Top 35+ best guitarists of all time who redefined music ranked
From Brian May’s custom-built Red Special to Hendrix’s wild solos and Santana’s soulful riffs, these guitar legends redefined music with unmatched skill and creativity. Discover the best guitarists of all time who shaped generations of sound.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Best guitarists of all time
- 1. Jimi Hendrix
- 2. Brian May
- 3. Chuck Berry
- 4. Jimmy Page
- 5. Eddie Van Halen
- 6. Wes Montgomery
- 7. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- 8. Eric Clapton
- 9. David Gilmour
- 10. Ritchie Blackmore
- 11. Charlie Christian
- 12. Stevie Ray Vaughan
- 13. Nile Rodgers
- 14. B.B King
- 15. Keith Richards
- 16. Alex Lifeson
- 17. Jack White
- 18. Slash
- 19. Carlos Santana
- 20. Willie Dixon
- 21. Mark Knopfler
- 22. Angus
- 23. Pat Metheny
- 24. Gary Moore
- 25. Buddy Guy
- 26. Billy Gibbons
- 27. St. Vincent
- 28. Jeff Beck
- 29. Muddy Waters
- 30. Freddie King
- 31. Kenny Burrell
- 32. Stanley Jordan
- 33. The Edge
- 34. Joe Satriani
- 35. George Harrison
- 36. Peter Frampton
- 37. Lindsey Buckingham
- 38. Steve Howe
- Who is the best guitarist of all time?
- What is the greatest guitar solo of all time?
- Who is the king of playing guitar?
- Who is technically the best guitarist ever?
Key takeaways
- Each guitarist introduced unique techniques that pushed musical boundaries, from Jimi Hendrix's psychedelic solos to Eddie Van Halen's tapping mastery.
- Many of these artists influenced entire genres, inspiring future generations of musicians and shaping the evolution of rock, blues, and jazz.
- Some of the greatest guitarists of all time include, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana.
- While Jimi Hendrix often tops the list of the best guitarists of all time, every player brings something unique.
Best guitarists of all time
When compiling this list, we considered factors such as influence on the genre, commercial success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. Rankings may vary based on the latest discoveries, evolving music trends, and differing expert opinions.
| Guitarist | Best hits |
| Jimi Hendrix | Purple Haze and All Along the Watchtower |
| Brian May | Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Little Thing Called Love |
| Chuck Berry | Roll Over Beethoven and Rock and Roll Music |
| Jimmy Page | Whole Lotta Love and Kashmir with Led Zeppelin |
| Eddie Van Halen | Jump, Eruption, and Runnin' with the Devil |
| Wes Montgomery | Movin' Along, and So Much Guitar! |
| Sister Rosetta Tharpe | Strange Things Happening Every Day and Rock Me |
| Eric Clapton | Tears in Heaven and Crossroads |
| David Gilmour | Comfortably Numb and Shine On You Crazy Diamond |
| Ritchie Blackmore | Smoke on the Water and Perfect Strangers |
| Charlie Christian | Airmail Special and Stompin' at the Savoy |
| Stevie Ray Vaughan | Pride and Joy and Texas Flood |
| Nile Rodgers | We Are Family and Good Times |
| B.B King | Three O'Clock Blues and Every Day I Have the Blues |
| Keith Richards | : Satisfaction, Paint It Black, and Start Me Up |
| Alex Lifeson | Tom Sawyer, Limelight, and Red Barchetta |
| Jack White | Seven Nation Army and Lazaretto |
| Slash | Sweet Child of Mine and Welcome to the Jungle |
| Carlos Santana | Maria Maria, Evil Ways and Oye Como Va |
| Willie Dixon | Little Red Rooster and Back Door Man |
1. Jimi Hendrix
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- Full name: James Marshall Hendrix
- Date of birth: 27 November 1942
- Place of birth: Seattle, Washington, United States
Jimi Hendrix wasn't just ahead of his time; he was perfect for it. He pushed rock's limits with roaring Marshall stacks and groundbreaking effects, blending blues with psychedelic fire. Even today, he is considered one of the best rock guitarists of all time.
2. Brian May
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- Full name: Sir Brian Harold May
- Date of birth: 19 July 1947
- Place of birth: Hampton, United Kingdom
Brian May's journey to guitar greatness began with a homemade masterpiece—the Red Special, built with his father. His unique sound, crafted with a sixpence pick and a deacy amp, created Queen's legendary harmonies.
3. Chuck Berry
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- Full name: Charles Edward Anderson Berry
- Date of birth: 18 October 1926
- Place of birth: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Chuck Berry revolutionised rock & roll guitar with hit songs like Johnny B. Goode and Maybelline. Blending blues and country, his style shaped future legends like the Beatles, Hendrix, and the Stones. Despite setbacks, including prison, he continued influencing music.
4. Jimmy Page
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- Full name: James Patrick Page
- Date of birth: 9 January 1944
- Place of birth: Heston, Hounslow, United Kingdom
From session musician to rock visionary, Jimmy Page sculpted Led Zeppelin's colossal sound. His innovative use of distortion, bows, and layered guitars defined anthems like Whole Lotta Love. A master of suspenseful solos and unforgettable riffs, he fused blues, folk, and hard rock into a sound that still shakes the world.
5. Eddie Van Halen
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- Full name: Edward Lodewijk Van Halen
- Date of birth: 26 January 1955
- Place of birth: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Eddie Van Halen turned guitar playing into a spectacle. His two-handed tapping, searing harmonics, and custom-modified guitars redefined rock. With a boundless energy that rivaled the most prominent live shows, he made every note electric. His Brown Sound was more than tone—it was a revolution, making him a true legend.
6. Wes Montgomery
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- Full name: John Leslie Montgomery
- Date of birth: 6 March 1923
- Place of birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Wes Montgomery is considered one of the best jazz guitarists of all time. Using his calloused thumb to pluck notes, Montgomery drew inspiration from Charlie Christian's bebop phrasing while pioneering advanced harmonies with block chords and parallel octaves. His legacy endures—starting with Incredible Jazz Guitar.
7. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
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- Full name: Rosetta Nubin
- Date of birth: 20 March 1915
- Place of birth: Cotton Plant, Arkansas, United States
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a trailblazing black woman, ranks high among the best rock guitarists of all time. She brought the gospel into the mainstream and pioneered rock guitar heroism. Mastering guitar as a child, she influenced legends like Eric Clapton.
8. Eric Clapton
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- Full name: Eric Patrick Clapton
- Date of birth: 30 March 1945
- Place of birth: Ripley, United Kingdom
London's walls once declared, "Clapton is god." His blues-drenched licks proved why. He shaped rock's evolution from Cream's raw power to Layla's aching beauty. His soulful vibrato, warm woman tone, and devotion to the blues created timeless music that resonates deeply with many.
9. David Gilmour
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- Full name: David Jon Gilmour
- Date of birth: 6 March 1946
- Place of birth: Cambridge, United Kingdom
David Gilmour's slow, soaring solos, rich in emotion, defined Pink Floyd's grandeur. Using echo, sustain, and perfectly placed notes, he made rock cinematic, turning sound into a journey. Every phrase he plays lingers like a dream, a masterclass in musical storytelling.
10. Ritchie Blackmore
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- Full name: Richard Hugh Blackmore
- Date of birth: 14 April 1945
- Place of birth: Weston Super Mare, England, UK
Ritchie Blackmore fused classical precision with raw rock energy, pioneering heavy metal's sound. His blistering Deep Purple riffs and intricate solos pushed boundaries, while his fiery personality made him a true rock enigma.
11. Charlie Christian
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- Full name: Charles Henry Christian
- Date of birth: 29 July 1916
- Place of birth: Bonham, Texas, United States
A jazz guitar pioneer, Texas-born Christian gained fame with Benny Goodman, revolutionising jazz by making the electric guitar a lead instrument. His horn-like single-note lines shaped Bebop's evolution, but tuberculosis claimed his life at just 25.
12. Stevie Ray Vaughan
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- Full name: Stephen Ray Vaughan
- Date of birth: 3 October 1954
- Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States
Stevie Ray Vaughan, a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Dallas, Texas, led the band Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble from 1978 until his passing in 1990. Known for their blues-rock sound, Vaughan played a significant role in reviving blues music during the 1980s.
13. Nile Rodgers
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- Full name: Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr
- Date of birth: 19 September 1952
- Place of birth: New York, New York, United States
The legend Nile Rodgers has inspired many with his guitar skills. He is a guitarist and producer who has transformed music with his funk-driven style. He is listed among the best blues guitarists of all time, and his rhythmic precision and infectious grooves have influenced countless artists across genres.
14. B.B King
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- Full name: Riley B. King
- Date of birth: 16 September 1925
- Place of birth: Berclair, Mississippi, United States
This was an American blues legend and one of the best blues guitarists of all time. His refined soloing style is marked by fluid string bends, shimmering vibrato, and staccato picking. The blue musician shaped the sound of electric blues, featuring among the best electric guitar players of all time who have influenced generations of musicians.
15. Keith Richards
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- Full name: Keith Francis Richards
- Date of birth: 18 December 1943
- Place of birth: Dartford, Kent, England, UK
Keith Richards, guitarist of The Rolling Stones, is one of the best rock guitarists of all time. Known for his raw riffs and timeless songs like (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Jumpin' Jack Flash, and Start Me Up, his music shaped rock history with unforgettable sound.
16. Alex Lifeson
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- Full name: Aleksandar Živojinović
- Date of birth: 27 August 1953
- Place of birth: Fernie, Canada
Alex Lifeson turned complex progressive rock into something universal. His intricate chord voicings, soaring solos, and dynamic shifts gave Rush a grand yet deeply human signature sound. The famous musician and guitarist is known for Rush albums like Moving Pictures and songs like Tom Sawyer.
17. Jack White
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- Full name: John Anthony Gillis
- Date of birth: 9 July 1975
- Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Jack, one of the best rock guitarists of all time, sang and played guitar in The White Stripes, releasing six albums before their 2011 split. He also performs with The Raconteurs, known in Australia as the Saboteurs, who released Broken Boy Soldiers and the new album Consolers of the Lonely.
18. Slash
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- Full name: Saul Hudson
- Date of birth: 23 July 1965
- Place of birth: Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
Slash's Les Paul, draped in raw energy, brought rock music back to its roots. His blues-infused licks and epic solos made Sweet Child O' Mine and November Rain immortal. With his signature top hat and effortless cool, he wasn't just a guitarist—he was the last true rock guitar hero.
19. Carlos Santana
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- Full name: Carlos Augusto Alves Santana
- Date of birth: 20 July 1947
- Place of birth: Autlán de Navarro, Mexico
Carlos Santana blended Latin rhythms with rock, creating a hypnotic, soulful sound. His sustain-drenched leads and fiery phrasing turned songs like Black Magic Woman into transcendent musical journeys.
20. Willie Dixon
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- Full name: William James Dixon
- Date of birth: 1 July 1915
- Place of birth: Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States
This renowned bassist, producer, and songwriter played a vital role in Chicago blues' golden era. His enduring songs, widely covered, became genre classics. A true blues icon, his impact on music and pop culture secured his lasting legacy.
21. Mark Knopfler
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- Full name: Mark Freuder Knopfler
- Date of birth: 21 August 1949
- Place of birth: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Mark Knopfler made the guitar talk. His fingerpicking technique gave Sultans of Swing its effortless groove, shaping Dire Straits' unmistakable sound. He avoided flashiness, focusing on feel and storytelling.
22. Angus
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- Full name: Angus McKinnon Young
- Date of birth: 31 March 1955
- Place of birth: Glasgow, Scotland
AC/DC's foundation was built on Malcolm's unshakable rhythm and Angus's explosive lead guitar. Their raw, no-frills approach made rock feel primal, pure, and electric. Their riffs powered generations of headbangers with relentless energy.
23. Pat Metheny
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- Full name: Patrick Bruce Metheny
- Date of birth: 12 August 1954
- Place of birth: Lee's Summit, Missouri, United States
This Missouri-born guitar wizard, inspired by Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall, blends lyrical depth with rich harmony while breaking musical boundaries. With 20 Grammy wins, Metheny stands among the best jazz guitarists of all time—progressive, unclassifiable, and ever-evolving.
24. Gary Moore
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- Full name: Robert William Gary Moore
- Date of birth: 4 April 1952
- Place of birth: Belfast, United Kingdom
Gary Moore's guitar cried, roared, and bled with emotion. His soaring sustain and expressive bends made Still Got the Blues a timeless masterpiece. Blending blues, rock, and metal, his fiery solos cut straight to the soul.
25. Buddy Guy
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- Full name: George Guy
- Date of birth: 30 July 1936
- Place of birth: Lettsworth, Louisiana, United States
You cannot miss Buddy Guy when listing the best blues guitarists of all time. This famous artist is a legendary blues guitarist and singer known for his electrifying performances. A significant influence on rock icons like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, he helped shape modern blues with his soulful sound.
26. Billy Gibbons
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- Full name: William Frederick Gibbons
- Date of birth: 16 December 1949
- Place of birth: Houston, Texas, United States
Billy Gibbons made blues-rock swagger. With ZZ Top's Texas-sized riffs, growling Les Paul tones, and effortless groove, he turned simplicity into magic. His gritty playing and sly humour made La Grange and Sharp Dressed Man iconic.
27. St. Vincent
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- Full name: Anne Erin Clark
- Date of birth: 28 September 1982
- Place of birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Annie Clark, known as St. Vincent, crafts atmospheric music shaped by her innovative guitar techniques. Influenced by players like Robert Fripp and Marc Ribot, she focuses on creating emotive, layered tones rather than showcasing technical prowess, balancing artistry and emotion.
28. Jeff Beck
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- Full name: Geoffrey Arnold Beck
- Date of birth: 24 June 1944
- Place of birth: Wallington, United Kingdom
This unique artist spoke through his guitar with whispers, screams, and everything else. Ditching the pick, he made his Strat an extension of himself. A pioneer of tone and technique, he blended blues, rock, and jazz into something entirely his own.
29. Muddy Waters
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- Full name: McKinley Morganfield
- Date of birth: 4 April 1913
- Place of birth: Issaquena County, Mississippi, United States
Muddy Waters was key in transforming traditional Delta blues into the electrified Chicago blues sound. Influenced by icons like Robert Johnson, he moved to Chicago and recorded timeless tracks like Hoochie Coochie Man. His music heavily inspired rock icons, including The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.
30. Freddie King
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- Full name: Fred Christian
- Date of birth: 3 September 1934
- Place of birth: Gilmer, Texas, United States
Freddie King, the youngest of the legendary Three Kings, was known for his energetic guitar style, bold bends, and intense vibrato. Though Chess Records turned him down, he thrived with Federal Records, inspiring legends like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan before passing away at 42.
31. Kenny Burrell
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- Full name: Kenneth Earl Burrell
- Date of birth: 31 July 1931
- Place of birth: Upshur County, Texas, United States
A go-to sideman and accomplished solo artist, Detroit-born Burrell was influenced by blues, Charlie Christian, and Django Reinhardt. His impressive collaborations include Sonny Rollins, Donald Byrd, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett—earning him a place among the best jazz guitarists of all time.
32. Stanley Jordan
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- Full name: Stanley Jordan
- Date of birth: 31 July 1959
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
In 1985, Chicago-born Jordan stunned audiences at 26 with his Blue Note debut, Magic Touch, highlighting his unique tapping technique on the fingerboard. His piano-like mastery allowed simultaneous melodies and chords—securing his place among the world's best jazz guitarists.
33. The Edge
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- Full name: David Howell Evans
- Date of birth: 8 August 1961
- Place of birth: Barking, United Kingdom
David Howell Evans, known as The Edge, is one of rock history's most influential guitarists. Born in 1961 in Barking, Essex, he moved to Dublin at age two. He learned guitar and piano as a child and became U2's guitarist and keyboardist in 1978. He remains with the band, which has dominated the world for nearly 30 years.
34. Joe Satriani
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- Full name: Joseph Satriani
- Date of birth: 15 July 1956
- Place of birth: Westbury, New York, United States
Joe Satriani, renowned for his technical skill and melodic sense, has profoundly impacted instrumental rock guitar. His mesmerising performance of Always with Me, Always with You (Live in Bangkok 2017) highlights his exceptional mastery and finesse with the guitar.
35. George Harrison
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- Full name: George Harold Harrison
- Date of birth: 25 February 1943
- Place of birth: Liverpool, England
George Harrison revolutionised the guitar with The Beatles, shaping its role in rock and pop. Starting as a young, self-taught player in Liverpool, he was inspired by rockabilly heroes like Carl Perkins.
36. Peter Frampton
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- Full name: Peter Frampton
- Date of birth: 22 April 1950
- Place of birth: Beckenham, Kent, England
Peter Frampton secured his place among the greats by making the talk box unforgettable. He rose to fame with Humble Pie and the Herd, later collaborating with David Bowie. His iconic live album, Frampton Comes Alive!, proves his enduring coolness and guitar brilliance.
37. Lindsey Buckingham
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- Full name: Lindsey Adams Buckingham
- Date of birth: 3 October 1949
- Place of birth: Palo Alto, California, United States
After eight years, nine albums, and four guitarists, Fleetwood Mac found Lindsey Buckingham, who helped lead them to global stardom. Their first album with him topped the U.S. charts, followed by Rumours, a worldwide hit.
38. Steve Howe
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- Full name: Stephen James Howe
- Date of birth: 8 April 1947
- Place of birth: Holloway, London, United Kingdom
Steve Howe's arrival in Yes in 1970 marked a turning point for progressive rock guitar, bringing new creativity and depth. Known for his textural style and dynamic control, Howe plays intentionally, always serving the song.
Who is the best guitarist of all time?
Jimi Hendrix is known as the best guitarist of all time, according to Rolling Stone and many others. However, people may have different tastes and pretensions about this.
What is the greatest guitar solo of all time?
Many consider Jimi Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower the greatest guitar solo, as praised by Rolling Stone.
Who is the king of playing guitar?
B.B. King is often called the "king of playing guitar" due to his soulful style, expressive vibrato, and major influence on blues music. His innovative techniques and emotional connection with audiences made him a legendary figure.
Who is technically the best guitarist ever?
Determining the "technically best guitarist ever" is subjective, but names like Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Yngwie Malmsteen often come up due to their groundbreaking techniques and creativity.
The best guitarists of all time aren't just musicians; they are innovators who changed how we experience music. Their passion, skill, and artistry continue to resonate, proving that excellent guitar playing isn't just about technique—it's also about emotion, storytelling, and a connection that lasts forever.
Yen.com.gh recently released a list of the top Chicago rappers. Chicago has a reputation for producing some of the best rappers, with prominent staples like Kanye West dominating the scene and even making it to the worldwide stage.
Rap music is divided into several subgenres, including jazz rap, old-school rap, gangsta rap, trap, bounce, and rap rock. Drill is a type of hip-hop music that began in Chicago. Discover some of the artists dominating the scene.
Source: YEN.com.gh
