Sometimes, watching the performance of some band or enjoying our favorite composition, we pay attention only to the vocalist-frontman and completely forget about other musicians, namely the guitarists. And they play in the work of groups no less important role. The best guitarists in the world have long been legendary. This article will focus on them.
Blues 20-30s
The best guitarists in the world in these areas of music are quite famous. Next, we will try to highlight the most bright musicians out of a huge number of deserving ones. If we are talking about the blues of the 20-30s of the last century, then the most virtuoso musician is without a doubt Robert Johnson. Some people seriously believed that in exchange for his skill, he made a deal with the Devil. However, most consider this story just a romantic fiction. But both agree that Johnson's genius cannot be denied. It was thanks to his work that first the blues, and then rock and roll, became what they are now.
The best guitarists in the world for the next decades
If we consider jazz, the guitar has always been considered an accompanying instrument. It was. However, the blues was in for a revolution. One of the first musicians to make this breakthrough is Blind Blake. The game of this master of improvisations and his technique are still considered by many to be the standard. However, time passed, and new characters appeared on the scenes. The most jazzy of all bluesmen is BB King. His signature branding and vibrato made him the king of the blues. Subsequently, his work in one way or another touched everyone who picked up the electric guitar.
Rock'n'roll
The piercing sadness of blues compositions is clearly reflected by the saying: “Blues is when it’s bad good man". However, people are not always sad. Perhaps the very first musician who managed to convey his good mood with the help of a guitar, became Chuck Berry. It was this kind of music that was later called rock and roll. Musicians actively use his guitar moves and ideas even now. Berry's ironic story songs made him a rock and roll poet.
The best rock guitarists in the world
Rock is the successor to the blues and rock and roll. Many people consider one of the founders of this direction Jimi Hendrix A. Almost no publication in the field of the history of rock music can do without mentioning him. - the best guitarist in the world according to Time. When his father gave him a guitar for $5 as a gift, he hardly thought that this determined not only the future of his son, but also the future of music in general. Many guitarists consider Hendrix their mentor and teacher. His simply virtuoso guitar technique was not an end in itself. She was just a means by which the musician conveyed his emotions. His perception of the world has turned into unique melodies. Jimmy put some kind of cosmic meaning into literally every note. Many still consider his game not just a skill, but the secret of a magician.
Hard rock and metal
The following decades can be considered the era of hard rock and metal music. Many the best guitarists the world played precisely in these directions. You can choose for a long time, but let's focus on those musicians whose names have actually become synonymous with these styles. One of them is This man had no choice but to become the best. When his father bought Richie a guitar, he said that if he did not learn to play, then it would be broken on his head. Blackmore Jr. had to learn. Yes, and how. This guitarist has gone down in history forever. His playing style and riffs have become reference and classic. Many aspiring guitarists try to copy Blackmore's style.
Another icon is the "teacher of the stars" Joe Satriani. Many of the recognized masters learned to play from him. Satriani is considered the teacher of such gurus as Steve Vai, Alex Skolnick, Charlie Hunter, David Bryson, Larry LaLonde, and many others. Joe's performance is simply flawless. His virtuoso techniques, various chips and unexpected harmonies delighted not only the audience, but also his colleagues.
bassists
Sound at low frequencies has long been considered male music. That's why big interest call the best bass players in the world. The magazine, according to a survey of its readers, recognized the musician as such bands The Who by John Entwistle. Paul McCartney and James Jamerson are also considered masters of brutal bass notes.
lead guitar
The best solo guitarists in the world are whole list virtuosos and recognized gurus. One of the great masters of the guitar solo is Ritchie Blackmore, who has already been discussed above. He reached the top in this area after deep purple when he created the Rainbow collective. The musician's solos became slower and more thoughtful. They had so much philosophy and meaning that it is very difficult to find another such master. One of the best solo guitarists can also be called Kirk Hammett.
Modern virtuosos
To date, one of the most brilliant and brilliant masters of the guitar is John Petrucci. He plays progressive metal. His music is unusually complex in technical and compositional terms. The virtuosity of a musician sometimes makes one wonder if there are limits to human capabilities? Judging by the game of the master, they simply do not exist. Some gurus, whom the musician considered his idols, today consider it an honor to play next to him.
Once Joe Pass, who is considered a great improviser, said that the electric guitar was invented not so long ago that people could fully know all its possibilities as musical instrument. These words are still relevant today. Each subsequent generation of musicians opens up new possibilities for this instrument.
Top 10 Greatest Guitarists, According to Magazine Rolling stone
,
prominent American guitarist, singer and songwriter. In 2009, Time magazine named Hendrix the greatest guitarist of all time. Widely recognized as one of the most daring and inventive virtuosos in rock history.
,
an outstanding American guitarist who performed as part of The Allman Brothers Band, which he created with his brother Greg. Also known as a session guitarist.
,
According to one critic, "BBC King introduced us to a sophisticated guitar solo style based on smooth bending and brilliant vibrato that has influenced almost every follower of electric guitar blues." One of his most famous compositions is "The Thrill Is Gone" (1969).
,
His nickname is "slow hand" (eng. Slowhand). Clapton became one of the most respected and influential musical figures in the rock era. His style has changed over time, but he's always stuck to his blues roots. He played with blues-rock bands (John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds), with hard rock bands (Cream), worked a lot solo and as a session musician.
,
legendary American musician and songwriter, one of the most famous bluesmen of the 20th century.
,
American singer, guitarist, songwriter. One of the pioneers of rock and roll.
,
One of the most famous and influential guitarists in the world. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named Stevie Ray Vaughan number seven on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, and Classic Rock magazine ranked him number three on their list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists". cool heroes guitars" in 2007.
,
American guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer. Known, among other things, for his masterful execution of the glissando technique. One of the most successful projects was the combined group Buena Vista Social Club.
,
English musician, arranger, composer, music producer and outstanding rock guitarist who stood at the origins of Led Zeppelin and remained the musical "brain" of the group until the very end. Prior to that, he was known as a session guitarist and The participant Yardbirds (late 1966 to 1968).
,
English guitarist and poet, who together with Mick Jagger make up the unchanging backbone legendary rock band The Rolling Stones.
Although this list and includes only 10 of the best guitarists of all time, but it would be wrong not to mention such talented musicians like Frank Zappa, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, BB King, Joe Satriani, David Gilmour and John Petrucci.
Brian Patrick Carroll (born May 13, 1969), better known by his stage name Bakethed, is an American multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Primarily known for his virtuoso electric guitar playing and eccentric appearance. As of 2012, he has released 40 studio albums, about 40 releases and participated in the recording of more than 50 works by other musicians. Mainly acts as solo artist. His music spans areas as diverse as progressive metal, funk, blues, jazz, rock, avant-garde, and more.
John Anthony Frusciante (born March 5, 1970) is an American guitarist, singer, record producer, and composer. Known as former guitarist rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, from 1988 to 1992, and again from 1998 to 2009. Now he is active solo career. As of 2013, he has released 11 individual albums and two as part of the Ataxia project.
Eric Patrick Clapton (born 30 March 1945) is a British guitarist, singer and songwriter. For significant contributions to musical culture in 1994, Clapton was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He is one of the most respected and influential guitarists of all time, and the only musician to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times: rock bands The Yardbirds, Cream and as a solo artist.
Seventh place in the list of the best guitarists in the world is Dave Scott Mustaine (b. September 13, 1961) - American musician, known as the founder, guitarist and lead singer of the thrash metal band Megadeth. Before founding, he played in one of the best rock bands of the 80s - Metallica.
Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer whose work is associated with acid rock, blues rock, and jazz rock. Although it musical career covers only four years, he is rightfully considered the most virtuoso and influential guitarist in history popular music, as well as one of the most famous musicians 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes Hendrix as "maybe greatest musician in the history of rock music.
His composition Hey Joe appears in the Guinness Book of Records as a work that was simultaneously performed the largest number guitarists. It was performed by 1876 guitars.
Saul Hudson (born July 23, 1965), better known by the pseudonym "Slash", is a British-American musician and songwriter. More popular as the former guitarist for the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He is a co-founder of the group Velvet Revolver (since 2002). Released three solo albums.
James Patrick Page (born 9 January 1944) is an English musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer who is best known as the guitarist, founding member and longtime member of popular rock band Led Zeppelin. Defined by many fans and critics as one of the best and most influential guitarists in the history of rock music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: with the Yardbirds (1992) and Led Zeppelin (1995).
Prince Rogers Nelson (born June 7, 1958) - American actor, composer, singer and musician. Considered one of the most influential artists in rock music. Prince's work also spans the likes of funk, R&B, jazz-rock and more. In each of them, he was an innovator: he broke all the boundaries of styles and mixed them into one whole, denoting it with his individuality. Throughout his career, Prince has been awarded seven Grammy figurines, as well as the Golden Globe and Oscar. Included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Second place in the ranking of the best guitarists in the world is Charles Edward Anderson Berry (born October 18, 1926) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. One of the most influential early rock and roll artists. Berry was one of the earliest musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The musician still performs weekly on Wednesdays at his Blueberry Hill club in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Stevie Ray Vaughn (October 3, 1954 - August 27, 1990) is considered the best guitarist in the world - a famous American guitarist and singer. Despite a short career spanning only seven years, he is considered one of the most influential guitarists in the world, as well as one of the most important figures in the blues revival of the 1980s. He died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, at the age of 35. In 1994, a memorial to Stevie Ray Vaughan was erected in Austin, Texas.
Share on social networks
In order to achieve some success in any business, you need to plunge into it completely, so to speak, “with your head”. Then the result will be guaranteed, and even what! If you take up the guitar, regularly listen to recordings of professionals, because setting someone as an example, you can achieve success much easier. In my top I will tell you who you can safely look up to, who was able to get the most out of the instrument, who could fascinate with sound. I would like to note that all the participants in the hit parade are selected based solely on my preferences, so it is possible that my and your choice may not coincide.
10. Kurt Cobain
MTV Live and LoudUncomplicated riffs, maximum distortion and aggression - all this is Kurt. At one time, the leader of the cult band Nirvana» was able to open new avenues for alternative rock, and he himself became a cult grunge musician. Being left-handed, he created simple riffs on fifths, but damn, how aggressive it sounded! In general, deservedly opens the top.
9. Johnny Ramon
Shot from the film "School of Rock and Roll" One of the founders of the first and iconic punk band "Ramones" became an exemplary punk guitarist - bright, energetic and with a "zest". Together with Joey Ramone, a long and hard way groups from start to finish. At the age of 20, he buys his first electric guitar for $54, on which almost all the band's songs were played. In 2003, The Rolling Stone ranked him 16th on the list. best rock guitarists of all times and peoples.
8. Tony Iommi
While performing in Hyde Park The permanent guitarist of Black Sabbath is considered by many to be the first metal guitarist. His music is full of overload, which the musician never regretted, but always kept under control. The brilliance and stunningness of his game never ceases to amaze, although he is left-handed, who, moreover, lacks the pads of two fingers. Nothing will stop the master.
7. Robert Johnson
1930 The first member of the "Club 27", a virtuoso bluesman. He began his career in the 30s, but, unfortunately, he did not become famous until his death. Little is known about his life, as I have already said about it: only mysticism and riddles. Modern professional musicians his works are harshly criticized, explaining this by the lack of rhythm, hearing and good diction. But, whatever one may say, it was his work that became the basis for the next generation of bluesmen.
6. Les Paul
Les Paul in New York, 2008 Guitar virtuoso, inventor and innovator, creator of the legendary Gibson guitar Les Paul. He is credited with many innovations in the field of music, such as "delay" effects, chorus, multi-channel recording, and more. Had inimitable style games, constantly experimented with methods of sound production directly on the guitar. However real glory he was given the dream of every guitarist - the legendary Gibson Les Paul guitar, which to this day is one of the most popular and most expensive. Les Paul is one of the few musicians who has a permanent exhibit in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
At a concert in Hannover, 2006 Co-founder of the legendary band "The Rolling Stones" passed long haul to glory and perfection with Jagger. Keith Richards had the most beautiful women planet and violated all laws, including biological ones. To this day, his memories have survived, smelling of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
4. Chuck Berry
John Lennon and Chuck Berry Chuck Berry is called the father of rock and roll - he taught The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Roy Orbinson and Elvis Presley. “If you try to find another name for rock and roll, then let it be Chuck Berry,” this John Lennon quote speaks for itself. He is one of the most influential performers of this genre, the author of Johnny B. Goode, the most covered song in the history of music.
3. Jimmy Page
Guitar, guitar and more guitar! A living legend, a restless experimenter, the "brain" of the legendary hard rock band "Led Zeppelin" - all this is Jimmy. Popularizer of the previously obscure double-neck electric guitar, Page pioneered hard rock, he is rightfully considered one of the "parents" of heavy metal, but one way or another he managed to influence almost all the music that is now being created and recorded. Honored Bronze.
Eric Clapton in concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff Perhaps the only one, or at least one of the few who could really compete with the #1 guitarist of all time. Eric is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The first instrument in the career of a musician was a cheap acoustic guitar co steel strings given to him by his grandmother. Playing it was a real torment, and serious perseverance was required from Eric to master this instrument. In love with the blues, he quickly won the love of the public at first as Street musician, and later as a member and lead guitarist legendary bands The Yardbirds and Cream.
1. Jimi Hendrix
At the Miami Pop Festival, 1968. He was the absolute First, one hundred percent Pioneer, but today for some reason this has been forgotten. Jimi Hendrix is a legendary man who was called a brilliant musician during his lifetime. He opened up many possibilities for a new sound in the electric guitar, becoming the most inventive and daring virtuoso in the history of rock music. His work has influenced almost all contemporary musicians, becoming an endless role model.
This guitarist is known for his tapping technique - a very complex playing style that is not immediately given to every musician. He never took a lesson from a professional in his entire life. At 55, he still pleases the audience with virtuoso performances.
9. David Gilmour
Who does not remember the world famous guitarist and one of the group leaders Pink Floyd. His dreamy and melodic solos became calling card team. If you don't know who is the soloist in Comfortably Numb or Time and Money, then know - it's David Gilmour.
8. Slash
This is the guitarist for Guns N' Roses. His real name is Saul Hudson. He is known for his solos on Sweet Child o' Mine, November Rain, Paradise City, etc. With Slash, the band reached its peak.
7. Brian May
6. Jimmy Page
One of the most famous producers and rock composers. The "musical brain" of Led Zeppelin, the creator of their unique style. Known for his guitar solo on the song Stairway to heaven.
5. Chuck Berry
Blues virtuoso and creator of formative rhythms. Known for his hits Roll Over Beethoven, Johnny B. Goode, etc., which were covered by the Rolling Stones, Beatles, The Animals, etc. Considered one of the most influential musicians of early rock and roll.
4. Dimebag Darrell
Guitar virtuoso, vocalist, one of the founders of the metal bands "Pantera" and "Damageplan". Known for his brutal riffs and harmonics. His guitar was called Dean From Hell
3. Keith Richards
This guitarist with his virtuoso playing in the Rolling Stones has gained many fans around the world. He created a large number of a wide variety of melodies, in addition, he is known for his huge collection, consisting of 3000 guitars. Together with Mick Jagger was the heart Rolling bands Stones.
2. Jeff Beck
We decided to give the second place in our unofficial rating to the guitarist who for a long time formed the backbone of The Yardbirds - Jeff Beck. His work has had a great influence on blues, hard rock and fusion. Despite the fact that he changed the direction of his activities, he everywhere succeeded.
1. Jimi HendrixJimi Hendrix
And, finally, the first place is occupied by a virtuoso guitarist, who himself personified the music he performed. Many critics point out that Jimi Hendrix expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar and was also a huge influence on rock music. His talent was admired by such recognized musicians as Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain, etc.
