Top 150 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time

Comments

1. Ben Vernon says

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   This is a great list! I like the fact that other guitarists are recognised that I wouldn’t usually see in a list. Guitarists like Noel Gallagher never seem to get a mention even though he’s an amazing guitarist and turned a British generation to the guitar.

   Thanks for the list Klaus.

2. Klaus Crow says

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   Hi Ben,

   I agree, Noel Gallagher’s Wonderwall riff will be played by guitar players for centuries to come.

   It has become a classic.

   Klaus Crow

3. Nuno Barreto says

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   Nuno Bettencourt 4ever!
   Portugal represented!

   I almost chocked when I saw Tommy on the 72 spot, then I read the list was in no particular order!

   This list made me smile numerous times!

   AMAZING!

4. Klaus Crow says

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   Hi Nuno,

   I love Nuno Bettencourt and Extreme!
   My favorite songs are Rest in Peace, Get the funk out, Midnight express and No respect.

   He is touring with Rihanna at the moment, but I guess you already knew that.

   Klaus

5. William Mosch says

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   Hi Klaus,

   You made a awesome list, I don’t know all of these great guitar players but I definitely going to read and listen more about them.

   Keep up the good work!

   William.

6. Klaus Crow says

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   Hey William,

   You really should, they are all worthwhile listening to.

   These players represent what guitar playing is all about.

   You might discover some new favorites.

   Klaus

7. Tom McCool says

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   Klaus its pleasing to see that you’ve included Rory Gallagher, he quite frequently gets ignored because he shunned commercialism to stay true to guitar playing. Admittedly I’m biased, Rory was related to me but I had the pleasure to meet and talk to him a few times and his down to earth personality was a credit.
   Keep up the good work, your website is very informative and I’ll be bookmarking it for future visits, I’ll even sit down with my guitar and learn.

8. Klaus Crow says

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   Hey Tom,

   Rory was an awesome guitarplayer.
   Great slide player, full of energy and rawness to the bone!

   Thanx for the support!

   Klaus

9. Tom McCool says

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   Klaus

   keep up the good work, i’ll spread the word

10. bryan hunter says

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    What…no Steve Hackett? No Nick Drake?!?! Tipton and Downing? Murray and Smith? Criminal I say sir! Criminal!

11. bryan hunter says

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    Mick Taylor? Tom Scholz? Adrian Belew?

12. mike says

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    what about mike campbell ? from TP and the heartbreakers?

    In my eyes hes the absolute nmost underrated guitar player in the world, his sound , technique , his clean riffs, amazing . to not have him on a list in my eyes is dumb

    i didnt see prince on there either

13. Klaus Crow says

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    Hi Bryan and Mike,

    There is only so much space in a top 150 and yes you are right there are always others and more great players out there.

    Thanks for adding your favorites to the comments.

    Best regards,
    Klaus Crow

14. terry harvey says

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    I am pleased to see some jazz and blues guys on a list. This is rare because most people only like what they are used to and most people have not been exposed to much of anything except the middle of the road. One name left off your list is Tommy Bolin, a truly underated player. Remember, there is no such thing as good or bad music, just what you like.

15. James says

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    I think most of you are rockers and don’t listen to much country, but there are some great pickers like Roy Clark and many others.

16. taharvey says

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    I do agree. Let us not forget the great bluegrass players as well. Also these lists never have classical guys on them. Like I said most people are not exposed to much outside the middle of the road.

17. Klaus Crow says

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    Hi taharvey,

    That’s not entirely correct. Here are some classical guitar players:

    #74 John Williams
    #75 Julian Bream
    #137 Andrés Segovia

    Best regards,
    Klaus

18. jak says

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    WHERE IS J MASCIS?? :(

    Also, I’d move Slash way down and Robert Fripp way up.

19. Ed Cruz says

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    Did you leave out Alvin Lee of Ten Years After??..WHY

20. Klaus Crow says

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    Hi Ed,

    Yeah how could I? :)
    Sorry, but I had only space for 150 great guitar players.
    You’re right, there’s always one more guitar player that I should have mentioned.

    Yet, I am grateful you are willing to share your favorite guitar hero.

    Cheers,
    Klaus Crow

21. Joel Goreham says

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    Obviously it’s difficult to have a list that caters to everyones personal taste… and it’s also difficult to tell on exactly what makes a ‘great’ guitarist (technical ability? songwriting prowess?) … but to have Kurt Cobain to appear higher up the list than Nuno, Dimebag, Hammett, Satriani and Vai…. I’m a little confused. Still, some great names in there. Good on ya bro :)

22. Joel Goreham says

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    Ignore my comment – I just re-read your intro … ‘no particular order’ … my bad ;)

23. Tiefeng Wu says

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    Hi, Klaus! Thanks for your wonderful list, I really love it!

    I found a little mistake for spelling name of “Randy Rhoads”, there’s “Rhandy Roads” on the list. He is my favorite guitar player.

    Excuse me for being so picky:-)

24. Dewi says

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    Great guitarists are everywhere in this world… The list will never end if we start to mention. In my country (Indonesia), we also have many good guitarists: Lianto Tjahjoputro, Balawan, Dewa Budjana and many others… China has Xue Fei Yang…. Perhaps, in Asia, the chance to be worldwide recognised is a bit smaller due to several factors.

25. Sam says

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    Check out Rivers Cuomo of Weezer if you haven’t already. He is definitely one of the most underrated guitar players of all time. Incredible skill and sense of melody.

26. Dan says

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    This entire list gets canned just for the omission of one the greats if not the greatest of all-time.. Duane Allman. One of the few I agree with RS about. Jimi Hendricks? Great…MAYBE. Very good? Probably. Top ten? Not on this panet.

27. onekat says

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    Breaks my heart not to see Leo Kottke. Was also thinking, I’ll bet it breaks John Mayer’s heart not to see his name.

28. mathbzh says

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    Not a bad list but you should consider renaming it “150 great guitar players”.
    Where are Brazilian guitar players?
    If Baden Powell does not make a 150 greatest guitar player list who does?

29. Eric says

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    that’s a joke ?!

    ” Eric Clapton ” is the best guitar player , ever

30. Johnny Rocket says

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    Klaus, this is a great list and everyone will have a favorite left out here and there. Your list reminded me of some “forgotten” favorites and introduced me to some who deserve a listen. On a bummer side, I found out Gary Moore had passed away. I never got into his blues too much, but loved his solo work in the 80’s. Also great to see Frank Zappa acknowledged for his “off the wall” yet amazing guitar work. Maybe it’s time for a “top 200” list? J.R.

31. Tyler says

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    good list, but why is duane allman #49. he should be a rock solid top 5 guitarist on everyones list. its like having michael jordan as the #49 greatest basketball player. duane died at 24 and think about the many guitarist he influenced

32. Duane Diehl says

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    What about Steve Morse or John Mclaughlin. They may not be #1 or #2, but surely they are in the top 150.

33. Klaus Crow says

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    You’re absolutely right about that!

    Best regards,
    Klaus Crow

34. Warren says

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    FINALLY………A decenct list of great guitarists……Sick of seeing Brian May and Eddie Van Halen at the top of theses lists!!!! The Blues Musicians are the the masters but seem to get left off most lists because they are not very well known!!! Great list although bit concerned abour Duane Allmans position!!! Surely the greatest slide guitarist of all time??? Should be top ten…

35. Klaus Crow says

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    Hi Warren,

    Maybe you overlooked but I mentioned this in the post before I started writing the list:

    “This is a list of the most greatest, influential and famous guitar players of all time in no particular order. The list is not complete, because it can never be”

    I appreciate your comment.
    Enjoy the list!

    Best regards,
    Klaus Crow

36. David says

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    1- ERIC CLAPTON
    2- JIMI HENDRIX
    3- B.B. KING
    4- …
    5- ..
    .- .

37. shawn says

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    what about chet atkins he was the best guitar player in the world till he died

38. shawn says

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    nevermind i see him on there

39. shawn says

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    what about ro clark

40. Zsolt says

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    I don’t like these lists. Playing the guitar has indefinitely large number of dimensions and that does not allow for arranging players in a linear order. Besides, where’s Buckethead?

41. Tracy :) says

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    One I didn’t see that I’d add if I missed it is Neal Schon :)

42. hank says

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    Check out Hank Garland. That man can play a guitar….

43. scot finlayson says

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    paul weller is a fantastic guitar player . a lot of the players in your list are all show and rehash the same stuff without evolving new stuff. weller is renewing his music and sound all the time.the man is agenius .all the best scot

44. c'mon-man says

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    What, no Neal Schon in top 50! My top 20! Amend immediately please.

45. denis taaffe says

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    what about #1 ralph Machio..kicked vai’s butt I done seen it in a movie…vai claims he played both parts but I think it was machio who played both parts.. I done saw it in the movie..it must be true…he done beat the devil’s minions at the crossroads…ok that was just a joke lol…you should expand this list to create a who mattered in guitar, or even any guitarist who played on or put out an album, what about david spinozza, in the 70’s disco era he was a big session guy,morse,mclaughlin, leo kotke, david torn, henry kaiser,rick emmett, trevor, rabin, denis taaffe oh wait thats me…lol Truth is there is no best guitarists, each guitarist has their own style which is why playing guitar is great.You may like a players music or style and not another that doesnt make one better than another. One might be great in technique but his music might be generic or the opposite/maybe you meant the most popular guitarist according to opinion? sales? hype?

46. Klaus Crow says

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    Hi Denis,

    You’re right, guitar playing is not about competition. I made the list for fun, to inspire people to listen to great guitar players. And for people to comment to the list and add their personal favorites.

    As regards to Ralph Machio…
    Some guitar parts were played by Steve Vai and some were played by Ry Cooder.

    Klaus Crow

47. Barbara says

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    I recently saw this guitar player and he has truly been I guess hiding because he makes a lot of the names on your list look bad. His name is Tobi Hero. More people need to check this dude out. Help him if you can because he is something else.

48. Kyle says

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    This is a great list. However, I wish there were some funk players on the list. Then it would be a complete list for sure.

49. anir sarkar says

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    no synyster gates:(

50. Marc says

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    Erie Isley showed how the guitar can be used in r & b. I find him to be better than a lot of guitarist on this list

51. Dan says

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    Very good list. Glaring ommission but forgiveable would be the studio musicians who you have heard for years but never knew their names. Cats like Tommy Tedesco, Howard Roberts, Jerry Cole, Bill Pitman &amp Other Country cats like Chet Atkins, Doc Watson. Jazz giants like Kenny Burrell, Pat Martino, & Barney Kessel – also a studio guy from the wrecking crew. Accoustic players like Leo Kottke, or Christopher Parkening.
    That’s the problem with lists. The ones that get left off but deserve to be there. But all in all, you did a great job. Some new names for me to look into too!

52. Lorie says

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    Cant belive vince gill or keith urban didnt make the list but brad paisley did.every other list I read of best country gurtarist puts vince and gill before brad paisley. Of course albert lee and chet actkins should be on there and brad.but when very country site been on for best country gurtarist always puts vince and keith before brad.but yet rolling stones couldnt even put them on list.even eric clapton had vince and keirh at crossroads this year.

53. Becky Campbell says

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    You left off Lee Rittenour – jazz

54. nuk says

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    Criss impellitteri…??

55. Tim Huider says

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    Why is kurt cobain number 48?!!! I mean, he made good music but is never will be better than prince or george benson. Kurt Cobain is a really good songwriter but c’mon, he is not a very good guitar player.

56. Tyler says

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    Women?

57. Klaus Crow says

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    Hi Tyler,

    121 Jennifer Batten

    Best regards,
    Klaus Crow

58. Tyler says

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    One… of 150… at 121. Yeah right.

59. Dave says

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    Have you never heard of Phil Keaggy???

60. Bill says

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    I cannot believe that you published any list, and left Chet Atkins off.

61. Bob says

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    Can’t begin to believe Lonnie Mack wasn’t on the list?

62. Brian says

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    What the hell? Jimmy Hendrix #1? Above Les Paul, above Buddy Guy who Hendrix worshiped. And what the hell with Angus Young above Mark Knopfler, really? Chet Atkins is way to far down the list. Wait, you left off Jose Feliciano and Carlos Montoya too? And the fact that you have that low talent bum Slash listed above anyone is beyond unforgivable Frankly almost all the jazz guitarists can outplay the rock guitarists. Jim Hall, Joe Pass, all better than Slash could be in his wettest dream. Where is John Lee Hooker? His sound was completely unique among blues guitarists.

63. Brian says

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    I missed that you missed Steve Miller, one of the most under rated guitarist of all time. The Joker alone should put him on this list, well above Slash.

64. Jim says

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    Jimi Hendrix #1 shouldn’t even raise an argument. Can’t believe Segovia is #137, anybody with equal appreciation for all varieties of music would put him in top ten.

65. Wolfram says

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    Hi Klaus,

    what about Dicky Betts (The Allman Brothers Band) and Andy Powell (Wishbone Ash – one of the best players ever)?

    Together with Eric Clapton and Rory Gallagher these guys are responsible for that I’m a guitar player (and also teacher) since over 30 years. Thanks for mentioning Rory. We never, never should forget him. He was a genius!

    @Brian and @Jim: The list is NOT a ranking! It’s just a list!

    BTW: Great site. Like it also as a teacher. Keep up the good work!

    Greets from Germany

66. Phillips says

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    A lot of great names – short one Lowell George!

67. pumkin says

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    billy corgan anyone?!?!

68. Tim Huider says

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    Mark Knopfler has to be number 1!!!!

69. Curt says

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    You missed 2 of the top 20 Phil Keaggy and Maury Muhelheisen. Is it because they are Jewish?

70. ランニングシューズ 安心 says

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    Thanks for finally writing about > Top 150 Greatest Guitar Players of
    All Time < Liked it!

71. Danny says

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    No Stephen Carpenter?? He has to be definitely in the top 150. May not be the most technically advanced but he has played so many different styles with the Deftones, and makes the most awesome and beautiful riffs that have been made!

72. Lou S. says

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    Where is Ronnie Earl, Kim Simmons and
    Jimmie Vaughn?

73. Grenge says

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    They all have their own style amd excellence. To put a number next to them is silly.

74. bob hurst says

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    Frank Marino of mahonny Rush — one of the best no doubt.
    PS just saw Keith urban at MSG last night and this guy in great and did riff after riff

75. Keith says

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    Love the list. I have a quibble with the description of Jeff Back’s music. Calling him a blues guitarist is like calling the United States a nation of swamps.

76. Brett says

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    Is George Lynch good enough to be listed twice? Guess so.

77. David says

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    Bring back teaching music theory and harmony to the public school system. I spent my money on music school only to learn what the so called best guitarist never knew how to do. Now what? Mr. Q public votes for the best on things they know nothing about.

78. Miguel says

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    Hi, I like the list and like others I appreciate it isn’t in order as it really is difficult, if not impossible to do. Some guitarists I would like people to give a chance are two bluegrass players and two country players:

    Bluegrass: Tony Rice and David Grier
    Country: Vince Gill and Brent Mason. Mason can play almost anything though, he is an incredible session player. Look for Mason’s song “Hot Wired” to hear his hot lickes. Gill has his own unique and tasty telecaster style. He just doesn’t generally be flashy on his own albums but Clapton has had him at the Crossroads festival so check that out.

    I listen to so many different kinds of music, my playlists are kind of nuts with classical followed by Steve Morse, then some country song. Listen and watch Keith Richards in that Stones documentary, “Return to Hyde Park”.

    Another topic- Top Guitar song intros. Talk about a long list. Here are some: Keith Richards in “Gimme Shelter”. Many John Fogerty songs. Steve Morse “Cruise Missle”, Van Halen “Ain’t Talkin about Love”, “Whole Lotta Love”, “The Song Remains the Same”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”

    Others I like but not my favorites are “Smoke on the Water”, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Reelin In the Years”, “Crazy Train”, “Johnny B. Goode”, “Enter Sandman”, “Back in Black”. Others can list Guns N Roses, Jimmy Hendrix, More AC/DC, and lots that I’m not thinking about.

79. steve says

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    donald (buck dharma )roeser and toy caldwell

80. Ferari mon says

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    Ayub Bachchu (AB) from Bangladesh is a great guitarist from Bangladesh. He is playing for 26+ years. He is a versatile guitarist. He should be listed among 150. search on you tube. you will be amazed. sure…….

81. Thomas says

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    John Squire of The Stone Roses has to be on that list surely? Above Noel Gallagher in my opinion

82. Lovinthelefties says

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    So my comment may be 3 years late, but in 2010, bands like A7X and Slipknot were around. Maybe their music is not as mainstream as most of the entries on this list, but Synyster Gates is one of the most technically proficient guitarists in metal/rock.
    And noone can deny the fact that Jim Root of Slipknot and Stone Sour is right up their in the same category as Hendrix. I am not saying he is as good as Hendrix, but it a known fact that Jim is naturally left handed, but plays guitar right handed. In my opinion, that takes a lot more skill than flipping a guitar over and restringing it.
    I have no illusions that the masses will agree with me, but this is my opinion.
    Jim Root is MY number 1 (even though he is #4 lol)

83. Vinícius says

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    Here are some brazilian guitar players: Kiko Loreiro, Rafael Bittencourt (both Angra), Eduardo Ardanuy (Dr. Sin), Robertinho do Recife, Hugo and Luis Mariutti (André Matos) and Frank Solari.

84. Aniruddha Biswas says

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    All the guys critisizing the list ranking please get your eyes checked by an eye-specialist. Mr. Klaus just noted 150 greatest guitarists, not rankwise, there might be some more. Brian how many of “your” Jazz guitarists can outplay Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Kark Hammet, Carlos Santana, Michael Angelo Batio??? There are many great jazz guitarists with amazing skill. But dear Brian your favourite jazz genre is much much much less popular than Rock. Take any guitar, amplifier, guitar-fx pedal manufacturer you will find them promoting their product through Rock or Blues guitarists, whyyyy!!! This is 21st century & old is not essencially gold. Be mordern & updated man. Modern Guitar is also about knowing the technical aspects. I don’t think any other genre knows more types of picking, legato, tapping, whammy bar & wah-pedal techniques than Rockers. Dear Eric Clapton haters beware, on top 10 most expensive guitar list you will find 5 of his used guitars!!! I listened to Ayub Bachoo. He is good, but not worth mentioning in this list.

85. Curt says

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    Maury Muhelheisen ,Best acoustic guitar player period!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maury_Muehleisen

86. giovanni says

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    Nice list Klaus, but probably not really possible to do(so). So many names are missing. And K. Richards between Cooder and Frusciante?!?! Sorry, but not in my observable universe. And,(i´m serious as cancer, Klaus), you are not allowed to forget about Neil Schon. I have seen this small man live in 2008, and I can tell you Klaus, you cannot, I repeat: CAN!NOT!….. ignore this guitar player! Never ever. No way. Even for an unperfect list, even if you really do not like the music of Journey, this is an “unforgivable” mistake. But do not fret, Klaus; nobody´s perfect……;)

87. nikki says

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    Kurt Cobain really he didn’t do anything

88. DAVID says

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    Add to the list…..James Taylor and John Mayer…..Where is Paul Macartney?

89. Justin says

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    Great list. If you are gonna put Brad Paisley on it then Kieth Urban has to be there as well. Country music guitarist don’t get the recognition they deserve. There is a new age of music among us and country has a serious following. These guys and gals are talented.

90. Karl says

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    Quite agree Justin, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban are right up there amongst any guitar players in the world as are many other country pickers from years gone by. As for Lennon and McCartney! They shouldn’t even be mentioned let alone be above the Great James Burton!!…Criminal!!!

91. Alan Wyant says

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    Did anyone mention Phil Keaggy for Gospel music?

92. Charels Kaye says

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    George Lynch is so good, he’s listed TWICE! #65 and #130… hehehe

93. John Dusza says

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    Are you insane? Metheny is 101? He should be on top. Jazz guitarists are FAR superior to rock guitarists. Get a clue.

94. supplements says

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    Hi everyone, it’s my first go to see at this website, and article is truly fruitful for me, keep up posting these types of content.

95. Vanessa says

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    I’m sorry but… Greatful Dead? For a list that wishes to show 150 great guitar players, I think it would be more proper to ensure that every name, band or otherwise, is spelled correctly. Also, George Lynch appears twice on the list, numbers 65 AND 130. These are the only problems I have with this list, otherwise, I approve and appreciate all of these choices!

96. mx_250 says

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    Kring crimson made it on this list but not Devin Townsend ??

    Idiots…

97. John a james says

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    Dear sir
    I am quiet embarassed not to see the VENTURES listed.Nokie Edwards and Don Wilson are early pioneeres.

98. Eleanor Victoria says

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    okay we have a problem here. How can John Mayer be ranked two places above Matt Bellamy? I seriously dont get it. By the way Matthew Bellamy is guitar god ( okay okay along with Slash , Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain etcetera etcetera but still)

99. Greg says

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    I feel so alone, but my pick is John Pizzarelli

100. Andy Aeschbach says

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     Incredible research, Klaus.
     However, I am missing Stanley Jordan on the list. His tapping technique is unique.
     Listen to his work.

101. Hugh G. USA says

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     Paul Kossoff the Greatest Blues/Rock player of all time.Free were the best band from that era including Led Zeppellin,Cream etc. Great songs except All right now.. Not one of the best. Paul had great tone he could make his Les Paul cry.What a shame he had to die at such a young age.Anyway great advice on Guitar playing and life,keep up the valuable playing tips

102. Klaus Crow says

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     Hi Doug,

     You’re right.
     I’d love to hear some suggestions?

     Best regards,
     Klaus Crow

103. Klaus Crow says

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     Hi Andy,

     Yes love him. Really digging his version of “over the rainbow”.

     Best regards,
     Klaus Crow

104. TC says

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     Was not surprised to see Roy Clark. I watched him on Hee Haw and was blown away with his incredible work including 2 handed tapping. Nearly a decade before Eddie Van Halen popularized it.

105. Emily Slomovits says

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     This is a fantastic list! So glad to see one of my favorites, Richard Thompson, near the top! Nice work!

106. CK says

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     Maury Muhelheisen (Jim Croce guitarist) .Did I overlook Dickie Betts or is his list just not realistic? Phil Keaggy (Glass Harp).

107. CK says

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     The Alabama Wildman!

     Johnny Rivers !

108. Mike Arman says

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     I have played guitar since 1966 overall the list is good you have people like Johnny Winters ,Pat Travers on and on and on… where are the influences in your life as a guitar player like George Harrison that influenced the sound of the Beatles I don’t think one can be fair in a list I do know one guitar player that will be influencing people in the next 10- 20 years Joe Bonamassa you guitar players keep your eye on this guy.. he brought me back to the guitar and now I’m playing some killer blues good luck everyone!!

109. Ngwenya says

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     is this a world wide list or its just American, if it is for e entire world its wrong e guitar z played n Africa and one known icon is Oliver Mtukudzi

110. Karen says

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     Bonnie Raitt! And I don’t think I saw any women on your list. Joni Mitchell, Mary Ford (Les Paul’s wife), Joan Jett, Nancy Wilson, Sister Rosetta Tharp, and Kaki King come to mind.

111. Gene says

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     Great list! And there are more that could have been included. Everyone’s list would differ.
     I would like to include this guy, Dave Strange. Only 25, but I definitely rate him :)

112. Kelly G says

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     #128: “Greatful”??? Ugh.

113. paul says

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     Alvin Lee. Kim Simmonds should be pretty close to the top of the list

114. John Stoneman says

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     I would have put Rory Gallagher and Mark knopfler a lot further up the list. Wnd what about Chet Atkins? None the less, it is a great list and must have taken a huge amount of time and effort to do it. Thanks.

115. John Stoneman says

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     I would have put Rory Gallagher and Mark knopfler a lot further up the list. And what about Chet Atkins? None the less, this is a great list and must have taken a huge amount of time and effort to do it. Thanks.

116. Juana Ramirez says

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     What about Emore James????? King of the sliding guitar

117. Juana Ramirez says

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     Sorry missed a letter, the correct name is ELMORE JAMES

118. David says

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     Wes Montgomery greatest Jazz guitarist of all time.

     Ronnie Earl The best living blues guitarist in the world.

     add for sure:
     -Martin Barre
     -Sonny Landreth
     -Son Seals
     -Jimmy Dawkins
     -Dave Davies
     -Sonny Sharrock

     look them up people this list is silly. The Edge at #17 oh please! really?

119. Andrew says

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     No Alvin Lee?

120. Mike says

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     Does anyone know the name of the original guitarist for Chicago. Hendrix called him the greatest guitarist he had ever heard!

121. blake says

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     This is an amazing list but i think at this point in his career brian haner jr.(synyster gates) from avenged sevenfold should be on there. Not is he only an amazing shredding guitarist for the band but hes super creative along with the whole band. They all get credit for everything its not just one guy in there obviously but as far as guitar goes hes an absolute beast he can play anything from shedding metal solos and riffs to laid back country and jazz and has been around long enough to have deserve it. Same with jacky vincent.

122. blake says

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     This is an amazing list but i think at this point in his career brian haner jr.(synyster gates) from avenged sevenfold should be on there. Not is he only an amazing shredding guitarist for the band but hes super creative along with the whole band. They all get credit for everything its not just one guy in there obviously but as far as guitar goes hes an absolute beast he can play anything from shedding metal solos and riffs to laid back country and jazz and has been around long enough to have deserve it. Same with jacky vincent from falling in reverse. His playing skill is amazing. Bands like that get over looked for the talent tho. But with music with no prejudice, hes an absolute player too.

123. Pat Zappia says

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     Joe S. #50 A top 10 at Least
     Lennon and McCartney shouldn’t even be there !
     And the Beatles are my favorite band !

124. Kay says

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     I almost had a heart attack when I saw Rory Gallagher @ #42 and then re-read it was in no particular order… Phewwwww… “Jimi Hendrix was once interview and asked how does it feel to be the greatest guaitar player in the world and he answered “I don’t know you should ask Rory Gallagher”

125. Michael Scheerer says

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     Keith Richards on 10 and John Williams and Julian Bream on 74/75? That must be a kind of joke. Both, Williams and Bream, will easily knock-out 90 % of the Rock heroes, when it comes to guitar technique. Also some Jazz guitarists like John McLaughlin are much underrated. Musical skills are more important than fame regardless of the style a guitarist is playing.

126. Eli Rivera says

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     Jose Feliciano.

127. Jerri says

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     Hendrix
     Srv
     Rory gallagher

128. Denis Willians says

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     Where’s João Gilberto? This man INVENTED the bossa nova and his guitar playing style influenced all the WORLD. A man that’s respected by Eric Clapton for example. You’re kidding…

129. mose says

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     alick macheso

130. mose says

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     james chimombe

131. Brett says

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     The thing I like about your list is that you make an impressive effort to include amazing guitarists from multiple genres. Usually these kind of lists say more about musical tastes of the person who is making the list instead of fairly objective evaluation of skill. I would add Christopher Parkening (classical) and Tommy Tedesco (anything). They said Tommy could play ANYTHING and do it better than anyone. I appreciate your saying the list is not complete. I would suggest removing the numbers and just list the names, as many of your commenters didn’t seem to read your opening qualifiers. LOL.

132. Sid says

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     Only ONE HAND of JOSE FELICIANO is far more that the great part of this (incomplete) list of guitarists.

133. Jackie says

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     Dick Dale or Ventures which came first? Duane Eddie! More women, Lita, Chrissy!

134. Chris says

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     No list like this can be complete without Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker.

135. Maddy says

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     Jim Root!?! – Slipknot

136. Don says

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     Where’s Mark Farner?

137. Monte Saatchi says

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     Thank you for this amazing list! This is something I’m going to show my students.

138. Toby H says

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     Ah…nobody ever puts Paul Stookey on these lists! Great fingerstyle player.

     I love John Fahey’s acoustic work but his electric guitar work isn’t great. How a guy could sound so great on a acoustic and so terrible on the electric is beyond me.

     That being said….he belongs on the list for “Red Pony” alone :D

139. John in TX says

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     Another “Hendrix at #1” list, eh? I honestly think that is a dis-service to guitar players. Innovative? Alright, I’ll give you that….barely.

     I know you state your list is in no particular order, and that’s fair. But everyone assumes you are making him the best of all time, which is plain silly. There were shredders before he was even born that would set a fretboard on fire – and not with lighter fluid, but with their fingers!

     But as far as a guitar player – he’s very sloppy and not very good, in my opinion.

     Give the guy what he’s due, kind of like a Kurt Cobain…but that’s about it.

140. steve says

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     you left off one of the best free lance guitarists – Jerry Reed.

141. Wally ortiz says

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     Jose Feliciano is one of the best , not top 150 but top 20 all time. You know shit.

142. HOW?? says

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     There are Kurt Cobain and James Hetfield in the list but no Synyster Gates?!

143. JP Colin says

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     There are a lot of great guitarists on the list. It is always distressing, however, to see lists which highlight only guitarists widely known in the Western world. The lack of representation from many traditions around the world is disappointing, but understandable. It would be nice if someone put together a list that was at least representative of world over sensibilities, and which didn’t rely so heavily on popularity as a measure of skill. Even so, I applaud the depth of this list, and hope someone takes up my challenge to expand the horizons of musicians that look for new experiences.

144. Phil Paul says

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     Thanks 4 the list! 2 pick 1 2 represent planet Earth 4 me is impossible. But all my favs r on there.
     What’s up with all the criticism? Can’t y’all read? “No particular order”

145. Rob S says

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     Whilst I appreciate its all about opinions, its unbelievable that Ronnie Montrose isn’t included when he’s inspired and influenced so many of those who are.
     He made amazing rock, jazz, acoustic etc tracks and was a fantastic live performer.

146. Doc says

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     Perhaps a little late but I would echo Paul & John should NOT be on the list (The Beatles are my favorite). You might as well put Ringo on there too LMAO.
     Alvin Lee
     Frank Marino
     Derek Trucks (bad ass)
     Ronnie Montrose
     That be said, all those that think Hendrix was so-so, keep in mind that he was probably the most inventive ever. Without The Beatles & Hendrix it is entirely possible Lawrence Welk could be our “go to” on Sunday evenings to this day. (Lemon sisters ROCK).
     One footnote would be that you had Michael Schenker connected to Scorpions. Actually it should be UFO.
     One more word…Robin Trower may need to be considered here. Or not.
     There are others, but wine is getting in the way of clear thinking.
     CHEERS !

147. Doc says

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     Sorry. Spell check changed Schon to Schindler.

148. Karen W says

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     Most underrated , Mr. Tommy Shaw !!!!
     Most genuine man behind a guitar .

149. Ben says

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     Buckethead that is all

150. Bucketfan says

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     And Buckethead

151. Thomas Keogh says

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     Rory Gallagher at no. 42 ?! That’s a joke. Why even the great Jimmy Hendrix himself said the Rory was the no. 1

152. Terry says

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     Where is Eddie Hazel? Listen to him play “Maggot Brain” for starters. One of the greatest, if not top five.

153. Neal says

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     Roy Clark

154. Klaus Crow says

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     Definitely!

     Best,
     Klaus Crow

155. Brent says

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     What about the late Reggie Young who played on more #1 hits and on more recordings than any other guitarist?

156. Situs Kunci Gitar says

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     Thanks for sharing

157. Michael Parnell says

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     Unless I missed something, 5 more [and I am sure there are a few more] of the greatest guitarists ever that did not make your list were: Tommy Emmanuel, Doyle Dikes, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Billy Strings and Phil Keaggy. If they were on the list and I overlooked them, I apologize.

158. Klaus Crow says

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     Hi Michael,
     Tommy is on there. Thanks for adding the other amazing guitar players.

     Best,
     Klaus Crow

159. Egbert Otter says

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     Nice list. as said before , it makes me wonder what the criteria for a great guitarist is. for me personally there are points for; technical skill, transfering emotions/ ´the feel´ into the music, creativity, the ability to play different styles, writing songs, playing ´out of the box´ , improvising, a personal sound/style, etc. etc. To see Frank Zappa and guthrie govan on the same list as Johnny Ramone (don´t get me wrong I like the Ramones) seems out of (technical/creative) balance. Out of the millions of guitarists i would have a few names not make it on this list. But overal a lot of of overal great players who are justified to be amongst the greats. I especially appreciate to see Warren Haynes; one of the last still touring players who is unknown but played with all the greatest players (and with good reason, who does not want to play with Haynes ???)

160. mus says

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     amazing how you ranked the guitarists forgetting a few. For instance late Steve Clark of DefLeppard should have been ranked in top 60 obviously much better than Phil Collens of Def Leppard who’s ranked deservedly 92nd

161. Gabe Campbell says

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     Why is Jim Croce or Maury Muehleisen not on here?

162. Mick M says

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     A guitar list without JOSE FELICIANO in Top20 has no credibility

163. Brian says

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     Having George Harrison 39 is comical. The arrangements alone makes him in the top ten. And his slide guitar is great.