7 Greatest Rock Guitarists of All Time
I had a really tough time finalizing a Top 7 list, as there are so many great guitarists throughout the history of Rock. Anyway, here they are, in no particular order of skill or ability, but ranked somewhat by influence on Rock.
1. Jimi Hendrix – Undoubtedly the best now and forever. He gave the world the true meaning of being a rock guitarist. I consider him the most unique, original, and innovative guitar player. His solos were not very exceptional compared to some of today’s other guitarists, but they were definitely original. He must be regarded as the Creator, the inventor of today’s type of riffs and solos. I am speechless to describe him further.
2. Eric Clapton – A very exquisite guitar player. His riffs and solos are so expressive that you truly feel his emotions from his guitar. I would regard him as the best currently living legend in Rock. His compositions such as “Layla” or “Tears in Heaven” are so beautiful and emotional that its impossible to play these with as much feeling and expression as Mr. Clapton.
3. Jimmy Page – A complete Rockstar! The most versatile of the lot. He has given us such deep and soft riffs like “Stairway to Heaven” and harder riffs like “When the Levee Breaks” and “Kashmir.” His solos are also very impressive and he should be regarded as the beginning of the era of Hard Rock.
4. Stevie Ray Vaughan – He revived the Blues genre of the 1980’s. His songs were so inspiring and magical that we can’t omit him from any such rankings.
5. Steve Vai – The “Talking Guitarist” as I call him. He proved his skills and originality in various songs and live performances. He has always done different great things with his band and the tremolo has been his speciality.
6. Blackmore – “Smoke On The Water”, “Highway Star”, “Space Truckin” and many more! It’s hard to forget this guitarist. Blackmore was such an extremely talented guitar player that his riff in “Smoke On The Water” might be the best guitar riff in Rock history. And so does it truly deserve to be.
7. David Gilmour – What can I say about him! Such beautiful solos that you feel he wants to say something to you via his guitar. His solo in “Comfortably Numb” and also “Time” are perfect examples of what I am talking about. Definitely deserves a spot on the list.
Some Honourable Mentions: Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Brian May , Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Slash, BucketHead, Keith Richards, Eric Johnson And Kirk Hammett, yngwie malmsteen
Contributed by BeARockr
Clapton is WAY overrated and should not even be on the list.
In my opinion Buckethead, John Petrucci & Joe Satriani should be higher up. The Satch especially, he’s taught so many of the greats of guitar (Hammett, the guy from Primus). But Buckethead or Petrucci would be my favourite.
As for Eddie van Halen, sorry fellas, but he was great and fell off the creative wagon in my opinion.
Alvin Lee is a master.
Pete Townshend is way better than a lot of the honorables or suggestions too…and to the guy who suggested Angus Young-really? There is a reason he wears a schoolboy outift, it symbolizes his stagnant growth as a guitarist. Simple is okay, but it isn’t great…
Eddie Van Halen is probably not far from the all time best…and I’m not a big fan of Van Halen. Eddie’s skills are ridiculous.
Hendrix did. Van Halen did,and so did Page. Clapton merely happened to swept up in the evolution of rock guitar,and road it to the point of coming across as influential.
and where is Shawn Lane…?