Top Ten Underrated Guitar Players

[@pimark69]

Why does no one ever mention Roy Clark? A guitar beast.

[@M-G-T-Society]

Lindsay Buckingham is an excellent guitarist. Another person you don’t hear people talk of much even though we all know is great is Gary Moore. One of the best.

[@mosescandjent665]

Nuno Bettencourt is underrated as well. The dudes freaking crazy but no one talks about him

[@eboethrasher]

Lol people used to slob all over him back in the 90s. I feel like if you've been around a while you've heard a lot of these people get bragged on plenty.

[@travismiles5885]

@@eboethrasher what you said. Nuno was on all the magazine covers back in the day. And he has toured with and recorded with Rihanna and Janet Jackson. Hes always busy. Nuno's playing has always been exalted, he is far from underrated. extreme was the first concert I ever went to in Roseville Mi 1991, danger danger opened. I was 16 . It was about 6 months before more than words came out and they got huge. The only people that were at the show where people who have been following the band for a while

[@faolanliath6687]

Nuno is a very talented musician but the style of his well known works doesn't stand out for ppl and rings a little bland. But after all the industry decides what gets heard, doesn't it?

[@guitarmagik71]

He was In a horrible band, he deserved way better than that he needed to have his own band.

[@mosescandjent665]

@@guitarmagik71 bullshit. There are plenty of bands that were worse than Extreme

[@freyasslain2203]

Number one underrated guitarist : Alan Holdsworth . His use of legato ,harmonics , and chord structures.

[@jeromestavros]

Hahah .nah, .Holdsworth is one boring guitar player. Can't string a melody together. All he does is string "sounds"

[@freyasslain2203]

@@jeromestavros I have lived for 62 years , and yes , I have encountered many idiotic statements , but yours takes the prize . You are truly a musical moron.

[@jennifers6055]

I wish I could comprehend what Holdsworth does. I do not. I'll say he was great because people that know say so, but I don't understand.

[@rdsapar92]

Alex Lifeson is a phenomenal, yet underrated guitarist.

[@sunsparkle8443]

I remember seeing him play live. He didn't make one mistake the whole night. His playing was perfect.

[@Heathcoatman]

My all time favorite guitar player. Is he underrated though? He consistently ends up on top 10 lists.

[@OneGuitarist]

I think musicians know he’s great. I don’t think the average non musician, when asked who are great guitar players, would list Alex unless they’re were big Rush fans. They’d Strat with SRV, Hendrix, Eddie, etc. Maybe not, but that was the thought.

[@Heathcoatman]

@@OneGuitarist Fair point. I tried to make this point about Stuart Copeland being an underrated drummer on another video and got crushed be musicians who knew how great he was. My point with them was that the average radio listener has no clue who Stuart Copeland was. I got shredded and eventually just deleted my praise of stuart to avoid those never ending 'we know who he is' post. My point about Alex is that I have seen him many times in guitar mags and 'top ten' type lists, although this was years ago. While it's true that outside of Rush fans and musicians knowing the truth about Alex and the GP to a lesser degree, he was not ignored by the guitar loving fans and media. I guess the opposite argument I made about Copeland (perhaps the best cymbal man ever, imo). The OP's point about Alex not missing a note live cant be overstated. Lots of guys can do it in studio with endless takes. Lifeson did it night after night flawlessly.

[@Veggamattic]

He's not close to the most underrated Canadian guitarist...try Frank Marino or Rik Emmitt. WAY more underrated.

[@emjaycpe]

Jerry Cantrell was EXACTLY my first thought coming into this video. I couldn't agree more. He somehow manages to make brutal and glacially sludgey, almost droning riffs into tight, impeccable sonic onslaughts with rewarding resolutions. I just love his "groove"

[@darnellpistachio2991]

Sorry to tell you bud, but the guy who made this video is a twat.

[@tomservo5347]

Always loved Jerry's tone, extreme string bends, and he has the most wicked vibrato I've ever heard. His solos always had a sense of resolution to them-a completeness if you will that doesn't leave you hanging.

[@Coynkydynk]

@@tomservo5347 What? You haven't heard Yngwies vibrato? For younger players, Anton Oparin has a nice vibrato (as well as other technical abilities well in order).

[@tomservo5347]

@@Coynkydynk I'm just not into the speed demon guitarists. Some guitarists are able to express so much with so little. I'm more into soulful, minimal sounds not so much the virtuoso stuff shredding notes just for the sake of 'hey, I can do this and you can't'.

[@Coynkydynk]

@@tomservo5347 I'm with you all the way, but Yngwie really happens to have the goat vibrato, all twiddling aside.

[@satexman2585]

Rory Gallagher, Prince, and the ultimate under-rated guitar picker...Johnny Winter.......and out the genre but a great picker...Roy Clark. Had Roy been a blues/RR picker he'd gone down as one of the greatest. Fact.

[@reubensane5539]

Roy Clark was the reason I picked up a guitar not Ace Frehley lol

[@lashashapira3406]

Winter

[@josephvega3763]

Roy Clark, Jerry Reed, Glenn Campbell, etc were legit virtuosos that could either inspire you to play or be the reason you quit!!! Damn they were musical monsters

[@I_need_an_oil_change]

Rik Emmett from Triumph is criminally underrated. He could play any style at any time. Never mind his voice.

[@joely225]

Being a rock guy I never new Glen Campbell was such a monster player. I definitely under estimated that dude. Another country player Jerry Reed.

[@rdhudon7469]

Roy Clark had some crazy skills .

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

@@rdhudon7469 As did Tony Rice

[@MsBenlane]

i saw him on yt playing ghost riders in the sky with roy clark

[@deanmarr785]

Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, and Roy Clark better than any of the 80s hair band players.

[@joesmith3501]

Glenn Campbell and Jerry Reed are in a league of their own. One you may not think about but I’m sure you can appreciate is Elliot Easton of the Cars. He doesn’t have Glenn Campbells technical skills but his ability and creativity deserves him to be near the top

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Steve Hackett from Genesis should a lot more credit. He can play almost any style, and try playing some of his 12-string acoustic fingerpicking passages from the early Genesis albums without destroying your fingers!

[@dickslap37]

Agreed 100 percent and let’s not forget Steve Howe from yes. His classical, blue grass and rock and roll techniques are all top notch.

[@kennethnelson501]

Steve Hackett is a beast. Seen him twice here in Atlanta. Unbelievable show.

[@sspbrazil]

He’s my favorite player hands down, seen him live quite a few times too.

[@robertanthony5509]

@@dickslap37 agreed. Howe and Hackett are both in my top 5

[@rutgersplague4595]

He was also tapping before van halen did it

[@robertreynolds1044]

I vote for Elliott Easton, formally from the Cars. He played for Creedence Clearwater Revisited for several years and I was working as a stagehand for 8 different shows, incredible skills, taking the Suzy Q solo and burning it up for 3 minutes. I still have a pic from one of those times. My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message and being a stagehand is a good, fun, but hard job that can result in you having some beautiful things happening too and around you.

[@spodvoll]

Agreed. Also underrated: Curtis Mayfield, Ike Turner, Dave Davies, Peter Green, Robert Fripp, Glen Campbell, Ernie Isley, Joni Mitchell, Leslie West, John Fogerty, Paul Simon, Rick Derringer, Terry Kath, Jan Akkerman, Elvis Costello, Neil Giraldo, Rick Nielsen, Ani DiFranco, Vernon Reid.....

[@sunsparkle8443]

Good list.

[@exzentrische]

Agreed. Also underrated : Link Wray, Roy Buchanan, Mick Ronson . . . .

[@emil3709]

Yes, Glen Campbell was great as was Peter Green's stuff with Fleetwood Mac. Also Alain Johannes and Willie Nelson. Recently watched a video of Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell play Columbus Stockade Blues and Campbell played incredibly well in that performance.

[@ALLMETAL1970]

Gary Moore and steve clark are also incredibly underrated.

[@claudebuysse7482]

Robert Fripp...John McLaughlin...Al De Meola...Mick Ronson...John Renbourn and Bert Jansch. And so many others magicians of 6-12 chords that i don't have time to named like Terry Kath and Martin Barre. Good guitars are in the ears of the listeners. Thanks for your jobs and inspirations.

[@jeff7764]

I like how this guy doesn’t drone on and on and gets to the point quick.

[@ADRIAN-gp8gp]

Glad too see Lindsay Buckingham in the list..His technique, energy and soul for music is hard be matched.

[@reubensane5539]

Underrated,Tommy Bolin,Terry Kath,Sean Lane,Eddie Hazel ,Mick Ronson ,Buck Dharma,Bill Nelson, Robby Krieger,Roy Buchanan, Paul Kossoff, Glen Tipton

[@OneGuitarist]

Excellent list! I was a big Priest fan back in the 80s and Glenn (and KK) were guys I always liked. I think Living After Midnight might be the first song I played in a band back then. Took me a week to learn that simple but cool solo. Then move onto to all their other stuff. I was in the 10th row for their Defenders of the Faith tour in Detroit. Life-changing! :) Rock on, my friend!

[@cymru1978]

T I whole heartedly agree w/ one of the names on your list here: Glenn Tipton is THE most underrated guitarist of all time. I read that he only started playing guitar at age 21 and progressed continuously from there...listen to his simpler slower classic rock ‘70’s solo stuff first and then compare that to where by the late ‘80’s he’s holding his own against such names as Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Vivian Campbell, Adrian Vandenburg, Chris Poland, Eddie Van Halen, Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, Jason Beckham, etc. I’d have to say that for underrated guitarists outta the UK, Tipton and John Sykes of Whitesnake/Blue Murder are the first two names that come to my mind. Luv their sh*t. Rock on

[@musicgems1726]

Wow I absolutely agree with that list. Bolin with billy cobham, eddie hazel so much feel, Tipton all time fav stained glass album.

[@raidrfrk]

Roy Buchanan was and is an innovator

[@Champion_Aquatics]

Couple of suggestions to add and think about... Frank Marino... gets a lot of props from musicians not so much from others. Terry Kath... gets a lot of props from musicians but not nearly enough. Guess this shows I am must a little older than you.

[@alexronald9521]

RORY GALLAGHER IS MOST UNDERRATED

[@OneGuitarist]

Good one! Great indeed.

[@seanahern529]

Hell ya

[@mareerobertson3949]

Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore

[@billybandyk0720]

​@@mareerobertson3949Completely agreed RE: Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy/Solo).

[@colinhiggins4779]

This is a good list. I would add a few names to it: 1. Neil Giraldo: Pat Benatar's husband. Terrific technique, totally polished and precise, and never overplays. 2. Andy Summers of the Police. His solo stuff is awesome--a tonalist who is very creative and subtle 3. Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music 4. Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. Maybe not underrated, but a great guitarist with a unique and compelling style.

[@bishdizzle67]

Definitely.

[@Tangent_Frank]

dude, andy is such a cool guitarist, i love his work. punk and jazz works works with andy in the mix

[@alwaysemployed656]

Andy does get recognition for his skills, he is considered a virtuoso, though he is more in the jazz guitarist category. Andy Summers' solo albums is really the only I can play all in entirety and never press the skip button to skip a song. I play all his albums while I do things. His albums are majestic from begging to end. His first three solo albums are rare and hard to get.

[@ContemplativeCat]

Oh yeah, BIG thumbs up for Andy Summers.

[@andyj845]

Mike Campbell. Like Buckingham and Felder he wrote awesome guitar parts that fit the song really well.

[@linhthaiduong7273]

I think Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher are way way underrated guitar players.

[@JB-jz9ib]

Both Irishman kicked ass!

[@sspbrazil]

Rory is up there for me. Moore was great too.

[@Swpb666]

Yes Rory! The Irish Jimmie Hendrix , and in my opinion, a much better guitarist

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

most underrated for me. no particular order. 1. Alex Lifeson 2. Robben Ford 3. Jeff Healey (RIP) 4. Vito Bratta (wish he would play again!) 5. Steve Lukather 6. Prince (RIP) 7. Frank Hannon 8. Tony Macalpine 9. Don Felder 10. Chris Risola

[@michaelmace9712]

I do not disagree with this list. John Mayer is super under rated.

[@OneGuitarist]

John's not bad. Solid player, writer, on electric and acoustic!

[@jonathontan4169]

@@OneGuitarist Eric Clapton and I quote called John Mayer "A guitar god who doesn't know how good he is" By the very definition of that and all of the other famous well known guitarists he's played next to while outperforming. Definitely agreed underrated

[@NaturfolkSociety]

He's good, but his songs suck

[@isaiahnunag8268]

@@NaturfolkSocietydelusional opinion

[@morganghetti]

By who?

[@adamross3563]

Frank Marino, from Mahogany Rush . Phenomenal player, criminally underrated.

[@bdeyestwo1223]

Absolutely, was watching several "reactions" to some of Frank's video's and then put a Gary Moore video on right after, Gary went down a notch after being near the top of my list.

[@Tralman1965]

Frank Marino Rik Emmett Ulrich Roth A few I consider underrated.

[@WELLBRAN]

Bill Nelson, Andy Powell, Bill Connors,, Andy latimer, Larry Coryell, Jan Akkerman. Rick Derringer. Johnny Winter. Clarence White. Gary Boyle

[@davidnissim589]

Mick Mars, Jerry Cantrell, and Terry Kath are all super underrated. Terry Kath was Hendrix’s favorite guitarist.

[@rhoadsgilbertfan4125]

Hendrix said that about Billy Gibbons too

[@kevinwilt5496]

Even I forgot about Terry Kath super underrated.

[@davidrhelmick72]

@@rhoadsgilbertfan4125 That's right and Billy himself is very underrated,I'm taking about the pre-MTV shit

[@NIGHTWOLF-wu9on]

Terry Kath super underrated I mean have you ever seen his live play of 25 or 6 2 4 that dude is shredding the hell out of that guitar Billy Gibbons said that guy had the hands of lightning and fire true statement

[@davidnissim589]

@@NIGHTWOLF-wu9on Hendrix said that Terry Kath was his favorite guitarist (he met the band and described the horn section as “one pair of lungs”, and also said he thought Kath was better than him)

[@bobarum8914]

GEORDIE FUCKING WALKER. How he is so underrated is just so beyond me. His playing was revolutionary and pure genius and his tone the same.

[@JoeMoss83]

So glad you mentioned Steve Lukather. I believe he's on several Michael Jackson songs.

[@donnafields2271]

Yes, Luke played bass and electric guitar on Beat It (Eddie Van Halen the solo). Luke played on Human Nature and The Girl is Mine.

[@christiangasior4244]

A lot of people in Toto were on Thriller.

[@billybandyk0720]

@@christiangasior4244 Yup; the liner notes list 'em.

[@billybandyk0720]

@@donnafields2271 SPOT-ON, Donna; SPOT-ON U R!!!!!

[@carterthiessen2664]

I'd add Rik Emmett from Triumph, An amazing power trio that always lived in Rush's shadow. Amazing voice and really clean, gifted guitarist that really never gets any attention.

[@billybandyk0720]

Carter T.; SPOT-ON!!!!! Look @ how Rik Emmett MASTERS THE 12-STRING!!!!!

[@F1fan56]

Absolutely!! Rik is fantastic and severely underappreciated.

[@billybandyk0720]

@@F1fan56 U betcha!!!!! Rik's a 12-STRING MASTER!!!!!

[@Veggamattic]

Even more so...try another Canadian Frank Marino.

[@billybandyk0720]

@@Veggamattic Typ; I hear ya. W/that said; GIVE ME SOME IAN THOMAS & U HOW 2 SATISFY MY MUSIC INTERESTS!!!!!!

[@97bronx]

I always wonder why Jeff Healy never makes these lists. He was beyond epic.

[@ejej6934]

I really don't know how highly he's rated as a guitarist, but I've always thought he had a unique singing ability. My song list for long drives has his and Jimi Hendrix's versions of "Angel" back to back.

[@williamwettin7376]

I think it has to do with the reason no one can replicate his playing. It's the same with Gary Moore sometimes i think. Guitarists tend to like players they can copy and feel like "rockstars" themselves. I read an interview there Gary called Jeff a Blues genious. That says it all for me.

[@WilliamSmith-ex9et]

I really can’t see why he isn’t rated higher🤪😎

[@milesofentertainment]

Three of the best guitar players we can name are blind-Jeff Healey, Doc Watson and Jose Feliciano who could very well be the best guitar player on the planet. We seen him play rock, blues, jazz, Spanish, Flamenco, reggae, classical and probably more not coming to mind. Acoustic, 12-string, electric-doesn't matter. Would imagine Healey could replicate anything he heard. Doc Watson once said he imagined it would be most difficult for a sighted person to learn to play a guitar.

[@IceMan-cp6ep]

His jazz skills are even impressive, like his acoustic version of Stardust

[@talesfromthetrip]

My underrated guitarists: Johnny Winter, Tony McPhee, Alvin Lee, Tony Bourge, Martin Pugh, and John Cippolina. Paul Kossof and Ritchie Blackmore don't get enough credit for what they've done, but they definitely get more than the ones I listed.

[@ligamentpull1]

Most Underrated: Andy Laroque Adrian Smith Dave Murray Glenn Tipton Bruce Kulick Warren Haynes Jeff Loomis Chris Poland Chris Degarmo Michael Wilton

[@steliosemmanouilidis5050]

Glenn tipton! YES!

[@davemustaine8982]

Dave Murray wtf? R u kidding?

[@ligamentpull1]

@@davemustaine8982 What is your opinion on him? You are obviously on my Mount Rushmore for the most iconic and influential metal musician of all time.

[@davemustaine8982]

@@ligamentpull1 Dave Murray is not underrated

[@ligamentpull1]

@@davemustaine8982 Compared to other 80's players like Jake E Lee, Warren Demartini, and George Lynch I thought he was. You never used to see him on any of those so-called Readers Poll even though his body of work trumped them all!

[@DMacLean15]

Lindsay Buckingham is definitely the most underrated guitarist of all time. Listen to Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac and that is all you need to know.

[@lowellcauffielFXR]

Steve Lukather a great choice. Saw him three years ago at the legendary Baked Potato in LA (75 seat tiny club and old post recording session home of Larry Carlton, Robbin Ford and Luke who often return there to support the great club) and his chops and taste are pretty much unequaled. His tone and phrasing on his solo in Toto's "I Won't Hold You Back" on Toto IV is absolutely heart wrenching.

[@scottodonnell7121]

Martin Barre from Jethro Tull comes to mind. He was overshadowed in the band by Ian, though. Also, Pete Townshend isn't thought of as an elite player, but he fathered a whole school of rock guitar. And George Benson is one of the best jazz guitarists ever. His shows were intense. Ry Cooder. And Ralph Macchio sure played the devil out of the axe in Crossroads.

[@rodsmolter5046]

Ian Anderson's damn good too. Known for the flute but he plays guitar very well too, a lot of the acoustic parts of JT are him.

[@llamasarus1]

The Pixies lead guitarist Joey Santiago emphasized in an interview how he was not impressed by the stunt guitar players in classic rock where it was all about playing as many notes as you can as fast as possible. So he kept his lead guitar playing to be minimal yet effective where it added texture and color to the songs. He's either underrated or accurately rated I don't know which.

[@f.w.2054]

Very underrated!

[@justdev8965]

Gary Moore Ian Thornley Dean de Leo Richie Sambora Joe Perry The first 2 especially! The underrated factor on Moore and Thornley is just baffling!

[@vaughnwoodruff3609]

Thornley is a God. Underrated b/c he is an unreal vocalist as well.

[@Gguy061]

Al di Meola deserves more attention. Listen to his work on Casino and Hotel Splendido. Amazingly fluid fretwork. He does trade-off leads with xylophone.

[@bobwright7415]

I saw Christopher Cross live recently. Wow the solo he did at the end of Ride Like the Wind was amazing!!!! Also, Terry Kath from Chicago always impressed me!

[@rodsmolter5046]

Terry Kath is the first person that comes to mind when I think of underrated guitar players. He was amazing and Chicago was never the same without him.

[@oliverchapman51177]

Cristopher Cross is for real

[@DMacLean15]

He actually performed at a small local venue near me recently. I regret not going. He’s awesome!!!

[@burgcarli929]

I love Criss Oliva of Savatage. Self taught, organic player with great modal dexterity. His solo on "Edge of Thorns" is epic.

[@johnp.johnson1541]

Criss amazed on his debut and follow up EP, both recorded during the same sessions when he was only 20.

[@allendionnelastcall3749]

Huge loss when he died

[@WilliamSmith-ex9et]

Criss was amazing. Hard to believe the drunk driver that hit him had six other DUIs BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, was sentenced to about five years but only served a few months.

[@Gguy061]

This. Savatage are crazy under rated. The way he would ornament riffs with tapping leads so effortlessly was amazing.

[@johnboyginger]

Prince was massively underrated.

[@777armor]

Canadian guitar great Frank Marino of Mahogany Rush is the most underrated guitar player and arguably the greatest!

[@johnrogers2826]

Yes.

[@Champion_Aquatics]

That one I did think about. Saw Mahogany Rush live in 1981... amazing.

[@kadetodd1234]

Michael Schenker is so underrated, he should be a household name he’s that good

[@bobbyhamblen2338]

UFO Baby!!

[@diehard-schenker-fan7233]

AGREE!!!!

[@Champion_Aquatics]

One I didn't think about right off hand but you are absolutely correct.

[@billybandyk0720]

@@bobbyhamblen2338 TOO HOT TO HANDLE!!!!! Now THAT'S WTF I'm talkin' about.

[@mogulmeister]

Yes indeed. The man is monster but I don’t think this guy does European. His palette might be geographically limited ?

[@TellMeNothin1]

The most underrated guitar player of ALL time, who is not on this list is, without a doubt, Rik Emmett from Triumph. He is the only guitar player I know who can play EVERY style of music at a high level

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

Listen to Roy Clark some time........

[@Veggamattic]

Sorry...try another Canadian less famous and better...Frank Marino. A true savage!

[@Lindforce1]

Imo Mark knopfler is probably the most underrated guitar player of all time. That dude is an absolute Beast on the guitar.

[@J.R5930]

Jeff Healey, Scotty Moore, George Harrison, Chuck Berry and Alex Lifeson are underrated.

[@MrRailjunkie]

How can Chuck Berry be underrated? Next to Hendrix He's the biggest guitar hero ever. I do agree about George Harrison though in my opinion considering He was a Beatle very underrated & not sure about the others.

[@deathtowrestling2518]

Brad Gillis, Jeff Watson, Brian Setzer.

[@jonfensu]

Most underrated: Gary Moore Vinnie Moore Shawn Lane Michael Romeo

[@DunamisSword]

Definitely Gary Moore!!!!

[@mareerobertson3949]

@@DunamisSword Gary Moore

[@DunamisSword]

@@mareerobertson3949 yes Gary Moore is hugely underrated!

[@vijitc1209]

Peter Frampton to me is the most underrated kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4GbgZyfmLaYb7s. His tone is just magical. Brian May is another one. His tone was so unique and defined the Queen sound. I agree with Brian Setzer being on the list. He also has a superb tone.

[@billybandyk0720]

Frampton & May UNDERR8D? B.F.U. (Big Fuckin' Underst8ment).

[@1974dormouse]

For the longest time Prince was an underrated guitar player, but not songwriter. Lately people have come to realize what an amazing guitar player he was.

[@nankerphelge3771]

But Neil Schonn of Journey and the guy from Toto? Blech!

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

Prince is love or hate

[@zaziou711]

He was amazing when properly prepared. He was just a shadow when he had to improvise.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

Prince definitely belongs on that list as do Steve Cropper (never played a note that did not absolutely have to be there), Eddie Hazel, Danny Gatton and Sister Rosetta Tharpe because without her none of those people would exist. To tell the truth the only one on this guys list I agree with is Brian Setzer.

[@Veggamattic]

Prince can't write.

[@rybaneightsix5085]

Fantastic to hear Cantrell mentioned. Dude is a solid player.

[@diegomazzaron9191]

Yeah of course.

[@robinthompson6912]

Love Mick Mars, definitely underrated. So glad I got to witness this living legend play

[@KNOPFLERSGOD]

I would add the one player most people tend to forget with these lists, Mike Oldfield. He's an amazing player, equally adept with electric and acoustic, and a highly developed fingerstyle.

[@agirotto1]

We all know Robert Fripp is the most underrated guitar player of all time. Even if we all consider him to be the best player in the world, he's still underrated.

[@caedmonherodofficial]

real

[@UrukKing]

I definitely agree about Lindsey Buckingham. He is amazing as a singer and guitar player. Just listen to the live version of Fleetwood Mac - Big Love, he does alone and that sounds completely different to the studio record.

[@rivereuphrates8103]

Dickey Betts. Duane gets the credit he rightly deserves, but Dickey is also a monster player that got kind of overshadowed because he wasn't as wild and frenetic as Duane. He can do jazz, blues of course, and country, and his composition is top notch. Very precise and clean player, and knows when NOT to play.

[@carloszamora8515]

Who cares if they're underrated or overrated if it sounds good listen to it.Music is supposed to be an art form not a competition🤔

[@johnmontt5285]

Yes Steve Lukather was my first thought. I feel like a lot of “underrated” guitarists are definitely recognized by other guitarists. Just underrated by people who don’t play 😂 I feel like most guitarists know most of these guys and appreciate the talent

[@andyj845]

He's great for sure, but I've always thought he was widely thought to be and heavily cited as one of the greatest session guitarists in the world. Not sure the term overrated fits. Same with all of them actually. I guess I just prefer to the use term "overlooked".

[@seantracywalker]

Yes, Jeff Healey...for God’s sake - he was blind...mic drop! Fun in concert too, except when he got out of the chair - that just made me nervous...dude, where are you going. RIP Jeff.

[@kathyrais574]

Saw him too, it was great.

[@mattijunell5232]

Should be number one of this list.

[@griselame]

Ultimate underrated guitar players: Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton. Both associated with the Telecaster, both based in the DC area, both met an untimely end. Gone but not forgotten

[@hedylamarr1637]

Glen Campbell most underrated guitarist ever.

[@kevinwilt5496]

His solo work and everything he did with the wrecking crew.

[@TeeDOG6]

I think Roy Clark is extremely underrated. Unfortunately, when you think of him, you think of Hee Haw, but check out his playing.

[@kelleyrawlings]

Good one

[@alkeron598]

R

[@mikecostigan9913]

It's Hedley, hedley....

[@grahamhannah2108]

I definitely agree with you, Jerry Cantrell is very underrated. Another awesome guitar player who never gets any recognition is Adrian Belew. He has worked the The Talking Heads, David Bowie and and many others. His solo playing is mind blowing. Terry Kath from Chicago should get more kudos than he does.

[@joemachunda]

Justin Hayward from the Moody Blues is my favorite underrated No gymnastic playing but wonderful songwriting and melodic playing that made the Moodies unique He's 75 and still writing playing and touring.

[@dustylover100]

I saw the Moody Blues with Chicago years ago. Chicago played first, but I stuck around to see the Moodies, and did they put on a show. Hayward blew me away with his guitar playing and his haunting voice.

[@milesofentertainment]

He and they were great. That it took till 2018 for them to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a joke.

[@user-hm4od3wu1z]

I think Buckethead is evenly rated but he definitely deserves more attention

[@yyz9932]

I wouldn't agree that Luke is underrated but I deffinitly agree that he is trurely a guitar god. I love his playing

[@JayAlsman]

As a drummer, I hesitate to comment… But as a longtime fan of great guitar playing- back in the early 90’s, when I was listening to a lot of Vai, Satch, Yngwie, Eddie, etc… a friend told me,” if you like those guys, you need to hear Steve Morse!” To this day, he never seems to get the recognition he should in my opinion.

[@RogerHernandez-f1k]

I'm a drummer as well... I saw Steve Morse once with Deep Purple....the dude was amazing

[@amylyno]

Gary Richrath, Prince, Mike Campbell should be on this list.

[@ronalda.saname396]

Paul Kassoff and Gary Moore. How can anyone forget Kassoff and Moore?

[@slowburnritual3055]

Underrated - Stevie Stevens (?) with Billy Idol.

[@KirkSandall]

Looking over the comments, a lot of people don't seem to know the definition of underrated. It means when someone is not given enough recognition for their ability. So there's a difference between being underrated and being unknown. And a lot of guitarists I'm seeing mentioned do not qualify. The most obvious are Jeff Beck, Roy Clarke, and Glen Campbell. They were all very much recognized as being great guitarists. Maybe it's an age thing. But other guys who were relatively unknown were regarded very highly in the industry. I'm thinking of Rory Gallagher, Tommy Bolin (who played on one of Billy Cobham's albums), Gary Moore, et al. The funniest ones, tho, are Paco De Lucia and Allan Holdsworth. Neither is underrated. Unknown to the masses? Absolutely. But very definitely *_not_* underrated. De Lucia was a god in Spain and Holdsworth is considered by many to be the greatest jazz guitarist ever. Some guys who _are_ very much underrated are Andy Summers, Elliot Easton, Adrian Belew, Lindsey Buckingham, and Peter Frampton. Edit: And I just remembered another guy who's underrated: Stephen Stills.

[@bgrigg07]

So glad to see Setzer on this list. Woefully underrated. One that is missing is Terry Kath of Chicago.

[@Zoso981]

Cantrell was a great choice, Kim Thayil is probably my first choice, and Adam Jones from Tool. He's really a sonic sculptor.

[@scottengels4143]

How is Buck Dharma not on this list? He is criminally underrated

[@elfman5176]

Rock n Roll Hall of Shame

[@mononoaware1960]

Awesome video mine would be: Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton, Terry Kath, Ollie Halsall, Eddie Hazel, Shuggie Otis, Mike Bloomfield, Frank Marino, Jan Akkerman, Tommy Bolin, and Lenny Breau.

[@flipfortier1856]

I would add Eliot Easton from the Cars. That band would have been just pop with no meat but he makes it awesome!

[@deanmarr785]

Good call

[@cshaw3317]

Dave Matthews?

[@TheSylvanpass]

Good list. It's tough to limit it to 10. Steve Lukather is amazing. Love his playing. One I would add is Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser from Blue Oyster Cult. Nobody but BOC fans have heard of him, but he's remarkable.

[@davidquinn6776]

After watching this for the 1st time, was just about to say this..constructed some of the most recognizable rock riffs, and one could imagine if something like Transmaniacon MC and some of the older songs were recorded with better technology….

[@nankerphelge3771]

Saw BOC in '77 and my mind was blown.

[@maboya]

It's a stupid list. None of these guys are underrated. He just looked for pop and classic rock guitarists, and decided to label them as underrated, in order to make "interesting videos on KZbin" . What a bunch of c...p

[@neil1390]

Buck Dharma is highly rated by his peers, for a good reason, who cares what critics say!

[@joshuagaffney458]

I remember I met this guy at navy pier when I went to see BOC with my dad. This guy dressed in a robe a tall pointy hat started walking towards us with a beautifully made walking stick etched with different crystals and such. Everybody referred to him as the "Blue Oyster Wizard". He had met my dad before as he too, was a BOC show regular. He said to my dad, "You brought the boy to see the great Buck Dharma" They proceeded to have a conversation about how all of the younger generations need to see him to understand. I'm grateful to have been there and I'm grateful to know that he really is one of the best.

[@Nile8765]

Dude jerry is my #1 idol. He is never mentioned on any guitar lists. His playing is just so unique and amazing.

[@sdefonta]

Jerry Garcia? Agreed!

[@josephvega3763]

Cantrell is the shit and I agree

[@Nile8765]

@@josephvega3763 cool opinion

[@tylerwilkey13]

Jerry and Trey!

[@louissmith5298]

Paul Kossoff, Rory Gallagher, Prince, Malcolm Young. All famous and respected in their own right but in my opinion underrated when lists are put together, especially Kossoff and Young.

[@brucewallin523]

Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser from BOC has always been under rated. Awesome guitarist.

[@Evocati2008]

Steve Gaines for sure, died way too early. Actually all the Skynyrd boys were super under rated. Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Ed King.

[@MrRailjunkie]

Defo, Free bird will always remain one of the best pieces of Guitar work ever. The full length version that is.

[@seangagnonProvidenceR.I.]

Maybe not so much underrated but not as well known and talked about as he should be .Mike Bloomfield was an amazing guitarist rip. Great list and channel.

[@TheOnlyHollywood1]

Jake E Lee, Mick Mars and Steve Clark are pretty underrated

[@johnp.johnson1541]

LOLZ @ Mick Mars and Stevel Clark.

[@peterm4486]

I’m guessing not seeing Terry Kath here is because he’s on the 10 greatest list!

[@DVJam]

Dave Meniketti of Y&T is the #1 most underrated guitarist in my book.

[@jonnydlive7848]

5. Vito Bratta 4. Jake E. Lee, having to follow Randy Rhoads is impossible 3. Lindsey Buckingham 2. Joe Satriani, I just feel like he’s not appreciated enough 1. David Gilmour…I think he’s left out of too many conversations and his sound fuses blues with psychedelic

[@sunsparkle8443]

I always liked Vito Bratta's playing.

[@jonnydlive7848]

@@sunsparkle8443 absolutely. People make fun of hair bands (and rightfully so in some cases), but listen to his playing and he was talented

[@diegomazzaron9191]

Great list man, I want mention also: Rory Gallagher, Chris DeGarmo, Reb Beach, Ty Tabor, Michael Romeo and Roy Buchanan. I think they are underrated players. 🤟

[@sspbrazil]

Roy Buchanan, yes.

[@diegomazzaron9191]

@@sspbrazil Yeah and no the others ?

[@sspbrazil]

@@diegomazzaron9191 Rory of course. Don’t know the others.

[@lucrebrazzi4069]

Yeah Ty. Monster. Plus writing.

[@threeg6966]

Alvin Lee - Johnny Winter - Alan Wilson - Buddy Guy - Mick Taylor - George Harrison - Mato Nanji - Steve Miller - Steven Stills - George Thorogood -

[@marauder600]

Frank Marino and Buck Dharma (Blue Oyster Cult) both very underrated. And both with a vast body of work.

[@jaysonj9327]

Excellent list. A few others to consider, in no particular order. Billy Gibbons. Got more attention for his facial hair than his bad ass playing. Tom Scholz. Arguably the most instantly recognizable tone in rock history. Carl Perkins. Was playing rock licks before people really knew what rock 'n roll was. Dave Meniketti. Got lost in the shuffle, but a total beast. Dickey Betts. Completely overshadowed by Duane Allman, but Betts in his own right is an all time great. Rik Emmett. Like Meniketti, another total beast who got lost in the shuffle.

[@samhangi5120]

Rory Gallagher

[@JosephTaverns]

Roy Gallagher Hard To Beat This Man😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Profmillar]

Allan Holdsworth is in my opinion the most underrated guitarist of all time.

[@mateuszkucharski1350]

You have forgotten about Lil Wayne.

[@OneGuitarist]

I don't think I've heard him play yet :)

[@robertmacdonald1102]

@@OneGuitarist you have if you've ever listened to a 10 year old's half hearted noodling on a guitar.

[@jmeaksful]

Couldn’t agree more on Mick Mars. The most unassuming guy in the band, is who actually set them apart imo. And My guy Jerry Cantrell, Yahtzee. AIC maybe the most underrated band of my time

[@hughg.gaines6027]

I think the most underrated is Jerry Reed. The guy was spectacular and alot of people only remember him for his novelty songs.

[@Spaceman1968]

I saw Jerry play in the mid eighties. He is an incredible player. I really like Derek Trucks, David Grissom, Warren Haynes, and Larry Crane. Larry was the guitarist for all the great John Cougar songs!! Greg Foresman is incredible too!

[@mogulmeister]

I agree! Understated

[@pa2camp]

Hers my list: 10) John Mcfee from the Doobies, 9) mike Rutherford from the Genesis, 8) johnny marr from the smiths, 7) Steve Lukather (Toto), 6) Billy Duffy (The cult) 5) Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), 4) The Edge (U2) 3) Malcolm Young AC/DC (RIP) 2) "Fast" Eddie Clark (RIP) and 1) Allan Hollsworth. The fact that most never even heard of Allan Hollsworth says it all. He may be on the mount rushmore of players for most musicians but the main streams largely doesent know who he is.

[@deanmarr785]

Malcolm Young does not get his due. Good call

[@ronalda.saname396]

@@deanmarr785 You correct I forgot Allan Hollsworth, but you forgot Paul Kassoff. RIP.

[@andrewguttry6886]

Neal Schon. Played a great solo with Santana on the 'Man with outstretched hand' album. I think he was only 17 at the time.

[@PeteValence]

Glad he's actually on this list, I often run into lists of the best, the underrated and overrated and he's never mentioned. Pound for pound he deserves to be up there with the best, he learned from the best and also plays keys and bass, on top of being a wicked composer like his dad.

[@paulbuffano985]

One whom I have always felt was very underrated and never seems to pop up on these lists is Steve Howe from yes

[@Puckv-tt1fp]

I’m not a country guy, but Vince Gill is probably THE most underrated bad ass guitar player ever. No joke. Saw him at farm aid…amazing

[@rodsmolter5046]

Oh yeah. He's also done a lot of session work, on rock albums too not just country.

[@MrChuckThompson]

It's ironic that one of the most overrated bands just happens to include hard rock's most underrated guitarist BRAD WHITFORD. Come on guys, give this guy a break. It never ceases to amaze me that during Aerosmith's live footage, whenever there's a guitar solo, the camera cuts to Joe Perry (who should have made your 'overrated' list) posing while Brad is melting the neck with a blazing solo. All the great Aerosmith (pre-sobriety) guitar work was pretty much Brad. Joe is definitely the riff monster but Brad is the lead guy that, unknown to the up and comers, inspired a generation of rockers.

[@RebelThoughts82]

Terry Kath and Prince are the most underrated.

[@steves563]

Surprising he left out Prince..

[@shannonlucas2980]

Maybe he's never been strictly considered a guitarist like the others on the list, but he's definitely not underrated. Not as a singer, songwriter, performer, or a musician. Kath on the other hand is CRIMINALLY underrated. His tragic end coupled with David Foster's destruction of Chicago's sound are to blame. I do enjoy these lists though, as everyone will have their own👍

[@chrismitchell4665]

If ever other idiot says Prince is underrated, then he's not.

[@kaybee8646]

Steve Lukather is absolutely one of my favorite guitarists, also Neil Geraldo.