20 Best Rock Guitarists Of All Time
Let’s dive deep into the universe of guitar gods and rock legends who didn’t just play the instrument, they transformed it.
1. Jimi Hendrix
Known for: The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Why he’s a god: Honestly, any list that doesn’t start with Hendrix is straight-up questionable. The man didn’t play the guitar; he made it sing, scream, and everything in between. With iconic tracks like “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child,” he redefined electric guitar playing in a career that was tragically short but insanely impactful.
2. Eric Clapton
Known for: Cream, Derek and the Dominos, Solo Career
Why he’s Slowhand: Whether it’s the iconic “Layla” riff or the soulful solos in “Tears in Heaven,” Clapton’s versatility and emotive playing style earned him the nickname “Slowhand.” His blues-infused rock sound remains timeless and influential.
3. Jimmy Page
Known for: Led Zeppelin
Why he’s a legend: One word: “Stairway.” But honestly, that’s just scratching the surface. From “Whole Lotta Love” to “Black Dog,” Page’s riffs and solos are anthems in their own right. He was a master of both acoustic and electric, making him one of rock’s most complete players.
4. Eddie Van Halen
Known for: Van Halen
Why he’s off the charts: Ever tried playing “Eruption”? Eddie’s finger-tapping technique and innovative style shook the rock world. Add to that his knack for creating catchy riffs, and you’ve got one of the most influential guitarists in rock history.
5. Brian May
Known for: Queen
Why he’s outta this world: Aside from being an astrophysicist (yeah, really), May’s unique sound, thanks in part to his homemade guitar, graced Queen tracks with both power and elegance. From the anthemic “We Will Rock You” to the intricate “Bohemian Rhapsody” solos, May’s touch is unforgettable.
6. Keith Richards
Known for: The Rolling Stones
Why he’s the riff master: Those infectious guitar parts you can’t get outta your head? Yep, Keef’s handiwork! His rhythm/lead hybrid style on tracks like “Start Me Up” and “Angie” is a lesson in rock guitar efficiency.
7. David Gilmour
Known for: Pink Floyd
Why his solos touch the soul: Gilmour’s style is all about feel. Those hauntingly beautiful bends in “Comfortably Numb” or the raw emotion in “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” are a testament to his expressive approach to guitar playing.
8. Slash
Known for: Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, Solo Career
Why he’s top-hatted terrific: Behind those curly locks and trademark hat is a man who can shred like it’s nobody’s business. “Sweet Child o’ Mine”? “November Rain”? Slash’s melodic solos and gritty riffs are instantly recognizable and irresistibly rockin’.
9. Pete Townshend
Known for: The Who
Why he’s windmill-tastic: Beyond his signature windmill strumming, Townshend was a force on the guitar. Tracks like “Pinball Wizard” and “Baba O’Riley” showcase his ability to blend rhythm and lead seamlessly.
10. Carlos Santana
Known for: Santana
Why his guitar gently weeps: Merging rock with Latin influences, Santana’s playing style is melodic, soulful, and super groovy. His solos in tracks like “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth” are musical journeys in themselves.
11. Tony Iommi
Known for: Black Sabbath
Why he’s the dark lord of riffs: Let’s talk about heavy metal’s birth and the man whose fingers (or lack thereof, as he played with prosthetic fingertips) laid down its foundation. Iommi’s down-tuned, monstrous riffs in tracks like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid” set the stage for an entirely new genre. Dark, heavy, and in-your-face, Iommi’s playing style is nothing short of groundbreaking.
12. Ritchie Blackmore
Known for: Deep Purple, Rainbow
Why he’s a rock sorcerer: “Smoke on the Water.” That riff alone could solidify Blackmore’s spot here. But dive deeper and you’ll find a guitarist who effortlessly blended classical influences with hard rock, creating masterpieces like “Highway Star” and “Stargazer.” His intricate solos and moody riffs are a masterclass in rock guitar artistry.
13. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Known for: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Why he’s Texas’ best export: SRV, with his hat tipped low, brought the blues into the rock spotlight with unmatched intensity. The raw passion in tracks like “Pride and Joy” and the technical wizardry of “Scuttle Buttin’” showcase a player whose fingers were seemingly possessed by the spirit of the blues itself.
14. Kurt Cobain
Known for: Nirvana
Why he’s grunge’s reluctant hero: While he might not have the technical prowess of some on this list, Cobain’s power lay in his raw emotion and simplicity. Songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come as You Are” are filled with riffs that became the anthems of an entire generation. It’s not about how many notes you play, but how you play ’em.
15. Angus Young
Known for: AC/DC
Why he’s a high-voltage rock n’ roller: If there’s someone who embodies rock’s energetic spirit, it’s Angus, with his schoolboy outfit and duckwalk. His razor-sharp riffs in “Back in Black” and blistering solos in “High Voltage” are reminders of the sheer energy and power rock guitar can unleash.
16. Joe Perry
Known for: Aerosmith
Why he’s cooler than a walk in the park: With his counterpart Steven Tyler, Perry crafted some of rock’s most iconic tunes. His bluesy, raunchy licks in “Walk This Way” and soulful slide work in “Crazy” are testimonies to his diverse playing style.
17. The Edge (David Howell Evans)
Known for: U2
Why he’s on the edge of innovation: Few guitarists can claim to have as distinct a sound as The Edge. His use of delay and effects, combined with a minimalist playing style, resulted in a sonic landscape that’s become U2’s hallmark. Tracks like “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “With or Without You” showcase his ambient, atmospheric style.
18. John Frusciante
Known for: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Why he’s the pepper that spices things up: Funk, rock, punk, and even a touch of psychedelia—Frusciante brought it all to RHCP. His melodic solos in “Scar Tissue” and rhythmic chops in “Can’t Stop” are a crucial part of the Peppers’ sound, blending seamlessly with Flea’s basslines.
19. Mark Knopfler
Known for: Dire Straits
Why he’s so direly awesome: Knopfler’s fingerstyle technique is as unique as it gets in the rock world. Ditching the pick, his fingers dance on the strings creating intricate, melodic lines, best heard in tracks like “Sultans of Swing” and “Money for Nothing.”
20. Billy Gibbons
Known for: ZZ Top
Why he’s the sharp-dressed man: Gibbons’ gritty tone and blues-infused riffs are the heartbeat of ZZ Top. His meaty licks in “La Grange” and slide expertise in “Tush” give the band its signature boogie sound.