Lynch or Glen Tipton. Th Think those guys should have been in there for sure.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

gotta vote 'em in. ;) Cheers!

[@gerardoa9179]

Good to See Death Metal Godfather Chuck

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes, he is by far the most popular death metal musician. :D

[@MetalArchives06]

My top 5 metal guitarist James hetfield Dave mustaine Chuck schuldiner Marty Friedman Paul Masadof

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheerios!