Attention Music Lovers: Who Is The Greatest Guitarist Of All Time…….Written By Guest Writer Ed Sugar
Guitar Heroes
Merrill got stuck in an airport last night and asked me to cover for him today.
Today’s subject is one that is near and dear to me and one that the Merrill Dubrow Blog has not touched enough on: music.
I love music; all kinds; classical, country, jazz, rock, blues, punk, house, gospel, blue grass, rap, reggae and opera. Before my career in marketing research, I spent two fast and furious years in the retail music industry. My wife, Marion, and I have close to 2,000 CDS in our house and I never leave home without my MP3 player or the car CD player loaded with discs. A day does not pass without music in my life.
I have been asked numerous times what my favorite instrument is. Hands down it is the guitar (piano, saxophone and Hammond organ follow in order). In the proper hands, a guitar can produce sounds ranging from a butterfly fluttering in the wind to that of two high-speed trains crashing head on. The guitar has been the weapon of revolutions, the flame that ignites romances and recently the inspiration for a popular computer game. In any genre of music, when it is the guitarist’s turn for a solo, the audience/listener senses that a leader, a rebel, a genius and a master is taking over.
So who’s the greatest guitarist ever?
I would have to say Jimi Hendrix. In a brief period (1967-1970), no musician has had such a profound impact on both a genre of music and the instrument he played. No one before him had played the guitar like he did and everyone after him has interpreted, copied and improvised his style and techniques. Here is short list of other favorites of mine: Rory Gallagher – Irish rock/blues guitarist, whose talents for bending metal produced a great raw sound. John McLaughlin – Whether it is rock (the Mahavishnu Orchestra) straight ahead jazz or traditional Indian music (Shakti), there is no one faster running his fingers up and down the frets. Tal Farlow – My favorite jazz guitarist. One of the best cool/bop jazz guitarist ever. The amazing thing is he did not take up the guitar until he was 21! Ry Cooder – Best known for the CD and movie “Buena Vista Social Club”, Ry is considered by many to be the best bottleneck guitarist around. I especially like his early recordings that cover an incredible eclectic range of North American musical styles, including rock & roll, blues, reggae, Tex-Mex, Hawaiian, Dixieland jazz, country, folk, R&B, gospel, and vaudeville. Richard Thompson – For years I thought of him as just a great singer and songwriter, until I saw him at UCLA in 2005. Just like John McLaughlin, he is a master of both the acoustic and electric guitar. |
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- Who are your favorite guitarists?
- Who is the best ever?
- Who have I not mentioned or slighted?
I look forward to your comments.
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About Ed Sugar:
Ed Sugar Vice President, On-Line Communication
Ed brings over 15 years of experience and knowledge within the market research industry. His expertise includes data collection (mail, telephone and on-line studies) and data processing (coding, tabulations and customized reporting tools) for consumer, business to business, healthcare, entertainment, travel and tourism, automotive and customer satisfaction studies.
Ed is currently the Vice Chair of the Marketing Research Association’s Business Services Workgroup and Director Program/Events for the Southern California Chapter of the MRA. In recent years, he has served as Chair of the MRA’s Program Committee, Chairman of the American Marketing Association’s Ethics Committee, President of the Southern California Chapter of the AMA and on the Board of Directors for the Travel and Tourism Research Association. In 1994 he was the recipient of the AMA Special Merit Award and the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the AMA’s “12th Man Award”. In 2000 he received TTRA’s President’s Award and in 2003 was presented the MRA’s Award of Excellence. As a part of the MRA’s 50th Anniversary, he was honored as one of the association’s 22 “Industry Leaders.” He has previously presented at MRA’s Annual and Fall Conferences, as well as regional programs for the MRA Florida, Mid-Atlantic, Southern California Chapters, the Southern California Chapter of the AMA and the TTRA Annual Conference.
Ed lives in Sylmar, California where he enjoys baseball (big Dodger fan), jogging, dinning, collecting CDs and spending time with his wife, Marion, and their four cats.
November 9th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Ed,
Great post, Ed, and a topic near and dear to my heart. I was pleased to see such a wide variety of players on your list.
Here are a few of my favorites and “honorable mentions” that you didn’t mention.
And I’m sure I’m leaving off a bunch.
Overall, I’d go with James Taylor. I’m partial to guitarist/singer/songwriters and in my mind, no one does it better than JT.
Again, I really enjoyed the post.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:09 am
My vote….Stevie Ray Vaughn. God rest his soul but not his music.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Santana
Also, Lindsey Buckingham. He’s top-of-mind because Fleetwood Mac was on Biography last night.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Oh, and by the way, Peter Frampton is missing from the list.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Chuck Garvey and Al Schnier were named two of the Top 20 New Guitar Gods by Rolling Stone in the February 2007 issue!
If you don’t know Moe.; they are jam band out of Utica NY. Their newest album, The Conch is worth picking up! Rolling Stone also gave the album four out of five stars, saying: moe. is…Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan and Gram Parsons…from hard rock to melodic country, Moe can write songs and they can play the bejesus out of them live.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:41 am
You have named a lot of great ones, including some of my favorites (Hendrix, Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Page, Gilmour).
A couple that haven’t been mentioned yet:
Peter Green (of the original Fleetwood Mac) - One of the all time great British blues players, he burned out/dropped out early but had a great tone and was very influential.
The Edge- very distinctive style, not known for great leads per se, but think of all the memorable riffs in U2’s songs.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Ed,
Thanks for being a guest writer. While I admit it is funny reading something that was posted on the blog that I didn’t write - it is very worthwhile because it showcases other people and give them a chance to enjoy the experience that I have over the past 16 months.
I enjoyed reading your post and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
Thanks again.
Merrill
November 9th, 2007 at 10:30 am
hmmm….edward…are you trying to make your old buddy crazy? i do not see george harrison on your list. shuffle that ipod to MARWA BLUES, sit back and listen to that guitar gently weep.
November 9th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Ed:
That was a great post and it was very well written! I have to go with Eric Clapton as being the greatest guitarist of all time. He can play great in many different styles and his longevity in recording great Rock & Roll songs is unparalleled.
I would add Tony Rice to your list also. Tony is an amazing acoustical guitarist who came up within bluegrass and invented his own music sometimes referred to by people as “spacegrass,” a blend of bluegrass music and jazz. Tony used to sing but developed nodes on his vocal chords years ago, and was told not to sing anymore by his doctor, which only helped him to develop his guitar skills to an even higher level.
November 9th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Ed, great writing but I am not sure how you could have forgot Robert Fripp or even Adrian Belew for that matter. They say that Fripp is the guitarist’s guitarist. I must admit though that even he was in awe of Hendrix, although the story is, Hendrix was in awe of King Crimson.
November 9th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
A list of the greatest guitar players would not be complete without mentioning Jeff Beck. He is a musician’s musician, a guitarist’s guitarist who has chosen to stay out of the limelight.
Jeff Beck pioneered many of the sounds we still hear in Rock music today including distortion, feedback, whammy bar usage, the talk box (popularized by Peter Frampton) and pinched harmonics.
Like many of the great guitarist, you can identify Jeff Beck by hearing just a few of notes.
Jeff’s discography speaks for itself.
November 9th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Hello there Ed,
Very nice list you have there. They are all legends amongst men. But I have to go for Saul Hudson (Slash) Because of his special style and the smashing solo he had with Guns N’ Roses with the song November Rain.
Thank you for making this list.
Dio Schrauwen,
The Netherlands
November 9th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
A typically eclectic selection from Ed, and I particularly agree with his comments re: John McLaughlin (’Birds of Fire’ was an epiphany for me); Richard Thompson; and Ry Cooder. I was also pleased to see Leo Kottke mentioned (check out “Burnt Lips”)
But here are a few more guitarists who, for me at least, are instantly recognisable and/or have redefined their instrument to some extent, primarily through inventive & subtle employment of effects (in no particular order of merit):
Robert Fripp - looks like a professor (seated, bespectacled) & often plays like one as well. Capable of quiet introspection & alarming ferocity … often on the same piece of music. Check out ‘Fracture’ on King Crimson’s “Starless & Bible Black”; also his collaborations with Brian Eno & David Sylvian.
Allan Holdsworth - totally unique. Still recording although best known for his Jazz-Rock fusion work with latter versions of Soft Machine & Gong; and also Bruford & the short-lived UK.
Bill Frisell - came to the fore through recordings, both as a leader & side man on a number of recordings for Manfred Eicher’s ECM label. Not a flashy soloist but who adds colour to recordings through washes of sound.
Pat Metheny - I’m not too keen when he picks up the guitar synthesizer & some of his more recent recordings are perhaps a little too MOR … but check out his earlier work with Gary Burton & solo / group recordings for ECM.
Frank Zappa - Sadly no longer with us but a superb musician capable of so more than the humourous smutty stuff that he is perhaps best known for.
John Martyn - probably the first guitarist to discover the possibilities of the Echoplex.
Nick Drake - no effects here, just beautiful picking.
Fred Frith - Henry Cow perhaps weren’t to everyone’s taste but it’s difficult to deny the brilliance of Frith’s playing.
Carlos Santana - surprised no-one has mentioned Carlos, the master of sustain.
I’m sure there are loads I’ve missed out, and a mention in dispatches to Brian Godding & Chris Spedding: a couple of really under-rated British guitarists who feature on many of Mike Westbrook’s recordings.
As for a favourite - impossible!
Apologies for spelling mistakes - I’m English.
November 9th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I missed out Ralph Towner & John Scofield
November 9th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
You left off JJ Cale, who can do more with less than almost anybody. Possibly the world’s best guitarist is not even known to you. On November 1st, 2007, Tommy Crook was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Year ago, Johnny Carson asked Chet Atkins if he (Chet) was the world’s greatest guitarist; Chet said, “there’s a guy that plays at a club at the Tulsa airport that plays my style way better than I do, his name is Tommy Crook.” The general public doesn’t know about Tommy, but I would guess most of the guitarists on your list do.
November 9th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Ed, this is an impossible question, and one of I’ve struggled with before. For instance, John McLaughlin cannot do what Segovia did, but that’s ok, because they’re both masters at what they do (or did). Also, I’m going to have to argue with Kirk Hammet being on your list, and replace him with someone from the same genre; Marty Friedman. Friedman’s solos are far more interesting and musical, while every bit as fast as Hammet’s. But I digress. For the purposes of my list I’m going to exclude singer/songwrites, because we’re talking about guitarists. I’m also going to break it down by genre, because how can you compare guys like Wes Mo to guys like Marty Friedman and Kirk Hammet?
Straight ahead jazz:
Wes Montgomery- I was considering Pat Martino or Jimmy Bruno, but Wes was first.
Fusion:
John McLaughlin - no one can touch the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Not even close.
Funk:
Scofield - he’s the man, plus he can play straight ahead and fusion with the best of them.
Rock:
Got to be Hendrix, because of his innovation and intensity, plus he wrote some beautiful music, and could melt your face off.
Blues:
BB King. no explanation required
Metal:
Frederik Thordendal (Meshuggah): while he stole a lot of what he does from Holdsworth, he put it in a unique context, and Meshuggah’s polyrhythmic songwriting is amazing. Maybe my favorite band/guitarist.
Classical:
Andres Segovia -reinvented the classical guitar
Flamenco:
Paco de Lucio - He’s the master.
ok, that’s way too much information. back to work!
November 9th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
He’s not a classic yet, but I think John Mayer is a great guitarist. I was watching a live concert of his on TV recently and his version of “I don’t Trust Myself” was unbelievable.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
The best of all times is Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Carlos Santana. There are alot of good players. But the best of all time I have to say is Eric Clapton.
He is just wonderful. So Natural, So clear, So good.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Great topic Ed. How is it possible that no one has mentioned Angus Young (AC/DC), Pete Townsend (WHO), Steve Vai, Joe Satriani or Brian May (Queen), . Also Randy Rhodes (best known for playing with Ozzy Osborne, but also in Quiet Riot), Prince, and Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple and Rainbow). Finally, how about The Edge (U2)?
November 9th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
No contest, hands down.
Eric Clapton, No. 1
Segovia, No. 2
Alvin (10 Fastest Fingers of Death) Lee, No. 3
HS
November 9th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Randy Rhoads definitely needs to be on this list. Thanks, Paul.
November 9th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
good article ed, and i must concur with your choice of “jimi” as the greatest picker of all time. i was fortunate to see him and “the experience” twice. the last time was at the hollywood bowl in 1968. also on the bill were “aire apparent” (easily forgettable), “soft machine” ( a revelation, and still one of my favorites), and “vanilla fudge” (a tight, professional set). ‘jimi” came out and tore it up for over 2 hours, and to this day it is the greatest gig i”ve ever seen and heard. other guitarists that were’nt on the list that i dig are: allan holdsworth, frank zappa, steve hillage, robert fripp, carlos santana, adrien belew, and dozens more. what’s the next musical topic on your agenda? later bunz
November 9th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Good blog. You mentioned Ry Cooder. Check out the movie crossroads. The end is a guitar battle between Steve Vai and Rlaph Machio, he plays the part but the guitar is played by Ry Cooder he compossed the end.
Randy Rhoads should be added, Zak Whylse (Ozzy, Black label Society) Marty Friedman and Jason Becker could be added too. How about Chuck Berry or BB king?
November 9th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Hey Ed:
I think we have to break it down a little…I think Eric Clapton is the greatest rock guitarist and I love Jimi Hendricks but when it comes to blues guitar, especially, long time blues guitar, you gotta’ have B.B. King..
If you want to hear some great guitar work by two great artists theres an album/cd called: Riding with the King by Eric Clapton and B.B King and they both do some wonderful real downhome (Well Chicago) blues..Have fun
November 9th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Buzz, hands down…it has to be…Clapton..with Hendrix on his right and Carlos Saaantaaaanaaa on the left!! Peace , Love, and many more years of friendship !! RonnieT in the hood of the Amish…forever young!!
November 9th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Wonderful list! Another person who is one of the most influential, but perhaps not top of mind in terms of virtuosity, is Les Paul — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Paul
November 9th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
To pick one guitarist as “the greatest” is almost certainly an impossible task for any one regardless of their level of involvement with music. There are personal favorites, groundbreaking pioneers, original stylists, virtuosos, specialists, technicians, those who you saw give memorable performances, and even the players you don’t even like, but know they are historically important and therefore of great relevance. Nevertheless, this is a fun topic for those of us who are immersed in music in their daily lives. While it is very hard to argue with Ed’s pick of Jimi Hendrix for the reasons he gives: impact, influence, originality- also of mention is that Jimi expanded the vocabulary of the electric guitar so suddenly and exponentially, as if he arrived from some other world seemingly fully realized the first time you heard him. However, if Jimi expanded the vocabulary of the instrument as no one else has, consider that Robert Johnson established the vocabulary of the instrument as we know it. In an era of limited mass communication he synthesized an astonishing array of techniques, styles, and pure intensity into something never contemplated even by older peers such as Charley Patton, Willie Brown, and the great Son House. The mythology of Robert Johnson is well known for a reason! He begat Muddy, and John Lee and Hound Dog, and Lightning Hopkins, and the Wolf who in turn begat Jimi. Another name that must be mentioned and often isn’t is the late great John Fahey. He had such vision as to actually invent the genre of acoustic guitarist as composer. He expanded the boundaries of the acoustic guitar with non traditional musical ideas as no one has. I saw the name of Leo Kottke mentioned as well it should be. But there would be no Leo Kottke sound with out John Fahey, who served as a mentor to Mr. Kottke. Mr Kottke returned the favor by becoming one of the world’s master guitarists. From there it is all a stream of incredible names: Peter Green, Duane Allman, Dicky Betts, Jerry Garcia- the embodiment of America itself, Charlie Christian, Lowell George- a slide sound like no other, Merle Travis, Buddy Guy- every note from the soul, The Reverend Gary Davis who begat Ry Cooder and Jorma Kaukonen and David Bromberg and the great David Lindley, Frank Zappa, Rick Derringer, Johnny Winter, Larry Carlton, Terry Kath, Jeff Baxter, Chet Atkins, Bill Frisell, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Kim Simmonds, Clarence White. The great Carlos Santana, Zoot Horn Rollo who preceded the great Marc Ribot. So I think I’ve proved to myself that this is just so impossible for me to trim the list down! But so fun to think about and participate in, thanks ED.
November 10th, 2007 at 8:12 am
While it’s hard to argue with Ed’s choice of Jimi Hendrix who after all expanded the vocabulary of the guitar as we know it, it was Robert Johnson who ESTABLISHED the vocabulary and created the language the modern guitar is based on.
November 10th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I love all of the different selections made in the blog, with few exceptions. This list and replies will give me some new avenues of guitar heroes to explore.
I agree with Edward’s choice of Jimi Hendrix as the greatest guitarist of all time, although his brief career and the inconsistency of his posthumous releases leave room for debate. Thanks to the various people who brought in the names of some of my heroes including Leo Kottke, Wes Montgomery, Zoot Horn Rollo of the Magic Band, Tal Farlow, Django Reinhardt, and Robert Johnson to name just a few. Jim, I remember seeing the great Tony Rice with you at McCabe’s. He was amazing.
I am particularly disappointed that no one mentioned the great Jack White of the White Stripes. From Little Jackie’s first recordings he has rarely disappointed. How he makes so much sound come from that ax amazes me. The White Stripes are the runaway leaders of the latest Garage Rock revival. They are only Jack’s guitars and occasional foray on keyboards and Meg’s percussion. Let’s face it, her drumming is nothing to write home about.
I think he is the greatest guitar player I’ve seen live. His frenetic playing and stage presence put him right behind Hendrix on my list of guitar heroes.
Someone needs to give that boy some matches and a can of lighter fluid.
Although he would obviously not make a list of the world’s greatest guitarists, I also want to give props to my “favorite” guitarist, Dave Edmunds. His music has given me great joy for many years. His guitar work is clean, clear, full-bodied, and joyous.
Thanks for the great blog, Ed!
November 10th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Hello Buzz,
A great list of guitarist.
David Gilmour is my favorite.
I think that the music from your most favorite band automatically gives the guitarist as your best.
On my personal list surely stands Garry Moore on the second place.
Greetings from Roosendaal, the Netherlands
November 10th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Hello Buzz,
A great list of guitarist.
Personally I find that the quality of the guitarists comes to its right, when they play unplugged (acoustic guitar natural)
David Gilmour is my favorite.
I think that the music from your most favorite band automatically gives the guitarist as your best.
On my personal list surely stands Garry Moore on the second place.
Greetings from Roosendaal, the Netherlands
November 10th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
just a few more guitarists to think about: david torn,larry coryell, jerry cantrell, robin trower, al dimeola, peter buck, paul simon, steve stills, phil manzanera, neil young, dave davies, david hidalgo, steve miller, steve hackett, dick dale, steve howe, roger mcquinn, robbie kreiger, lowell george, etc. etc. etc. bunz
November 10th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Ahh yes, the old who is the greatest guitarist question. Ah yes. I may, or may not be the youngest person to submit my vote in this blog. That being said, I’ve never had the chance to see many of the greats play in person, or even while they were still alive. Of course, the obvious choices have already been said. But I’ve played a little string banjo (complete lie), so I know how difficult some songs are on a guitarist. Look at Joel Zumaya! My vote for the greatest is going to be AC/DC frontman, Angus Young. He won Guitarist of the Year for his song ‘Thunderstruck’, which I find close to the heart after playing high school football for the Mio Thunderbolts. Just listen to the riffs in that one and tell me that it is not one of the hardest songs to play. Runner up - Thomas Morello of Rage Against the Machine. Bulls on Parade!
November 10th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
This is a great list and some wonderful comments. I have always been partial to the guitar playing of Bruce Springsteen. His lyrics tend to overshadow his playing but he’s a pretty expressive player, especially on those early verbally frantic albums. The guitar work seems designed to match the substantial flow of his words. I really love some of the others on this list who have been already cited as spectacular….. Howlin’ Wolf, Hendrix, Townshend, Page and Thompson in particular.
I really enjoyed reading Robert Langelier’s post on blues guitarists. I am surprised there aren’t more fans of Stevie Ray Vaughn. I think he rocks harder than anyone. His playing is distinctively in-your-face aggressive. As soon as you hear one riff, you know who’s playing. All of that said, I’d have to say my favorite guitarist is not one on this list. It’s Ali Farka Toure, the amazing blues guitarist from Africa. Primitive, visceral, extremely sexual. I guarantee he will help get both you and your partner off if you bring him into your bedroom for some moanin’ at midnight. Check him out if you don’t know this guy. You won’t regret it. You’ll feel transported to a whole other world, in that way that the best music does.
November 10th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Well there’s so many greats, most have already been named, but here’s some of my favorites for various different reasons.
Keith Richards-Maybe not the best from a technical standpoint, but I look at writing as part of the overall picture, hard to argue that he’s put down some of the most memorable riffs.
Jimmy Page-see above
Richard Thompson-This guy’s just a monster, nobody else like him. Great singer and songwriter also.
Elliot Easton-unique melodies, simple yet complex and unforgettable.
Malcolm Young-Everybody loves Angus, but behind that is some of the most solid rhythm playing ever, rock solid, bonus points for brutal rock tone everytime.
Chris Rea-Never broke big in the U.S. but he’s a star everywhere else in the world. Think Knopfler with a lot less notes, haunting voice also.
Carl Verheyen-Big session guy, plays for Supertramp also. Dig the wailing guitar in that budweiser, juicy fruit gum, dodge truck commercial? It’s probably Carl. This guy’s one of the most recorded guitar players in LA.
Lindsay Buckingham-What a unique vision of the instrument this guy has. He’s the king of “playing for the song”.
Brian May-Always in Freddie’s shadow, in any other band he would have been the star lead singer. Wrote some amazing tunes, total unique tone.
Dan Huff-Top Nashville guy, his band “Giant” was largely overlooked, stunning guitarwork.
Lowell George-Maybe the best slide player ever.
Zack Wylde-To be out on the road with Ozzy when you’re 19, you’ve gotta be pretty amazing.
Don Felder-Solid player, great writer. Does it get much better than the end of “Hotel California”, Ok lets throw Walsh in here too, the James Gang stuff alone would earn it.
Tom Sholz-Great player, writer, and producer. Put Boston’s debut record on a good system, you can’t NOT play air guitar. Maybe the pinnacle of production value, though some Steely Dan fans would argue.
Of course, Hendrix, Beck, SRV, and Clapton all need to be mentioned, all undeniable talents.
November 10th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Forgive me, I left out Chuck Berry, now that is an oversight. All this stuff started somewhere, most roads lead to Chuck.
November 10th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Ok Ed - you shamed me into answering my first blog reply ever. I must agree with those who mentioned Eric Clapton - even though he is a rock guitarist, he’s got soul, blues, jazz and heart in his fingers. I too remember the great J.J. Cale and thank the person who previously mentioned him for bringing his greatness back to mind. Great artist to try and listen to if you have never heard him.
Buckeye Broad
November 10th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Hello all. I would like to add my personal favorite, Dave Mason, to the list. From Traffic, to his ongoing career as a solo artist, I think he lives up to the motto that he is fond of; “Rock and Roll is an attitude, not an age.”
November 10th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
OK, I’m going to make a lot of people angry right now, but Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton are two of the most over-rated guitarists on the planet. Clapton has been questionable ever since Cream broke up (although his unplugged was pretty good), and Carlos stopped trying a long time ago. They’re both one-trick ponies. OK, you can all yell at me now. my list of favorites is up above.
Oh, I left two guys off of my list. They’re my two current favorite fusion players. Scott Henderson and Nels Cline.
November 11th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Of the ones mentioned so far, I am also a fan of Ry Cooder and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Other favorers:
John Fahey (surprised no one has mentioned him)
David Bromberg (he is known more for his performing than his guitar work, but his guitar playing is excellent)
Steve Goodman (ditto)
Carl Wilson (doesn’t seem to be a lot of love for the bass guitarists so far, but I hear the word “guitarist” and the first few bars of “Missourilou” go through my head)
Zan MacLeod (OK, you’ve never heard of him, but check him out. Incredible Celtic guitarist, largely self-taught. ttp://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/artist_detail.cfm?artist_id=MCLEODZANN)
Honorable mentions:
Brian McNeil (who can pick up any stringed instrument-guitar, bouzouki, fiddle, etc) and play it masterfully.
Uncle Dave Macon-world’s greatest banjo player
November 11th, 2007 at 10:52 am
In my not so humble opinion, Ry Cooder is well and truly the dog’s bollocks. Even on his so-so records (ie anything in the past 10 years) his playing is exemplary, but the stuff he did in the late 70s early 80s was slide guitar at its best, and his playing on Jagger’s solo song ‘Memo to Turner’ managed to make a tune whithout a chorus a sleazy classic.
Ed has reminded me of this … and I was going to put it up … that a little known hero of guitar slinging is a guy named Slim from the Hamsters. Spends a lot of his time in tributes to Hendrix and ZZ Top, but is just as good when knocking out his own material. Check the link http://www.thehamsters.co.uk/.
Others … Spanish flamenco player Juan Martin; Taj Mahal, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Scottish jazzman Jimmy Mullen, Tal Farlow and English pub rocker Brinsley Schwarz, who truly kicked arse in his days with Graham Parker and the Rumour.
Hendrix goes without saying.
November 11th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
In response to Jonathan’s comments about Clapton and Santana, I am in full agreement with him.
I have never been much of a Santana fan and in fact, I do not even own a CD of his.
As for EC, with the exception of “From The Cradle” (which is basically a collection covers of the American Blues Songbook) he has not produced a decent album since “Derek & The Dominos” (even that is a bit of stretch, since many people in the music industry have long felt that Duane Allman ate his lunch during those sessions).
Okay, you Clapton & Santana fans, Jonathan and I are ready for your blasts.
November 11th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Other thoughts and musings:
As you read through the posts and you come across an artist that intrigues and interests you, I suggest that you go to All Music at http://wm10.allmusic.com/ Great site where you can find biographies, discographies and sample tracks of just about everyone that has ever been recorded
There have been some great posts. Thanks to all who mentioned Robert Fripp, Leo Kottke, Lowell George, Jack White and Chuck Berry.
Chuck, thanks for plugging Ali Farka Toure. His CD with Ry Cooder is a classic.
Here are some surprises that I noticed:
Not too many mentions of Jimmy Page. In fact, I was hoping see someone mention the Yardbirds, as I have always thought of them as the ultimate guitar band with Beck, Clapton and Page participating at various stages from 1964 through 1967.
Where were all the Dead Heads? I was banking on more comments about Jerry Garcia. I do not think we had one.
How about George Benson? Before he became a pop singer, he was Wes Montgomery’s protege and certainly lived up to the billing.
Not one woman mentioned. I thought for sure that Bonnie Raitt or Joni Mitchell would get some kind of props. Nothing. Zero Why?
Two Favorites Not Mentioned:
Wilko Johnson - The former Dr. Feelgood axe man, has to be the most frenetic performer on stage. One of the great unsung rock guitarists.
Snakefinger (a.k.a Philip Lithman). His solo on the Residents cover of “Satisfaction” is a cult favorite. “Music so good, ears refuse to listen to it” was how this very bizarre cover was once promoted.
Finally two names that may or may not be worthy, but I feel need mentioning:
Christopher Guest - whether he is Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap, Alan Barrows of the Folksmen or doing his Neil Young impersonation, not only is he very funny, but he is quite talented.
Tony Melendez - this is the young boy who performed for Pope John Paul during his 1987 Papal visit to Los Angeles. If you do not remember Mr. Melendez has no arms and a club foot. One the most moving guitar performances there has been.
November 11th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
While I’m not a big Clapton fan, I don’t consider him overrated. He is an outstanding guitarist, but he never was inclined to “push the envelope”. His playing is technically spectacular, but he lacks the imagination and adventurous nature of Hendrix, Jack White, Jeff Beck, and even Zoot Horn Rollo (mainly because Beefheart wouldn’t accept anything less than his best plus 10%) along with the many other great guitarists mentioned here.
Before you tell me he’s the best guitarist ever though, please remember how Clapton was overshadowed by Duane Allman on Layla. AND he knew it!
November 12th, 2007 at 8:00 am
I just skimmed over all of these great comments and, to my surprise, I can’t find a single mention of one of the greatest guitar innovators of our time - Les Paul. Many of those mentioned are playing, or have played, the version of the instrument that he created.
That said, I am a bit partial to the ‘hollow body’ sound, so some of my favorites include:
Brian Setzer
BB King
Chet Atkins
Chuck Berry
November 12th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Ed,
I was thinking about the fact that women are blatantly missing from everyone’s list. And I will have to admit that I almost added Joni Mitchell to mine. She has long been one of my favorites–perhaps next to JT my second favorite. The complexity of some of her guitar accompaniments is truly astounding, as is her songwriting. You still hear her influence in today’s songwriters. I left her off my list, however, because overall as a well-rounded guitarist, she doesn’t, in my mind, contribute in that way.
Here’s one though, that I don’t think anyone mentioned, who definitely belongs on the list: Nancy Wilson.
Frank
November 12th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Frank,
Funny, I thought that right after I posted. I would be remiss in not mentioning “Mother Maybelle” Carter. Ask just about any country or rockabilly guitarist and I’d be willing to bet that she’d be on their list.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Good job, Frank! I had to come back to add a few more of my faves, and Nancy was one of them! The others are Darrell Abbott…a.k.a. Dimebag Darrell and James Burton!
There are so many!
November 12th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Wow…This is almost better than a sports post. Mr. Sugar and I have spent so much time talking baseball, that this is a topic we haven’t really explored.
That said, my top three are probably Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clapton and BB King. I actually had the pleasure to see BB play, in a room of about 300 people a few years ago, and he still brings it! As for Stevie Ray and Clapton, few have exhibited their range and ability to make a guitar just scream out and cry one moment, and then nail you hard with raw power, the next.
But here are two more guys that I don’t believe have been mentioned, that warrant some consideration:
1. Tom Scholz—MIT grad and a true “rocket scientist”, Scholz single handedly drove the innovative and powerful double guitar leads of the band Boston from the late 70s and on. I defy someone to listen to the range of playing on “Long Time” and not say that this is classic guitar wizardry.
2. Jon Butcher—Most won’t remember Jon. He was over-hyped and then dismissed in the late ’80s as a next generation Hendrix, probably because he was one of the few artists of color playing hard rock at the time (Which reminds me that Vernon Reid of Living Colour also warrants a mention), but in addition to being a brilliant singer song writer that could play blues guitar, the power chord intro to his 1985 anthem “Don’t Say Good night” is still probably my all time favorite opening guitar riff.
November 12th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Ed…no list would be complete without the Stones guitarists Ron Woods and Keith Richards..the greatest Rock’n Roll band just keeps getting better and better…check out Bigger Bang for some of the best guitar work in the past 10 years!!! Also, no one plays th 12 string guitar better than Leo Kotke!!
November 12th, 2007 at 10:49 am
I vote Andres Segovia for best classical guitarist of all time. His unique fingernail/fingertip style really set him apart from others (even if controversial at the time).
While I don’t associate 80’s music with the best guitarists of all time, I do put Gretsch devotee Brian Setzer in my top 5!
November 12th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Jimi Hendrix. Period. Especially evident if you can find some of the jazz stuff he played with Herbie Hancock and Gil Evans before he died. Gotta put Jerry Garcia on the list too — he was a genius for knowing what notes not to play. Trey Anastasio is fantastic for a contempory rock guitarist…
I think most of the greats aren’t from Rock — but from Jazz and Blues… Kenny Burrell, Pat Metheny, Larry Carleton, Grant Green, Al Collins, Bo Diddly, Freddy King, George Benson, Eric Clapton, etc. Can’t argue with the Les Paul comment either. And I admire anyone who puts Christopher Guest on the list!
November 12th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Great topic. I would be happy to see the same for drummers as well.
All opinion of course, and while Hendrix and Clapton are easy in my mind, the greatest of all time to me is SRV. Stevie Ray was on another planet to me.
A great one not mentioned at all, purely worthy due to his totally unique style is jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan.
One of personal favorites, but not great in any other sense than historical - Freddie Green who played with Count Basie for about 50 years.
And the best I have ever seen live - also unmentioned and generally regarded as one of the ultimate virtuosos in the world - John Petrucci of Dream Theater. Find the tune, “Under a Glass Moon”, live or studio, and you will have him your top 5.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Ed,
Great topic. It is hard to distill all of the great musicians. I see from the comments that we are pretty focused on classic rock musicians for the most part. I think that the obvious choice has to be Hendrix, but he is in a class all by himself. Years ago I managed to get front row seats to hear John McLaughlin and he is still one of my favorites.
I wonder who the musicians on our lists would pick. Certainly Robert Johnson. He started it all and had a strong influence on most of the greats, from back in the 30s. Like Hendrix, he did things with the guitar that no one had ever thought of before. And don’t miss Django Reinhardt.
I have a good friend whose father should be added to that list. Hank Garland started out in country, but made the switch to jazz, performing on Gary Burton’s first album. Hank was the lead guitar behind Elvis on “Jailhouse Rock” and many other songs. He was an A List Nashville studio musician who helped create hits for Elvis, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and many others. He is also co-creator, with Billy Byrd, of the Gibson Birdland guitar. (Jerry Garcia’s Gibson Birdland is up for sale for only $60,000, if anyone is interested. Eric Clapton played a Birdland at the Concert for Bangladesh.) http://vintage-guitars.blogspot.com/2005/11/gibson-byrdland-guitar.html
I am not normally a big country fan. I prefer rock and jazz, but Garland is highly regarded. I think that many of the great guitarists on our lists would themselves list Hank Garland among the top 10.
Regards,
Steve
November 12th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
That’s right Jimi Hendrix. I got a kind of nervous there when you had em’ all numbered and Jimi was below Kirk Hammet. I was freakin’ out , but then I remembered who was writing the blog. Ed Sugar, the man who is not only responsible for sparking my musical interest, but also for feeding it. I scrolled down a bit, and to my delight, there it was. Jimi Hendrix. Born November 27th 1942, Birth name Johnny Allen Hendrix(changed later by his father to James Marshall). Born to Mother Nora and Father Al Hendrix in Renton, WA. and died September 18th 1970.
He lives on because of people like you and I. We keep him here for future generations to admire, learn from, and experience. Music is the language of the soul and transcends all barriers.
Well, I just wanted to say thanks for the blog posting. I’m glad I looked your name up on Google. I always find you in the weirdest places. I lost your number again. Desiree and I are coming home for good, December 8th. We need to get together for lunch or dinner or anything, I don’t care what. I miss you big bro, your mentoring and honest advice have made me the person I am today. Love me or hate me. I know this is not really the forum for such things, but I have never cared about what is acceptable to other people. I just do my thing, you know that.
If you see this, please email me at akhenatten@gmail.com
November 12th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Some very excellent, and I must say, obvious names were mentioned on this subject, as well as, some new names I will have to look into. Here are a few more I didn’t see mentioned which you should spend a few dollars checking up on:
Pete Cosey - come on you fusion lovers out there! You mention fusion and leave out Mr. Cosey - WHAT GIVES ??? He was instrumental (hee hee) as part of the Miles Davis line up during his 70’s fusion era. Check out his work on the Davis albums Agharta and Pangaea — these are live performances to boot, as well as, the album Dark Magus
Tony Iommi - of Black Sabbath; okay so Ozzy’s a goof, and BS’s lyrics could be silly at times, but despite the doom and gloom Iommi’s guitar work is known for there’s no denying the man could play six strings; fast and furious at times and then turn around and play some of the most unSabbath-like beautiful melodies that many kids evidenced as reasons their parents should let them keep “the devil’s music” (rotflmao). If you don’t believe me ask some of the players you all have mentioned here. They play the instrument and have sighted him as the reason they started playing; not to mention the influence he had on “alternative sounds” such as thrash and speed metal. Enough said.
Eddie Hazel - of Funkadelics. Listen to the tune Maggot Brain from the 1972 album of the same name. George Clinton asked Mr. Hazel to think of his mother (who had just recently passed away) when he played on this tune. The result was over 11 minutes of greatness.
John Lee Hooker - Rest in peace
Chuck Berry - forget the title of “King”; (along with Little Richard) this guy was the GOD of early rock and roll.
Curtis Mayfield - “Super Fly?” ; how’s ’bout “Super Bad”
Thurston Moore and Lee Renaldo - of Sonic Youth; some beautiful noise.
John Fogerty - when a CCR tune comes on, you know you’re hearing a CCR tune
Pete Townsend - come on now!! You didn’t get grounded for blowing out the speakers to your old man’s stereo system when you turned the volume up to “10″ for “Won’t Get Fooled Again?”
Billy Zoom - from the band “X.” Check out 1984’s “Under the Big Black Sun.” Zoom? Indeed.
Fred “Sonic” Smith - of the MC5 (the big bothers to Iggy and The Stooges). Grab their “best of” album “The Big Bang” on the Rhino label, put the needle on the tune “Skunk (Sonicly Speaking), quickly run to your chair, strap yourself in, and hold on tight. PS - he is also the husband of Patti Smith.
Patti Smith - Punk on girl
Other notables:
Robby Krieger - The Doors
Jon Spencer - The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Boss Hog
Jim James and Johnny Quaid - My Morning Jacket
John Williams
Roger McGuinn - The Byrds (The Beatles favorite American band)
Julian (Junior) Marvin - Bob Marley and The Wailers
Robin Gutherie and Simon Raymonde - The Cocteau Twins
Kevin Shields - My Bloody Valentine
Robbie Robertson - The Band. He was mentioned above. Even though he gets more credit than he deserves for the sound of The Band (a collaborative group if ever there was one) he and the rest of the band just simply move me.
My apologies to all the ladies who play wonderfully, whom I don’t know (somebody PLEASE school me on this) and to those of greatness I missed.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
“Funny, but my oldest son and I were just discussing this earlier today. The most raw talent — Hendrix. The best ever — Clapton. Hendrix was born churning out great riffs. Clapton is the consummate student of the instrument, learning at the knees of the blues greats.
Country: Best electric, Chet. Best acoustic, Doc Watson.
Two that do not often get mentioned but who have very distinctive styles that I enjoy very much: Leo Kottke, Mark Knopfler.
Most technically proficient guitarist ever, regardless of genre, Andrés Segovia.”
November 12th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Glad to see you included Peter Townsend. Only one glaring error. Left off that lovable guy Dickie Betts. He may not be nice, but he plays an unbelievable guitar
November 12th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
I agree that Jimi Hendrix just for the impact on other guitarists deserves to be on or near the top of the list. Even if you don’t particularly like his music, his influence cannot be discounted. I also would put David Gilmour up higher for the same reason–whether his skills are amazing or not, his style made changes in the guitar world.
Some missing GTRists:
- Steve Hackett - original guitarist for Genesis and now solo. An incredible player on the level of a Jeff Beck (who was also left off the list but deserves to be there if nothing else for Freeway Jam.)
- Steve Howe of Yes
- Terry Kath, the original guitarist for Chicago. Often overlooked for the rest of the group and because of their pop hits, his guitar playing on the early Chicago albums, very Hendrix inspired, is incredibly top notch.
If you were to go after the best guitar solo, then there might be other answers.
November 12th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
To Mr. Ed Sugar,
This certainly is a great topic and am amazed that even more guitarists are not mentioned as this is a wide and varied topic. In fact in the previous post by Jonathan Heuer (November 9th, 2007 at 1:33 pm), he breaks down guitarists by genre and others who have posted distinguish the differences in style and technique required to play those different genres. I think this is probably the best way to go about making comparisons, as apples are not oranges, just as jazz is not speed metal, or the blues!! Another great post on this subject up the list: Robert Langelier (November 9th, 2007 at 10:42 pm) must be read as he is SO correct!
First I want to thank those responsible for my love of music. I have been very fortunate to have had older siblings expose me to a wide variety of music at a very young age (born: 1964), I believe my sister(s) gave me a Beatles haircut at the age of 3.5 and taught me most of their lyrics!! First album purchased was Darkside of the Moon at the age of 9. Thanks too to my brother for lending me his Iron Butterfly album (without him knowing about it)!! And to Marion for getting me to listen to classical music (and Ry Cooder! Probably the best education I could have had!!
Now to try to answer your question Ed; I am going to have to lean along the same lines as Jonathan, and separate into some groupings:
Classical: Accuracy in technique; hands down classical guitarists must be required to have the most accurate and the fastest of fingers to be considered great and Segovia is far too good not to be the best in this genre. Women are not well represented so get a listen to Liona Boyd…Gilmour and Clapton even worked with her on her “Persona” album.
Blues: Robert Johnson is not given enough credit for what he made his six strings do. I’m not saying he is the best, just that we should listen more to the sounds he put on vinyl and think about the technology he was lacking to make those sounds. BB King is one of the greatest blues guitarists ever!! Howling Wolf, Ry Cooder & more are also deserved of a place among this list. But how can you not put Buddy Guy close to the top when you know that his skill & passion was a major inspiration to guys like Hendrix and Clapton.
“Rock”: Electricity and the humble pick-up changed everything and it kept changing! My ‘Best Ever’ crown also lies on Jimi’s brow. This is such a tough list though as we have about 50 years of electric guitar to think about.
I have been going to rock concerts for 30 years of my 43, and am always amazed at the guitarist who rarely seems dispassionate about his music or instrument while in front of a live audience (whoops except for Elliot Easton & the rest of the Cars, who all looked as if they were sleeping for the entire performance in Edmonton in ‘82). On stage you have 1 chance to get it right and for that I want to pick out some greats on stage that I have witnessed:
Memorable guitarists on stage for me that are all-time GREATs include: Myles Goodwyn (April Wine; Red Deer 1979, “The Elmo” 1983 opening for “The Cockroaches”: Keith Richards was great that night), Stevie Ray Vaughn & Mark Knopfler (SRV at “The Elmo” in ‘83, both together in Toronto 1986), Alex Lifeson (Rush; Edmonton 1980, Toronto 1986), Steve Howe (AWB&H; Toronto 1990), The Edge ( U2; Toronto 1985, 1987, 1992, Adelaide 1993, 2006), John Geils (The J. Geils Band; Los Angeles 1980), Roger Daltry (The Who; Toronto 1989), David Gilmour (PF; Toronto 1987), and for the girls Nancy Wilson (Heart; Edmonton 1980, absolutely wonderful on acoustic and electric!).
I’ve rambled on long enough but I must point out as only one other mentioned him, Steve Vai IMO is very close to being one of the best guitarists of all time because of his versatility and amazing technique in many styles of music. “David Hochstein: November 9th, 2007 at 6:26 pm ” says: Good blog. You mentioned Ry Cooder. Check out the movie crossroads. The end is a guitar battle between Steve Vai and Rlaph Machio, he plays the part but the guitar is played by Ry Cooder he compossed the end.”
Now no disrespect intended to you David but rather to highlight Vai’s abilities I want to clarify a bit about the movie: Ralph Machio’s own fingers were filmed doing all the fret work in the long shots (taught to him by William Kanengiser of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet), however, there was a close up right at the end (Classical piece based on Paganini’s Fifth Caprice) which were in fact Steve Vai’s fingers caught on film playing. Ry Cooder did play the music (audio recording) in the blues section of the duel, but the rest of the duel’s audio track recorded for the film came from Vai’s Charvel San Dimas guitar. Yes I agree that guitar fans should watch the movie!! BTW: Julliard did not have a classical guitar curriculum available until after the filming of the movie!!
So dear Ed, I agree with you; Jimi Hendrix if I have to pick one and only one!
For all who appreciate talent look & listen for The John Butler Trio from Australia, he is an amazing guitarist and has already played in the USA.
Cheers from Oz, MrKHyena
November 12th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Previous post I put down Roger Daltry but obviously meant Pete Townsend.
Did any one notice?
November 12th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Have any of you ever heard Christopher Parkening? He is considered to be the heir to Segovia and is currently considered the greatest classical guitarist of the day. Mark and I have seen him in concert numerous times. He is outstanding.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Yes, I was going to write Christopher Parkening, too! I guess I was giving credit to the source.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Mr. Ed
I am of the opinion that in order to properly judge a musician’s guitar abilities you would have to know a little about the instrument itself.
I don’t, but only know from friends that did. Having grown up in the Fifties
and Sixties in the D.C. area, I would have to say that then good guitarists were innovators as well. Les Paul practically invented the electric guitar and still plays it today. Link Wray (and the Wraymen) were playing at a dance party when someone complained that his music was difficult to dance to so Link took a Bic pen and jabbed holes in the face of his amp and created the boom, boom, boom, “power chord”. Duane Eddy was certainly one of the first to take guitar virtuosity to R&R.
I feel that todays musicians have become more adapt at electronic buttons than the strings of the instrument, thereby drowning one’s true talent in the noise called music.
guitar virtuosity
November 13th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Ed, I don’t want to de-rail your thread, but since Stevie Ray has been mentioned so much, I’ll pass along my experience with him. I met Stevie at Guitar center in Hollywood many years ago. He had security with him, when I approached him to chat, he made them leave me alone. I told him of the many times I’d seen him in concert and thanked him for the music he’s given us. He asked me what I was doing at guitar center, so I explained that I was looking for a new amp. He said forget this place, go to my guy and he’ll take care of you, just tell him I sent you. Then he wrote down directions on an envelope for me. I went there, it was just some guy’s house out in the valley. Anyway, his guy built me a hot rodded twin reverb out of parts, for cheap, and sent me on my way. I gigged with that amp for years, well over 100 gigs, couldn’t kill that amp.
At the time I wouldn’t have believed that he’d leave us so early. Though I only met him once, he was very gracious in this life.
November 14th, 2007 at 4:54 am
Mr. Shugoll, Ms. Heatly,
Thank you for the mention of Christopher Parkening.
Note:
Sorry to raise expectations but you only get 10:10 mins of Eddie Hazel greatness on Maggot Brain, not 11 as mentioned above; and kudos to Paul Kirch for mentioning Townsend - I missed that you had already made the mention. Lots of greats written about en toto, so…….. I guess it’s time to break into the kids’ college fund - if I had any - hee hee
November 16th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Okay Ed, you’ve asked me to weigh in so here goes;
Firstly, fabulous blog and such tremendous and overwhelming responses! I hope it continues cause we all love it!
This whole guitarist ‘who’s the best’ conjecture is purely subjective to the listener. Now that I have stated the obvious; when it comes to pioneering efforts, trailblazing new frontiers and generally taking the guitar into new dimensions, the technical aspect of the instrument has to be taken into consideration.
Here are a few players which I think are exceptionally note worthy:
Scotty Moore - This guy has done more for Rock n’ Roll than we realize. Think about it. Go back and listen to your Presley records and you’ll be convinced … again.
Cliff Gallup - Gene Vincent’s guitar player. As technically proficient as Scotty but perhaps faster and more inventive.
Chuck Berry - Invented the greatest riffs ever composed (and comped by all that followed) but did it all in non-guitar keys. Why? Because he joined a piano player’s group. Why is this extraordinary? Piano keys are easy keys to play in provided you’re a piano player but … it’s a bitch if you’re not.
The Yardbirds - A triad of extraordinary guitar players graced this English blues/rock band in succession; Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page respectively. Each a legend in his own right.
Lenny Breau - This man could play three guitar player’s parts with one hand. He worshipped Chet Atkins and Chet Atkins worshipped him. Enough said.
Dick Dale - ever metal guitar player owes Dale his paycheck for letting guitar out of the box and showing them what arpeggiated solos are all about.
Jimi Hendrix - busted his knuckles playing bass and guitar for the Isley Bros. and Little Richard and then suddenly ‘The Wind Cries Mary’. I don’t care who you are, Jimi led the guitar revolution and he humbled every guitar player in Britain at that time including Townsend, Beck, Clapton, Page, the lot.
Pete Townsend - no one can play as subtly or as unabashedly as Pete. He wrote some of the most anthemic and poignant rock songs ever to be written and smashed every guitar known to man. His music and playing is as relevant today as it was back when The Who were the greatest rock band in the world.
Ritchie Blackmore - the one that launched a thousand ships. If it weren’t for Ritchie’s riff in ‘Smoke on the Water’ there would only be half as many guitar players in the world today.
There are plenty of others that can’t be overlooked: Steve Howe, Frank Zappa, Chris Spedding, Neil Young, Alex Lifeson, Randy Bachman, Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), The Edge, Johnny Ramone, George Harrison, Richard Thompson, Nick Drake, Dave Edmonds, Brinsley Schwarz, Keith Richard, the list is infinite and each one just as compelling and we haven’t even scratched the surface of the fret board …
November 16th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
First, kudos to Merrill for choosing a great guest blogger….go Ed! Second, I won’t even pretend to possess the musical knowledge illustrated by most here, but would like to toss another name into the mix: James McMurtry.
If you don’t know of him, be prepared for a variety of styles and sounds, some of the best lyrics being written today, and a voice/delivery that always seems to create some great debates (it’s not for everyone). I once read a review that said something like, “James will make you think the guitar is the most beautiful instrument ever created.”
James does a great live show, but unless you’re lucky enough to be in Texas (with Merrill) you may have to wait a while to catch him in your neighborhood.
Thanks for the fun guys!
November 19th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Excellent coverage, Ed!
Very thorough list!
You did forget two notables, however: Joe Satriani and Neil Young.
I saw McGloughlin in 1968 at the “Electric Theatre” in Chicago when he played with a band called “Pentangle.” They did mostly Irish ballads and had a female singer with long straight blond hair who sang seated on a stool while remaining completely motionless. (Ah …. the 60’s!)
While not a big Clapton fan, I recently bought the Cream double CD, and the “Live” CD (one of the two) is awesome, including a 16:46 minutes jam on “Spoonfull”
Jimi was one of a kind. I think his unique sound came from being left handed and learning to play on a right-handed (dime store brand) guitar, with the strings reversed. (Plus, all the chemicals certainly enhanced his sound.)
November 23rd, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Of the ones you listed, I’ve have to say the two that stand out are Jimi
And
Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. Both had/have unique styles that many have
tried to copy. Honestly, I don’t think Hendrix is the best guitarist, but I
can’t deny his uniqueness. He certainly isn’t the best vocalist.
Eddie’s finger tapping technique is just incredible.
While you listed some excellent guitarists, two were notably absent:
1) Joe Satriani - Heavily influenced by Hendrix, but he developed his own
style. Surfing with the Alien is one of my favorite albums.
2) Steve Vai - Satriani’s student. There isn’t a better 7-string guitar
player out there. BTW, Kirk Hammett was as student of Satriani’s as well.
Both are very technical and are formally trained musicians.
You could probably argue that Randy Rhoades belongs in there as well,
although I think dying at a young age made him better than he actually was.
Still, he shreds on Ozzy’s first couple solo albums (Blizzard of Oz and
Diary of a Madman).
Perhaps Yngwie Malmsteen? Another influenced by Hendrix’s death. You could
probably list a hundred great guitarists.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
PRINCE definitely should be on this list. One of the most underrated guitarists out there but one of the true musical geniuses of our time!
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:28 am
Hi Ed,
Thanks for posting this! I am going to put my stamp on the following guitarists (perhaps unsung):
1) Caetano Velosa
2) Vini Reilly (The Durutti Column - you could find them on iTunes)
3) Knox Chandler
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:39 am
I thought I would share this story:
Gibson Shows Guitar That Tunes Itself
Dec 3, 12:25 PM (ET)
By YURI KAGEYAMA
TOKYO (AP) - A new electric guitar from Gibson comes with robotics technology that allows the instrument to tune itself in a matter of seconds.
The technology, developed in partnership with German company Tronical, allows the guitar to recognize pitch and use its processor and six motors on its tuning pegs to tighten the strings accordingly.
Gibson Guitar Corp. claims it’s the world’s first guitar with such self-tuning robotics technology, and that it’s particularly useful for beginners, who tend to find tuning the instrument properly a headache.
The Gibson Les Paul guitar model with Blue Silverburst finish goes on sale globally Dec. 7 for 308,700 yen (US$2,780; euro1,880) in Japan, and US$2,499 in the U.S. The self-tuning feature added an extra 100,000 yen (US$900; euro600) to the price tag.
The guitar comes preset with six types of tuning for the guitar’s strings, which are used to play different kinds of music. But it can also remember a totally original tuning by recognizing the sound of the strings it picks up on its microphone.
The way it works is simple.
You pull a knob on the guitar, turn it to the kind of tuning you want, which shows up as a blue light on the knob, such as “E” or “D.” You then push the button back in.
The electric signals travel up the strings to the tuning pegs, which begin turning by themselves with a whirl of a motor. It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
U.S. guitar-maker Gibson plans to sell 4,000 of the first batch of limited edition “robot guitars” worldwide. Ten percent of the sales are expected to be in Japan, said Yasuhiko Iwanade, president of Gibson Guitar Corp. Japan.
“Robots are very popular in Japan. So this is something that matches the developments here these days. It’s a technology that Japanese can understand,” he said.
It may offer the robotics feature in other models in the future, officials said.
Gibson, based in Nashville, Tennessee, boats a history of innovating the guitar, and robotics fit right in with that legacy, Iwanade said.
Japanese musician Ichiro Tanaka tuned and played the guitar in a demonstration at Gibson’s Tokyo office Monday. He said it’s handy for professional musicians who may use special tuning for one song in a concert because he won’t have to lug around an extra guitar.
“It’s more than just convenience. It’s a feature I really appreciate,” said Tanaka.
January 7th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Some I thought were left off the original list (I think most have probably already been mentioned):
Nels Cline (whose merger with Wilco has to be the greatest thing to happen to American music since Jeff Buckley recorded “Grace”)
Jeff Buckley (Who knows what could have been? Shame.)
Ry Cooder
Nick Drake
The Edge
Dick Dale
Prince (The guy rarely gets the credit he deserves for his musicianship.)
Richard Thompson
Lindsay Buckingham
Narciso Yepes
I suppose Alex Lifeson probably belongs on some list somewhere, too, but I just loathe Rush fans with the burning fire of a thousand white hot suns, so too bad!
A couple people mentioned Jack White. Please. Jack White?! WTF? One-trick pony. It’s a fun trick, but good luck ever getting anything else out of him. If you’re just gauging by live performance, I’ll take Matthew Sweet, for God’s sake. There’s a fat man who can move! Most energetic non-punk performance I’ve ever seen and, of course, his song-writing skills are undeniable. I mean, I like the White Stripes, but I can’t see lauding Jack White for his exceptional guitar skills. I just don’t see it. Maybe I just haven’t heard enough of him.
Also, someone’s probably going to want to kick my ass for mentioning him in the same breath as all these other guys, but I have to give some props to Robert Smith of The Cure. No, he’s not a virtuoso guitarist, but he’s developed such a unique, absolutely unmistakable sound, that you need only hear a few notes to know who’s behind the strings. And it’s a sound that has been tremendously influential (for good or evil, depending on your perspective). There’s a kind of “greatness” in that.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Terry Kath… hands down.
May 19th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Great post, thanks! I think seminal to all modern rock would be the inclusion of T-Bone Walker, who defined electric guitar for an entire generation (or two) that followed him…and that includes several players who are on your list, such as BB King, Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many, many more. Basically, if you play rock’n'roll guitar, somewhere in your conscious or subconscious finger-memory, you are playing T-Bone Walker licks, pure and simple. Everything he played first, endures through the guitar styles of all the great modern guitar heroes in country, swing, blues, jazz, and rock.