The Ten Greatest PROG GUITARISTS | Ranked

[@interstellardave]

The amazing thing about Steve Howe is how overlooked he is when most people talk about great guitar players.

[@royjones3099]

I love his playing always!

[@thomasrichmond2413]

I don’t know about that. From ‘77-‘81 he was voted best overall guitarist in guitar player magazine. He probably would’ve won more but they said he wasn’t eligible after 5 wins. I mean, that wasn’t Tiger Beat magazine.

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

I never liked Steve Howes tone. Greg Howe is another story

[@jeffsimard8846]

I think he used to get alot more credit in the past...but people have seemed to have forgotten about how incredible he is

[@gregholwell8518]

Especially given his time in the band Asia whose debut was the biggest-selling album in the US in 1982 (source: Wikipedia).

[@garyhitchcock3828]

Bill Nelson ( Be-Bop Deluxe) is an amazing guitarist 🎸

[@ramoncardinali]

With all he's simplicity, my favorite one is Andy Latimer. The most important criteria for me is how much the musician had elicit emotional responses out of me. And Andy is the guy.

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

Latimer has proved that he can also be pretty technical. He just chooses to play like that

[@ArthurMol-ib5tg]

Andere Latimer is amazing

[@holkerlad]

I would also add Bill Nelson to that list. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape is one of my favourite solos.

[@garyhitchcock3828]

💯 Especially the live version Bill is an amazing guitarist 🎸

[@genestippell1833]

I completely agree with Steve Howe... What also made him unique was how he kept his ego in check and blended his parts with Chris Squier. People talk about how great bruford and squire were together, which they were, but to me it was squier and howe together that was magical for yes. Squire's base was so gritty and out front it freed up howe so he could use his immense creativity. In parts of heart of the sunrise sometimes you wouldn't even notice the guitar playing .. howe was coming in and out with volume pedal leaving center stage for squire and bruford and of course Anderson singing. Some of the licks he lays down and close to the edge are absolutely gorgeous and brilliant as he accents squires bass .. same thing with songs like yours is no disgrace... On relayer he just lets it all hang out. then he hit you with mood for a day and clap... What else can you say?

[@lpc1231000]

Thanks so much for including Jan Akkerman on your list. As a guitar player myself, I regard his playing as approaching Steve Howe's level of skill and versatility. It goes without saying I love listening to both!

[@paulbogan3400]

As good as Fripp is in Crimson, I really love what he brings to the table as a collaborator, from the early Eno solo stuff to Bowie, Daryl Hall, or David Sylvian (among others).

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

He really plays guitar with other people. In KC he helms the band

[@lukameah853]

I'm really happy I found your channel, Andy. Here's my Steve Hackett story: Last Christmas, I was feeling a bit down, so I decided to find Steve's company email, and wrote a bit of a gushing fan letter telling him that I enjoyed his book and I thought The Lamb was as important an album as Sgt. Peppers. I sent it off thinking, "Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest." A few hours later, Steve emailed me back to say, "Thanks so much for the kind words. Merry Christmas." Gobsmacked, I wrote Steve back, and we wound up corresponding back and forth for the next few days. I cannot tell you the elation I felt going to my inbox and finding another letter from one of my musical heroes. My 1st concert was the Genesis Trick of the Tail tour at Beacon Theatre, NY. Anyway, we somehow got into horror novels and films, which he loves. I mentioned my latest novel was a ghost story and gave him the title. The next day, he wrote and said, "I just bought your book from Amazon. My wife and I are looking forward to reading it." It was the best (late) Christmas gift I've ever received from a guy who had absolutely no idea who I was before I wrote to him. Who other world famous artist would do that for a just a fan? He's just the sweetest guy I've ever corresponded with. I saw Steve earlier this year perform Seconds Out with his amazing band at the Beacon Theater, sitting in the same seat I first saw Genesis playing Trick of the Tail. Well, that's my SH story. Take care, Andy. Looking forward to your upcoming videos.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I met him at an awards ceremony...he told me how it niggled him a posh boy because he was a member of Genesis when he was not posh at all...

[@lukameah853]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I loved his sense of humility, trust, and openness. The man gave me his home address, for goodness sake! Also, please consider doing a video, if you haven't done so already, of one of the greatest bands IMHO ever to emerge from England: XTC. I was once warned of eviction by my landlord for playing Travels in Nihilon (Alan Sillitoe novel, I believe,) at probably around 110 decibels. (I've got a million true stories, lol.) And Dave Gregory is a such a criminally underrated guitarist. Cheers!

[@keithf_]

What a great story. Steve Hackett is a prog hero. When he talks, I listen. Because he is so eloquent and knowledgeable and interesting. Somewhat of a contrast with his former Genesis bandmates.

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

Steve Hillage is CRIMINALLY underrated and appreciated

[@douglasanderson8636]

yay! well said

[@switchdoctor2032]

Very pleased to see Steve Hillage getting some kudos

[@ericarmstrong6540]

Good list. Regarding Fripp and Howe, I might list Fripp first due to the fact that he has continued to be an innovator on the instrument over a much longer period of time, whereas Howe has stagnated somewhat over the past several years in the area of innovation. Both men are monster talents on the instrument.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Yes, i agree,,,but then Yes sold 30 million albums to KC's 1 million. I always try and balance my own personal taste with innovation and popularity when I create these lists

[@careyvinzant]

29 million of those albums sold were copies of 90125, so why isn't Trevor Rabin #1?

[@biln2]

your list is great. i was really happy to see where you put Fripp and Howe. I'm also thrilled that you gave Hackett his props as well as Zappa. I was a little surprised that M. Rutherford didn't make it, despite his 12-string work and his compositions; but i think your explanation is fair about bass players being distinguished by their function in the genre. the list would probably double if you were including bass players. excellent list, Andy! you're prog rock bona fides really shines in this video.

[@ricardoaraujo8741]

3 guitarrists in this list are so underrated. Ackerman, Hackett and Howe.

[@jdmresearch]

Persuasive! I'd put Fripp on top but your arguments are strong. Great list. I'm supporting via Patreon.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks!!! that is fantastic

[@KNOPFLERSGOD]

Great list, I would add my personal favourite, Mike Oldfield.

[@williamwinslow6582]

Howe and Fripp are my top 2, as well.

[@tomcaufield-officialchanne7251]

And let’s go ahead and give Gary Green a mention. I’m sure he was in your low teens! Love your podcast! You know your stuff, think deeply, and speak clearly about it. Uncommon! A welcome discovery. Keep going!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks!

[@aspirationsthegentlegiantp5362]

Hear hear!!

[@tommonk7651]

Andy, Steve Morse deserves a mention. Dixie Dregs, Kansas, Deep Purple and his solo stuff. He plays on tons of tribute albums because he can emulate any player out there. Many, many times guitarist of the year by Guitar Magazine....

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

Thats because he plays for Deep Purple, the cover band version. Most guitar Mag Poll Voters are of limited intellect. Morse, like Holdsworth are Fusion guitarists and Fusion layers are the best. Holdsworth, #1 and Morse is a mere #40 out of 50. Comparing a Fusion player with a Rock player which Guitar Magazine is, its really not fair.

[@wiggy009]

@@swiftusmaximus5651Morse is a lot more than just a fusion player he is also bluegrass and classical and his guitar writing is incredible. It’s not all about technique

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

@@wiggy009 Ive been listening to the Dregs since 1977, you think your telling me something i dont know?

[@wiggy009]

@@swiftusmaximus5651well you said more is a #40 out of fusion players

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

@@wiggy009 Morse is foremost a Fusion player. That doesnt mean he cant play other styles as all true Fusion players. Its whether they want to or not or is smart and goes for the Beeg Pay Day with Purple. Purple became a Cover band in 1975 anyway. Who ever gets to play Smoke on the Water under the Purple Monikee and every 14 yo who got a Fender Squire for Xmas votes for that guy

[@jackg5893]

Andy, thank you soooo much for mentioning Jan Akkerman as a significant prog guitarist! This is the first time on KZbin that I have ever heard his name mentioned. Perhaps the critics wrote off Focus very early in the game because of "Hocus Pocus" the ultra corny but extremely virtuoso performance of this crowd pleaser. If you want to hear a real prog classic from this band listen to "Answers, Questions - Questions, Answers from "Focus, Live at the Rainbow". Check out Akkermans dark angular guitar solo here.... way ahead of his time. Like Steve Howe he is equally at home with classical guitar. His personal albums are unfortunately inconsistent. I see that you have Twin House propped up in the corner of the shelf. Nice touch, since Philip Catherine replaced Jan Akkeman as the Focus guitarist when Akkerman left. Catherine has a gift for prog-like compositions as well. Examples; "Airpower", from Twin-House and the ever changing/moody "Tranvested Express" from Splendid (another Coryell/Catherine duet album). Many Thanks Jack G (from Canada)

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Hocus Pocus is an incredible record. Unlike other prog bands that reign in their over the topness, that song is a veritable showcase of what that band could do.

[@l3eatalphal3eatalpha]

Hi Jack, at the time he was considered one of the greats and he was a superb guitarist who sounded great, despite using some highly dodgy amps. But what do I know? If you havent seen it I recommend the tv show he was on with Stefan Grossman.

[@leproghead]

Was? Still is.

[@mikecutler1269]

Steve Howe - came from a jazz/classical background, an amazing technician who always sounded strangely organic... "Best Overall Guitarist" in Guitar Player magazine five years in a row (1977-1981) and in 1981 was the first rock guitar player inducted into the Guitar Player Hall of Fame.

[@reidwhitton6248]

"Best overall guitarist 5 years" went to Steve Morse on the heals of Howe. Morse is a brilliant composer and phenomenal player who deserves a mention in a discussion like this.

[@EixtremeDrummer]

Thanks for including Franscis Dunnery here, I always admired his ability to play guitar singing along through weird time signatures. His Once Around The World is simply a masterpiece.

[@danieletrani5765]

Howe, Fripp and Holdsworth are my favourite; one of the most underrated prog guitar player, in my opinion, is Ollie Halsall of Patto, a true innovator with an incredible technique; in the 1970 he played like no one else.

[@bakeone4406]

The solo on Money Bag alone catapults Ollie to absolute pinnacle status!

[@markruthin]

Nice to hear Francis Dunnery mentioned. He was on one of the Holdsworth memorial podcasts, spoke very passionately about Allan. Another great video! How many have I watched now? And how many more CDs have I bought from your recommendations? Love it!

[@CharlesAustin]

These videos are so instructive and deeply descriptive .. ‘keeping them all for future reference !! Thanks and congrats !!

[@albertosilva1076]

Excellent list and full of deserved surprises! Probably I would add Andy Powell at the same level of David Gilmour and Andy Latimer ....

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Totally agree!

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

thank you !!! you never hear people talking about steve hillage !!!

[@elecrocity]

Is Alex Lifeson the ELP of this list? ;)

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Ha Ha....he was definitely the best guitarist ELP

[@elecrocity]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer It makes your lists more exciting. Which obvious choice will Mr Edwards leave off by mistake? Haha.

[@ericmckayrq]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jdmresearch]

Francis Dunnery -- His 'Back in NYC' cover is just phenomenal.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

As is Jeff Buckley's

[@sizzlechest69]

Dunnery's Back in NYC cover is a masterpiece.

[@oman3809]

Kevin Gilbert's too.

[@shedjammer87]

Robert Fripp's work on "Fracture" and various tracks from "I Advance Masked" seals the #1 spot for me.

[@paulflook1599]

100% agree Zappa’s guitar tone is incredible. Also never ever boring. Ridiculously talented.

[@skidmarkjohnson8452]

All the guitarists mentioned are wonderful musicians, but one guitarist that meets the Prog Rock criteria of making a mark on progressive rock, not blues based and kinda "weird", is Mike Oldfield. For many of us, Tubular Bells was our gateway into progressive rock. Mike was not a virtuoso technician, like a Steve Howe or Zappa, but he was an inspiration in showing the way to arrange electric guitar parts that us mere mortals could play, to majestic progressive compositions. I'm sure that a huge number of guitarists that grew up in the '70's and '80's were influenced by Mike Oldfield, I don't understand why so few mention him as an influence today.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Mike was actually very skilled as a guitarist and Tubular Bells is one of the most important prog albums ever made. I have a copy myself but I have only listened to it once, many years ago. It would be a great idea to re-evalute that for this channel

[@skidmarkjohnson8452]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer That would be wonderful. Many younger people have no idea the impact Mike Oldfield made on music.

[@MilanVasiljevicBGD]

Tubular Bells '73, Hergest Ridge '74, Ommadawn '75, Amarok '90, The Songs Of The Distant Earth '94, The Millennium Bell '99, Music Of The Spheres 2008 . Some of Oldfield's Masterpieces.

[@oolongoolong789]

I would have Robert Fripp in top place because of his experimental innovations. He has experimented with different tuning systems, complex rhythms, and with electronics in his one-man Frippertronics.

[@magister8084]

Great list, thank U!

[@StratsRUs]

Thank you, Andy.I really enjoy your passion and recommendations.Very inspiring.

[@scottgillham2000]

I agree with much of this list. My #1 would be a tie between Steve Hackett and... Andy Latimer. "Ice" is one of my favorite solos of all time! Also, I would add Roine Stolt. And maybe Joop van Nimwegen.

[@000dr0g]

+1 for Steve Hillage, and his long term collaboration with Miquette Giraudy; as a teenager in the 70s, I loved discovering the music on Motivation Radio and Green. I was so pleased that System 7 emerged in the 90s. Steve and Miquette are class music makers. I now realise that I was distracted and somehow missed or have forgotten Rainbow Dome Musick, so I listened to it again just now. Your comments on how much it influenced the future (e.g. The Orb, whom I also love), is spot on, just as it too references the past with echoes of Townsend's Won't Get Fooled Again analog sequenced synth at 35:34 on the YT vid playing RDM.

[@gregmorrison9157]

It'd be great if you could - as you've done with other "top 10" lists - actually put the list over in the left margin as you go. It's interesting stuff that I'm often not aware of that I'd like to check out later. It'd be nice to be able to screen shot it & file it away for future reference. Thanks for your blogs, Andy - I enjoy 'em every time. Keep 'em coming.

[@bradschwamberger1217]

Andy your top 5 are right on spot!

[@davidpieper7233]

The Alex Lifeson chord.

[@ambientideas1]

Another well reasoned list. Very hard to rank Fripp vs Howe for top spot. Howe is technically best, but Fripp’s inventive, imaginative, risk-taking is really unmatched. Little known Fripp fact: he did some session guitar parts for Vander Graaf Generator’s Pawn Hearts, most notably heard in that searing finale to the epic Lighthouse Keepers track.

[@grahammiller9049]

Plus on He to He and Fools Mate

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

My top ten 1. Steve Hackett 2. Steve Howe 3. Robert Fripp 4. Alex Lifeson 5. David Gilmore 6. John Mitchell 7. Roine Stolt 8. Michel St Pere 9. Steve Hillage 10. Mike Oldfield

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Nice to see my old mate John on that list

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer of course, no list of prog guitarists is ever complete without the one and only, John Mitchell

[@perromanchado]

Steve Howe's live solo on the Yessongs rendition of Your Is No Disgrace is quite phenomenal.

[@MrMaynardWR]

That solo on relayer too

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

@@MrMaynardWR And his beautiful touch of Awaken...

[@thomasdooley1745]

Drama underrated

[@palacerevolution2000]

I have always thought that Yes (n their classic line up Anderson/Howe/Squire/Wakeman/White) was better live than in studio. Every version on 'Yessongs' is sh*t - hot. Usually because Steve Howe used a overdriven sound on stage. Like you say 'Disgrace'; but IMo the best is 'Perpetual Change'. That solo is fantastic.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

@@palacerevolution2000 The 'classic' line-up had Bruford, not White. Bruford played on all five first (and best) albums. Standard - of band and albums - dropped when White came in.

[@TmRnBn]

An Alliterative Short List- Hillage, Howe, Hackett, and Holdsworth. And Hfripp and Hzappa, to stretch it...just a bit. but we should include Zappa's stunt guitarists: Hvai and Hbelew.. Your list is correct--though Gilmour and Latimer--them too for the ambience.

[@preservedmoose]

A great list Andy. Fantastic callout to Francis Dunnery and Jan Ackerman. As for Holdsworth, if you get a chance then pick up an album called "The Book of the Dead" by K2 (K squared). It is complete prog and he is on three of the five songs. On the longest song, Infinite Journey, his guitar playing is just so creative - he plays slightly outside to create tension and then comes back in for release... totally amazing (unsurprisingly).

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Holdsworth has made so much incredible music

[@johncalvo1743]

No Alex Lifeson? He and Howe were constantly fighting it out at the top of guitar magazine polls in the early to mid-eighties.

[@jeffrogala9038]

interesting list, totally agree on the two steves

[@johnw706]

A great list of guitarists . With respect to your number one pick , I remember Bill Bruford saying that where Yes were going with their music , they needed a small orchestra . He said that when you add Rick Wakeman to Steve Howe , you basically have a small orchestra . I didn’t impose any parameters ( like influence on other players for example ) on my list , I picked guitarists whose playing I liked , and that I loved to watch live . Like you , I believe Jimi to be in a universe of his own , so he’s not on the list ( he’s my favourite ) . In no particular order : Martin Barre , ( who I saw many times with Tull , and saw him a year and a half ago , completely unshackled with his own band ) He ‘s great , and just keeps getting better . Steve Howe Robert Fripp Andrew Latimer Frank Zappa Steve Hackett Bill Nelson ( love his fluid playing ) Adrian Belew Alex Lifeson David Gilmour Thanks !

[@paulmenard7936]

Love the list. I've met Steve Hackett and Adrian Belew...both super nice guys!

[@ganazby]

I too saw that BBC guitar doc. I was dumbfounded by Francis Dunnery’s guitar playing. Nice one, Andy.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Jerry Donahue and Francis both blew us away with that video

[@ganazby]

Absolutely. Jerry’s phenomenal playing had my jaw on the floor, too! I liked Marillion, and understood their value, in the prog starved late ‘80s, but It Bites were something different - way more virtuosic, and way more progressive. I remember seeing them on TV, doing an extended live version of Calling All The Heroes, which had my little prog fraternity in raptures. We knew straightaway that they were the real deal. And when the tin-eared gatekeepers of cool reviled them, it confirmed their prog status. Amazing musicians, to a man. They deserve more love.

[@timothydillow3160]

Great list Andy.. got to have Alex on there, Jeff Beck ? It's tough making a top 10 list.

[@markperry9427]

Great mentions for both Hillage and Hackett, two of my favourite guitarists. I saw Hillage last year and am seeing Hackett this year (his album this year is very good). Good to hear Jan Ackerman mentioned too, one of my first guitar heroes

[@devereauxclandestine1272]

Very entertaining video Andy. Keep this up and you'll soon be known as the 'Bad Boy of Prog'! I've never listened to any of Francis Dunnery's stuff . Is there an album you would recommend that showcases his guitar work? Your enthusiasm for his work has piqued my interest. Also, who is this Gilmour guy you were going on about at the start of the video?😀

[@ganazby]

‘Once Around The World’ - It Bites. ‘Fearless’ - solo Francis Dunnery album.

[@devereauxclandestine1272]

@@ganazby Thankyou for the recommendations Philip. I will give them a listen.

[@ganazby]

Actually, the It Bites Kentish Town concert, which is here on KZbin, really shows what Francis and the band could do. Sorry, should’ve recommended it first.

[@devereauxclandestine1272]

@@ganazby Thanks Philip, I'll give the Kentish Town gig a look as well.

[@vinylizingprogger]

Splendid video. I am looking forward to receiving Belew's latest 'Elevator' in the mail. Jan Akkerman is fantastic (and can fit the fusion minded as well). Not too familiar with Vai's solo career, but stoked that I now get to see him in November. Hillage solo I need to dive further into. Apparently a very personable guy from my dad's experience as a festival goer in Norway. Even Dweezil seems to comment on his dad's guitar playing as being unique in perhaps an odd way. So agree with you on Shut Up and Play Yer guitar. It is a massive album in my book. I hope there is rerelease on vinyl at some point. Highly recommend the new rerelease of Exposure.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I need to get that revamped Exposure

[@hulldanfan]

So happy to see Jan Akkerman on your list. The breadth of genes and people he has played with is beyond belief. Ice T to Paco to Charlie Byrd to BB King, The Rosenberg Trio to Claus Ogerman !!! Jazz, Blues, Gypsy, Disco, Electro, Rock, Proto-Thrash, Prog, Blues, Renaissance, Classical - He's done it all - Love the man and his music !!

[@TheBeeRescuer]

I'll go ahead and list mine. Roye Albrighton Steve Howe Gary Green Robert Fripp Allan Holdsworth Kerry Livgren Steve Hackett Martin Barre Adrian Belew John Petrucci

[@steverickenbacher7110]

I'd classify Holdsworth as more jazz than anything else. And Fripp is easily top 5 any genre, so there's no way he's below Howe, who hasn't played a good note in over 40 years. Petrucci? LOLOLOLOLOL. I know progheads like to classify Kansas and Jethro Tull as "prog", but fact is they aren't.

[@ItsAllAboutNash]

Thank you, sir! You have brought up a lot of guitarist’s guitarists that I should get acquainted with, as I want to devour the subject, not just emulate Greg Lake.

[@davewaterford281]

A decent list would have liked Phil Miller to have been included. He always had a unique and wonderful tone on his work with Hatfield and the North. I would have Fripp at the top followed by Holdsworth.

[@interstellaroverdriven6450]

Haven't seen/heard Steve Tibbetts mentioned here and he deserves a huge shout out for his innovative prog fusion works on ECM. From the abstract experimental self titled album and 'Yr' to the insane percussive works like "The Fall of Us" which predates the Laswell fusion experiments of 'Tabla Beat Science' by many years. Tibbets reminds me at times of a fully unrestrained Fripp that may only be rivaled by Hendrix in terms of innovative bravery and pioneering sounds and genres, especially "world music".

[@hermancharlesserrano1489]

Lovely albums and as you say, rarely mentioned

[@TheJohnmb46]

I'm writing these down Andy!

[@werners5191]

This is, for me, is much like your top ten prog drummer list. I am not a guitarist, just a prog rock fan since the ‘70s. And while I do not care about the bulk of your list, I am in complete agreement with your top 3, in that order. For Yes to have had Steve Howe, Bill Bruford, Chris Squire, and Rick Wakeman in the same band is mind-blowing. Nothing like that will ever occur again. Ever.

[@edljnehan2811]

Oh yes they were called Emerson Lake and Palmer😮

[@Joeh1154]

A very good list. I was introduced to Steve Hillage back in the mid 1970's from a guitarist friend of mine. I forget what album it was, but it was a group setting as opposed to his name. I heard little else after that and I think he was more popular elsewhere than in America, where I am. I'll admit I did forget about him but I suppose I can track down his music. The player who ruined me for other guitarists was Allan Holdsworth. I first heard him on his "Road Games" album and I saw him perform in NYC just after the release of "Metal Fatigue." Hearing Holdsworth live, in the early 1980's, I was astounded by his performance and that was it for me. There was so much musicianship going on that night and on such a high level. I had the opportunity to see him live three times and each was amazing. Still, I would have thought he would rank within the top two but to each their own. RIP Allan Holdsworth, there will never be another the like of him. Thank you for posting.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

He dwarfs all other guitarists....

[@Niels133]

Nice that you mention Jan Akkerman.

[@christophernoble289]

You turned me on to Francis Dunnery. For this I thank you. My first Allan Holdsworth album was the CTI release, "Velvet Darkness." I almost threw my guitar out of the window. I have always been a huge fan of Frank Zappa. "Zoot Allures," "Black Napkins," and "Watermelon for Easter Hay" are all beautiful and, dare I say, progressive.

[@stevenmorley7774]

The unforgetterble & underated Alan Murphy !

[@gillibrandpa]

Great to hear Francis Dunnery get some recognition. It Bites were great, saw them live in the late eighties.

[@andrewdunn-wv4ji]

Andy latimer fantastic writer of music ..guitarist ..sublime flute to boot

[@SwampEye1]

Starting with Francis Dunnery, great choice , ending with Steve Howe, ...including Zappa, Robert Fripp. Holdsworth ... good choices ... OK , Jimi, Eddie, and Andy Summers I guess I would have added on my list ... Your videos are always fun and educating ...

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks!

[@ganazby]

Been thinking about Francis Dunnery/It Bites. First track (I Got You Eating Out Of My Hand), first album (The Big Lad In The Windmill) - instead of a middle eight, they sneak in a full-on mini prog workout, with a blinding guitar solo. Same goes for ‘Turn Me Loose’, which starts out as a typical catchy ‘80s pop song, then erupts into wild modulations, odd meters, and a face melting atonal legato guitar solo, which segues into an alternate picked acoustic guitar section. Lots of WTF? moments. Even more pronounced on the second album. I haven’t listened to them in years, so it was quite eye opening to revisit. Cheers.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

They don't make pop bands like that anymore

[@toddjohnson271]

Roine Stolt always has interesting licks and runs. So cool.

[@patrickkelly9178]

An interesting list and glad you included Holdsworth. Have to say though and I know you said it woulld spark a furore but Gilmour and Latimer both should be somewhere here.

[@lauskop5995]

Great list. And understandable why you didn't include certain great names. It's always a matter of criteria... But I have to mention a guitarist that also 'misfits' the list, because he's very Blues/Rock based with his licks and scales...Martin Barre, what a great song serving Player.

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

I think that's pretty spot on. The ony change I woud make is swap Howe and Fripp around. The reason being that Fripp is the absolute embodiemnt of prog. Howe is incredibly versatile but in terms of prog Fripp is the one who pushes the boat out in terms of sound and possibilities.

[@johnbellamy3406]

So glad you included Frank Dunnery. Before the count down begun I was preparing my comment to say "I would have included Frank...". But you did the right thing and included him. Don't know if It Bites were ever a pop band though. For my money they were a prog from day 1, they just didn't look like hippys and they had the audacity of having a top ten hit. Steve Vie could be seen as a prog guitarist simply because he was a student of Frank Zappa. That alone should do it. Oh Andy, you left out Alex Lifeson. What were you thinking? LOL

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Alex is fantastic but I think all the guitarists I covered needed to be mentioned above him for the same reasons Davis Gilmore and Andy Latimer didn't make the list.

[@owenkrysler8235]

Wot, no Bill Nelson?? Only joking - It's a tough list. I guess Steve Howe and Fripp were predictable and rightly so. Good to see Steve Hillage and Francis Dunnery made it.

[@terryjohnson5275]

No arguements from me for any of your choices, and the top three could easily have been in any order. Totally agree with you about Steve Vai and great to see Steve Hillage and Jan Akkerman in there - I may have mentioned before that when I saw Akkerman live back in 2001 I was taken somewhere else for the couple of hours he was on stage. Fantastic player.

[@rsplines12]

With your definition of a "prog" guitarist being a bit too broad for my taste (containing Steve Vai and Jimi), then I would have to put John McGlaughlin as #1 as his work with Miles, Tony Williams, MO is way above the standard set by any mentioned in your list. Loved the video and have rediscovered some music that I haven't listened to years. That's the best part of these kind of lists is being introduced to something new or forgotten.

[@kevinogracia1615]

They're all great. Crazy, kids. Peace on earth.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

In the end...yes..it's true...even Flat Tire....

[@SimonMackUK77]

i applaud yr in depth knowledge and love of the music BUT HOW did you leave out Alex Lifeson of Rush ?!!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

For the same reasons I left out David Gilmour

[@drmidnight2419]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Gilmore is much more advanced than lifeson's easy guitar.

[@johncalvo1743]

@@drmidnight2419 Hey Sparky, I thought I told you to quit drinking your bong water!

[@youandwhosearmy6339]

8:45 this is so interesting because prog rock is really so hard to define. Hendrix was definitely prog, and it's very hard to not include Brian May as a prog player... the bloke pushed boundry after boundry on the instrument circa 73-79 (Death on Two Legs, Phrophet's Song etc etc), particularly in the way guitars were recorded and multi-layered on record. One of the few players you can tell instantly from the sound he makes and as unique as any singinig voice.

[@jamesmehigan6706]

Definitely agree with howe being on top. Glad to see Fripp and Hackett up there also. Alex Lifeson deserves a place on the list, very innovative.

[@TheJohnmb46]

Got to agree Andy!

[@MrMaynardWR]

Great list as always. However i strongly encourage younto listen to Steve Morse if you haven’t already. One of the most versatile guitarists. Evrything from blue grass to classical to prog to heavy metal. The Dixie Dregs was like a bluegrass influenced Mahavishnu Orchestra. Currently he plays with Deep Purple. I saw him open for the trio of John Mclaughlin, Al DiMeola and Paco DeLucia and he stole the show . He came out and played with them as well and had no problem keeping up. Amazing player but also composer.

[@dlsamson]

I loved the early Dixie Dregs :-)

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I saw Steve Mores play in a small club where I live about 1990.Dont recall who was in the bandbut they were great they delivered. And they were really LOUD.I got to meet him after the show and he was a gracious person he signed my copy of GUITAR PLAYER magazine. A great show .I also got see Focus in San Francisco they were an opening act for who I don't recall.But they were great I had heard of them so it was a real treat..really loud also. Jan Akkerman was a jazz guitatist praying rock great band.I love your passion for this genre of music.I must admit that I do not like the term Prog Rock.Oh yes and I did see Steve Hillage on tour with his first tour promoting his solo release. And he was so loud it was painful sad to say it was unpleasant. Keep up the good work.

[@youtoo2233]

Don't forget Rush's Alex Lifeson

[@hermancharlesserrano1489]

Great to see Belew in there

[@italianneil]

Supper, I had similar experience with ‘my man’ a song my dad introduced to me. Love leister, love Webster, Mulligan/Baker

[@scoop1178]

yesterday i was introduced in the advanced definition of prog today I have a very special Nr.11 John McLaughlin

[@MrMaynardWR]

He transcends categories. My favorite

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

@@MrMaynardWR To great to be called a prog guitarist....but he is the most progressive guitarist in history

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

My "full" top list would be: 1) Steve Howe 2) Jimi Hendrix 3) Robert Fripp 4) Steve Hackett 5) Frank Zappa 6) Andy Summers 7) Eric Johnson 8) Allan Holdsworth 9) Adrian Belew 10) David Gilmour 11) Andrew Latimer 12) Al DiMeola 13) Jan Akkerman 14) Steve Hillage 15) Alex Lifeson Honorable mentions: Roine Stolt, Martin Barre, John Petrucci, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Kerry Livgren, Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, Francis Dunnery, John McLaughlin, Frank Gambale, Carlos Santana, Omar Rodríguez-López, Paul Gilbert, Uli Jon Roth, Plini, John Frusciante, Steve Rothery, Steven Wilson, Todd Rundgren, Devin Townsend, Mick Box, Jimmy Page, Alan Morse, Misha Mansoor, Ed Wynne, Prince, John Scofield, Scott Henderson, Katsuhiko Maeda, Kaki King, Larry Carlton, Bill Frisell, Chris Poland, Tony McAlpine, Brett Garsed, Phil Miller, Neal Schon, Trey Anastasio, Matt Bellamy, Trey Gunn, Jonny Greenwood, Phil Manzanera, Steve Stevens, Greg Howe, Warren Cuccurullo, Mike Keneally, Joe Satriani, Tosin Abasi, Richie Kotzen, Paul Gilbert, Robby Krieger and Guthrie Govan.

[@ingemarbroberg6822]

Alex Lifeson in Rush ?

[@Alfred_Domke_antispace-sounds]

Alex Lifeson is overlooked. That would never happen to Geddy or the professor. LOL

[@drmidnight2419]

Alex Lifeson is only a intermediate guitar player, just easy guitar.

[@johncalvo1743]

@@drmidnight2419 Stop drinking your bong water Sparky.

[@LucaGiampietriMusic]

I think that Guthrie Govan can qualify as a prog guitarist 🤔 and for the past 15 years he has been hugely influential. Erotic Cakes is a prog album.

[@johnleitch9032]

Great vid Sir some good entries FD, ABelew etc not the usual suspects. I saw Saga mid 80s or so Ian Crighton was pretty unique. Dont no if Saga are prog mind . Best wishes

[@ABC-p4m]

Jimi Hendrix was most definitely a progressive rock guitarist. His music is almost never considered to be prog rock, but in my opinion he was, alongside the Beatles, the ultimate and original pioneer of what would later become known as progressive rock music. Listen to his guitar playing on tracks like Third Stone From The Sun, All Along The Watch Tower and Gypsy Eyes for example....if that is not progressive guitar playing, I don't know what is!!! I think Jimi, apart from just simply being the greatest electric guitarist ever in general, was also a huge pioneer of and contributor to the roots of prog, art rock, space rock, experimental rock etc. Two other guitarists that need to be mentioned in the greatest prog guitarists ever in my opinion, are David Gilmour and Andy Latimer.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

Hendrix was definitely progressive. Back in 1968, the Melody Maker referred to his music as "Progressive Blues". He does not belong under the "Progressive Rock" umbrella because that term first appeared to reflect the incorporation of European classical music elements while Hendrix kept going into an American funk-soul direction. In that, the very term "progressive rock" is a misnomer, but so is the name of most genres.

[@bernmahan1162]

Great vid thanks. Of course nobody could agree who should be on this list... however, for me Gary Green is just ahead of Stevie Hillside Village ie number one. Yes he was blues based too but as you say, so was Hendrix. In the early 70's we didn't differentiate much between heavy rock, space rock, prog rock etc. A great favourite of mine who took bluesy playing to a psychedelic level was Tony McPhee. "Split" is a masterpiece. I have never seen a guitarist use so many pedals and effects (use them well, that is) as Mr Groundhog apart from Steve Hillage.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

For me a like Gary's playing but I love Steve Hillage's. He has such an identifiable sound

[@torrytott]

Great list! my #1 would be Trevor Rabin

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

ahhh...there is a special love for Trevor Rabin, especially among Neo Proggers...

[@torrytott]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Yes! I think it`s because he inspired me as a guitar player in the mid 80`s - he brought in that 80s sound, effects and a much more up to date sound (Police/Andy Summers), a violin like vibrato and a generally more technical playing style (Yes, Holdsworth is the greatest there- i know) .I also think he brougt rock and pop composition into the genre. A genius in my opinion :)

[@utvf68]

1. Alex Lifeson 2. Steve Hacket 3. Robert Fripp 4. Steve Morse 5. Steve Howe 6. Allan Holdsworth 7. Brian May 8. David Gilmour 9. John Petrucci 10. Adrian Belew

[@edljnehan2811]

Alex lifeson😅 no way my man not prog. As a pure rock guitarist yes definitely he's probably in the top 20. But rush really weren't a progressive rock band I don't care what anybody says. An extremely talented group of musicians but they really didn't fit the criteria for progressive rock. I love Rush however I get tired off people making them out to be another ELP. Rush were a great hard rock band with a fantastic drummer but that's about all😮

[@rakeshadhin]

Great list Andy, but shouldn't Alex Lifeson be in there somewhere? After all, Rush is one of the ultimate progrock bands.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

He is not there for the same reason David Gilmore isn't

[@reidwhitton6248]

I find Lifeson's chordal work much more interesting than anything Gilmore ever played. They both played great solos but Alex is a much more skillful player and Rush's music is a lot more challenging. Floyd could never play anything like YYZ or La Villa Strangiato.

[@Emlizardo]

​@@AndyEdwardsDrummerUnlike Gilmour, Lifeson left the blues behind around the time of Farewell to Kings and never looked back.

[@sheldonwheaton881]

Just asking, is Godley and Creme prog?

[@edljnehan2811]

What about Joe Satriani? If you ever listen to Surfing With the Alien I compared his guitar work like listening to Keith Emerson for keyboard fans. He's amazing and relentless attacking notes and complex rhythmic structures in a way that I think is up there with Jan akkerman of Focus😮😮

[@patrickmurphy1803]

My top 5,1. Andrew latimer,2 Steve howe,3 Alex lifelong,4.steve Hackett, 5,David Gilmore, I have t have latimer there so many brilliant live and studio moments

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

all very conservative choices there...Hackett and Howe probably being the most groundbreaking

[@andrewdunn-wv4ji]

Met andy at Salisbury soundcheck 2013 ...God like gent great moment

[@keithf_]

Hey Andy, within just one minute of your vid you've completely dissed two of my faves. For the record, here's my top 4 1. Andy Latimer (Camel) 2. Steve Hackett (Genesis/solo) 3. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) 4. Steve Rothery (Marillion) Honourable mention - Nick Barrett (Pendragon)

[@keithf_]

Apologies Andy ... 'completely dissed' is a huge exaggeration on what you actually said.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Nick Barrett is a mate and I did an album with him called NEO. He is a fantastic guitarist that can play like Al Di Meola if he wants. Very underated

[@keithf_]

Sadly I've never seen Pendragon live, but there's a KZbin vid of them performing 'Breaking The Spell' which is completely f@@@ing phenomenal

[@williamkoenig7486]

I definitely agree with Howe and Fripp. Glad to see Jan Akkerman, as well. One of the unsung great guitarists and bassists, IMHO, is Greg Lake. It took real chops to keep up with Keith Emerson. Lake and Fripp both studied under the same guitar teacher.