Author Topic: Favourite guitarists (Read 27821 times)

scamandrius · « **on:** June 03, 2009, 06:04:00 PM »

This is not easy to do. I think to come up with a comprehensive list of favourite guitarists would be difficult since it is inherently unfair to lop a hard rock/metal guitarist with a country/blue grass guitarist. Totally different styles, totally different techniques and sounds. But I thought I would throw it out there. Here are my top 10. Most of them are from the hard rock/metal categories.

They are not in any particular order

1) John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
2) Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple/Rainbow)
3) Marty Friedmann (Megadeth/Cacophany)
4) Brian May (Queen)
5) Jimi Hendrix (Jimi Hendrix Experience)
6) Dave Murray and Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)--have to put the two together
7) Eric Clapton (Cream, Derick and the Dominoes, solo)
8 ) Alex Lifeson (Rush/Victor)
9) Toni Iommi (Black Sabbath)
10) Randy Rhodes (Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne)

Fixed that darn "8 )" smiley from hell. -PtA

livefreeordie · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2009, 06:28:27 PM »

Can't resist, I'm a guitar freak.

My top 10 favorite, not necessarily best:

1) David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) by a long shot my #1
2) Brian May (Quenn)
3) Stevie Ray Vaughan
4) Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
5) The Edge (U2)
6) George Harrison (The Beatles)
7) Eric Clapton
8 ) Noel Gallagher (Oasis)
9) Kim Thayl (Soundgarden)
10) Roger McGuinn (The Byrds)
10) Kim Thayl (Soundgarden)

Fixed that darn "8 )" smiley from hell. -PtA

Schultz · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2009, 07:46:35 PM »

1. Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow), hands down.
2. Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
3. Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)
4. Janick Gers (Iron Maiden)
5. Eric Clapton
6. Pete Wells (Rose Tattoo)
7. Pete Townshend (The Who)
8. Michael Schenker (UFO, The Scorpions, MSG)
9. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
10. Robert Johnson (last but certainly not least!)

Pravoslavbob · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2009, 08:14:08 PM »

I don't listen to all of these guys now, just some, but I think they are all great musicians or at the very least very inventive:

Steve Hackett (Genesis 1971-7)
Steve Howe (Yes)
Mark Knopfler
Bruce Cockburn
Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe)
Charlie Christian (jazz player from the 1930's)
Roger McGuinn
Clapton
Hendrix
Jeff Beck
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Mick Taylor
Chuck Berry
Ry Cooder
Bo Diddley
Jeff Healy
Robert Cray

It's pretty hard to make a list like this....it can be quite subjective at times.

Gkterra · « **Reply #4 on:** June 03, 2009, 08:16:13 PM »

1. Stevie Ray Vaughan
2. Joe Satriani
3. Eric Clapton
4. Randy Rhodes
5. Leslie West (Leslie West Band)
6. Marty Friedmann (Megadeth)
7. Akira Takasaki (Loudness)
8. Glen Tipton/KK Downing (Judas Priest)
9. Carlos Santana
10. Yngwie Malmsteen

I could go on, as there are so many

scamandrius · « **Reply #5 on:** June 03, 2009, 11:13:01 PM »

Quote from: Schultz on June 03, 2009, 07:46:35 PM

1. Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow), hands down.
2. Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
3. Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)
4. Janick Gers (Iron Maiden)
5. Eric Clapton
6. Pete Wells (Rose Tattoo)
7. Pete Townshend (The Who)
8. Michael Schenker (UFO, The Scorpions, MSG)
9. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
10. Robert Johnson (last but certainly not least!)

Similar list in many respects to mine. Schenker, Johnson and Mustaine didn't quite make the cut. As an Iron Maiden fan, I've never cared for Gers.

Αριστοκλής · « **Reply #6 on:** June 03, 2009, 11:53:05 PM »

Quote from: Pravoslavbob on June 03, 2009, 08:14:08 PM

I don't listen to all of these guys now, just some, but I think they are all great musicians or at the very least very inventive:

Steve Hackett (Genesis 1971-7)
Steve Howe (Yes)
Mark Knopfler
Bruce Cockburn
Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe)
Charlie Christian (jazz player from the 1930's)
Roger McGuinn
Clapton
Hendrix
Jeff Beck
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Mick Taylor
Chuck Berry
Ry Cooder
Bo Diddley
Jeff Healy
Robert Cray

It's pretty hard to make a list like this....it can be quite subjective at times.

Still, you can party at my house anytime. I'll buy the drinks.

PeterTheAleut · « **Reply #7 on:** June 04, 2009, 01:07:43 AM »

Definitely Randy Rhoads--yes, Rhoads is the correct way to spell his name.

It's actually reported that if he hadn't died so young, he would have most probably left Ozzy's band after a few years to earn a degree in classical guitar at UCLA. << http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Rhoads >>

scamandrius · « **Reply #8 on:** June 04, 2009, 02:43:10 AM »

^That's not surprising. Really, how far could have Rhoads gone with Ozzy anyway? I think staying with Ozzy would have only hurt his career and devleopment as an artist. And, in my opinion, after Rhoads' death, Ozzy's music really couldn't compete with that of the first two albums.

ytterbiumanalyst · « **Reply #9 on:** June 04, 2009, 10:11:21 AM »

In alphabetical order:

Matthew Bellamy
Lindsay Buckingham
Eric Clapton
David "The Edge" Evans
Jonny Greenwood
Dr. Brian May
Jimmy Page
Randy Rhoads
Carlos Santana
Stevie Ray Vaughan

Bono Vox · « **Reply #10 on:** June 04, 2009, 10:48:56 AM »

1. The Edge
2. The Edge
3. The Edge
4. The Edge
5. The Edge
6. The Edge
7. The Edge
8. The Edge
9. The Edge
10. The Edge

BTW- Did I mention that I like the Edge

EofK · « **Reply #11 on:** June 04, 2009, 11:07:44 AM »

^LOL

(In no particular order)

1. Pete Townshend
2. David Gilmour
3. Eddie Van Halen
4. Brian May
5. Lindsey Buckingham
6. Woody Guthrie
7. Jimmy Page
8. Eric Clapton
9 . Duane Allman
10. George Harrison

Honorable mention: Jerry Garcia. I'm not a huge fan of GD, but he was pretty good.

Bono Vox · « **Reply #12 on:** June 04, 2009, 11:13:22 AM »

Quote from: EofK on June 04, 2009, 11:07:44 AM

^LOL

(In no particular order)

1. Pete Townshend
2. David Gilmour
3. Eddie Van Halen
4. Brian May
5. Lindsey Buckingham
6. Woody Guthrie
7. Jimmy Page
8. Eric Clapton
9 . Duane Allman
10. George Harrison

Honorable mention: Jerry Garcia. I'm not a huge fan of GD, but he was pretty good.

I noticed the Edge wasn't on your list.......BLASPHEMY!

EofK · « **Reply #13 on:** June 04, 2009, 12:14:52 PM »

Quote from: Bono Vox on June 04, 2009, 11:13:22 AM

I noticed the Edge wasn't on your list.......BLASPHEMY!

I figured he got enough mention through you.

mike · « **Reply #14 on:** June 04, 2009, 03:46:50 PM »

Slash
Jimmy Page
Tommy Emmanuel
Zakk Wylde
Ritchie Blackmore
Buckethead

in no order

PoorFoolNicholas · « **Reply #15 on:** June 04, 2009, 03:49:50 PM »

Weird Al Yankovic. Period, end of discussion.

scamandrius · « **Reply #16 on:** June 04, 2009, 03:50:25 PM »

Quote from: mike on June 04, 2009, 03:46:50 PM

Slash
Jimmy Page
Tommy Emmanuel
Zakk Wylde
Ritchie Blackmore

Slash also was a hard one for me to leave off of the top 10 list as was Page.

Who is Tommy Emmanuel? Never heard of him.

scamandrius · « **Reply #17 on:** June 04, 2009, 03:53:12 PM »

Quote from: findingfaith on June 03, 2009, 08:16:13 PM

1. Stevie Ray Vaughan
2. Joe Satriani
3. Eric Clapton
4. Randy Rhodes
5. Leslie West (Leslie West Band)
6. Marty Friedmann (Megadeth)
7. Akira Takasaki (Loudness)
8. Glen Tipton/KK Downing (Judas Priest)
9. Carlos Santana
10. Yngwie Malmsteen

I could go on, as there are so many

Good list, man. I've had the fortune of seeing Satriani live along with Steve Vai (whom I can't believe I left off my list, too!) and Yngwie on the G3 back in 04. Awesome show.

mike · « **Reply #18 on:** June 04, 2009, 04:12:13 PM »

Quote from: scamandrius on June 04, 2009, 03:50:25 PM

Who is Tommy Emmanuel? Never heard of him.

check that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_P_-cFbGbU

Schultz · « **Reply #19 on:** June 04, 2009, 04:58:31 PM »

Quote from: scamandrius on June 03, 2009, 11:13:01 PM

Quote from: Schultz on June 03, 2009, 07:46:35 PM
1. Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow), hands down.
2. Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
3. Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)
4. Janick Gers (Iron Maiden)
5. Eric Clapton
6. Pete Wells (Rose Tattoo)
7. Pete Townshend (The Who)
8. Michael Schenker (UFO, The Scorpions, MSG)
9. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
10. Robert Johnson (last but certainly not least!)

Similar list in many respects to mine. Schenker, Johnson and Mustaine didn't quite make the cut. As an Iron Maiden fan, I've never cared for Gers.

When Gers first joined the band, I hated him. But as I started progressing in my playing and understanding of music, and, most importantly, listened to live tapes (esp soundboard bootlegs) of Gers' rhythm playing, I came to realize that he's incredibly gifted. His soloing isn't usually to my taste (with a rare recent exception being "The Longest Day"), but for him to play like he does and dance around like he does is nothing short of incredible.

I've also discovered that, ironically enough, my own soloing tends to Gers' chaotic style, but I chalk that up to our mutual love for Blackmore's classic live playing.

PeterTheAleut · « **Reply #20 on:** June 04, 2009, 06:01:51 PM »

Quote from: PoorFoolNicholas on June 04, 2009, 03:49:50 PM

Weird Al Yankovic. Period, end of discussion.

Did Weird Al ever play guitar?

Pravoslavbob · « **Reply #21 on:** June 04, 2009, 06:16:15 PM »

Quote from: Αριστοκλής on June 03, 2009, 11:53:05 PM

Quote from: Pravoslavbob on June 03, 2009, 08:14:08 PM
I don't listen to all of these guys now, just some, but I think they are all great musicians or at the very least very inventive:

Steve Hackett (Genesis 1971-7)
Steve Howe (Yes)
Mark Knopfler
Bruce Cockburn
Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe)
Charlie Christian (jazz player from the 1930's)
Roger McGuinn
Clapton
Hendrix
Jeff Beck
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Mick Taylor
Chuck Berry
Ry Cooder
Bo Diddley
Jeff Healy
Robert Cray

It's pretty hard to make a list like this....it can be quite subjective at times.

Still, you can party at my house anytime. I'll buy the drinks.

Oh, thank you! That is very kind.

Pravoslavbob · « **Reply #22 on:** June 04, 2009, 06:31:03 PM »

Quote from: EofK on June 04, 2009, 11:07:44 AM

6. Woody Guthrie

Well, there it is. I mean, since the OP refers to "favourite" guitarists, there's no way I should have missed out on Woody. But I approached the list more in the spirit of who is a skilled or inventive musician, some of whom I still like a lot and many of whom I don't really listen to now. (Woody I would list as a favourite in terms of his overall appeal, rather than his guitar playing ability.) Even when it comes to skill, there are some players who I might list that are skilled in one particular area, but not in others. For example, I think Pete Townsend is a great rhythm guitarist, but not so great otherwise.

Sorry if I am stepping on any toes, but....Brian May? I have to admit that he was part of a band that was very influential and very creative in its way. Maybe he should be on the list just for that reason alone.

scamandrius · « **Reply #23 on:** June 04, 2009, 06:51:33 PM »

Quote from: mike on June 04, 2009, 04:12:13 PM

Quote from: scamandrius on June 04, 2009, 03:50:25 PM
Who is Tommy Emmanuel? Never heard of him.
check that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_P_-cFbGbU

Pretty cool. He sounds like he's a decent songwriter too. Thanks for sharing.

Punch · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2009, 08:03:41 PM »

Robert Fripp

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #25 on:** June 05, 2009, 04:02:50 AM »

This is a very subjective science of course. How do you determine what "good," "great," or "best" is? But here are my personal criteria for assessing a guitarist's talent: A)Technical skill; B)Timing and tone; C)Emotional feel. And personally I value timing and tone, and emotional feel, more than technical skill.

Anyway, judging by these criteria, Carlos Santana is at the top of my list. He went poppy with "Supernatural" and subsequent releases (although his guitar work on those is still excellent), but dig deep into his older stuff and you will see a real genius. His ability to milk a single note and wrench every bit of emotion from it is unparallelled. Technically brilliant and yet always so smooth.

After Santana I would put reggae guitarists Earnest Ranglin and Junior Marvin up there. Earnest Ranglin is a brilliant reggae instrumentalist with a very Jazzy feel. And Junior Marvin played with Bob Marley for many years. Just listen to his guitar solo on "Waiting In Vain;" it's a perfect example of a great guitarist making somthing difficult sound very simple. True reggae guitarists know how to groove and always exude that subtle mystical feel.

I keep waiting for Carlos Santana to make an instrumental reggae CD! I bet that with his emotional feel and his love for good percussions he could make a great reggae record.

I play guitar, so this is fun!

Selam

EofK · « **Reply #26 on:** June 05, 2009, 10:10:52 AM »

Quote from: Pravoslavbob on June 04, 2009, 06:31:03 PM

Quote from: EofK on June 04, 2009, 11:07:44 AM
6. Woody Guthrie

Well, there it is. I mean, since the OP refers to "favourite" guitarists, there's no way I should have missed out on Woody. But I approached the list more in the spirit of who is a skilled or inventive musician, some of whom I still like a lot and many of whom I don't really listen to now. (Woody I would list as a favourite in terms of his overall appeal, rather than his guitar playing ability.) Even when it comes to skill, there are some players who I might list that are skilled in one particular area, but not in others. For example, I think Pete Townsend is a great rhythm guitarist, but not so great otherwise.

Sorry if I am stepping on any toes, but....Brian May? I have to admit that he was part of a band that was very influential and very creative in its way. Maybe he should be on the list just for that reason alone.

I kind of see Woody Guthrie as a package deal, with wit and guitar... really, Arlo is the better player. As far as Pete goes, yeah, he's an average player but he's so entertaining to watch and it's a wonder he can even manage to play with Roger, John, and especially Keith showboating all the time.

Carl Kraeff (Second Chance) · « **Reply #27 on:** June 05, 2009, 10:35:48 AM »

My list would include artists from a variety of genres:

Julian Bream and John Williams (Classical)
Jerry Douglas (Bluegrass)
BB King (Blues)
Pat Metheny and Charlie Byrd (Jazz)
Vicente Amigo (Flamenco)
Glenn Frey, Don Felder and Joe Walsh (The Eagles)

(as well as the rock/pop world's Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Chuck Berry)

Pravoslavbob · « **Reply #28 on:** June 05, 2009, 12:31:51 PM »

Quote from: EofK on June 05, 2009, 10:10:52 AM

I kind of see Woody Guthrie as a package deal, with wit and guitar... really, Arlo is the better player.

I agree. But Woody's influence (along with those like Pete Seeger) goes beyond the world of music. Quite an amazing story, really.

Fr. David · « **Reply #29 on:** June 05, 2009, 01:27:10 PM »

1. SRV
2. Allen Collins
3. Duane Allman
4. Clapton
5. Hendrix
6. Billy Gibbons
7. Jimmy Page
8. Phil Keaggy
9. Jerry Douglas
10. BB King

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #30 on:** June 05, 2009, 04:06:55 PM »

As far as The Edge...

I consider him a great guitarist because he has such a unique sound. So many guitarists sound alike, but The Edge has that trademark ringy tone that really stands out. He's not necessarily that technically skilled, but as I mentioned earlier it's not always about speed and skill; it's about the feel, rhythm, and emotion. So The Edge gets props in my book. I just wish U2 hadn't sold out so long ago!

If you're looking for speed and technical ability, one of the best is Jazz guitarist Al DiMeola. Here's a little taste:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDRIMnwIXD4

Oh yeah, we should all be ashamed for not having mentioned Wes Montgomery yet!

Selam

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #31 on:** June 05, 2009, 05:45:53 PM »

Here's a tune by the legendary reggae guitarist Earnest Ranglin:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzq-b6l3tgY

Also, let me add the great Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt to the discussion. Here's one from him:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEzsPGHsi90

Selam

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #32 on:** June 05, 2009, 06:35:52 PM »

One of my favorite Santana instrumentals:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYJqoUdh5_Y&feature=related
Check out the drumming and keyboards as well!

Selam

Gkterra · « **Reply #33 on:** June 05, 2009, 06:41:05 PM »

Quote from: scamandrius on June 04, 2009, 03:53:12 PM

Quote from: findingfaith on June 03, 2009, 08:16:13 PM
1. Stevie Ray Vaughan
2. Joe Satriani
3. Eric Clapton
4. Randy Rhodes
5. Leslie West (Leslie West Band)
6. Marty Friedmann (Megadeth)
7. Akira Takasaki (Loudness)
8. Glen Tipton/KK Downing (Judas Priest)
9. Carlos Santana
10. Yngwie Malmsteen

I could go on, as there are so many

Good list, man. I've had the fortune of seeing Satriani live along with Steve Vai (whom I can't believe I left off my list, too!) and Yngwie on the G3 back in 04. Awesome show.

Yea love the Satch man, saw him live at a club in santa cruz ca.

Satch with leslie west live doing stormy monday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1x8Gp6Mu6I&feature=related

Leslie west solo acoustic version of Blowin in the wind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1x8Gp6Mu6I&feature=related

IMO Leslie west is one of the most under appreciated Guitarists. For those who don't know of him, he is from the band Mountain.

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #34 on:** June 05, 2009, 07:16:16 PM »

Another one of my favorite Santana instrumentals called "Bella."
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-5bJouVEzr0k/carlos_santana_bella_beautiful_song/

Selam

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #35 on:** June 05, 2009, 07:21:19 PM »

Quote from: mike on June 04, 2009, 04:12:13 PM

Quote from: scamandrius on June 04, 2009, 03:50:25 PM
Who is Tommy Emmanuel? Never heard of him.
check that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_P_-cFbGbU

VERY COOL!

Selam

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #36 on:** June 05, 2009, 07:27:44 PM »

Anybody familiar with Phil Keagy? He's a Protestant Evangelical Christian who is a brilliant guitarist. I had the chance to see him perform years ago, and he blew me away. Here's a sample:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3iSiij98VY

Selam

Schultz · « **Reply #37 on:** June 05, 2009, 10:12:13 PM »

I can't believe I forgot to add Brian Setzer of Stray Cats and Brian Setzer Orchestra fame. That man's ability is astounding.

Fr. David · « **Reply #38 on:** June 05, 2009, 11:24:39 PM »

^^Oh, yeah. Definitely.

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #39 on:** June 06, 2009, 12:44:52 AM »

Junior Brown
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gun-FD2eumc

Selam

ytterbiumanalyst · « **Reply #40 on:** June 06, 2009, 09:37:19 AM »

Quote from: Gebre Menfes Kidus on June 05, 2009, 07:27:44 PM

Anybody familiar with Phil Keagy? He's a Protestant Evangelical Christian who is a brilliant guitarist. I had the chance to see him perform years ago, and he blew me away.

I have also seen him perform solo at the university where I did my undergraduate studies. Absolutely amazing.

jayjay · « **Reply #41 on:** June 06, 2009, 10:46:22 AM »

1. ALL Iron Maiden guitarists.
2. Michael Sweet (Stryper).
3. Stevie Ray Vaughn
4. Slash
5. Angus Young (AC/DC)
6. BB King

Not in any order though!

mersch · « **Reply #42 on:** June 06, 2009, 03:07:00 PM »

Pop Staples, bless his memory, was considered one of the best, but that christian, gospel label stuck stronger than his playing, which is too bad.

And of course, chet atkins

jckstraw72 · « **Reply #43 on:** June 06, 2009, 09:38:57 PM »

Trey Anastasio
Warreny Haynes
Derek Trucks
Jim Croce
John Denver
Robert Fripp

PeterTheAleut · « **Reply #44 on:** June 27, 2009, 05:19:44 PM »

Eddie Van Halen just recently came to mind for his volunteer guitar work on Michael Jackson's hit song "Beat It".

News:

Author Topic: Favourite guitarists (Read 27821 times)