The best guitarists of all time
1. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix revolutionised the guitar with his innovative use of effects, feedback, and distortion. Songs like “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child” capture his raw energy and bluesy undertones, while his use of the wah-wah pedal and fuzz opened up new sonic possibilities.
To recreate his sound, a Stratocaster with a fuzz face pedal, wah pedal, and a cranked-up Marshall amp will get you close to that iconic, psychedelic tone
2. Jimmy Page
As the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin’s massive sound, Jimmy Page is known for his masterful riffs, layered arrangements, and electrifying solos. Page’s work on tracks like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Black Dog” exemplifies his ability to blend blues, folk, and rock.
To achieve his signature tone, a Les Paul through a Marshall stack, along with a tape delay pedal, captures the fullness and depth of his dynamic playing.
3. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe pioneered the electric guitar in gospel music, influencing early rock and roll and artists from Chuck Berry to Elvis.
Her bold, soulful guitar playing on songs like “Up Above My Head” and “This Train” demonstrated a fusion of blues, gospel, and early rock that was years ahead of its time. Tharpe used a Gibson SG with a powerful, clean amp sound to get her warm, yet biting tone.
4. David Gilmour
David Gilmour, the lead guitarist of Pink Floyd, is renowned for his smooth, melodic solos and atmospheric soundscapes. His guitar work on songs like “Comfortably Numb” and “Time” has become the gold standard for expressive, slow-burning solos.
Gilmour’s use of reverb, delay, and modulation effects creates his signature lush, spacious tones.
5. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry’s guitar playing was a driving force behind the birth of rock and roll. His energetic, riff-driven songs like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven” set the standard for rock guitarists to follow.
To emulate his iconic tone, a Gibson ES-350 with a crunchy amp will give you the classic sound. His rhythmic, chord-based lead playing, combined with a slight overdrive, created the essential rock and roll template.
6. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan brought Texas blues into the mainstream with his fiery guitar work. His aggressive playing on songs like “Pride and Joy” and “Texas Flood” showcased his blend of blues and rock, underpinned by his exceptional technical skill.
Vaughan’s tone was full-bodied and rich, typically achieved using a Fender Stratocaster, a Tube Screamer pedal, and a powerful tube amp.
7. Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s blues-inspired playing has cemented him as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history. His work with Cream and as a solo artist on songs like “Layla” and “Crossroads” showed off his smooth, emotive style.
Clapton achieved his signature sound by rolling off the treble on his Les Paul or SG guitar, creating a warm, singing quality.
8. Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt is celebrated for her smooth slide guitar playing and soulful voice. With songs like “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Something to Talk About,” Raitt has seamlessly blended blues, rock, and folk over her decades-long career. Her slide playing, particularly on a Stratocaster, has a clean, resonant tone that cuts through her arrangements.
9. Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana’s fluid, Latin-infused guitar playing became famous in the late 1960s. His songs like “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth” feature melodic, long-sustaining solos that merge rock with Latin rhythms.
Santana often plays a PRS guitar paired with a Mesa/Boogie amp, known for its rich, sustaining tone. Humbucker pickups, a tube amp with slight overdrive, and melodically driven phrasing – you can’t go wrong!
10. John Mayer
John Mayer blends blues, pop, and rock in a way that makes him one of the best. On tracks like “Gravity” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” Mayer’s tasteful phrasing and bluesy licks shine through. His clean, articulate tone is achieved using a Stratocaster with low-gain amps, like Two-Rock or Dumble-style setups.
11. B.B. King
B.B. King’s expressive guitar style, built on his famous vibrato and economic phrasing, made him one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time. His signature guitar, “Lucille,” a Gibson ES-355, delivered the rich, clean tones that became synonymous with his sound. Songs like “The Thrill Is Gone” show King’s ability to convey deep emotion with just a few notes.
12. Rory Gallagher
Rory Gallagher’s raw, energetic playing style set him apart as a blues-rock powerhouse. His performances were legendary for their intensity, especially on tracks like “Shadow Play” and “A Million Miles Away.”
Gallagher’s well-worn Fender Stratocaster was central to his sound, often played through cranked-up amps with little to no effects.
13. Keith Richards
Keith Richards’ guitar work for The Rolling Stones is the backbone of their sound. Known for his rhythm-driven riffs on hits like “Satisfaction” and “Start Me Up,” Richards’ use of open G tuning and minimalist approach to solos revolutionised rock rhythm guitar. Richards typically uses a Telecaster, often through clean amps like a Fender Twin Reverb, adding light overdrive for grit.
14. Nancy Wilson
As the guitarist for Heart, Nancy Wilson brought a mix of acoustic fingerpicking and hard rock power chords that gave the band its distinct sound. Songs like “Crazy on You” feature her intricate, fast-paced acoustic work, while tracks like “Barracuda” highlight her gritty electric riffs.
To capture Wilson’s tone, use a blend of acoustic and electric guitars – preferably a Martin acoustic and a Gibson SG for the heavier parts.
15. Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler’s fingerstyle playing and unique tone have made him quite distinctive in a landscape of heavy rock guitar. His work with Dire Straits is known for its clean, precise sound. Knopfler avoids picks, relying on fingerpicking to create his iconic percussive and melodic tone. To achieve his sound, use a Strat-style guitar with a clean amplifier.
16. Slash
Slash’s hard-hitting guitar work with Guns N’ Roses became synonymous with rock anthems of the 1980s. His fiery solos on “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “November Rain” are known for how melodic and technical they are. Slash is most often associated with a Gibson Les Paul, paired with Marshall amps to achieve his signature overdriven sound.
17. Albert King
Albert King, one of the “Three Kings” of the blues, was a giant in the genre, known for his powerful string bending and soulful phrasing. His inverted, left-handed playing style gave him a distinctive tone, especially on songs like “Born Under a Bad Sign.” King played a Gibson Flying V, and his tone was clean and punchy, with a heavy reliance on bending techniques.
18. Tom Morello
Tom Morello’s innovative approach to guitar playing with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave pushed the boundaries of the instrument. By using unconventional techniques like toggle switching, feedback loops, and effects pedals, Morello created a sound that’s often compared to a DJ’s turntablism. Songs like “Bulls on Parade” and “Cochise” show off his inventive playing.
19. Brittany Howard
Brittany Howard, frontwoman of Alabama Shakes, fuses soulful vocals with powerful, blues-infused guitar playing. Her work on tracks like “Hold On” and her solo album Stay High showcases her ability to mix raw emotion with technical prowess. Howard’s go-to guitar is a Gibson SG, and her playing is often drenched in fuzz and distortion, giving her riffs a gritty, earthy tone.
20. Ben Howard
Ben Howard’s delicate, fingerpicked guitar work is central to his emotionally charged, atmospheric songs. Known for tracks like “Old Pine” and “The Fear,” Howard often uses alternate tunings to create rich, full-bodied chord progressions. His style leans heavily on intricate fingerpicking, which gives his music a textured, almost hypnotic quality.
21. Courtney Barnett
Courtney Barnett’s guitar playing mirrors her witty, deadpan lyricism – straightforward, raw, and drenched in grungy distortion. On tracks like “Pedestrian at Best” and “Avant Gardener,” Barnett’s fuzzy riffs and punchy chord progressions provide the backbone of her indie-rock sound. She often plays a Fender Telecaster or Jaguar, running through a basic setup of distortion and fuzz pedals.
22. Laura Marling
Laura Marling’s acoustic-driven guitar playing is delicate yet intricate, often underscoring her evocative songwriting. Known for songs like “Ghosts” and “Sophia,” Marling’s fingerpicking style is reminiscent of classic folk guitarists but with a modern twist, frequently implementing alternate tunings and complex chord shapes to create lush harmonies.
23. Jack White
Jack White’s iconic work with The White Stripes and The Raconteurs, and his solo career, have made him one of the great contemporary guitarists. White embraces raw, distorted tones and simple but effective riffs. He often uses vintage guitars like the Airline and Gretsch models, paired with timeless effects such as fuzz and octave pedals.
24. St. Vincent (Annie Clark)
St. Vincent has a highly innovative approach to guitar, blending art rock, indie, and electronic elements. Her songs like “Digital Witness” and “Los Ageless” feature angular, dissonant riffs with experimental tones. Clark often uses custom-designed guitars, paired with effects like fuzz, delay, and octave pedals to achieve her signature sound.
25. Lianne La Havas
Lianne La Havas blends soulful vocals with intricate guitar work, creating a rich and layered sound. Her songs like “What You Don’t Do” and “Green & Gold” showcase her jazz and R&B-infused fingerpicking style. Often playing on a hollow-body guitar, La Havas uses clean tones with reverb to enhance her warm, organic sound. To capture her tone, focus on clean playing with a subtle use of delay and reverb to add depth.
26. Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana’s one-person band performances are renowned for their looping techniques and genre-blending guitar work. Known for songs like “Jungle” and “Notion,” Sultana’s style incorporates elements of rock, reggae, and psychedelic music. They often use a Fender Stratocaster or similar guitar with a range of effects pedals, including delay, reverb, and loopers, to create lush, layered soundscapes.
27. Nita Strauss
Nita Strauss is one of the leading guitarists in modern rock and metal, known for her work with Alice Cooper and her solo career. Songs like “Pandemonium” and her performances with Cooper show off her technical precision, speed, and melodic sensibility. Strauss often uses Ibanez guitars paired with high-gain amps, with a focus on distortion and sustain for her fast, shredding style.
28. Kaki King
Kaki King’s innovative fingerstyle guitar work has earned her acclaim for pushing the boundaries of acoustic guitar. Her percussive, tapping techniques and use of alternate tunings are showcased in songs like “Playing with Pink Noise” and “Night After Sidewalk.” King’s approach often blurs the lines between rhythm and melody, creating complex, layered compositions.
29. Gary Clark Jr.
Gary Clark Jr. merges blues, rock, and soul into a sound that’s both raw and modern. Known for songs like “Bright Lights” and “Come Together,” his guitar playing blends searing solos with gritty, distorted riffs. Clark often uses a Gibson ES-335 or similar semi-hollow body guitar through a vintage-style amp, with heavy use of fuzz and wah pedals.
30. Orianthi
Orianthi has made a name for herself as a virtuoso guitarist, performing with artists like Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper, as well as having her own solo career. Her playing is extremely technical and yet still so melodic, showcased in songs like “According to You.” Orianthi’s style often blends elements of rock, blues, and pop, using a PRS guitar and Marshall amps for a powerful, clean tone with plenty of sustain.
31. Kim Gordon
Kim Gordon, the bassist and guitarist for Sonic Youth, was an integral figure in the development of alternative and noise rock in the 1980s and ‘90s. Her experimental approach to guitar, especially with dissonance and feedback, is most evident on tracks like “Kool Thing” and “Bull in the Heather.” Gordon favoured unconventional tunings and feedback manipulation to craft her sound.
32. Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa is a modern blues-rock legend, known for his virtuosic playing and deep blues roots. His fiery solos on tracks like “Sloe Gin” and “The Ballad of John Henry” highlight his technical prowess and emotional depth. Bonamassa often favours Gibson Les Pauls and vintage Fender Stratocasters, played through high-wattage amps like Marshall and Dumble. His tone is warm, powerful, and full of sustain.
33. Peter Green
Peter Green, the original founder of Fleetwood Mac, is one of the most soulful blues guitarists to come out of the British blues scene. Known for his emotive phrasing and warm tone on tracks like “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman,” Green’s playing was understated yet deeply expressive. He often played a Gibson Les Paul, achieving his signature sound through a combination of clean, melodic playing and precise bends.
34. Joan Jett
Joan Jett’s aggressive, no-nonsense guitar style made her a punk rock icon with hits like “Bad Reputation” and “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Her playing is characterised by its raw, power-chord-driven approach, which helped define the sound of 1970s punk rock. To get her sound, focus on power chords and downstrokes, using minimal effects to keep the tone gritty and straight to the point.
35. George Harrison
George Harrison’s tasteful, melodic guitar playing helped shape the sound of The Beatles. From the jangly tones of “A Hard Day’s Night” to the intricate slide work on “Something,” Harrison’s playing was always precise and innovative. Known for his slide guitar work and use of alternate tunings, Harrison brought an eclectic mix of influences to his playing.
36. Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain’s guitar playing with Nirvana defined the sound of the 1990s grunge movement. Cobain’s raw, distorted playing style, as heard in songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are,” was unpolished and deeply emotional. He often used a Fender Jaguar or Mustang with heavy distortion, creating a rough, chaotic tone that perfectly matched his songwriting style.
37. Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters is a cornerstone of Chicago blues, with his electric guitar playing laying the groundwork for modern blues and rock. Tracks like “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Mannish Boy” show off Waters’ punchy, rhythmic style and his mastery of the slide guitar. He often played a Telecaster through a small tube amp, creating a rich, overdriven tone that emphasized his powerful vocals.
38. Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore’s work with Deep Purple and Rainbow helped define heavy metal’s early years. His neoclassical approach to rock guitar can be heard in tracks like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star,” where his blend of fast scales, precision, and powerful riffs set the standard for rock guitarists. Blackmore typically used a Fender Stratocaster, paired with Marshall amps, to create his clean, articulate tone.
39. Lita Ford
Lita Ford, one of the pioneering female guitarists in rock and metal, rose to prominence with The Runaways before embarking on a successful solo career. As a rock and metal guitarist, it’s no surprise that her style is hard-hitting and riff-heavy style. Ford often plays a BC Rich Warlock guitar, which, combined with high-gain amps, gives her a heavy, aggressive tone.
40. Steve Vai
The legend Steve Vai is highly technical and renowned for blending intricate melodies with rapid-fire shredding. Vai frequently uses Ibanez guitars, paired with a variety of effects like delay and wah, to create his signature sound.
41. Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson’s haunting, complex blues guitar playing remains influential more than 80 years after his death. His songs, like “Cross Road Blues” and “Sweet Home Chicago,” showcased his fingerpicking mastery and his ability to create intricate rhythms and melodies simultaneously. Johnson’s playing is rooted in Delta blues, with a focus on slide and bottleneck techniques.
42. Dimebag Darrell
Dimebag Darrell of Pantera helped define the sound of modern metal, and his solos have undoubtedly inspired countless people to pick up the guitar. His aggressive riffs and shredding solos on tracks like “Cowboys from Hell” and “Walk” cemented his place as one of the genre’s most influential guitarists.
Darrell often used a Dean guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo system paired with a high-gain amp to create his signature crushing tone.
43. Susan Tedeschi
Susan Tedeschi’s blues-inspired guitar playing and powerful voice have made her one of the leading figures in contemporary blues and soul. Tracks like “Midnight in Harlem” and “It Hurt So Bad” highlight her expressive, melodic guitar solos, often played on a Fender Telecaster. Tedeschi’s playing is understated but full of feeling, with a focus on clean tones and subtle bends.
44. Angus Young
Angus Young of AC/DC is known for his energetic, hard-hitting guitar style, which has been the driving force behind the band’s success. His riffs on tracks like “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell” are simple yet incredibly powerful, making him a master of rock rhythm guitar. Young typically uses a Gibson SG, paired with Marshall amps, for a bright, biting tone that cuts through the mix.
45. Ed O’Brien
Ed O’Brien’s textural, ambient guitar work is a key element of Radiohead’s sound. His use of effects pedals, like delay, reverb, and modulation, helps create the band’s atmospheric, otherworldly soundscapes – which is what they’re famous for! O’Brien often uses a Fender Stratocaster, paired with a variety of pedals to build layers of sound.
46. Zakk Wylde
Zakk Wylde’s heavy, aggressive playing with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society has made him one of metal’s most recognisable guitarists. Known for tracks like “No More Tears” and “Stillborn,” Wylde’s playing combines thick, heavy riffs with blazing-fast solos. He often uses a Gibson Les Paul with his signature bullseye design, paired with Marshall amps for a crushing tone.
47. The Edge
U2’s The Edge is known for his unique, delay-heavy guitar style, which has been a defining feature of the band’s sound for decades. His shimmering, atmospheric playing is created using delay pedals and clean amp settings. The Edge typically uses a Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson Explorer, paired with a delay pedal to create rhythmic, cascading effects.
48. Randy Rhoads
Randy Rhoads’ virtuosic guitar work with Ozzy Osbourne redefined heavy metal guitar playing in the early 1980s. His solos on tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” are still considered some of the best in rock history, blending classical influences with high-octane metal. Rhoads typically used a Gibson Les Paul or a custom Jackson guitar, paired with a high-gain amp.
49. Nels Cline
Nels Cline, the lead guitarist for Wilco, is known for his experimental, avant-garde approach to guitar. His work on tracks like “Impossible Germany” blends intricate, melodic playing with bursts of noise and dissonance, creating a unique sonic palette. Cline often uses a Fender Jazzmaster or Telecaster, paired with a variety of effects like delay, reverb, and distortion to create his expansive sound.
50. Johnny Marr
Johnny Marr’s jangly, intricate guitar work with The Smiths helped define the sound of indie rock in the 1980s – and it’s one of the most recognisable guitar tones. His playing is clean and rhythmic, and he often uses a Fender Jaguar or Rickenbacker, running through a clean amp with subtle chorus and reverb effects.
51. Prince
Prince’s versatility as a guitarist is just one aspect of his legendary career. Whether shredding solos on “Purple Rain” or laying down funky rhythms on “Kiss,” Prince’s guitar work was always dynamic and inventive. He played a variety of guitars, but his iconic symbol-shaped guitar and Fender Telecaster were frequently used.
Prince’s sound ranged from clean funk to heavily overdriven rock, depending on the song.
52. Adrianne Lenker
Adrianne Lenker is the lead singer and guitarist for Big Thief, and she’s known for her deeply introspective songwriting and intricate guitar playing. She blends folk, rock, and indie elements, often with a combination of fingerpicking and open tunings to create her signature sound.
53. Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is known for his thick, gritty guitar tone and bluesy riffs. Songs like “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man” feature Gibbons’ signature style, blending blues with southern rock. To get his tone, use heavy-gauge strings, turn up the gain, and focus on playing tight, blues-based riffs with a healthy dose of pinch harmonics for extra bite.
54. Tony Iommi
Founding guitarist of Black Sabbath Tony Iommi is known as the godfather of heavy metal. His dark, heavy riffs on tracks like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid” laid the groundwork for the genre. To replicate his sound, use a Gibson SG, tune your guitar down to D or C#, and crank up the gain on your amp to create a thick, sludgy tone that’s perfect for metal.
55. John Frusciante
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante is another music legend. He blends funk rhythms with delicate lead playing and often uses a Fender Stratocaster, paired with a clean amp and minimal effects like reverb and delay.
56. Tosin Abasi
Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders has redefined modern progressive metal guitar playing. His use of extended-range guitars, complex tapping techniques, and intricate rhythms has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on guitar. Abasi often plays 7- or 8-string guitars, using a variety of effects like delay and compression to create his expansive sound.
57. Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile’s powerful, emotive guitar work complements her incredible voice and deeply personal songwriting. Tracks like “The Story” and “The Joke” feature her dynamic acoustic playing, which ranges from delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming. To emulate her sound, focus on using a well-balanced acoustic guitar with clean, resonant tones, and prioritize dynamics in your playing.
