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As soon as you decide to learn the guitar, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with all the great guitarists who have come before you.
Whether you’re a fan of classical, folk, rock, hard rock or funk music, each genre has its canon of great guitarists who have popularized it and propelled it forward. And, honestly, people are always willing to argue about who the best guitar player is.
Off the top of our heads, we can name Hendrix, Robert Johnson, Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Django Reinhardt, Slash, Jimmy Page, BB King and countless others.
But coming up with the list of the top 10 best guitarists on the planet is no small task, as the list is bound to vary according to everyone’s tastes and preferred music genre. Nonetheless, we’re confident that our top 10 list will be a good source of information for those who are looking to learn guitar.
It’s a debated subject for music fans who all have their own preferred musician or group for reasons that are extremely diverse and personal: for some, the technical skills of the guitarist are the deciding factor, and for others, it’s a question of emotion.
And for others still, it comes down to how much commercial success the guitarist in question has had. Some will want Joe Satriani, and others will want James Hetfield. Some will want Chet Atkins, others will want John Frusciante.
So basically we had many criteria to take into account as we ranked the most renowned guitarists. However, they can't all be in there.
How to Define the Greatest Guitarists?
Of course, as we say, it is a tricky game to play, this. Because how can you compare a genius fingerstyle acoustic player to a rock guitarist, or a jazz guitar genius to a rhythm guitar player who plays power chords but exceptionally?
Can you compare them? Is it even a worthwhile exercise comparing Malmsteen to ZZ Top or Aerosmith? It's like writing a list of greatest artists or greatest albums of all time - with entries spanning everything from grunge to the bluesy to punk rock and rock&roll - with criteria including songwriting and improvisation. These are very different skills and need to be considered as such. Just as they are very different skills in metal guitar, eighties jazz, and acoustic fingerpicking.
Firstly, What Makes Good Music In General?
Before we can attempt to define who a good guitar player is, we should first of all draw our attention to the science of music and the question, what actually makes good music? Why is it, for instance, that some sequences of chords are like music to our ears whereas others can only be described as noise?
If you think about it logically and objectively, musicians often go into the business because they know it means (or at least it can mean) money and popularity.
What's more, musicians will (or at least modern musicians have the opportunity to) learn about their niche area through metadata analysis and find out what makes the fans tick, so that they can pick up on this connection between music maker and listener. As such, how can you really be sure that the person playing the drums, strumming on the guitar or singing the song on your favourite album is actually feeling the music in the magical way we'd like to think they are?
Some will, of course, defend their favourite star to the death, and most players themselves will certainly confirm that they get transported by the music too. But as with any topic, we have to wonder about the science behind it and the fundamental reasons behind its being.
If it is not to make money, then why else do so many people love to make music? Is it to spread a message, tell a story, evoke feelings? Or is it purely selfish and just a means of releasing one's inner feelings via an outlet that they enjoy?
Let's face it, without people listening and responding to your music, there's not much point in you throwing all you have into that hobby or business. Furthermore, it is relatively hard to be a passionate musician and to work in a more reliably financial-rewarding job alongside it, so one of your primary goals as a musician is bound to be to crack the music business and start making millions.
Even if your favourite musician is predominantly driven by music and is committed to releasing material for their fans, they cannot possibly deny that are a number of incentives for them to do so. A journalist writing for The Economist online explains that songs are 'complex mixtures of features', so composers are always trying to find the right mix of ingredients to increase their chances of success. And everyone loves a success story!
You will certainly want to know how you can earn money by playing your guitar...
So, now, when you think of your favourite musician - are you still convinced that they are uber talented or is it actually you, the fan, and the data and algorithms you present, who leads them on the route to a chart-topping hit? Are they truly the person you thought they were or are they tricking you and just giving you what you want to hear?
If we are going to go down this path, we must also ask ourselves a range of other thought-provoking questions? Are non-musical people allowed a say in what is good or bad playing? Or is it that the listeners have the power to comment on the way musical equipment is played?
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So, What Makes Famous Guitarists?
With all of this in mind, how can we begin to rank musicians like guitarists and pick out the best amongst so many diverse artists?
The overriding consensus is that a very good guitarist is before all else a musician who plays music uniquely; this is different from assessing a top athlete (even though there are similarities between the two, in terms of preparation and training) whose worth depends on technical feats and on meeting or exceeding previously set out expectations.
Our choice for the top 10 best guitarists is based on the musicality of the guitarist, that is to say on the art of arranging sounds in the right order, at the right moment and length, in order to express an emotion or idea.
To be considered an excellent musician, one must be able to create emotion and energy from one’s music and give the listener chills. The great guitarists, in turn, inspire guitar instructors who give guitar lessons.
And who wouldn’t dream of having a guitar lesson by the great Jimi Hendrix?
With all of the guitarists gracing our list having been connected to the world of music for several years if not decades, we are quite confident that these successful musicians are in fact deeply rooted to the music, in spite of their obvious fame. Even if you are doing a job simply to please people and to make money, it can be hard to keep up the pretense for thirty odd years, with cameras following you around 24/7!
This is yet another reason why we think these are the best guitarists in the world. Not only are they attuned to producing art that their fans love, but they have also touched audiences with their personalities, characters or stage personas, which have clearly helped to propel their music forward.
Who are Some of the Greatest Guitar Players?
We've surveyed about one century of music history to come up with this list of the top 10 best guitarists that the world has produced up until now.
Remember that these rankings are subjective => So leave behind your preconceived ideas on the guitar before reading this article!
Jimi Hendrix
Whether you’re after emotion or technique, Jimi Hendrix is considered the uncontested master of the guitar today.
Self-taught genius, experimenter, incredible soloist and melodist, he pretty much invented and reinvented the world of rock and blues, still inspiring both big names and beginner guitarists today, all of whom will have covered “Voodoo Child” at one time or another.
He also opened the doors for left-handed guitar players by showing them that they too can master a musical instrument and make something unforgettable from it. In the same way that a “southpaw” boxer like Manny Pacquiao achieved unbelievable things in the ring, the gifted left-handed guitarist Jimi Hendrix pushed guitar playing to its highest level.
What made him truly special was that, unlike other guitarists of his time who stuck to one style of playing, Jimi combined styles and used strumming alongside licks and other additions to create a fuller and more organic sound. Amazingly, he also used his thumb to do do a moving baseline whilst he was playing chords - he wanted to do what no other guitarists were doing, or were able to do, and he succeeded. The way he dressed his chords with so many different sounds and rhythms just shows how naturally talented a guitarist Jimi Hendrix was. His guitar was like an extension of his body, a part of his left hand that had no boundaries.
For those lefties who are still unsure how to play the guitar, we invite you to observe the master in action by checking out some online guitar lessons and videos.
He was a part of the iconic Club27 group of musicians who all died at the age of 27, including Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Brian Jones.
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Eric Clapton
Modestly known as “God” by fans, Eric Clapton is one of the most famous rock and blues guitarists still actively playing for almost 50 years today.
This Brit rocker pushed the boundaries of rock and blues.
He’s a great soloist and iconic melodist who quite simply knows how to play everything.
Also nicknamed “Slow Hand,” Clapton handles the fretboard with virtuosity.
Big titles like “Cocaine” or “I Shot the Sheriff” brought him the global success that secured him a definite place in the canon of guitar-heroes.
His talent is expressed in solos (we are thinking of the MTV album “Unplugged”) as well as through heartfelt collaborations with artists such as Phil Collins or Mick Jones and gigs in groups like The Yardbirds and The Cream.
He is also the idol of countless students who take guitar instruction.
One of the most evident talents of Eric Clapton as a guitarist is his fluidity. A singer and a guitarist, the star hears the songs he plays from both perspectives but weaves them together so smoothly to make them one. This is one artist who really has a fire in his belly and can turn up the heat as and when he wishes.
Now in his seventies, Clapton is still performing on stage and is showing little sign of slowing down or not reaching the benchmark he set out for himself during his early solo career along with his stint in the band Cream.
Whether performing alone or with a group, everyone agrees that is it the guitar that takes centre-stage. He manages to create this extraordinary, yet controlled sound which cleverly includes distortion, finger vibrato and spontaneous chord playing which all come together to create magic.
The fact that his guitar playing is as relevant today and is still loved by generations (even those who weren't even born at the height of his success!) is proof that Eric Clapton is a guitar hero in many people's eyes. Who can forget him singing, with just his string guitar, about his late son in 'If I Saw You In Heaven'. The overwhelming emotion is enough to send shivers down your spine.
Discover some of Slowhand's sexy songs for the guitar, like Layla or Wonderful Tonight!
Jimmy Page
One of the founding and leading members of Led Zeppelin is naturally third on our list of the top 10 best guitarists on the planet.
Known as “The Wizard,” Page is a guitarist like no other, playing with a violin bow on his famous Gibson, alternating blues and rock with joy and passion.
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He wrote several music pieces with Robert Plant that have entered rock mythology such as “Stairway to Heaven” (what guitarist has not tempted at least once to play the famous intro or final solo?), “Black Dog,” “Whole Lotta Love” and “Since I’ve been Lovin’ you.”
The music that Jimmy Page made was able to transport you so that you got lost in what he was playing. His solos were show-stopping and so innovative when it came to guitar-playing technique at the time. He set himself the challenge of breaking the preconceptions of what a guitar can do, so his style evolved over time. But he was always one of the greats, even when experimenting!
A canonical guitarist.
Robert Johnson
In less than 29 songs, this blues guitar genius has had a major impact on this musical genre as well as rock guitar.
The legend has said that he would have sold his soul to the devil himself to obtain guitar-playing talent: many blues players mocked his guitar playing incompetence.
His death was equally mysterious, further heightening the legend surrounding this atypical man. But one thing is clear, even though there remains little written by him, the young Robert Johnson aka “The Genius” revolutionized the world of blues and earned worldwide recognition.
Chuck Berry
He is one of the pioneers of rock’n’roll.
At once a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, he has been a veritable source of inspiration for other iconic artists like Elvis “The King” Presley.
He revolutionized music by combining two different guitar styles who were begging to be played together, blues and country. It was through this courage and confidence that Berry was able to convey his slick attitude that made everyone stop and listen.
Sadly, however, even though his lyrics and performances were positively received, the artist himself did not have as positive a reception. He was said to be quite hard to get along with... but that didn't stop his band swinging along. A sign of complete trust in what they were achieving together.
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And thus rock was born – all you need to do to is listen to his famous song “Johnny B. Goode.”
He is the pioneer of music as we know it today and as such, he absolutely earns his place in our top 10 best guitarists on the planet.
Carlos Santana
World music precursor, the Mexican-born Santana has inspired numerous artists around the world.
Named "The Pope" of rock with Latino vibes, he’s a genius guitarist who discovered the magic formula by skillfully merging rock, blues, samba, and percussions, along with other guitar styles.
An expert in making guitar strings ring, he’s a performer who mastered his art while always experimenting. Indeed, instead of playing the same old songs, Santana prefers to collaborate with other artists to enrich and rethink his music.
His success is also due to the messages he communicates through his guitar songs with notions of peace, compassion, understanding, and joy.
Listen to “Europa” or “Smooth” and you will recognize his typical lyrical playing, and its characteristic warm and saturated sound.
With his exceptional talent, it seems that everyone wants to collaborate with Santana. What's more, when he does join hands with another artist, it seems that his raw and authentic sound always shines through, taking the limelight. That is not to say that his tracks aren't all different and uniquely great in their own way! There are so many manipulations that he has found and continues to find with the Latin rhythm. People say that the Grammy-winning guitarist can be identified with just one single note - now that's an achievement!
For all of the playing styles Santana incorporates into his music, his unique guitar sound is immediately recognizable.
Muddy Waters
His presence among the top 10 best guitarists in the world may come as a surprise but he who is named “The Lord of the Blues” is an unparalleled guitarist who popularized the bottleneck technique.
His complete mastery of this accessory and his blues virtuosity allowed him to write the great blues titles that are considered classics today like “Hoochie Coochie Man” or “Rollin Stone.”
He’s often considered one of the great blues guitarists of all time along with Willie Dixon, Johnny Lee Hooker or BB King.
BB King
BB (for Blues Boys) King is the master of New Orleans blues. He’s a true legend of guitar history!
Although certainly less technical than Stevie Ray Vaughan, he wrote numerous classics of the genre (“Sweet Little Angel,” “Sweet sixteen”), rounding out his songs with a rich voice full of emotions and his characteristic vibrato.
Thanks to his inimitable touch that gives real personality to the guitar, BB King has influenced the guitar biggies like Clapton and Hendrix.
Working from one sole note, he is capable of telling a story that touches the deepest depths of the human soul.
Keith Richards
One of the leading members of the famous The Rolling Stones along with Mick Jagger, he is still one of the most talented rock guitarists today.
Known for being a seducer guitarist!
Called The Human Riff, he’s appreciated less for his virtuosity than for his extreme simplicity.
For him, it’s preferable to have “2 notes that kill rather than virtuosity for nothing.” And 'killing' the music he played, he did. Richards was famous for bringing dark and sinister sounds to their songs which gave them their identity.
His obsession with sound and his personal playing technique (thanks to his 5-string guitar with open tuning in G) ranks him as one of the greatest rhythmic guitarists of all time. Though not necessary one of the technical greats, his chord-playing conveys so much emotion it's as if the guitar is singing the notes.
He has written and composed rock classics like “Jumpin Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction” and “Paint it black.”
Eddie Van Halen
For many musicians, there is a before and after Van Halen.
Why? The way guitar is now played changed all because of a measly one minute and 42 seconds, or the time it takes to play his infamous “Eruption.”
If you want to learn the electric guitar, Eddie Van Halen is the model to follow.
How is it possible that a single man can play as though a group of guitarists is on stage? Whereas there is just him, his ten fingers and his incredible touch of the guitar neck!
Nicknamed “Superman,” every guitar fan is awed after hearing his music and his mastery of the instrument.
These guitarists we've listed above are all too familiar with the many benefits of guitar playing.
Honourable Mentions for the Top 100 Guitarists, by You!
Thank you! A great number of you have responded with your own comments and opinions after the publication of this article. While we can't provide a list as long as 100, as a bonus, we’ve followed your suggestions to expand our presentation of the best guitarists in the world.
From Robert Plant and Jeff Beck to Elvis: who are the guitar legends according to you?
Do you agree with Rolling Stone’s ranking of the 100 best guitarists?
Buddy Guy
This guitarist had a decisive influence on Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
He was a member of Muddy Waters’ band who signed his first contracts with Chess Records.
His music gave off a flamboyant modernism while staying true to the musical roots of his native Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
He especially impressed fans with his thunderous funk in “Howlin Wolf,” “Killing Floor” and “Wang Dang Doodle.”
Kirk Hammett
Kirk Lee Hammett has been a guitarist and songwriter in the iconic heavy metal group Metallica since 1983.
In 2003, Hammett was classed 11th in the Rolling Stone list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
And in 2009, Hammett was ranked number 15 in Joel McIver’s book on the 100 greatest Metal guitarists.
Tom Morello
Thomas Baptiste “Tom” Morello is a singer-songwriter and political activist. He’s especially known for playing with the groups Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
Morello was also a touring musician with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. He was well known for his acoustic solo “The Nightwatchman,” and “Street Sweeper Social Club.”
Pioneer of rap metal, he explored the musical potential of the guitar, integrating mixing and hip hop.
Gary Moore
Robert William Gary Moore was born in 1952 in Northern Ireland. He grew up in East Belfast and left home very young. He moved to Dublin where he met his personal mentor: Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac. In the years that followed he joined the band Skid Row, then Thin Lizzy in 1974, and Colosseum II with whom he played until about 1978.
Since 1979, Gary led a solo career, during which time he released a number of very successful albums, such as the fan favorite “Still Got The Blues” (1990). He was very active up until his premature death in February 2011.
It’s difficult to put into words how Gary Moore changed the music landscape with “Still Got The Blues.” Perhaps we should let the music do the talking?
“Still Got The Blues” is his most popular hit not only because it’s a beautiful song, but because its guitar solos highlight his melodic blues (a signature of Gary Moore).
Gary Moore has a powerful playing style that every guitarist should study regardless of the musical genre they play.
It’s exactly as @Fabrice explains:
“It’s the perfect union between emotion, musicality, melody, and technical skill, from how he holds notes, and the variety of big and rapid sounds. But it’s rarely just a pure demonstration of technique and speed, as it’s his underlying reserve of power that is the most impressive. Music and Melody always have priority.”
Slash
For you music fanatics, Saul Hudson aka Slash is one of the most talented guitarists of his generation and a leading member of the group Guns N’ Roses. And if you don’t know it yet, it’s something you’ll learn soon enough in a guitar lesson!
While he was placed in the top 10 best guitarists by Time magazine in 2009, Rolling Stone only ranked him 65 in its top 100 best guitarists of all time…
For us common mortals, he’s known as the musician who accompanied Michael Jackson on stage to songs like “Give In To Me,” “Black or White,” and “Beat It,” playing his live guitar solos that could wake up the dead.
Some of these solos went on for a bit too long, at least in the eyes of the King of Pop! Ok, this is a slight exaggeration, but like all guitarists of his generation, he is successful simply because he does what he loves.
Considered by some to be the greatest guitar soloist of all time, Slash is known for his style, incredible technique and his ability to transmit his emotions to the public.
Proof of his moments of pure inspiration can be seen in the mass of concert videos you’ll find on the Internet and the many studio recordings he’s made.
Start with these songs:
- Sweet Child.
- November Rain.
- You Could Be Mine.
- November Rain.
- Estranged.
- November Rain.
- Have we already said November Rain?
David Gilmour
He is glaringly missing from the ranking of top guitarists!
How could we not mention the fabulous soloist David Gilmore, who was part of the psychedelic band Pink Floyd? Lovers of the drug-induced melodies of this British band would not be able to argue with that…
Here’s a small quiz for his true fans: was Gilmour an original member of the group? Well?
The answer is no! Pink Floyd was created in 1965, and we had to wait until 1968 for the guitarist-singer to join up with Roger Waters, Richard White, Nick Mason and Roger Syd Barrett! A true asset for the group as it was after the arrival of the 14th best guitarist of all time (according to Rolling Stone in 2011) that Floyd flew to new heights.
In fact, they produced the third highest selling album of all time (many even consider it the best album in history): The Dark Side of the moon (1973), which stayed in the Billboard 200 for 17 years and 6 months. This major recording in the history of rock and alternative rock included tunes like the famous “Money”!
Here are some of Gilmour’s other major contributions:
- Another brick in the wall (1979)
- Wish you were here (1975)
- Comfortably numb (1979)
- Hey you (1979)
Gilmour is recognized for a great many contributions. And the great rock classics we mentioned above are not all.
He’s also a magnificent singer, and a genius soloist, whose music goes directly to your core (the solos “Hey You, Wish you were here” and “Comfortably Numb” for example), with such perfect notes never before coming out of a Fender.
Speaking of Fenders, David Jon Gilmour has also been considered one of the best Fender guitar players ever, alongside other legends like Hendrix and Clapton. Enough said.
Steve Lukather
Even the less aware among you will certainly remember Steve Lukather’s powerful and heavy riff from the song “Hold the line.” You have, right? I should hope so!
Because yes, Steve Lukather is not only the guitarist of the group Toto, the popular group big in 1980s FM radio. The group’s style has often been mocked and labeled “Rock FM,” as it was seen as more “pop” than “rock”…
Still, Lukather is one of today’s most well-known guitarists! While this is debated in the more hard-core guitar milieu… In 2016, the group’s guitarist declared to the French newspaper Sud Ouest, before giving a concert in Bordeaux: “The whole world looks down on us, but hell, we’ve sold 40 million records the hard way, man!”
Even if the label Toto (who still tours on stages around the world) has stuck to him (which doesn’t bother him), everyone knows that Lukather is a true virtuoso, whose talents have been enjoyed at the Grammy Awards as well as in appearances in the legendary songs like Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller”!
On that note, the King of Pop is not the only one who has called on him, because Clapton, McCartney, Joe Cocker, Elton John and even George Benson have welcomed him in the studio to record on their albums!
A true virtuoso, Steve Lukather is capable of navigating between heavy metal and jazz, adding in a few notes of blues and hard rock. A versatility that has allowed him to have a fantastic solo career, outside of Toto.
The World's Best Blues Guitarists
Joe Bonamassa
In contrast to certain guitarists in this decidedly very contested category, Joe Bonamassa is both a guitarist and singer.
Born in Utica, New York in 1977, Bonamassa is a pure bluesman. Non-believers need only to listen to the sounds of his group Black Country Communion to get the picture.
A rare instinct developed from the age of four and honed through high-quality musical training, notably based around the sounds of BB King. Even BB King has paid homage to Joe’s talents! And there’s no disputing the master…
Today, Bonamassa is THE reference for American blues rock. Although rough and sometimes rustic, his style is always melodious and powerful. Guitarists worldwide especially recognize his incredible technique, which is both fast and seemingly limitless.
But to appreciate Bonamassa’s talent (and the rock voice), we recommend watching a live version of “Just got paid”! Trust us, you won’t be sorry!
Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck has it all. Not only is he a renowned technical guitarist, able to play with a vocalist rather than alongside them, he also stands out as an all-round nice guy.
He has a way about him that makes you stop and listen, but he isn't in your face. His sound is very melodic, which is why his tone was so perfectly matched to answering the needs of the vocals, yet he still holds his own in every tune. Bright, confident and edgy, he is a serious guitar-player and he has no intentions of holding back! People often say that he carries humour in his music, which is quite a clever characteristic to portray with this piece of equipment.
John Mayer
Criticized after his first televised concerts in 2001, John Mayer was perceived by many as just one of those artist-composers who makes music for lovelorn adolescents.
Although his first album was quickly forgotten, Mayer’s unconditional love of the blues helped his career take a completely different turn…
Notably, he appeared at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2004, at which time he introduced his song “City Love” with an incredible blues solo inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s “Machine Gun.”
His music mixes technique and emotion – with his thumb touching the lowest string to embellish the note – so that he ranks with the greatest blues musicians. For those who want to get a better idea of his talent, you should check out the album “Try” with the bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan. Grab those headphones!
Alternatively, take some bass guitar lessons online and try out Pino Palladino's bass piece!
Jack White
Despite often being considered a purist of vintage blues, Jack White is not one to show off technical effects. In fact, you may be shocked to see him in this category. But it’s largely thanks to his guitarist talent that his group, The White Stripes, has made a name for itself in blues rock (You heard that right!).
Oh yes, The White Stripes is a blues group. By covering the songs “Stop Breaking Down” by Robert Johnson or even “St. James Infirmary Blues” with his classical guitar in their first album, his listeners are able to revisit the history of blues music.
The Top 'World Music' Guitarists
Bombino du Niger
Marked by the conflicts in his native country of Agadez in Niger, his numerous trips into exile and his Tuareg culture, Bambino du Niger is an absolutely unique guitarist on the musical stage.
While some might class him under the genre “World Music”, the sacredness of Bambino du Niger’s guitar bars him from entering any musical category.
Forced to flee in 1990 during his childhood, this Tuareg artist-guitarist has known persecution and governmental oppression. This included the prohibition of the string instrument, which came to be considered a symbol of resistance for the Tuareg culture.
Despite the loss of some members of his group (who were killed), Bombino du Niger continues to promote unity and social togetherness at concerts and festivals.
His music, which draws on traditional Tuareg instruments and a mastery of the guitar, oscillates between sadness and joy.
Paco de Lucía
Eyes closed and head thrashing about, with hands that pivot on guitar strings with a rare dexterity that pianists would be jealous of, vibrating to melodies that transport you to another place… It’s none other than Francisco Gustavo Sánchez Gomez aka Paco de Lucia.
Unanimously recognized as one of the greats since his first studio album came out, the Andalusian guitarist has left his musical imprint on the history of flamenco.
Although he’s won awards since the age of 14, Paco de Lucía’s music became more perfect with time. This guitarist from the South of Spain contributed to the modernization of traditional flamenco while never straying far from its noble notes.
Influenced by the United States, where he often played during his musical career, Lucía’s music is enriched with influences of jazz and diverse musical currents, which is evident in pieces such as “Entre Dos Aguas” and “Rio Ancho.”
The atypical trajectory of this Andalusian guitarist is also due to his musical upbringing, initiated by his father, who taught him to play the 6-string instrument alongside his brothers Ramón de Algeciras and the flamenco singer, Pepe de Lucía.
While you can learn more about his life by watching a cinematographic documentary that appeared just after his death in 2014, it’s through his music that one can best perceive (or hear) his genius on the flamenco guitar.
Today, this flamenco virtuoso counts among the eternal legends. And we are not just saying that because after the official mourning was decreed by the mayor of his native city, Google depicted the icon as a “Doodle.”
Techniques to Become a Great Guitarist Yourself
It attracts women, calms nerves and unites mankind, making the guitar the musical instrument par excellence. You can strum, caress, pluck or even hit its body to produce sounds that make people laugh, dance or even cry.
- Is guitar playing talent something innate?
- Must you have a certain state of mind to learn the guitar?
- Where should one look to begin guitar instruction?
So take your instrument out of its case, tune your guitar, and plug in your amp: we’re going to discover a few techniques to improve your guitar performances.
Solfège
Solfège may just be the initial challenge that has prevented so many music lovers from jumping freely into acoustic guitar training.
Obviously, it’s preferable to have a good understanding of solfège if one wants to launch a guitarist career, but it isn’t indispensable.
The important thing for every beginner guitarist today is first to learn to read a chord chart. As such, you’ll know where to place your fingers on the strings to play your guitar chords.
The Guitar
Finding an acoustic guitar is another important step towards mastering the guitar!
Choosing between a folk, classical or manouche guitar, with strings of steel or nylon is a difficult choice to make when one is still a novice musician!
It may seem like finding your acoustic guitar is a bit like Indiana Jones’ quest for the Holy Grail, so it’s better to take your time to reflect before making the purchase. Like your spouse with whom you’ll have to live under the same roof, you are going to spend many long hours with your guitar.
For this reason, it’s imperative to choose a guitar that suits you, with strings and wood that produce the sounds you.
Musical culture
We sometimes forget that it’s important to have a good sense of music history and culture, although it’s the cornerstone of playing any instrument!
Reinforcing your musical knowledge, by way of listening to solos by the great guitarists, will train your ear and improve your sense of rhythm to win over every audience.
Play guitar and sing
We love listening to singing pianists like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Nina Simone. The same goes for artists who wear the double label of singer and guitarist, such as Prince or Mark Knopfler. But this is a rare talent!
Singing demands a supplemental investment of a great intensity. This makes it impossible to drown your thoughts in your instrument; when you sing it’s a question of lifting your head and facing the public, breaking out of your musical bubble.
To become a good guitarist, you must practice and guitar lessons will help you develop quickly. Your hands should be on the strings like a pastry chef handles dough nonstop or like an athlete has his eyes on the ball. And if you want to become a really good player, you must learn to lift your head, look at the audience, and share your emotion.
Your concentration must be at once focused on your notes and on communicating your feelings to the public.
An Overview Of Our Top 10 Best Guitarists Of All Time
Now, time for a recap of our very own top 10 list of guitar players from across the world and the genre they are most associated with.
| Name | Genre |
|---|---|
| 1. Jimi Hendrix | Rock and Blues |
| 2. Eric Clapton | Rock and Blues |
| 3. Jimmy Page | Rock |
| 4. Robert Johnson | Rock and Blues |
| 5. Chuck Berry | Rock 'n' Roll |
| 6. Santana | Rock, Blues and Samba |
| 7. Muddy Waters | Blues |
| 8. B. B. King | Blues |
| 9. Keith Richards | Rock |
| 10. Eddie Van Halen | Rock |
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What about Rory Gallagher, Shawn Lane, Warren Haynes, Duane Allman, Derek Trucks, Sonny Sharrock, Eric Johnson, Frank Zappa, Steve Morse, Billy Gibbons, Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Roy Buchanan, Gary Clark Jr., Stevie Ray Vaughn, Adrian Belew, Adrian Legg, Richard Thompson… I could go on and on, these are all killer players. With all due respect to the players on your list (a lot of my favorite players are on it) I just feel that it is just the same old list that has been trotted out a thousand times before. Any true guitar fan would love to hear about some of the other great players out there. Just saying.
you’ve never heard of Django Reinhardt then
U forget mention t bone walker n Ritchie blackmore
Rory was the first one on my list!
I absolutely agree with you man!
Ernie Isley is a great guitar player and he is better than any one on that list
Excellent choices may I add Darrell ‘Dimebag Abbott – Zakk Wylde – Randy Rhodes
Yes. Also Frank Gambalie, Pat Metheney. John Mclaughlin, Steve Vai, Tommy Emmanuel , George Benson, Albert Lee. Allan Holds Worth, John Schofield, Tommy Tedesco, Doyal Dykes, Andres Segovia to name a few of the masters that we know of.
Not mentioned is the great Hubert Sumlin the man behind Howlin Wolf’s music. Hubert was a phenomenal guitar player and the inspiration behind many of the Great guitarist mentioned here. I’m positive that if you asked them they would agree.
I can’t believe Joe wash is again not on one these list. And just as unbelievable is that not one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s guitar players is not on the list. Keith Richards seriously…….what about Greg Allman and Billy Gibbons. Are y’all for real ?
Eric Clapton was asked in an interview- not so long ago, whats it like to be the best guitarist in the world? He answered- don’t ask me, ask Prince! Definetly a genius of our time and should be on this list- hey- just ask Mr Clapton!
Justin Hayward is my choice of best guitarist. His name is missing off all the lists, when he should be voted number one.
And Prince said……Santana
I heard that same story years ago, but Eddie Van Halen was asked and Eddie said IDK ask Alex Lifeson. Never have found the article so I imagine both are myths.
Ritchie Blackmore probably influenced more 80s players than any of them…..
Once again, no mention of Michael Bloomfield. Do you even know who he was!? He jammed with BB King. He babysat Muddy’s grandchildren. He taught Calos Santana. He played with Clapton, Hendrix, Beck many times. Did you ever ask Clapton his opinion of some of the blues guys? He would name Bloomfield. I worked for Pink Floyd and have a tremendous respect for David Gilmore, but he wasn’t half the guitar player Mike Bloomfied was. His fits every single category of the criteria you gave at the beginning of your article, and yet doesn’t even get a mention.
Where’s Richard Thompson. He should be near the top of all these lists. He would blow most of these players off the stage
Mark, I’m with you brother!
I am extremely perplexed, that Stevie Ray Vaughn is not included in the top 5 or 6 of the greatest guitar masters there has ever been. Having said that, I can’t find a better way of categorizing the best guitarists who have blessed our auditory and visual senses. Maybe self designation, interpretation or genre classification is the only methodology by and through which anyone can determine the best guitarist(s). Yet there are many, many guitarists who have left their mark, continue playing or have yet to play who can easily find a place in the top 100. This controversy will no doubt continue for generations to come. And, no doubt there will be many more music journalists who will have had the luxury of suggesting to readers their beliefs as to who the best guitarists in the world might be.
I find anyone who has had the initiative to be self taught or be taught how to play the guitar, and find immeasurable success at playing it, thereby, blessing music lovers regardless of genre with their talent, highly pleasurable. Anyone can argue effectively what artist they deem to be the best.
However, in my estimation the best guitarist is he or she who has left other guitarists something on which to build on, enhance or augment in some respect. As a shellac, vinyl and cd collector, as well as other media observer, I am astounded, if not mesmerised, by the stylistics of all the guitar riffs, solos and accompanying guitar sounds I have had the luxury to hear.
No Derek Trucks?
Seriously.
The master of slide and style.
Where is Peter green I would say he is probably in that clutch of players. He seems to have been forgotten.
I am in total agreement, The Green God has written and played a handful of some of the best blues of the 60’s. B.B.King has said Peter had the best time and sound of all the british guitarist. John Mayall who led bands with Clapton and Mick Taylor (among other notables) has crowned Peter the king. Where is the love for Peter Green?
I agree with Jean. The Green God ruled in the mid to late sixties. Where is the love for ego less Peter Green. He surpassed Clapton and Mick Taylor as members of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (read the reviews). RIP Peter Green you gentle soul.
As usual, no mention of Danny Gatton, as ‘unknown’ in death as he was in his playing days. History will vindicate him one day
What about Rory Gallagher, Terry Kath, Ritchie Blackmore, Randy California, Mark Farner, Donald “Buck Dharam” Roeser, Tony Iommi, Mick Box, Jerry Garcia!!!
What about Paul Kossoff when someone like Clapton is impressed and ask’s for a couple of tips must’ve been something
Dharma*
Liam RORY Gallagher.. self taught Multi Instrumentalist, singer, songwriter. He always put his music and his fans first.. not money or fame. A man of great integrity who never gave in to record co. Execs or promotors.. if he had, he would have been more well known, especially in the U.S.A. Fantastic guitarist and man.
There will always be great that get left off lists for numerous reasons. My vote for most underrated awesome guitarist is the Green God, Peter Green. He is held in high esteem by his peers. There is an awesome double CD paying tribute to Peter Green that many blues players were turned away, Rory Gallagher stole the shown with two sharp rendition’s of Peter’s songs. And just before his death there was a tribute concert to pay homage to Peter Green. The best judges are those that played with you or saw you in action on multiple occasions. Peter replaced Clapton in the Bluesbreakers and put out the finest Mayall music put to vinyl. His Fleetwood Mac outsold the Beatles and Stones combined in 1968 and 1969. Let’s not forget his hits Black Magic Women, Albatross, Oh Well, The Green Manalishi and Man of the World. I vote for The Green God!
Jeff Beck should definitely be in the top 10…!!!
Wheres prince 🤔
The only two names After Hendrix are Duane Allman and Dickie Betts the only band with two of the best in one stage.Blow everyone else out of the water. telepathic two brains four hands priceless
No Alex Lifeson? Disappointing
Jen turner, wes Montgomery, marv tarplin and Rick derringer are players that are over looked or ignored. Check them out, you will be surprised at their skill and talents on the guitar.
No list is complete without Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Mick Taylor never seems to make these lists. Clearly an underrated guitarist.
I cannot believe Stevie Ray Vaughn is not on this list!