Rock's Best Guitarists - Ranked

From the wailing blues of the Delta to the shredding solos of stadium rock, this is the story of the guitar heroes who shaped music history, one legendary riff at a time.

The electric guitar is the undisputed king of rock and roll, and over the decades, countless musicians have wielded it to create iconic riffs, soaring solos, and unforgettable melodies. But who stands out among the giants? Ranking guitarists is always a subjective endeavor, blending technical skill, innovation, influence, and sheer emotional impact. This list attempts to highlight ten of rock's most influential and celebrated guitarists, recognizing their unique contributions that shaped the sound of generations.

10. Chuck Berry

About the Player: Often called the "Father of Rock and Roll," Chuck Berry's guitar playing was as revolutionary as his songwriting. He blended blues licks with country influences and a driving rhythm, creating the foundational sound of rock and roll. His iconic duck walk and showmanship also made him a captivating performer.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Sweet Little Sixteen."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Berry's pioneering guitar riffs and solos established the vocabulary for early rock and roll guitar. His energetic playing and clever songwriting directly influenced generations of rock guitarists, from Keith Richards to Angus Young.

9. Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)

About the Player: Tony Iommi, widely recognized as the pioneer of heavy metal guitar, developed his distinctive style after a factory accident. He adjusted by using lighter guitar strings and finger thimbles, and this, along with his downtuned guitar and powerful, distorted riffs, forged the dark and menacing sound that laid the groundwork for heavy metal music.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Iron Man," "Paranoid," "War Pigs," "Black Sabbath."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Iommi's innovative use of downtuning and heavy, sludgy riffs created an entirely new genre of music. His dark, powerful sound and relentless creativity laid the groundwork for bands that followed that came after him.

8. Brian May (Queen)

About the Player: Brian May, the astrophysicist and guitarist for Queen, is known for his distinctive guitar tone, often described as "orchestral" or "choral." He famously built his "Red Special" guitar with his father, and his use of multi-tracked harmonies, unique vibrato, and powerful riffs created Queen's signature sound.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Brighton Rock," "Killer Queen," "We Will Rock You."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: May's innovative approach to guitar harmonies, his instantly recognizable tone, and his ability to craft solos that are both technically impressive and deeply melodic made him an integral part of one of the biggest bands in rock history.

7. Stevie Ray Vaughan

About the Player: Stevie Ray Vaughan single-handedly revitalized the blues in the 1980s, bringing it to a mainstream rock audience with his explosive energy and soulful playing. His sound was raw, powerful, and deeply rooted in the Texas blues tradition, characterized by his heavy string gauge, aggressive attack, and incredible feel.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Pride and Joy," "Texas Flood," "Crossfire," "Little Wing" (Jimi Hendrix cover).

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Vaughan's passionate playing, blistering technique, and unwavering dedication to the blues brought the genre back into the spotlight and influenced countless rock and blues guitarists with his raw power and authentic feel.

6. Jeff Beck

About the Player: A true innovator and chameleon of the guitar, Jeff Beck's career has been marked by constant reinvention. From his early days with The Yardbirds to his jazz-fusion explorations and beyond, Beck has consistently pushed the boundaries of what an electric guitar can do. He's known for his unique touch, expressive use of the tremolo bar, and his ability to make the guitar "sing."

Best Songs/Showcase: "Shapes of Things" (The Yardbirds), "Cause We've Ended As Lovers," "Freeway Jam," "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Beck's fearless experimentation across genres and his unparalleled technical skill, particularly his nuanced control of tone and dynamics without a pick, have made him a guitarist's guitarist and a constant source of inspiration.

5. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

About the Player: David Gilmour's playing is instantly recognizable for its melodicism, soaring bends, and incredible sustain. As a key member of Pink Floyd, his guitar work was integral to the band's atmospheric and progressive sound, often serving as a "second voice" alongside the vocals. His solos are often meticulously crafted, yet deeply emotional.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Comfortably Numb," "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," "Money," "Wish You Were Here."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Gilmour's mastery of tone, his ability to create vast sonic landscapes with his guitar, and his emotionally resonant solos made him a crucial component of Pink Floyd's iconic sound. His playing is a testament to the power of less-is-more, focusing on feel and melody.

4. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)

Eddie Van Halen made an explosive debut in the late 1970s, instantly transforming guitar playing. His revolutionary techniques, including rapid finger-tapping, "dive bombs," and creative use of the tremolo bar, were groundbreaking. Beyond his speed, he was a deeply musical player, infusing every note with joy and inventiveness.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Eruption," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Panama," "Hot for Teacher."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Eddie Van Halen singularly redefined guitar mastery in rock, with his innovative techniques and distinctive sound inspiring countless guitarists and expanding the horizons of hard rock and heavy metal.

3. Eric Clapton

About the Player: Known as "Slowhand," Eric Clapton is a celebrated blues-rock musician with a career spanning more than sixty years. His distinctive playing, marked by its soulful and expressive sound, is deeply grounded in the blues, evident throughout his work with bands like The Yardbirds, Cream, and his extensive solo career.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Crossroads" (Cream), "Layla" (Derek and the Dominos), "Sunshine of Your Love" (Cream), "Tears in Heaven."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Clapton's deep understanding and command of the blues, which served as the core of his impactful guitar style. His capacity to express profound emotion through his playing, alongside his precise technique, established him as a cornerstone of blues-rock.

2. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

About the Player: As the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page was a true architect of rock. He was a master of the riff, a brilliant songwriter, and an innovative producer who layered guitars, experimented with recording techniques, and seamlessly blended blues, folk, and hard rock. His live solos were often extended, improvisational journeys.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Whole Lotta Love," "Stairway to Heaven," "Black Dog," "Heartbreaker."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Jimmy Page earned his spot on the list because of his skill in creating memorable guitar riffs, his innovative use of recording techniques like multi-tracking and studio effects, and his versatile playing style, which could transition smoothly from soft acoustic parts to powerful electric solos. These qualities helped make Led Zeppelin one of the most influential bands ever, and Page essentially laid the groundwork for hard rock and heavy metal music.

1. Jimi Hendrix

About the Player: Jimi Hendrix was not just a guitarist; he was a phenomenon. His brief but explosive career in the late 1960s revolutionized what was possible with the electric guitar. He experimented relentlessly with feedback, distortion, and the wah-wah pedal, treating his instrument as an extension of his own body and mind. His live performances, often involving playing with his teeth or behind his back, were legendary spectacles.

Best Songs/Showcase: "Purple Haze," "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "All Along the Watchtower" (Bob Dylan cover, but his definitive version), "Little Wing."

Why He Deserves to Be on the List: Hendrix redefined the role of the electric guitar in rock music. He pushed the boundaries of sound, tone, and technique, inspiring countless musicians who followed. His innovative use of effects and his raw, improvisational style made him a true original whose influence is still felt today.

Have thoughts on this story? Share your perspective in the comments below.

Sources:

•          Rolling Stone

•          Guitar World Magazine

•          Ultimate Classic Rock

•          Wikipedia

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Copyright (c) 2004 David Monniaux