home
Women's names
famous guitarists. The most virtuoso and best guitarists in the world

famous guitarists. The most virtuoso and best guitarists in the world

24.02.2019

CLASSIC ROCK 100 GREATEST GUITARS OF ALL TIME
The list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time was compiled in 2009 by the leading British rock publication Classic Rock based on a survey of one hundred outstanding guitarists of our time, including: Steve Howe, David Gilmour, Ace Frehley, Mick Box, Francis Rossi, John Frusciante, Wayne Kramer , Mikael Åkerfeldt, Kim Tail, James Hetfield and many others.
The list includes both rock and blues, jazz, skiffle and country guitarists.
Most of the musicians represent the US (54 guitarists) and the UK (34). In addition to them, the list includes musicians from Germany (four), Canada (three), France (2), Australia (2), as well as one each from Ireland and Sweden.
The oldest guitarist on the list is American bluesman Skip James (born 1902), the youngest are Dan Auerbach and Derek Trucks, who were born in 1979.
Only three guitarists on this list (Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, and Greg Sage) are left-handed and have played with the neck to the right.

SO LIST OF GREAT GUITARS:
1. Al Di Meola, b. in 1954. American jazz guitarist;
2. Alvin Lee, b. in 1944. One of the founders and guitarist of the British blues-rock band Ten Years After;
3. Andy Latimer (Andrew (Andy) Latimer), b. May 15, 1947. British multi-instrumentalist, founding member of prog rock band Camel;
4. Angus Young, b. in 1955. Scottish-born guitarist from the Australian rock band AC/DC;
5. Audley Freed American session musician who played with the Black Crowes
6. B.B. King, b. 1925. Blues guitarist and singer who received the title "King of the Blues"
7. Bill Frisell, b. in 1951. American jazz guitarist and composer.
8. Bill Nelson, b. 1948. British guitarist who played in the bands Be Bop Delux, Red Noise, Fiat Lux.
9. Billy Duffy (Billy Duffy), b. 1961. Guitarist and songwriter for the English rock band The Cult.
10. Billy Gibbons (Billy Gibbons), b. in 1949. Musician of the famous Texas trio ZZ Top
11. Bireli Lagren (Bireli Lagrene), b. in 1966. French jazz guitarist.
12. Brian May, b. in 1947 in London. British musician, founder of the band Queen, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, D.Sc.
13. Buck Dharma, b. in 1947. American guitarist, songwriter and singer, since 1967 in hard rock Blue bands Oyster Cult
14. Bukka White (1906-1977) - an outstanding blues guitarist, cousin of B.B. King.
15. Carl Verheyen, American session guitarist who briefly worked with the British band Supertramp.
16. Carlos Santana b. in 1947. American guitarist born in Mexico. Pioneer of the Latin rock genre. Multiple Grammy Award winner.
17. Chet Atkins, 1924-2001. American musician who worked in the genres of country, folk and jazz.
18. Chris Cain, b. 1955, American jazz and blues guitarist
19. Chuck Berry, b. in 1926. American musician, one of the pioneers of rock and roll.
20. Cliff Gallup, 1930-1988. Guitarist for the American rockabilly band Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps. Member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
21. Dan Ayerbach, b. in 1979. Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist of the American blues-rock band The Black Keys.
22 Danny Whitten 1943-1972 American musician, composer, most known for work with Neil Young in Crazy Horse.
23. Davey Graham, 1940-2008. One of the most influential English folk musicians.
24. David Gilmour ( David Gilmour), R. in 1946. Guitarist and vocalist British rock band Pink Floyd
25. David O'List, b. in 1948. English guitarist who played in The Attack, The Nice, Jet, Roxy Music.
26. Derek Trucks, b. in 1979. Outstanding slide guitarist, songwriter and producer. Member of The Allman Brothers Band.
27. Django Reinhardt, 1910-1953, guitarist gypsy origin from France, who played jazz manouche
28. Duane Allman (Duane Allman) 1946-1971. One of the founders of the Southern Rock The Allman Brothers Band.
29. Eddie Van Halen (Edward Lodewijk Van Halen), b. 01/26/1955. Dutch-born American musician, founder of the eponymous hard rock band Van Halen
30. Elliott Randall, b. in 1947. American session musician
31. Eric Clapton, b. in 1945. British blues-rock guitarist, singer and songwriter who played in bands such as the Yardbirds, John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and Domino and released numerous solo albums. The only musician to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.
32. Frank Marino, b. in 1954. Guitarist and leader of the Canadian hard rock band Mahogany Rush.
33. Frank Zappa, 1940-1993. American musician, composer, who played a wide variety of music from rock to jazz.
34. Geordie Walker, b. in 1958. (real name - Kevin Walker). English rock musician from the post-punk band Killing Joke
35. George Harrison (George Harrison) 1943 - 2001. The Beatles
36. Glenn Tipton, b. in 1948 and Kenneth Downing (K.K. Downing), b. in 1951. Guitarists of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest
37. Greg Sage is the founder, guitarist and vocalist of the punk rock band The Wipers.
38. Hank Marvin, b. in 1941. Lead guitarist English group The Shadows.
39. Jack White (Jack White), b. in 1975. American rock musician who plays with his ex-wife in the duo The White Stripes
40. Jeff Baxter, b. 12/13/1948, American guitarist best known for his involvement in bands such as Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers
41. Jeff Beck, b. in 1944. British musician, guitarist of the Yardbirds, founder of the Jeff Beck Group, winner of 5 Grammys and 3 Classic Rock Awards.
42. Jeff Healey (Jeff Healey) 1966-2008. Famous Canadian blues guitarist. Being blind, he played the guitar laying it flat on his knees.
43. Jerry Cantrell, b. 03/18/1966. Founding member, songwriter and guitarist of Alice in Chains
44. Jerry Reed (1937-2008), American country musician, songwriter, including Elvis Presley. He acted in films.
45. Jim McCarty, b. in 1945 in Detroit. American blues rock musician who played in Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Cactus.
46 Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix Experience
47. Jimmy Herring, b. in 1962. Musician who played in The Allman Brothers Band, Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic, founder of the Aquarium Rescue Unit jam band
48. Jimmy Page, b. in 1944. British musician, composer. He started his career as a session musician, then played in the Yardbirds. Founder of Led Zeppelin The participant firm.
49. Joe Bonamassa, b. in 1977. American blues-rock guitarist, currently playing in the supergroup Black Country Communion.
50. Joe Perry, b. 09/10/1950. Aerosmith
51. Joe Satriani ( Joe Satriani), R. in 1956. American guitarist, member of the G3 project, currently playing in the supergroup Chickenfoot.
52. John Cipollina, 1943 -1989. Founder and lead guitarist of the San Francisco rock band Quicksilver Messenger Service.
53. John Lennon 10/09/1940 - 12/08/1980. The Beatles
54. John Martin (John Martyn) 1948-2009. British guitarist, singer and songwriter who has worked in the genres of folk, jazz and blues.
55. John McLaughlin, 01/04/1940. British jazz fusion musician, founder of the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
56. Johnny Winter, b. in 1944. One of the best American blues musicians.
57. Keith Richards, b. in 1943. Longtime guitarist, songwriter and founding member of The Rolling Stones. Nicknamed "The Riff Man".
58. Kirk Hammett, b. in 1962. Founder of the American thrash metal band Exodus, since 1983 a member of Metallica.
59. Larry Carlton, b. in 1948. American guitarist, best known for his work in the band Steely Dan, his polystyle guitar lived in the territory of jazz fusion and classic rock
60. Leslie West, b. 10/22/1945. American musician, one of the founding members of the hard rock band Mountain.
61. Lonnie Donegan (1931-2002), English guitarist who received the title "King of the Skiffle".
62. Lowell George 1945-1979, american singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist from Little bands Feat.
63. Malcolm Young (Malcolm Young) b. 1953 in Glasgow. Founder and rhythm guitarist for the Australian band AC/DC.
64. Marty Friedman, b. 12/8/1962. American guitarist who played in Megadeth. Currently lives in Japan.
65. Matthew Bellamy b. 07/09/1978. The leader of the British alternative rock band Muse.
66. Matthias Jabs, b. in 1955. Guitarist of the German rock band Scorpions
67. Michael Schenker, b. in 1955. German guitarist, former member rock band Scorpions and UFO, founder of the Michael Schenker Group. Younger brother Scorpions guitarist Rudolf Schenker.
68. Mick Green (1944-2010), Johnny Kidd & The Pirates
69. Mick Ralphs, b. in 1944. English musician who played in the bands Mott the Hoople and Bad Company
70. Mick Taylor (Mick Taylor), b. in 1949. English musician, best known for his participation in the bands John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones.
71. Mike Bloomfield (Mike Bloomfield), 1943 - 1981. American musician, guitarist and composer, best known for his work in The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
72. Neil Young b. in 1945. Canadian musician who played in the bands Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), Crazy Horse.
73. Paul Gilbert, b. in 1966. American guitarist who played in the bands Racer X and Mr. Big, who also released solo albums. Member of the G3 project (together with Joe Satriani and John Petrucci).
74. Paul Kossoff, 1950 - 1976. Guitarist of the British rock band Free
75. Pete Townshend, b. in 1945. Guitarist and main composer of the British rock band The Who. Known not only for his musical talents, but also for his violent behavior on stage, he was the FIRST OF ROCK MUSICIANS TO BREAK GUITARS AND BREAK AMPLIFIER CASES.
76. Peter Green (Peter Green), b. 10/29/1946. British musician, guitarist of John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers, founder of Fleetwood Mac.
77 Randy California 1951-1997 Guitarist, singer and songwriter for the American rock band Spirit.
78. Randy Rhoads (1956 - 1982) American musician who played in Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne.
79. Rick Derringer, b. 1947, American blues rock and hard rock guitarist
80. Ritchie Blackmore, b. 04/14/1945. English musician, one of the founders of the rock band deep purple, founder of Rainbow and Blackmore's Night.
81. Robby Krieger, b. in 1946. Guitarist of the American rock band The Doors
82. Robert Fripp, b. in 1946. The only permanent member prog rock band King Crimson
83. Robin Trower, b. in 1945. British musician, founder of the power trio of the same name. From 1967 to 1972 he played in the band Procol Harum.
84. Ron Ashton (Ron Asheton), 1948-2009. American musician who played in the proto-punk band The Stooges.
85 Rory Gallagher 1948-1995 Irish blues rock guitarist who played in the band Taste early in his career.
86. Roy Buchanan 1939-1988. American guitarist who combined blues and country in his playing. After his tragic death in a police cell, he received the title of "best unknown guitarist in the world" from the American press.
87. Scott Gorham, b. in 1951. American guitarist who played in Irish rock band Thin Lizzy.
88 Skip James 1902-1969 One of the patriarchs of the blues, a member of the Blues Hall of Fame (Blues Hall of Fame)
89. Slash (Slash), r. in 1965 (real name - Saul Hudson). American guitarist born in England. Played in Guns n' Roses and Velvet Revolver. Currently busy with solo projects.
90. Stan Webb (Stan Webb) b. 02/03/1946. Lead guitarist and vocalist for the English blues band Chicken Shack.
91. Steve Morse, b. in 1954. American guitarist playing in British hard rock Deep Purple
92. Steve Vai b. in 1960. American virtuoso guitarist who began his career with Frank Zappa, collaborated with David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, regular member musical project G3.
93. Stevie Ray Vaughan 1954 - 1990. American bluesman who died in a helicopter accident.
94. Tom Morello, b. in 1964. American musician who played in the rock bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
95. Toni Iommi, b. in 1948. Founder British group Black Sabbath.
96. Uli John Roth, b. in 1954. Former guitarist German rock band Scorpions
97. Vini Reilly, b. in 1953. Guitarist of the English post-punk band The Durutti Column.
98. Wolf Hoffman, b. in 1959. Member of the German heavy metal band Accept.
99. Yngwie Malmsteen, b. in 1963. Swedish rock instrumentalist.
100. Zakk Wylde, b. in 1967. Former guitarist of the band Ozzy Osbourne, founder of rock Black bands label society.

PS. I AM SURPRISED BY THE FOLLOWING FACT:
"12. Brian May, born in 1947 in London. British musician, founder of the band Queen, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, D.Sc.".
Directly my colleague almost, no matter how!

Far from any hobby that appears in our life is capable of becoming a matter of a lifetime in the future, a way of good earnings and the opportunity to become famous all over the world. The people we will talk about today are extraordinary and very talented individuals who loved music very much and, subsequently, it endowed them with popularity and the love of fans.

Today we will talk about the most famous guitarists in the world, they have long been recognized as real pros in their field, you want to listen to their compositions again and again, they do not get bored, they are distinguished by the depth and beauty of thought.

Some of them even became the founders of some new musical trends, these are people that every beginner and even a professional guitarist who has a desire to achieve something more in the world of music should look up to. I would like to separately note that our top 10 is made in an arbitrary sequence, because how can you compare the best of the world this?

Jimi Hendrix. Is it possible to describe in a nutshell this person who has long deserved the title of "legend"? A virtuoso guitarist whose work was admired by such famous musicians, like Paul McCartney and Freddie Mercury, managed to have a huge impact on the history and formation of rock music. And the point is not at all that he simply skillfully controlled the guitar and knew how to play it with almost any part of his body, but that he brought many innovative ideas to music, expanded the vocabulary of the electric guitar and its range, mastered the unique playing technique and managed to become a living personification of his own music.
BB King. He is better known to the world as the "King of the Blues", who plunged into his element almost from the cradle. From a very young age, he sang in the choir, and at the age of 12 he already bought his first guitar, from where the story of a talented guitarist, musician, songwriter and singer began. During his long career, King has managed to greatly develop one of the most recognizable musical styles, and many famous performers have borrowed and continue to borrow King's unique techniques.
Eric Clapton. He is called one of the most influential musicians in the rock era, and in the list of the most talented guitarists in the world according to the cult magazine Rolling Stone, Clapton is confidently ranked 4th. Received the nickname "slow hand" for the smoothness and softness of the sound that he skillfully extracts from the instrument. Recognized as one of the best rock and blues guitarists, in addition, he is an undeniable master of playing in the classical style.
Chuck Berry. He is called one of the most influential early rock and roll guitarists, according to many experts, some of his compositions became a real source of inspiration for the musicians of such great bands as The Beatles, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones and others, who at one time did cover versions of his songs.
Robert Johnson. It is noteworthy that all articles about this great musician, bluesman and guitarist are always accompanied by a single iconic image, because only two portraits of this talented person have survived in history. Most of his creative career, he spent outside of commerce, entertaining people in cafes and squares, inventing and recording own songs. As a result, he is called one of the best blues musicians of the last century, because he managed to create the basis for the creativity of subsequent generations.
Keith Richards. There are many reasons why this British guitarist, as well as songwriter, is on the list of the best and most famous. Of course, now he is no longer at the peak of his form, however, it was he who created a real sea of various guitar parts and melodies, and his guitar playing always has some zest, he always tries to change and bring something new into his work. Together with his friend Mick Jagger, he is the invariable "heart" of the legendary band The Rolling Stones, and is also known for his unique collection of guitars, the total number of which is about 3 thousand pieces!
Eddie Van Halen. It is noteworthy that this man in his entire life did not take a single lesson from a professional, nevertheless, he managed to master and hone the most complex playing technique - tapping, to full mastery. Founded with his brother group of the same name Van Halen is also one of the first guitarists to use the tremolo system.
Jimmy Page. Even at a very young age, Jimmy gained fame as a gifted guitarist, at that time he was already performing as a session guitarist for serious bands. In the late 60s, he founded his own, known today as Led Zeppelin, and from that very moment it began its rapid ascent along the walk of fame. As a result, Jimmy became one of the most famous composers, songwriters and music producers in the legendary world of rock.
Ry Cooder. He is called the most expressive and extraordinary performer of slide guitar compositions. Its popularity came at the end of the last century, however, the meaning of the above words has not been lost from this. Rai is known for his mastery of the glissando technique, and is a renowned blues collector, folk singer, and film composer.
Brian May. He began to develop his hobby at the age of seven, but due to lack of funds, he trained on a home-made guitar, which he made with his father from oak. Later he organized a student group, and 20 years later he became the guitarist of the Queen group, where he took part in its most popular hits.

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 leaders of the Pink Floyd group. 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 composers of rock. 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 wide variety of melodies, in addition, he is known for his huge collection, consisting of 3000 guitars. Together with Mick Jagger, he was the heart of the Rolling 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 by 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.

November 27, 1942 Jimi Hendrix was born - the best guitarist in the history of rock music, called a genius during his lifetime. In our today's selection - the most successful and great guitarists who have made an invaluable contribution to the development different styles music.

(Total 20 photos)

1. Jimi Hendrix.

It's not that Hendrix was more advanced in terms of guitar playing than his contemporaries. The fact is that he did everything more naturally. He was a creative person, as if he did not make any effort in his work. Hendrix himself personified the music he played. (Rex)

2. Keith Richards.

There's a reason people are willing to go to great lengths to watch Richards play. Of course, this guitarist is no longer at the peak of his powers, but this is definitely a person who created a lot of amazing and diverse songs and melodies. His guitar playing has always been innovative, and his use of ever-changing approaches has always been at the heart of the Rolling Stones' sonic sound.

3. B.B. King.

Riley B King from the American town of Indianola, Mississippi, plunged into the blues almost from birth. His minimalist style and pure musical "narrative" have influenced generations of guitarists. Now 87, he is still the king of the blues and plays about 100 shows a year. (AFP/Getty)

4. Eddie Van Halen.

Van Halen's skill comes in part from how he plays the guitar. He mastered the tapping technique to perfection and even improved it. He is now 55 and continues to tour.

5. Django Reinhardt.

Perhaps this is the first major European jazz musician, which played "jumping". Reinhardt's original style has become a musical tradition in French Gypsy culture. It is known that Reinhardt played all his guitar solos with two fingers, after he damaged two other fingers on his hand in a fire. (Roger - Viollet / Rex Features)

6. Mark Knopfler.

One of the most respected fingerpicking guitarists of his generation. Knopfler's precision and melodiousness greatly slowed down the evolution of the punk scene in the late 70s. (Getty Images)

7. Robert Johnson.

There's a good reason that every article about Robert Johnson is accompanied by the same iconic photograph of him, because only two portraits of this blues musician have survived. Johnson spent most of his life outside of commercial success, playing on the streets or in diners, but he remains arguably one of the most pivotal blues musicians in history.

8. Stevie Ray Vaughn

Stevie Ray Vaughn (right) left school at 17 and immersed himself in the world of music, working with blues musicians like Albert King and Muddy Waters, as well as rock musicians like Lonnie Mac and his idol Jimi Hendrix. Vaughn developed his own original style with a characteristic bold sound and, together with the group "Double Trouble", for seven years enjoyed a successful musical career. Tragically, Vaughn died in a helicopter crash in Wisconsin. (Rex Features)

9. Ry Cooder.

Charismatic, versatile and extraordinary musician. He is best known for his main role at the Buena Vista Club. Cooder started out as a teenager and an up-and-coming blues musician, and to this day remains famous for his exquisite "glide" while playing the guitar. (Karen Miller)

10 Lonnie Johnson

An innovator in the field of jazz guitar and guitar solo on the same string. Johnson had a fairly successful commercial career. He is one of the few guitarists who can claim to have laid the foundation for blues and rock, and his influence has left a mark on the work of almost every electric blues guitarist who was born after him. (Rex Features)

11. Carlos Santana.

The "glassy" tone of Santana's guitar playing is recognizable as soon as he appears in the song. And this can not be said about all the musicians who are represented in this list. The fusion of Latin rhythms, blues and jazz, characteristic of Santana's work, has become almost a cult, and dizzyingly colorful outfits and a 65-year (!) career have deservedly led him to 10 grammy awards and three Latin Grammy awards. (AP)

12. Jimmy Page.

13. Paco de Lucia.

Definitely the greatest of all living representatives of flamenco on the guitar. De Lucia is an incredibly technical and talented guitarist. His work with John McLaughlin and Larry Coriel resulted in one of the most exciting albums ever written in the world of guitar music.

14. Eric Clapton.

The only three-time winner of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Clapton revolutionized guitar playing and 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.

15. Brian May.

The Commander of the Order of the British Empire is also a rock legend. His guitar playing is a real theatrical performance, and the list of Queen hits to which he had a hand is truly impressive. (Rex Features)

16. Chet Atkins.

Atkins mastered a huge number of styles - from country to jazz and classical. He developed his own 4-finger guitar style to play both melody and chords at the same time. He resurrected country music with a Nashville sound that is now integral to the musician's personality. (AP)

The Guns N' Roses guitarist wrote some of the most memorable tunes of all time, and his solos - on songs like "November Rain", "Sweet Child o' Mine" and more - have gone down in history. Guns N' Roses may be trying to replicate the success of their first album, but Slash's playing has always been successful. (AFP)

18. Chuck Berry.

Berry is best known for his formative rhythms and blues. As a result, he served as an inspiration for artists such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. As a guitarist, Chuck Berry was economical and clean, but as a showman, he was bright and witty.

19. David Gilmour.

Gilmour's elegant solos, sometimes dreamy, sometimes melodic, became the foundation of Pink Floyd's music. His solos in the compositions "Comfortably Numb", "Time and Money" forever settled in the soul of many music lovers. He managed to create a sound that can not be confused with anything.

20. Jeff Beck.

Like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, Beck is one of three famous guitarists who played with The Yardbirds. For this, he entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and then he entered there again thanks to his solo activities. The 68-year-old guitarist has produced some of the most exciting and dizzying guitar melodies V recent history music. And although he is no longer as commercially successful as many of his contemporaries, he is his influence in music world cannot be underestimated.

November 27, 1942 was born Jimi Hendrix - the best guitarist in the history of rock music, called a genius during his lifetime. In our today's selection - the most successful and great guitarists who have made an invaluable contribution to the development of different styles of music.

1. Jimi Hendrix

2. Keith Richards

3. BB King

4 Eddie Van Halen

Van Halen's skill comes in part from how he plays the guitar. He mastered the tapping technique to perfection and even improved it. He is now 55 and continues to tour.

5. Django Reinhardt

Perhaps this is the first major European jazz musician who played "jumping". Reinhardt's original style has become a musical tradition in French Gypsy culture. It is known that Reinhardt played all his guitar solos with two fingers, after he damaged two other fingers on his hand in a fire.

6. Mark Knopfler

One of the most respected fingerpicking guitarists of his generation. Knopfler's precision and melodiousness greatly slowed down the evolution of the punk scene in the late 70s.

7. Robert Johnson

8. Stevie Ray Vaughn

Stevie Ray Vaughn (right) left school at 17 and immersed himself in the world of music, working with blues musicians like Albert King and Muddy Waters, as well as rock musicians like Lonnie Mac and his idol Jimi Hendrix. Vaughn developed his own original style with a distinctive bold sound and enjoyed a successful musical career with the group Double Trouble for seven years. Tragically, Vaughn died in a helicopter crash in Wisconsin.

9. Ry Cooder

Charismatic, versatile and extraordinary musician. He is best known for his starring role in the Buena Vista Club. Cooder started out as a teenager and an up-and-coming blues musician, and to this day remains famous for his exquisite "glide" while playing the guitar.

10. Lonnie Johnson

11. Carlos Santana

The "glassy" tone of Santana's guitar playing is recognizable as soon as he appears in the song. And this can not be said about all the musicians who are represented in this list. Santana's characteristic fusion of Latin rhythms, blues and jazz has become almost a cult, and dizzyingly colorful outfits and a 65-year (!) career have deservedly led him to 10 Grammy awards and three Latin Grammy awards.

12. Jimmy Page

The guitarist of Led Zeppelin became one of the best "set the rhythm" of all time. However, he is also one of the greatest composers and producers in the world of rock. With such an extensive array of songs, solos and rhythms, Page easily became one of the titans of the industry. This music does not lose its popularity today. Wherever a fan of these rhythms is, whatever he does, even when repairing walls with his own hands, he will listen to this music.

13. Paco de Lucia

14. Eric Clapton

15. Brian May

The Commander of the Order of the British Empire is also a rock legend. His guitar playing is a real theatrical performance, and the list of Queen hits to which he had a hand is truly impressive.

16. Chet Atkins

17. Slash

18. Chuck Berry

19. David Gilmour

20. Jeff Beck

Like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, Beck is one of three famous guitarists who played with The Yardbirds. For this, he entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and then he entered there again thanks to his solo activities. The 68-year-old guitarist has produced some of the most breathtaking and mind-blowing guitar melodies in recent music history. Although he is no longer as commercially successful as many of his contemporaries, his influence in the music world cannot be underestimated.