Best Guitarist

[Clonefan94]

I don't think he gets enough credit in these type of conversations. Probably because he is a DB and no-one can stand him.

Also agree with SRV and would throw in Clapton and Page. Hendrix will always be #1.

That and personally I find his music kind of cheesy. I had a co-worker who loved him and always played his music during the work day. The guitar work was excellent, but the over all music he wrote, imo, wasn't much better than a neighborhood garage band could put out.

For my over all view of best guitarist, it's so hard to nail down. With so many different genres in music you can't say one person is really the best. Hell, I saw Leo Kottke at the Mshop in the early 90s and was blown away by his work on the old 6 string.

 

[ribsnwhiskey]

 

[AmesHawk]

That and personally I find his music kind of cheesy. I had a co-worker who loved him and always played his music during the work day. The guitar work was excellent, but the over all music he wrote, imo, wasn't much better than a neighborhood garage band could put out.

For my over all view of best guitarist, it's so hard to nail down. With so many different genres in music you can't say one person is really the best. Hell, I saw Leo Kottke at the Mshop in the early 90s and was blown away by his work on the old 6 string.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[Angie]

For one outside of the box of traditionally great guitarists (Hendrix, Townshend, Clapton, and even Jack White), I'm going to mention Prince. That little dude can PLAY.

 

[mustangcy]

Stevie Ray Vaughn

 

[Gonzo]

I think Johnny Marr needs a mention.

 

[roundball]

Randy Rhoads

Wrong Rhoads...

 

[Acylum]

For one outside of the box of traditionally great guitarists (Hendrix, Townshend, Clapton, and even Jack White), I'm going to mention Prince. That little dude can PLAY.

Along the same line, and not my type of music, but Roy Clark was really, really good in his day.

 

[JHUNSY]

Every time I hear/see Jack White's name brought up regarding music I picture Jack Black for some reason.

Always remember this distinct fact:

But really, anytime I hear Jack Black I think of The School of Rock

 

[flynnhicks03]

Every time I hear/see Jack White's name brought up regarding music I picture Jack Black for some reason.

"I'm not black like Barry White, I am white like Frank Black is..."

 

[Rabbuk]

That guy who knows 2/3rds of wonderwall that we all know.

 

[cyhiphopp]

That and personally I find his music kind of cheesy. I had a co-worker who loved him and always played his music during the work day. The guitar work was excellent, but the over all music he wrote, imo, wasn't much better than a neighborhood garage band could put out.

For my over all view of best guitarist, it's so hard to nail down. With so many different genres in music you can't say one person is really the best. Hell, I saw Leo Kottke at the Mshop in the early 90s and was blown away by his work on the old 6 string.

Good point. Satriani is one of those incredible guitar players who can't really write a great song. Some of his songs are good, and his technical proficiency is excellent, but most of his songs are just one long solo. Meh.

Same thing with Steve Vai. I used to geek out to his albums for the sheer technical brilliance, but are any of his songs that great?

 

[cyclonelifer]

What did Zephyr, James Gang, and Deep Purple have in common? A great guitarist from Sioux City - Tommy Bolin

 

[cyhiphopp]

Now Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eddie Van Halen wrote and or performed some fantastic songs that are truly memorable outside of their technical proficiency.

Eddie had the bonus of have Diamond Dave as his front man too.

 

[oldman]

Les Paul, Jimmy Page, George Winston. Here is a link to George, who is also a virtuoso on piano and harmonica.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okv8Cas1qsk

 

[Cyclonestate78]

Now Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eddie Van Halen wrote and or performed some fantastic songs that are truly memorable outside of their technical proficiency.

Eddie had the bonus of have Diamond Dave as his front man too.

Better throw Aidan Fisher into the mix then... and he is only 11 years old.

[video=youtube;D79kxAaMf3I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D79kxAaMf3I[/video]

 

[cyhiphopp]

If I had to pick a top 3?

James Marshall Hendrix (I have the same initials and middle name :wink: )
Eddie Van Halen
Stevie Ray Vaugh



Honorable mention to Tom Morello for his ingenuity and having a truly unique sound.

 

[tzjung]

I think one of the most forgotten guitarists is Eddie Hazel. Dude Died relatively young, and really was most successful with the Funkadelic. Dude....could...shred.

Maggotbrain is by far one of the most emotionally charged guitar solos I've ever heard. If you haven't listened to this tune, please do so. Its absolutely amazing.

[video=youtube;dh3bleXWaCk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh3bleXWaCk[/video]

 

[Bamacyclone]

A long list of favorites would have to include Alvin Lee and Robin Trower.

 

[sunset]

Any of the big names already mentioned, it really comes down to personal preference. Hard to argue against Eddie Van Halen though, guy is amazing.

I'll throw a name out that isn't typically mentioned; John 5. He is best known for metal but the guy can play a wide variety of styles, all extremely well. If you check out his instrumental albums (one of the very few instrumental artists I can stomach) you’ll hear everything from blue-grass to pop to blues to metal. He was touring guitarist for K.D. Lang and he has played in bands with David Lee Roth, Rob Halford, Marilyn Manson, and of course Rob Zombie. He has recorded with Skynyrd, Meatloaf, KISS, Rod Stewart, Scorpions. He's not up there with the elite that make everybody’s “best” list, but a very under rated player.