Discover the best guitarists of all time, from Hendrix to Eddie Van Halen, plus discover some surprises. Check if your favorite guitar players made the cut…
The best guitarists of all time aren’t just about shredding licks on a Les Paul or strumming funky riffs on a Stratocaster.
So, what makes a great guitarist great?
The best guitar players in the world are storytellers and innovators who break the mold and forge new paths.
They’re the electric and acoustic guitarists who make you want to crank up the volume, grab your guitar, and play along.
So, if you’re wondering how to learn guitar and unleash your inner rockstar, formidable finger picker, or bluesman/woman, join us as we explore the best guitarists of all time for a big dollap of inspiration.
In no particular order, let’s check the list out.
The Beauty in Different and Having an Open Mind
The world of guitar is like a giant buffet, overflowing with delicious flavors. Just like you wouldn't pick one dish as the "best" meal ever, there's no single "best" guitarist of all time.
You may love the face-melting shredding of Eddie Van Halen or prefer the soulful blues bends of B.B. King. Whatever floats your boat, the beauty lies in appreciating the diversity of styles and the incredible talent each guitarist brings to the table.
So, keep an open mind, don't get your knickers in a twist, and enjoy the musical feast!
#1. Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy is a living legend of the blues. His fiery guitar playing and gritty vocals tell stories of love, loss, and redemption with a rawness and authenticity that’s impossible to ignore.
From his early days playing in smoky Chicago clubs to his status as a global icon, Guy’s influence on the blues is unmatched. His legacy as a true guitar hero is solidified not just by his passionate performances but also by his numerous accolades.
Buddy has won eight Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been honored with the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.
He’s swapped dusty juke joints for red carpets, but one thing remains the same: his passion for the blues. Just don’t expect him to trade his signature Fender Strat for a fancy tuxedo anytime soon.
#2. Brian May
Brian May is a triple hero – a scientist, a showman, and a songwriter who happens to be a phenomenal guitarist. He’s not afraid to get technical – remember, Queen’s epic guitarist built his own guitar!
But his technical skills are always in service of the music. He uses them to create layered harmonies, rockin’ riffs, and catchy solos that get stuck in your head for days (hello, “Don’t Stp Me Now”), all delivered through his trusty Vox AC30 amplifier.
Brian May’s guitar is Queen’s heartbeat, giving their music a unique depth and character.
His instantly recognizable guitar tone and playing, writing skills, and knack for crafting unforgettable riffs make the May a true legend in the world of rock guitar.
#3. Rory Gallagher
In addition to being a world-class blues guitarist, Rory Gallagher was an Irish force who brought a unique energy to the genre. In the 1960s and 1970s, his powerful performances and rip-roaring guitar work won over fans worldwide.
Gallagher released 11 studio albums, 6 live albums, and several compilations throughout his career. If you want to hear how to play a killer melody line, check out “Double Vision” for its dynamic and energetic guitar work.
Rory Gallagher’s influence on rock is clear, with greats like Brian May and Slash citing him as an inspiration. One thing’s for sure: Rory Gallagher’s music lives on, proving his place among the all-time greats.
#4. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Break the mold? Sister Rosetta Tharpe shattered it. Imagine the 1930s and 1940s – a time when women with guitars were as rare as rocking horse poop. Then came Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
A preacher’s daughter with a revolutionary spirit, Rosetta’s music was a powerful blend of gospel, blues, and early rock and roll, delivered with a voice that could shake the rafters.
She was a pioneer who laughed in the face of stereotypes, paving the way for female guitarists and redefining what gospel music could sound like.
We salute you, Momma Rosetta, for being so ahead of the curve and sovereign. The true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
#5. Jeff Beck
As a guitar maestro, Jeff Beck has pushed the instrument’s boundaries with his unique mix of musical styles. His knack for guitar mastery comes through in tracks like “A Day in the Life” and “Freeway Jam.”
When Beck was with The Yardbirds, he and fellow guitar legend Jimmy Page weren’t afraid to take risks, playing around with rock, blues, and jazz to see where it would take them.
When it comes to clarity without a guitar pick, Beck is in a league of his own that most guitarists couldn’t touch.
His fingers work wonders, effortlessly navigating notes and bends with impeccable precision.
In short, Jeff Beck plays the guitar with a sense of feeling and expression, deserving his place on our list of awesome guitarists.
#6. Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani, the shredding professor, is celebrated for his lightning-fast fingers and jaw-dropping technique, making him one of the all-time guitar greats.
Satriani’s command of the electric guitar is showcased through his use of diverse guitar scales, like the Lydian and Phrygian modes, and advanced techniques such as legato and pick tapping.
Tracks like “Surfing with the Alien” and “Always with Me, Always with You” are prime examples of Satriani’s unmatched speed, precision, and musicality. Every note he plays is a testament to his proficiency in the language of the guitar.
#7. Prince
Prince was a musical chameleon. He was a guitar virtuoso who seamlessly blended funk, rock, and R&B into a sound that defied labels. Forget the flamboyant costumes and electrifying stage presence for a second – Prince could shred with the best of them.
His guitar solos, like the searing masterpiece in “Purple Rain,” were more than technical displays; they were bursts of pure feeling and inspired creativity.
But Prince’s guitar skills weren’t just about showy solos; they were the backbone of his unique sound. This multi-instrumentalist ruled the musical kingdom, wielding his six-string like a scepter and inspiring generations of musicians along the way.
#8. Eddie Van Halen
Forget about the shredding guitar competitions and over-the-top solos for a second if that’s not your bag. Eddie Van Halen was an undeniable trailblazer who paved the way as a guitarist.
Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar-playing techniques, such as tapping, and his distinctive fingerpicking style transformed the way many guitarists think about playing guitar.
Tracks such as “Eruption” displayed his mind-blowing abilities, while songs like “Jump” proved that Eddie Van Halen was capable of being both flashy and catchy.
#9. B.B. King
B.B. King, the man who made Lucille sing, had a way with the guitar that was pure blues emotion. His string bends and smooth vibrato spoke directly to the heart, and his blend of Delta blues with a touch of jazz created a style that was both raw and technical.
B.B. started as a DJ in Memphis before making it big in the early 1950s with tunes like “Three O’Clock Blues” and “You Upset Me Baby.” Over his career, he won a whopping 20 Grammy Awards and helped bring blues to the masses.
For a blues-playing masterclass, check out “The Thrill Is Gone” for its haunting melody and “Every Day I Have the Blues” for its classic blues rhythm.
From his humble beginnings to becoming a global blues ambassador, B.B. King’s legacy is as lasting as his music.
#10. David Gilmore
David Gilmour’s emotive guitar playing was the soul of Pink Floyd’s legendary sound. His solos weren’t about speed or showing off; they were about adding depth and feeling to the songs.
Whether it was the hauntingly beautiful melody in “Wish You Were Here” or the deep expression in “Comfortably Numb,” Gilmour’s playing was an integral part of the musical tapestry.
From lush delay effects to dreamy reverb fx, Gilmore mastered the art of using effects pedals to create ethereal tones, pushing the boundaries of the instrument and creating a sound that was uniquely Pink Floyd.
#11. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s guitar playing is a study in subtlety and grace. Her use of open E tuning in “Big Yellow Taxi” provides a unique airy character, while her open D tuning in “Little Green” creates a lush chiming resonance.
Joni Mitchell’s guitar tunings are a testament to her resilience. The polio she endured as a child limited her hand’s dexterity, but she turned this obstacle into an opportunity to innovate.
Joni Mitchell’s guitar work stands out with her one-of-a-kind tunings and finger-picking style that often whispers of a harp.
Her distinctive playing creates beautiful harmonies, giving her songs a full-band sound and securing her place as one of the best acoustic guitarists of all time.
#12. Steve Vai
You might think of Steve Vai as just another shred machine. But, behind the blistering solos, he’s a virtuoso alchemist who blends rock, metal, and blues into an out-of-this-world musical concoction.
Vai’s a master of pulling out all the stops! He throws down with crazy tricks like artificial harmonics and unison bends that bend your mind, all along with his signature whammy bar antics.
Steve Vai weaves magic with his guitar using scales like the Dorian, Lydian, and Mixolydian modes. For a display of his guitar mastery, listen to “For The Love of God” and “Tender Surrender.” Brace yourself; it’s going to be a wild ride!
#13. Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa’s guitar work was a playground for a musical mad scientist. He wielded a vast arsenal of scales and modes, often starting with the classic minor pentatonic scale but then bending, twisting, and making it his own.
Drawing from folk, Middle Eastern, and Indian music, and everything in between, Zappa’s guitar playing was a wild mix of unexpected rhythms and a “throw anything at the wall” sense of adventure.
Starting with a borrowed Telecaster, Zappa quickly graduated to a collection of unique axes, including his “Baby Snakes,” a Gibson SG imitator. Frank’s far-out compositions and impressive guitar playing ignited a fire in countless guitarists to ditch the obvious and get imaginative.
#14. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was a sonic innovator whose guitar playing was light years ahead of his time. Forget clean tones and basic riffs – Hendrix was a master of manipulating feedback, distortion fx, and the then-novel wah-wah pedal.
As any old-school music fan will know, Jimi’s live shows were legendary. They were a dynamic fusion of music, theatrics, and light that transported 60’s audiences to a whole new dimension.
If you’re a guitarist looking to learn some iconic guitar riffs and solos, Hendrix’s music is the place to start. “Hey Joe” is your gateway to the world of laid-back blues-rock. Packed with pentatonic scales, it’ll have you channeling your inner blues legend.
And if you’re seeking to elevate your guitar chord game, “Little Wing” is a masterclass that offers a beautiful example of chord embellishments and feel at their best.
#15. Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa’s story is one of dedication and passion. This guitar prodigy wasn’t strumming along to pop tunes – he was sharing the stage with blues royalty like B.B. King in his early teens.
And our Joe doesn’t mess around when it comes to guitar solos – they’re like a clinic in both pinpoint accuracy and pure bluesy feeling. He takes pentatonic scales and turns them into firestorms!
Take a listen to “Sloe Gin,” which showcases Bonamassa’s impressive skill of playing fast and clean. His guitar work combines lightning-fast licks, melodic runs, string-skipping, and bends.
Want to master phrasing and using fewer notes for more impact? Look no further than “Mountain Climbing”. Joe Bonamassa’s lead lines aren’t just about speed but about each note singing like a meaningful syllable, making them as expressive as a vocal line.
#16. Lari Basilio
Lari Basilio’s journey took her from the vibrant streets of São Paulo to stages around the world. But what truly sets her apart is her soulful touch and impeccable technique and timing on the guitar.
Her approach is refreshingly intuitive; she isn’t afraid to chart her own course, weaving genres like rock and blues and even hints of her Brazilian heritage into her signature sound.
Lari Basilio isn’t just a fast player, she’s a master of dynamics. She effortlessly shifts from delicately arranged passages to blistering runs, showcasing her incredible control over phrasing and speed. This ability to paint with sound creates music that’s both technically impressive and deeply expressive.
Guitarist First
It's time to celebrate musicians and pave the way for a future where everyone is recognized for their talent. Let's step out of the Dark Ages and focus on what truly matters: skill and passion, not superficial standards like gender or looks. That's why you'll never find a cringe-worthy list of the "Hottest Female Guitarists" on YGB! 👏👏
#17. George Benson
Imagine a mixtape that blends the sophistication of jazz with the funky grooves of R&B and the catchy melodies of pop. That’s George Benson’s guitar playing in a nutshell.
His technical skills are top-notch, but it’s the way he blends these styles that makes him a great guitarist. From cool jazz improvisation to a soulful R&B lick the next.
George’s smooth, soulful singing perfectly complements his guitar playing, and his signature scatting weaves seamlessly with his guitar lines, adding another layer of improvisation and pizazz.
George Benson’s career took flight at a young age, starting at 19, and he’s been grooving ever since. With an impressive 10 Grammy Awards under his belt and a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, he’s proven himself a true music legend.
#18. Orianthi
Orianthi started playing the guitar at the age of six. By 15, she was sharing stages with icons like Steve Vai, and by 18, she was jamming alongside Carlos Santana, showcasing her incredible talent and skill.
Adept at various guitar techniques, including speedy 16th-note triplet phrases, legato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and alternate picking, Aussie-born Orinathi’s music career took off with her debut single, “According to You,” becoming an international hit.
Orianthi’s music is not for the faint-hearted. Her style is a mix of hard rock, blues, and punk influences. But what makes her special is her talent for playing and singing and her confident stage swagger, which make her stand out in the music biz.
#19. Keith Richards
Forget fancy-schmancy guitar fretboard gymnastics; Keith Richards is all about rock and roll power. Using a stripped-down five-string and his unique open G guitar tuning, he crafts riffs that are instantly recognizable rock classics.
His secret? Knowing that sometimes less is more. He lets the space between notes breathe, creating a timeless British rock band sound that defines the Rolling Stones.
Want to learn how to play electric guitar? Look no further than “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Brown Sugar.” These iconic riffs are perfect for beginners – they’re easy to learn (as long as you practice diligently!), tons of fun to play, and capture the heart of Keefs’ signature rock sound.
Keith Richards’ guitar lines are great for practicing, jamming, and understanding the essence of rock guitar playing.
#20. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Saving one of the best till last? Stevie Ray Vaughan wasn’t your average blues guitarist. He was a Texas tonemaster, weaving a fiery blend of technical mastery and raw emotion into his music.
Stevie often tuned his guitar down to E flat to accommodate his vocal range, which also reduced the tension on his heavy-gauge guitar strings. This also enhanced his distinctive guitar tone, which can be heard in classics such as “Pride and Joy” and “Life by the Drop.”
His influences were clear—blues legends like Albert King and Buddy Guy. Vaughan took those influences and injected them with his own fiery spirit, creating a sound that was unmistakably his.
Stevie Ray Vaughan wrote some of the most classic blues-rock songs ever, making him, for our money, one of the best guitarists of all time.
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Summing it Up
The “best guitarists of all time” is a title that can’t be bestowed on one single player. The magic of the instrument lies in its versatility and its ability to adapt to countless genres and styles.
Whether it’s the soulful blues bends of B.B. King or the face-melting shredding of Eddie Van Halen, each guitarist leaves their mark on the musical landscape.
These players inspire generations of musicians, pushing boundaries and expanding the possibilities of what the guitar can do.
So, the next time you hear a guitar solo that resonates with you, remember the legacy of these greats – the storytellers who continue to shape the world of music through their six strings.
