Recently I was again reminded of Rolling Stone’s Top 100 list of guitar players, and it really made me start thinking. Since starting GuitarPlayerZen, I’ve really realized that it is pretty much impossible to come out with any kind of objective rating scale on guitarists. Hell, I know probably more than 100 guitar players that are our Myspace Friends or one of our Featured Guitar Players that could objectively “smoke” some of these guys.
It is, however, very interesting to see what players are influential to other great musicians. Whenever I hear a new talented guitarist, I immediately begin to wonder what guitar players he/she grew up listening to and idolizing. Finding out who one’s top influences are is a great way to discover new talent, I also feel is a great exercise in understanding and appreciation for all musical genres. You might not like metal, but there is something that can be greatly appreciated in the playing of Dragonforce, or Dimebag. You might not be into country chicken pickin’, but man Brent Mason can play the hell outta a guitar.
We would love to hear who your Top 5 Guitarists are in our comments. We could all benefit from it and maybe even discover some new players we have never heard of before!
Anyways, keep reading for the Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Guitar Players List and let us know what you think about it at the end of the post:
The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time
1Jimi Hendrix
2 Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band
3 B.B. King
4 Eric Clapton
5 Robert Johnson
6 Chuck Berry
7 Stevie Ray Vaughan
8 Ry Cooder
9 Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin
10 Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones
11Kirk Hammett of Metallica
12 Kurt Cobain of Nirvana
13 Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead
14 Jeff Beck
15 Carlos Santana
16 Johnny Ramone of the Ramones
17 Jack White of the White Stripes
18 John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
19 Richard Thompson
20 James Burton
21 George Harrison
22 Mike Bloomfield
23 Warren Haynes
24 The Edge of U2
25 Freddy King
26 Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave
27 Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits
28 Stephen Stills
29 Ron Asheton of the Stooges
30 Buddy Guy
31 Dick Dale
32 John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service
33 & 34 Lee Ranaldo, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth
35 John Fahey
36 Steve Cropper of Booker T. and the MG’s
37 Bo Diddley
38 Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac
39 Brian May of Queen
40 John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival
41 Clarence White of the Byrds
42 Robert Fripp of King Crimson
43 Eddie Hazel of Funkadelic
44 Scotty Moore
45 Frank Zappa
46 Les Paul
47 T-Bone Walker
48 Joe Perry of Aerosmith
49 John McLaughlin
50 Pete Townshend
51 Paul Kossoff of Free
52 Lou Reed
53 Mickey Baker
54 Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane
55 Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple
56 Tom Verlaine of Television
57 Roy Buchanan
58 Dickey Betts
59 & 60 Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien of Radiohead
61 Ike Turner
62 Zoot Horn Rollo of the Magic Band
63 Danny Gatton
64 Mick Ronson
65 Hubert Sumlin
66 Vernon Reid of Living Colour
67 Link Wray
68 Jerry Miller of Moby Grape
69 Steve Howe of Yes
70 Eddie Van Halen
71 Lightnin’ Hopkins
72 Joni Mitchell
73 Trey Anastasio of Phish
74 Johnny Winter
75 Adam Jones of Tool
76 Ali Farka Toure
77 Henry Vestine of Canned Heat
78 Robbie Robertson of the Band
79 Cliff Gallup of the Blue Caps (1997)
80 Robert Quine of the Voidoids
81 Derek Trucks
82 David Gilmour of Pink Floyd
83 Neil Young
84 Eddie Cochran
85 Randy Rhoads
86 Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
87 Joan Jett
88 Dave Davies of the Kinks
89 D. Boon of the Minutemen
90 Glen Buxton of Alice Cooper
91 Robby Krieger of the Doors
92 & 93 Fred “Sonic” Smith, Wayne Kramer of the MC5
94 Bert Jansch
95 Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine
96 Angus Young of AC/DC
97 Robert Randolph
98 Leigh Stephens of Blue Cheer
99 Greg Ginn of Black Flag
100 Kim Thayil of Soundgarden
Do you have the desire to make this list one day? Are you looking to make 2009 the year you make guitar your career and live the dream?
If so, you might be interested in checking out our audio interview series, Studio Guitar Secrets: Making Guitar Your Career. It is about 7 hours worth of interviews with top session guitar players around the nation. Check it out and make the committment to have 2009 be the year where you start actually living your dream.
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131 responses so far ↓
1 Kenny // Mar 3, 2008 at 1:02 pm
For sure all of these guitarist are good but I think to be politically correct, Rolling Stone’s should name this “The Top 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL Guitarist of all time…
2 Brian Lowe // Mar 3, 2008 at 1:37 pm
1)Brent Mason
2)Steve Lukather
3)James Burton
4)Jimi Hendrix
5)Edie Van Halen
3 jimmy mac // Mar 3, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Wes Montgomery
Jimi Hendrix
Jeff Beck
Sabicas
Django
4 Liam McCann // Mar 3, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Last I checked, Steve Morse has been voted best overall guitarist by Guitar Player magazine more times in the last 10 years than any other guitarist. These lists are laughable ! There are TOO many guitarists who rate on a level with the 100 mentioned!
5 guitarzan6000 // Mar 4, 2008 at 6:57 am
You gotta be kidding me…Joan Jett ???? I mean seriously, is this a JOKE??? How can there even BE a
“greatest guitarist” list???? Thats like rating the top 100 “Wives” of all time, you just can’t!!! It’s all based just on “opinions”, and you know what they say about opinions….”Opinions are like A**holes, everyone has one, nobody wants to hear someone else’s, and they all stink”….
6 John fitness trainer New Urleans // Mar 5, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Roy Buchanan 57th?
No Chet Atkins?
7 Ben // Mar 7, 2008 at 1:02 am
Of course this list is biased toward rock/pop, which is fine, considering it comes from Rolling Stone. I’m not really surprised that other great players like Vince Gil or Robben Ford aren’t on the list instead of Jack White and Johnny Ramone. I suppose if it were a perfect world they would be.
Liam’s right - There’s just no way to keep the list to 100.
8 Ben // Mar 7, 2008 at 2:07 am
I don’t know about “top” five, but here are five that I like that you may not have heard about:
Jim Hall
Alan Holdsworth
Herb Ellis
Russell Malone
Graham Dechter
9 Jeff // Mar 7, 2008 at 11:32 am
Yeah this list is a little iffy. I have a feeling that the creators of this list might not even have played guitar at all….But hey to each his own!
10 Chris // Mar 8, 2008 at 8:52 pm
These lists are almost always politically correct garbage. When it comes to sheer ability Shawn Lane will always be the greatest electric guitarist. And where are Gary Moore, Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth?! Half the people on this RS list are weak and most of them are not important as players but rather as songwriters. Newsflash - Joan Jett, Kirk Hammett, Kurt Cobain, Jack White, Steven Stills, Keith Shields, Kim Thayil, Loud Reed et al never have and never will matter as guitar players. What a joke! But then again - this is Rolling Stone so the joke doesn’t come as a surprise.
11 Allphourus // Mar 11, 2008 at 11:54 am
Well I agree that these kind of list are an exercise in futillity.
So I’ll go with some of my fav’s, that way it’s about me and not “Who’s the Bast?”. In no particular order:
1)Nah, I just can’t limit myself to just FIVE.
Let’s try this,I’ll just do what a few others have and list some conspicuous omissions:
Phlii Keaggy
John Renbourn
Jim Wieder
Rory Gallagher
Joe Walsh
Gordon Kennedy
Dan Huff
Jerry Donahue
Bill Perry
Paul Ashbell
Pat Martino
John Scofield
Mike Stern
Howard Roberts
Larry Carlton
Larry Coryell
David Bromberg
Steve Miller
Pat Metheny
Jon Randall
David Lindley
Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
Eric Johnson
Bruce Cockburn
Patty Larkin
John Fehy
Al Di Meola
Roy Clark
Frank Gambale
Michael Hedges
Steve Wariner
Tal Farlow
Lenny Breau
Jerry McPherson
John Jorgeson
Tony Rice
…………..ON and ON and ON………………..
12 Ed // Mar 17, 2008 at 12:30 am
Rolling stones list of top guitarists is a complete joke, it’s a popularity contest, there are a few guys who belong in their top 20 , but people like Eddie Van Halen 70, Randy Rhoads 90, Joni mitchell ? the guys from sonic youth? I don’t know who compiled this list but they know nothing bout true musical ability, sure Jimi, and Clapton, belong in their but there are so many who were left out, not to mention those on the list who were so innovative, and they sit way down the list, where’s Alan Holdsworth, Al Dimeola, Chet Artkins,Willie Nelson, Next time ask a guitar magazine to help out with the list.
13 Skydog 2 // Apr 7, 2008 at 11:59 am
I love that they put duane allman number 2 when he plays i get goose bumps
14 matt Karre // Apr 14, 2008 at 8:01 am
SRV deserves way better than 7th. Im glad that shitty guitar players like cobain steve howe can make it past van halen. And this list is a fucking popularity contest. Im pretty sure that dimebag should be AT LEAST!! in the top 30. And what about Janick Gers, Dave Murrey, and Adrian smith from one of the greatest band of all time. Iron maiden. i think they should get a little respect because they paved the way for dual guitar riffs and solos. And even alexi laiho should be on here. I think this list is garbage. Rolling stone should stick to the genres of pop and rap, because they know nothing about guitar. METAL!!!!!
15 jim myers, n.c. // Apr 20, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Leo Kottke, I guess he just isn’t that well known, what a shame. He’s one of the best.
16 cody w, nc // Jun 20, 2008 at 12:30 am
i agree with matt Karre, iron maiden SHOULD be on this list. have you ever heard the songs titled ” Run To The Hills, The Number Of The Beast, The Trooper, or 2 Minutes To Midnight”? Listen to the guitar in those songs! you will want iron maiden to be on this list. i agree that kirk hammett should be in the top ten, which he is. But come on, Angus Young is 96th!! that is bull shit. here is my list in my own opinion:
1. Jimi Hendrix
2. Stevie Ray Vaughnn
3. Kirk Hammett of Metallica
4. Slash of Guns N’ Roses
5. Dave Mustaine of Metallica and Megadeth
6. Angus Young of AC/DC
7. Dan Donegan of Disturbed
8. Dave Murray of Iron Maiden
9. Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen
10. Eric Clapton
11. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin
12. Tom Morrello of Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave
13. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana
14. Eric Johnson
15. Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead
16. Les Paul
17. Joe Perry
18. Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple
19. David Guilmour of Pink Floyd
20. Glen Buxton of Alice Cooper
21. Neil Young
22. Tony Iomma of Black Sabbath
23. Randy Rhoads
24. Vernon Reid of Living Colour
25. Lou Reed
26. Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden
27. John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers
28. Johney Ramone of The Ramones
29. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones
30. Chuck Berry
31. Ry Cooder
32. Robert Johnson
33. B.B. King
34. Daron Malkian of System of a Down
35. Rudolf Schenker and Michael Schenker of The Scorpions.
Thank You.
17 Brice // Jun 23, 2008 at 4:05 pm
What about Joe Satriani-you all lost your minds.
18 Dreamtard // Jun 25, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Cody, Rollingstone, other jokefaces on this site…
I actually laughed out loud at some of the people you claim are worse at guitar than Kurt Cobain. Songwriter is one thing he deserves MASSIVE respect for…. but guitarist!?! Get…serious. I mean, think about what your claiming… Do you actually believe Kurt Cobain could theoretically teach guitar technique to Jerry Garcia!?!? HAH! Straight laughable. Kurt Cobain shouldn’t be on the top 500 greatest guitar players of all time list.
19 wulf // Jun 30, 2008 at 7:54 am
How Phil Keaggy can be left off any top guitarist list is beyond me. Hendrix called Keaggy the best! Phil is still out there creating and playing his heart out. I just saw him 2 days ago in front of about 50,000 people. In my book he’s been #1 for a long time. Pick up a Glass Harp disc or one of his solo ventures and give it a spin.
20 rockthemetal // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:13 am
What the Hell were is Dimebag Darrell come on listen to pantera sometime he should def be at the top of the list.
21 chase // Jul 5, 2008 at 3:23 pm
i think angus young is overrated, he was like 96th and slash wasnt on it.
heres MY five
1. Jimmy Page
2. Eric Clapton
3. David Gilmore
4. Pete Townshend
5. Jimmy Hendrix
22 The CUZ 13 // Jul 8, 2008 at 12:12 pm
ACE FREHLEY!!!! You mean to tell me Joan Jett is better than ACE? What about LITA FORD? She is SOOOOOO much better than JETT!!! This list is a joke!
23 wulf // Jul 10, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I forgot to leave my top 5 picks in my last comment.
1) Phil Keaggy
2) Joe Satrianni
3) Jimi Hendrix
4) Eric Clapton
5) SRV
I have to admit I have a warm spot in my heart for Roy Clark too.
24 Mark Mannion // Jul 15, 2008 at 5:18 am
Rory Gallagher has to be in aty least the top 5 there and thats not just my opinion.alot of people dont know him because he didnt care for fame.he just wanted to play the guitar.a reported once asked jimi hendrix “what it felt like to be the best blues guitar player in the world.he replied ” i dunno.ask rory gallagher”
25 Randy Wright // Jul 15, 2008 at 10:21 am
Frank Marino? Jake Cinninger? Jimmy Herring? Michael Houser? Kenny Wayne Shepherd? Brendan Bayliss? Bill Nelson? Doyle Bramhall II? Steve Kimock? Alex Lifeson? Robin Trower? Joe Bonamassa? Rory Gallagher? Alvin Lee? Michael Shenker? Walter Trout? Billy Gibbons? I could go on and on. Your list is weak, to say the least!
26 Jeff // Jul 15, 2008 at 10:55 am
Yes indeed Rolling Stone’s List is definitely a little crazy.
And maaan do I love me some Jimmy Herring!
27 ed // Jul 15, 2008 at 3:04 pm
no #1s just different flavors for different taste buds
28 Dsmith // Jul 17, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Duane Allman is probably one of the best ever. He deserves a top 5 at the very least
29 AR // Jul 22, 2008 at 2:36 am
Eddie Van Halen at no. 70, no Steve Vai and No Joe satriani apart from being rock guitar legends in their own right - these guys were resonsible for more people picking up guitars in the 80s and 90s than all others put together.
30 Jason // Jul 23, 2008 at 11:02 pm
This is my top five:
1. Jimi Hendrix
2. Eric Clapton
3. Johnny Winter
4. Duane Allman
5. Warren Haynes
Sorry, but I love the blues. Johnny Winter was #74 on Rolling Stones list?! I guess the fact that Johnny Winter filled in with Hendrix’s band for a memorial concert after he died doesn’t earn but a #74 is very sad.
31 Darran // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:52 pm
My top five are =
1.Duane Allman
2.Warren Haynes
3.Michael Houser
4.Jerry Garcia
5.Scott WINO Weinrich
32 Leon Holston // Aug 3, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Why does your list not include the great Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Earl Klugh, and Stanly Jordan. These are some of the greatest and most influencial players of all time, and would play circles around over half the names on your list.
33 jpohan // Aug 11, 2008 at 2:28 am
Rory Gallagher seems like ignoring all the fames behind as he just plays and tours. He wasn’t on a RS’s 100 greatests, but he should, really.
34 ADAM // Aug 14, 2008 at 2:45 am
WHERE THE HELL IS
DIMEBAG DARELL
IN YOUR LIST
DIMEBAG DARELL
35 ADAM // Aug 14, 2008 at 2:47 am
1. dimebag darell
2. jimmy paige
3. eddie van halen
4. toni iommi
5. kirk hammet
36 adam // Aug 15, 2008 at 2:03 am
Wow i cant believe this, i believe that guitar players should be judged on influence and skill i think that people like angus young and slash should be towards the top one because angus and acdc are still going strong and have been for 30 plus years slash will always be one of the best because of his talent. I have been learning guitar for about two years now and i can play almost any rock song but slash and angus young’s solos are some of the hardest i have tried to play because they are so fast and the timing is so difficult you have to be pretty advanced at the guitar to play them exact and i dont recall seeing slash on this list at all which is pretty amazing to me i cant belive that he isnt even mentioned on this list at all
37 Jeff // Aug 15, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Yeah Slash should definitely be on this list. You should take it up with Rolling Stone Magazine! We will have our own top list sometime in the future, so be on the look out for that! Thanks for the feedback!
38 Jon // Aug 20, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Some people need to open there eyes more and see how instrumental hardcore bands can be. For example, look at the lead guitarist for Killswitch engage, Parkway Drive, August Burns Red, etc.
39 allen // Sep 2, 2008 at 12:52 am
HERE IS MY TOP FIVE
1.SLASH OF GUNS N ROSES
2.GEORGE HARRISON OF BEATLES
3.JIMI HENDRIX
4.BRIAN MAY OF QUEEN
5.DUFF MCKAGAN OF GUNS N ROSES
40 John "Flagg" Francese // Sep 6, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Well, here’s my 2 cents on the matter,they were like Gods when I started playing!
1. Ritchie Blackmore
2. Jeff Beck
3.Leslie West
4.Tommy Bolin
5. Jim McCarthy (Cactus,Mitch Rider,Buddy Miles)
41 Paul Lowe // Sep 19, 2008 at 9:54 am
Here is my top 20
1.Andy Timmons
2.Steve Lukather
3.Tommy Emmanuel
4.Kee Marcello
5.Gary Moore
6.Joe Satriani
7.Steve Vai
8.Jason Becker
9.Michel Cusson
10.Brent Mason
11.Justin King
12.Shawn Lane
13.Eddie Van Halen
14.Eric Johnson
15.Albert Lee
16.Steve Morse
17.Yngwie Malmsteen
18.John Williams
19.Phil Keaggy
20.David Gilmour
42 Andy // Sep 23, 2008 at 12:53 pm
my favorite 20
Jimmy Page
Jimi Hendrix
John Frusciante
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Yngwie Malmsteen
Eric Clapton
Eddie Van Halen
Dimebag Darell
Kirk Hammet
BucketHead
Joe Satriani
Alexi Laiho
Jack White
Steve Vai
Toni Iommi
Buddy Guy
Randy Rhoads
Slash
Robert Johnson
Kurt Cobain
43 Jeff // Sep 25, 2008 at 10:00 am
I think Kirk Hammet, Jimmy Page, Dimebag darell, van halen and dave mustain are the masters but heres my list on 1-20
1.Kirk Hammet of Metallica
2.Dimebag Darell of Pantera
3.Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin
4.Eddie Van Halen
5.Dave Mustain of Megadeth
6.Herman Li of Dragon Force
7.Jimi Hendix
8.Stevie Ray Vaughn
9.Slash of Guns n Roses and Velvet Revolver
10.Duane Allman of Allman Brothers
11.Angus Young of ACDC
12.Randy Rhoads of Quiet Riot and OZZY
13.Kurt Cobain of Nirvana
14.Jack White of White Stripes
15.Tom Morello of Rage and Audioslave
16.Eric Clapton
17.Eric Johnson
18.Zack Wyllde of Black Label Society
19.John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers
20.Brian May of Queen
44 Brickman550 // Oct 2, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Rory Gallagher isn’t even on the list?
http://www.last.fm/music/Rory+Gallagher
45 Matt // Oct 8, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Impossible to have a be all and end all list. Some of my faves in no particular order are:
Bill Nelson of Be Bop Deluxe
Andrew Latimer of Camel
Hendrix
Clapton
RICHARD THOMPSON!!!!!
Skunk Baxter
Pye Hastings of Caravan
Steve Hillage, mostly from his Gong days - the playing on “You” is amazing!
Peter Frampton
46 jake // Oct 9, 2008 at 4:34 am
what the? where’s joesat? steve vai? eric johnson? malmsteen? paul gilbert? hell, even john petrucci? and eddie van halen being that low? come on! eddie single handedly sent hair bands scurrying back home after erruption. and kurt cobain? are you serious. i love kurt cobain and all, but the guy is no guitar player. 13 year olds can do what he did. even better.
47 Robert Eldridge // Nov 6, 2008 at 2:34 am
No Michael Hedges…..what are you smoking?
48 rationem reddere // Nov 19, 2008 at 1:06 am
Kim Thayil. Could we start paying more attention to him? In Literature we began to pay proper attention to Mallarme only recently. However today it is assumed that he had influenced all the great writers since. So its wonderful that Stone has found Kim Thayil and Jimi Hendrix at both ends. Thats makes this list quite interesting. Kim Thayil was the guitar guru of the entire grunge scene, he produced those sounds and tones. Kim Thayil influenced Morello. Kim Thayil influenced Kirk Hammet. Kirk said that a couple of months back in RS. Kirk, you dont have to say it. We can hear that all the time since the Black (which he admitted) and more so in Load. But lets love Kirk for that. We can hear Kim Thayil better when Kirk plays. Kim Thayil was in a band where he was totally smothered and progressivley reduced to a guitar stand by you know who ego maniac pseudo dionysus. Its terrible when you listen to those records; it had been engineered to scatter the guitar sound and when Kim Thayil plays the lead that guy had to howl. It takes an excellent system to be able to hear him play in those records. But its cruel and unjust when the world doesnt get to hear more from such an unsung guitar hero. Kim Thayil has not been making more sounds for us to discover him posthumously. He is like Nietzsche, “born posthumously” and created “the untimely”
49 JARED // Nov 24, 2008 at 4:24 pm
the rolling stone list is way off, kurt cobain that is a joke, in terms of playin guitar, Mark knoplfer should be higher than 27 the guy is incredible in many forms of music, some great rock riffs and sultans of swing,
top 10
Jimmy hendrix
Eric clapton
jimmy page
eddie van halen
Mark knopfler
Brian may
ritchie blackmore
angus young
Joe satriani
Steve Vai
50 Will // Nov 25, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Dave Gilmour at 82?
NO SLASH??
WTF is Rolling Stone on?
Heres my top 10:
Jimi Hendrix
Jimmy Page
Dave Gilmour
Clapton
Richie Blackmore
Jeff Beck
Pete Townshend
Santana
Allen Collins - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Slash
51 Justin // Nov 26, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Well I’d say for me personally:
Jimi Hendrix
Zakk Wylde
Dimebag Darell
Alexi Laiho
Yngwie Malmsteen
Marty Friedman
Jason Becker
Slash
Buckethead
Eddie Van Halen
52 Shanda // Dec 9, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Joni Mitchell makes the list but John Hiatt doesn’t…? Gimme a break! Richard Thompson should be in the top 10. He may not be mainstream, but he could play circles around Jerry Garcia.
53 Ron // Dec 18, 2008 at 1:57 pm
how can you put David Gilmour at 82 after being voted best guitar solo of all time
“comfortably numb”
its all a joke
54 Colin // Dec 24, 2008 at 10:25 pm
dude, garcia should be further up there personally. He ripped it and ripped it for DECADES
55 Ryan4 // Dec 26, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Where do they get off at? putting the Great Eddie Van Halen at 70?!?!? Jimmy Page must be one of the most addored guitarist of all time, he played wit a fricken violin bow!
1) Jimmy Page
2) Eddie Van Halen
3) Jimmy Hendrix
4) Dimebag Darrel
5) Sanntana
56 Jeff // Dec 30, 2008 at 10:26 am
Yeah garcia definitely was one hell of a guitar player that had endless amounts of creativity.
57 mikegotcha // Jan 3, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I always find in humorous when it comes to the best of all time guitar players and Andre Segovia was never mentioned and he by far was the best. Classical but phenomenal. When it comes to less serious music… country, Danny Gatton. Rock… Hendrix was amazing and so influential. Fusion, without John Mcglaughlin there would be no techno players. Jazz, 2 words. Wes and Geroge. Pop, les and Chet. Blues, u pick. I spent 20 years as a session and stage player and met and played with some in the top 100 list. It’s impossible to rate the different styles. Every great player does something better than another great player. Nobody can play all genres great.
58 Pedro de la rosa // Jan 4, 2009 at 12:58 am
There is no way that clapton kirt hammer kurt kobain and not even jimmy page are better than santana he should be at least on the top 5
59 mikegotcha // Jan 4, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I don’t understand why rock players are even on the list. Santana, page I can play rings around these guys and I’m not a great player. A very good player but Kurt Cobain? Gees.. Ever heard of Joe Pass, Tal Farlow? A former student of mine Carmen Grillo plays better than most of the top hundred on the list.
60 Jeff // Jan 4, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Good point Mike. I think this list is going for a more influential guitar player list and not necessarily who is the absolute best
61 thrashbeast // Jan 4, 2009 at 11:46 pm
1. Jeff Loomis - Nevermore
2. Chuck Schuldiner - Death
3. John Petrucci - Dream Theater
4. Kerry King - Slayer
5. Rusty Cooley - Outworld
62 Bozo // Jan 5, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8b_Uus3A7g and tell me why Steve Goodman is not on this list.
63 bobo // Jan 8, 2009 at 4:10 pm
this is my top ten:
1.Jimmy page
2.jimi hendrix
3.david gilmoure
4.eric clapton
5.slash
6.dave murray
7.kirk hammet
8.tom merrelo
9.angus young
10.kurt kobain
64 Kim K Walle // Jan 9, 2009 at 1:26 am
this is insane! i read through these comments and still did not see: neal schon, kerry livgren, tom scholz, rik emmett, buck dharma, rick medlocke, vandenberg, (endless); however, was glad to see someone mentioned: robin trower, billy gibbons, and totally shocked alex lifeson was not on the list??? truely a “GREAT” and still goin at it! rock on lerxt!!! (who are you people?)
65 Jimbo Devo // Jan 9, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I had to go half way down the blog to find someone who recognizes Bruce Cockburn as one of the best. The guys a flippin’ wizard on the guitar.
66 Jeff // Jan 9, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Bozo- Thanks for the clip. Steve is a great player and his style is one that often goes overlooked. It’s a shame because playing like that is pretty hard to make it sound good.
If everyone could post a link (youtube or audio link) on their comments to their favorite players when they post, it would be awesome so that we can all see what you are talking about in case we don’t know who they are already.
Thanks!
67 frank // Jan 10, 2009 at 2:33 am
Ever hear of Andy LaRocque? Plays for King Diamond. That list is full of crap. Cobain at 13? He could barely stand on stage nevermind being better than Angus Young. How bout Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar/Grady? when it comes down to it…..it is all ones perspective.
68 Irish Kev // Jan 10, 2009 at 3:18 pm
All you guys need to relax and listen to some Rory Gallagher. The fact that he is not on any of the above lists begs the question ‘Do any of you guys know fuck all about guitar’?
69 ibkiwi // Jan 10, 2009 at 4:46 pm
In no particula order
-kirk hammet
-slash
-eddie van halen
-eric clapton
-Joe satriani
-Michael Angelo batio
-Dime bag
-Jimmy Page
I could prob think of a few more, but there definly up there.
70 Paul Lowe // Jan 11, 2009 at 7:14 pm
After watching numerous videos of Monte Montgomery,…I believe he should be in the top 5 of all time!!!
71 mike // Jan 12, 2009 at 9:44 pm
This my last post. I promise. I suggest guitar players study history. I met Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, worked with Jerry Miller, oh yeah got drunk with him too lot in Santa Cruz. Buddy Miles Billy Cobam..Luther Tucker, and have met Segovia, ..I never told him I was learning electric guitar. Julian Bream, Issac Stern..Howard Roberts.. Freddy Hubbard.. Rip. On and on. I was fortunate to have a Dad that was musical director of Monterey peninsula College and Hartnell and met the Romeros etc. I met and picked the brains of the best that ever lived. Not just guitarists. But when u really meet greatness… U know what it is. There is no doubt heifetz is the best Violinest that ever lived. Indisputable. Guitars.. different story. Give Page a gut string guitar and lose the digital effects and u have an average guitar player. I don’t demean anyone that has a favorite but just listen to the masters.. They are the ones that define great and Santana or Joan jett or keith Richards is a blight to the greatness of these people. Have you ever sat down with Clint Strong and played? i didn’t think so. I bid u all adue and keep practicing. Here’s one for u. I had 8 tickets for geroge Benson at Maragitas bar in Santa Cruz in 75.. The venue held 60 seats. I had met Roy Buchanan, Al Demeola, Chick Corea there.. Small club. They canceled due to lack of interest.cause they only sold 30 tickets.. That’s injustice.
72 Paul Lowe // Jan 13, 2009 at 6:44 am
I know Jeff is a big fan of Monte Montgomery,…All you guitar players out there please do yourself a favor and watch this video closely and tell me what you think!…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31QQ1gNpAaY
73 Paul Lowe // Jan 13, 2009 at 7:07 am
I believe Tommy Emmanuel deserves a spot in the greatest of all time and here is a video for you all to enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSISRyo8HE4
74 Jeff // Jan 13, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Monte rocks thanks Paul for the video links of these awesome players!
Ps. about your New guitar instrumental tracks, send an email to feature(at)guitarplayerzen.com with them attached and some info about it
75 Cody M // Jan 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm
WOW Rolling Stone does not know guitarists…I am SIXTEEN and i could come up with a better top 5… which I will
1. Jimi Hendrix… overrated by many but still the best
2. Clapton…this list is hard
3. Kirk Hammett… blows my mind
4. DimeBag Darrell…im crying right now
5. Eddie Van Halen….
this is a hard list to create… there should be many ties but in the end there are a lot of unrecognized and amazing guitarist around…. and honorable mentions go to Zakk Wilde and Joe Satriani
76 hornsfan5 // Jan 14, 2009 at 7:36 pm
how is van halen 70?! I guess rolling stone never heard eruption! A whole song of just him owning the guitar! Van halen is at least top 5 if not the best! I mean come on!
77 hornsfan5 // Jan 14, 2009 at 7:39 pm
and where is slash?! That guy is an amazing guitarist and he’s not even on the list!
78 hornsfan5 // Jan 14, 2009 at 7:40 pm
i do agree with clapton, page, and SRV though
79 mike // Jan 15, 2009 at 11:49 am
Rockers are the worst players.. by far.. I played country, classical, jazz, RnB… rockers were the weakest players. It’s all about promotion gimmics”powerchords” and lack of talent. Just listen to the Ramones. I rest my case. Ok hate me.. I will never visit this site again.
80 this guy // Jan 15, 2009 at 4:50 pm
kenny’s right, kurt cobain would not be considered one of the the “best” guitarists of all time becuase most of his songs are considered beginner songs, but he was very influencial with his raw sound
81 kevin // Jan 15, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Your list is very bluesy… just the way I like it. Clapton, SRV and B.B. are my favourites
82 Scott // Jan 15, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Kurt Cobain above George Harrison? No thanks.
Fail.
83 Peyton // Jan 15, 2009 at 7:55 pm
This Is extremely hard to make a list about the greatest guitarists But since I am a metal fan im going with 1. Mick Thompson/Jim root becuase of there amazing elevater music (up and down on the fret board) 2. Jimi Hendrix (little bit overated but he is still very very good. 3. Dimebag Darrall ( amazing mix of blues, rock, metal, and simplicity 4. Herman Li from dragonforce (studio band but amazing solos and licks kinda blends together) 5. Randy Rhoads (live in are youtubes and tvs forever. Everyone deserves a chance to be in the top list stevie ray vah no. 6 because amazing solos every song plus guys from metallica
84 mike // Jan 22, 2009 at 6:26 am
Do any of u players know anything? Peter Green was 2x the player of Clapton or Beck or Mick Taylor or “sloppy Jimmy Page” None of u guys know shit. Jimi Hendrix was the best rnr player in the world till he died. If not for drugs. The guy would be as good as shit, who Knows? Eddie Van Halen or Stevie Ray . wouldn’t make a pimple on his butt. Rock and Roll is 1st grade crap. U people need to educate yourselves on greatness. Most of u can’t even read music or know the circle of 5ths, the difference between a G9 chord.. or a G major 9 chord ar a G9 to a bm7 flat 5. By the way, I played, jammed with Jerry Garcia Tom Fogerty in Santa Cruz in 73. TWon and Country Lodge.. i was 20.. I was way better than both. They were so stoned they couldn’t even play in tune. I liked them both. Merle Saunders was a cool dude. How may big talents have u played with? I can play 3 mins of jazz improveisation and u would be lost. Educate yourselves people. Anyone that would put Slash on the 100 of all time.. Makes me sick. Alice Cooper is a great singer too. If u want to be good 6 hrs a day practice.. Great.. U have to have the talent and 8 hrs every day. Somehow I don’t believe most of u practice that much.
85 Steve // Jan 25, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Rolling Stone, and virtually everyone on this site, has a sense of history that gets thiiner the further back you go, which isn’t very far. In the November, 1968 issue of Rolling Stone, they annointed Lonnie Mack “without equal as a rock guitarist”. Note, this was when both Cream (Clapton) and Jimi Hendrix were riding the top of their respective waves. 11 months later, they compared his playing to “the best of Clapton”.
They were right then, and if they said it now, they’d be right again. They just have a very, very short memory or anything that’s not constantly in their face to remind them.
86 Steve // Jan 25, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Rolling Stone, and virtually everyone on this site, has a sense of history that gets thinner the further back you go, which isn’t very far. In the November, 1968 issue of Rolling Stone, they annointed Lonnie Mack “without equal as a rock guitarist”. Note, this was when both Cream (Clapton) and Jimi Hendrix were riding the top of their respective waves. 11 months later, they compared his playing to “the best of Clapton”.
They were right then, and if they said it now, they’d be right again. They just have a very, very short memory of anything that’s not constantly in their face.
87 Bob // Feb 1, 2009 at 12:59 pm
How is Tom Morello only 26? He should definitely be in the top 10
88 Finbar // Feb 10, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Music is like food. It’s all about taste. Is a burger better than a steak? Is a orange better than an apple?
There is no way to claim one is better than another.
If someone loves oranges and the other loves apples, can one of them be more right than the other?
Do you eat the same meal all through the day? Is a bowl of oatmeal better in the morning, noon, or at midnight?
We now know that music has different uses at different times for different moods.
These types of lists are great for stirring up fun arguments, but really mean absolutely nothing.
Another thing to think about is technical virtuosity. Is playing “fast” really always better? Or, is someone who plays more musically better? Does the guitar part fit the music, or is it just a means for a player to stroke his ego?
What about the ability to play in various styles? Most of the players on the “list” have made themselves into cliches by playing the same style for their entire careers. This does not make someone great, or does it?
Many of the rock gods on the list were colorful characters that we grew up with and worshipped for their style and rebelliousness, but are they really that good? I recently saw a video of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones playing acoustically live from the Song Remains the Same era. I couldn’t believe how sloppy and out-of-time it was. If they were playing that way today, I don’t think they would be getting much respect.
I think that when making lists they should be more specific to provide actual points of contention that people can enjoy arguing about and have specifics to back up their point.
ps. Jerry Garcia is by far the most versatile player on the list. He played pure forms and combined styles as diverse as;
blues
rock
jazz
bluegrass
old-time
sea shanties
world
psychedelic
american folk
english/irish folk
motown
space jam improvizations
89 Jeff // Feb 10, 2009 at 4:07 pm
mmmmm burger
90 Ralph // Feb 15, 2009 at 11:58 am
duude no friggen compitition….
1.Eddie Van Halen
2.Jimmy page
3.Jimi Hendrix
4.Zakk wylde
5.Kurt cobain
91 Paul // Feb 18, 2009 at 12:25 pm
there isn’t one mention of Synyster Gates on this??? Why??? He is amazing
obviously its my opinion but he should definately be in that list
mines goes
1) Dimebag Darrell
2) Jimi Hendrix
3) Synyster Gates
4) Kurt Cobain
5) Joe Satriani
92 nate // Feb 20, 2009 at 1:36 am
more like 100 most marketable guitarists.
My top 5 BEST guitarists
1. Shawn Lane
2. Joe Satriani
3. Steve Morse
4. Paco de Lucia
5. John Petrucci
93 marc // Feb 24, 2009 at 5:13 pm
My top 10 in no particular order would be-
1-Jimmy Page
2-Rik Emmett
3-Steve Morse
4- Angus Young
5- Hendrix
6- Randy Rhoads
7- Van Halen
8- Stevie Ray Vaughn
9- Steve Howe
10- Carlos Santana
I’ve seen them all play except Hendrix. The one who stands out in my mind as shockingly impressive was Rik Emmett of Triumph back in 82. Saw him solo in November and he was still a fantastic singer and guitarist.
94 hillbilly // Mar 7, 2009 at 10:25 am
whats wrong no glenn tipton
95 Cole // Mar 9, 2009 at 12:55 pm
1) Alexi Laiho
2) Dimebag Darrell
3) Jimi Hendrix
4) Jimmy Page
5) Stevie Ray Vaughn
96 Paul Lowe // Mar 11, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I can`t believe I don`t have this guy in my top 20 listed because he is ridiculously good on the guitar!!!…Here is the link!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J503OvHWKko
97 deadtrash // Mar 13, 2009 at 10:18 am
a list of best guitarrist ..without DAVE MUSTAINE has no respect
put kirk in 11º and dave mustaine no appear?
this list is for newbies
98 Wudy // Apr 9, 2009 at 11:13 am
No Michael Wilton ?
99 TANK // Apr 11, 2009 at 10:58 am
Where the hell is neil schon of journey?? I mean anyone who can incorperate a classical riff in anysong let alone a GOOD one… Sure it’s an opinion but you try taking a classical riff and get such a famous song..
1. Jimi Hendrix
2.Randy Rhodes- Quiet Riot & Ozzy
3.Neil Schon - Journey
4.Joe Walsh - The Eagles
5.Jeff Beck
P.S mike
If it wasent for the drugs, Hendrix would never have thought that he should play backwards on the fretboard, the complete opposite of everyone else… Besides he drowned in his vomit because he was drunk not high
100 Joe // Apr 11, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Hey mike.. Sounds like your full of shit.. Yupp I kno the circle of 5ths , I’m 16… So until I can play with a couple of famous people ( which ) I plan on doing before I’m 20 I can’t really say all these people suck, cuz well they don’t … Besides Jerry Garcia.. Please high or not he’s probly better then you because, well because your bragging… It’s like walking into a guitar center all those guys that play on 11 suck, and that guy in the corner playing so only he can hear is amazing… + if u were better then Garcia why aren’t you makeing millions , but instead your writing on a website because you don’t agree with it
101 dom // Apr 13, 2009 at 12:34 pm
hey mike u do sound like ur full of dog shit…… if i had to pick my top 5 guitarists would be
1 wayne kramer ….. mc5
2 george therogood…. the destroyers
3 steve jones….. sex pistols
4 mick jones…… the clash
5 johhny thunders…. the new york dolls amd the heartbkeakers
102 inFamous.psyho // Apr 22, 2009 at 7:30 am
1. Slash
2. Jimi Hedndrix
3. Andy McKee
4. Kurt Cobain
5. Agnus Young
6. Jimi Page
7. John Frusciante
8. Kirk Hammett
9. Billy Joel (Green Day)
103 top 5 world guitarists 2009 // Apr 22, 2009 at 7:34 am
1. Nemanja Cvetkovic
2. Marko Milosavljevic
3. Lazar Savkovic
4. Marko Ognjanovic
5. Nikola Jeftic
104 Tom // Apr 22, 2009 at 8:27 pm
1) Ihsahn
2) Karl Sanders
3) Nergal
4) Samoth
5) Dallas Toler-Wade
105 Pranav // Apr 23, 2009 at 1:41 pm
randy rhoads is the no 1
106 Pep // Apr 24, 2009 at 10:53 am
And what about Mick Taylor !!!!EX -John Mayall bluesbreakers and the Rolling Stones.I think he should be in the Top 10 .
107 jimhalpert // May 3, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Jus checked out rolling stones top 100 guitarists of all time. And overall the list looked ok besides placement of a few. But 2 major names left out. Zakk Wylde and Joe Satriani. I mean for gods sake. Everyone has Kirk Hammett at or near the top but the guy who taught him how to play and quite frankly has more innovative and entertaining riffs gets no love?
108 rattlehead // May 12, 2009 at 10:02 pm
this is my list
109 rattlehead // May 12, 2009 at 10:05 pm
1) Jimi Hendrix
Marty Friedman
2) Joe Satriani
3) Eric Johnson
4) Steve Vai
5) Dimebag Darrel
6) Rhandy Rhoads
7) Kirk Hammet
9) Dave Mustaine
10) Zakk Wlyde
110 rattlehead // May 12, 2009 at 10:12 pm
but don’t forget to:
1) Kai Hansen (Helloween/Gammaray)
2) Slash (GnR)
3) Sascha Gerstner (Helloween - new listing)
the melody an arranggement really kicking ass!!!!
111 Sam // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:35 pm
The top 10 non-metal (at least I don’t consider these guys to be metal players even though they basically invented metal) I didn’t rate the metal/gnat note guys because I’m not a metal fan so I’m not qualifed to rate them and they’re not in order because I can’t decide. Also, the list appears to be rock guitarists so nobody like Merle Travis, James Burton, Chet Atkins, George Benson, Wes Montgomery etc. And Mike, stick your bm7 flat 5 up your ass. I agree that country and jazz players can’t hide behind distortion and Johnny Ramone couldn’t stand on the same stage as George Benson, but you’re still a prick.
Hendrix
Clapton
Stevie Ray
Jeff Beck
Page
Eric Johnson
Van Halen
Gilmoure
Mark knopfler
Duane Allman
Ok so there’s 6 in the top 5.
112 Sam // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Whoever posted this, I think they meant guitar players that anyone in the world has actually heard of….
top 5 world guitarists 2009 // Apr 22, 2009 at 7:34 am
1. Nemanja Cvetkovic
2. Marko Milosavljevic
3. Lazar Savkovic
4. Marko Ognjanovic
5. Nikola Jeftic
113 Sam // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Do these guys have a band called the vic brothers?
top 5 world guitarists 2009 // Apr 22, 2009 at 7:34 am
1. Nemanja Cvetkovic
2. Marko Milosavljevic
3. Lazar Savkovic
4. Marko Ognjanovic
5. Nikola Jeftic
114 Sam // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:48 pm
top 5 world guitarists from Serbia/Slovakia/Poland or Russia? Dude nobody can tap like Cvetkovic!!
top 5 world guitarists 2009 // Apr 22, 2009 at 7:34 am
1. Nemanja Cvetkovic
2. Marko Milosavljevic
3. Lazar Savkovic
4. Marko Ognjanovic
5. Nikola Jeftic
115 Sam // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Robert Randolph? Not even a guitar player. How about Jerry Douglas?
If you include them, you have to include the best lute, ukelele, zylophone, banjo, sitar, cello etc too. Pianos have strings. Should we include Elton John on the list?
116 UPTHEIRONS666 // Jul 1, 2009 at 4:07 am
I dont know for the others, BUT HELL DAVE MURRAY AND ADRIAN SMITH SHOULD BE IN TOP 15!! AND JANICK GERS IN TOP 30 ATLEAST!
117 UPTHEIRONS666 // Jul 1, 2009 at 4:10 am
Watch and fucking learn! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOu8PPhdhMg
118 Blake // Jul 9, 2009 at 8:22 am
I guess since Brad Paisley is country he’s not worthy of being on this list?
I guarantee he’s better than 95% of the guys on that list. But since he’s country, no one knows that.
Just a couple listens to his songs and you’d recognize….
119 Tim Wagner // Jul 20, 2009 at 10:54 am
Every player out there has been influenced in one way or another by the greatest metal guitar player on the planet, the guitarists guitarist: Mr. Michael Schenker.
For once, we’d all like to see the guitarists in all the bands rate their most influential. Oh wait, they did!
see michaelschenkerhimself.com for results . .
120 Mel Botes // Jul 27, 2009 at 9:31 am
1. Myself
2. Dave Gilmour
3. Yngwie Malmsteen
4. Joe Satriani
5. Jimi Hendrix
121 Dirk // Jul 31, 2009 at 9:18 pm
How in the world they left Phill Keaggy off this list is beyond me. What a total joke. I know they don’t respect him because he is a Christian artist but come on. Joan Jett couldn’t even tune his guitar or Michael Hedges’ guitar either for that matter. Where is Michael? He and Phil are the 2 greatest acoustic players ever and they didn’t even make the list. lol They put in Tony Iommi, Kurt Cobain, Angus Young…it’s so hilarious. It’s laughable!!!! Absolutely absurd!!!!!!
122 Pr // Aug 2, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Michael Houser (Best pedal guitarist ever!). Michael Houser, Michael Houser,Michael Houser. Jimmy Herring !!!! Trey, Derek, Warren, Luther!
123 David // Aug 3, 2009 at 6:50 am
John Petrucci - Dream Theater
Phil Keaggy
Steve Hackett - Genesis
Roine Stolt - Flower Kings
Bill Nelson - BeBop Deluxe
Not necessarily my top 5 but all glaring omissions from any guitarists list. I guess talent does not always prevail.
Hendrix is clearly the most over rated.
I didn’t even know Neil Young played.
124 Dave M // Aug 11, 2009 at 5:30 pm
GARY MOORE, enough said
125 Carson L // Sep 18, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Favorite Guitarist:
1.Slash
2.Eddie Van Halen
3.Dimebag Derrell
4.Dave Murray
5.Kirk Hammett
6.Joe Perry
7.Jimmy Page
8.Mick Mars
9.Billy Gibbons
10.Izzy Stradlin
126 Room 335 // Oct 20, 2009 at 12:36 pm
This is a TRAVESTY!!!!, one name SUMS it ALL ,
LEE RITENOUR, y’all need to go back to square one.
From Classical, Latin, Rock, JAZZ, name it. Eric Clapton used to watch him @ The Baked Potato in Hollywood, CA.
GOOGLE “Captain FINGERS” & y’all know WHATTSUP!
127 Rafals // Jan 13, 2010 at 2:52 pm
1.Marty Friedman
2.Chuck Schuldiner
3.Jason Becker
4.John Petrucci
5.Dave Mustaine/Kirk Hammett
128 joe // Jan 18, 2010 at 10:25 am
where is nick jonas from the jonas brothers and josh farro from paramore? wtf
129 Dylan // Feb 6, 2010 at 1:55 am
Kurt Cobain and Sonic Youth as artists >>>>>>>> Heavy Metal.
J Mascis >>>> whatever corny metal god you masturbate to every night
130 bob // Feb 13, 2010 at 6:39 pm
where the fuck is synyster gates
131 bob // Feb 13, 2010 at 6:41 pm
whoever said nick jonas should be on this list is a raging homosexual
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