Okay, I’m sure you’ve gotten an argument with your buddies at some point, comparing who you think are the top 10 guitar players of all time. We’ve all been there, but here’s the thing that few realize. Rock and Roll isn’t competition, it’s not about who’s better at this or that. Plus, there are so many musical genres, that to compare let’s say a metal master and a blues king doesn’t really work all that well. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.
When all is said and done, there’s still many guitarists that most people consider to be the best, and every time these types of lists come up, you will typically find their names are mentioned. These guitar players are arguably the most skilled at a specific technique, or are the most influential guitarists to other aspiring musicians, and that’s why they appear on my top 10 guitar players list.
In my opinion, this is the top 10 list of the most influential guitar players:
1. Jimi Hendrix
Enough said? Jimi Hendrix is almost always at the top of every “top guitarists” list! He turned the electric guitar into musicl science, playing around with sounds never before dreamed of on the electric guitar. Hendrix’s style of raw, fuzzy, feedback-y sound is instantly recognizable, and he has been the influence for very many younger guitarists. His stage presence is also electrifying and powerful. “Purple Haze” and “All Along the Watchtower” set the foundation for a towering monument of rock that stands to this day.
2. Jimmy Page
Another Jimmy! The Led Zeppelin guitar master has been very influential to a lot of rockers nowadays, and his guitar licks are legendary and instantly recognizable. His solo of “Heartbreaker” is immortal, and “Black Dog” and “Stairway to Heaven” are unshakable rock classics. And no one else I know has ever had a guitar solo using a violin bow? That’s from “Dazed and Confused”,
3. BB King
When you say blues, everything all boils down to its master and ambassador: BB King. He paved the way for the newer generation of blues players, from Eric Clapton to John Mayer. BB King’s powerful bending and vibrato are classic blues techniques, still used today. Also, his guitar is also legendary – who else names their guitar Lucille?
4. Chuck Berry
You know that four-note riff that always reminds you of 50’s rock n’ roll? That came from Chuck Berry. Modern rock n’ roll wouldn’t be possible without the awesomeness that is “Johnny B. Goode”!
5. Keith Richards
Keith Richards is a member of one of the longest-lasting, most influential active rock bands The Rolling Stones. Don’t tell me you aren’t aware of that memorable distortion-filled three-note riff from “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”! For all the hits the Stones put out that became foundations of other hit songs, Keith Richards also deserves a spot on the top 10 guitarists list.
6. Kirk Hammett
Metal was changed forever once Metallca arrived on the scene. Kirk Hammett rewrote hard rock history with the pounding solos of “Master of Puppets” and, arguably their most popular song, “Enter Sandman”.
7. Carlos Santana
If you want to talk about instantly recognizable tone, there’s the undisputed King master of Latin-infused rock, Carlos Santana. Before he started collaborating with other musicians, he was a Latin-rhythm purist, improvising with solos that are full of passion and spiritual meaning. Before hits like “Smooth”, there were the soaring, sustained instrumental solos of “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Child)” and the like.
8. Kurt Cobain
The misunderstood genius, Kurt Cobain pretty much ended the era of 80’s “glam” metal in a totally unique way. He favored simple, heavy tunes instead of hair metal’s theatric style, and it reflected better the angst of the time. His most memorable contribution to rock and roll was the original anthem of misunderstood generations, the four-chord monster “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.
9. The Edge
While a lot of guitar players think of skill as playing millions of notes at blazing speed, The Edge is known for actually playing short, spare, repetitive solos. But he and his rolling delay effects created the most passionate, most anthemic rock songs in history, from “Bad” to “Where The Streets Have No Name”. With the Edge at the lead, it’s hard not to scream in triumph.
10. Eric Clapton
A true son of the blues, Eric Clapton had influences in rock, creating classics like “Layla” with his early band Derek and the Dominoes, and progressing to one of the most recognizable blues guitarists, from “Bell Bottom Blues” to his heartbreaking “Tears In Heaven”.
I know for a fact that most people will have a much different list of top ten guitar players than mine, but that’s the effect of growing up with varying musical backgrounds. There are countless talented guitarists from many different genres to choose from. Whoever you decide to pick as your top 10 guitarists says a lot about your favorite styles, as well as your personality as a guitarist. Until then, just keep roking and rolling!
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This post was written by admin on June 21, 2009
Tags: ben edwards, blues guitar, electric guitar, guitar, guitar for beginners, guitar lessons, history of the guitar, Jamorama, jamorama.com, jazz guitar, learn guitar, learn to play guitar, led zeppelin, rock guitar, tune your guitar, tuning guitars