Metal's always been a bit of a "boys' club", so I'll step in with what I think I know and make a list that, in my opinion, should cover all of the guitarists we REALLY need to respect in this genre. Your "classic" metal is covered, obviously...but I've added some names you might not normally see. Why? Well, all of these men (Oddly, this list backs the "boys' club" theory. :P ) have contributed A LOT or really perfected their specific subregions of the genre. That's why you see Tool etc. on the list. Add some more if I've left anybody super important out!

Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
Scott Ian (Anthrax)
Kerry King (Slayah~!)
James Hetfield (Metallica...adding this because of his killer riffs)
Marty Friedman (Former Megadeth, current solo)
Buckethead (Former solo, current G 'n R)
Jeff Hanneman (Slayerrrrrrr again, he wrote too much not to be added)
Slash (Former G 'n R, current...forgot the name of the project after Slash's Snake Pit. Wasn't it "The Project"?)
Chuck Schuldiner (Deceased. Former Death)
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy)
Randy Rhodes (Deceased. Former Ozzy)
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
Dimebag/Diamond Darrell (Pantera...?)
Joe Perry (Aerosmith, this is iffy because they've only sometimes been 'hard rock')
Brad Whitford (See above)
Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
Tony Rombola (Godsmack - He's refined a very "different" sound)
Jimmy Page (Zep)
Angus Young (AC/DC)
John Petrucci (Dream Theater, si?)
Mark Tremonti (Creed...yes, I'll get crucified for this one)
Steve Vai (Current solo)
Adam Jones (Tool)
Yngwie Malmsteen
Joe Satriani

BEN MOODY - Why? For all he's done within Eva musically. He's the guy right now OUT THERE, slowly breaking the mainstream with some absolutely killer, laid-back but very milked/"feeling" solos and fun riffs.

Discuss this list! Make your additions or subtractions and..well...discuss it!

Eric Johnson?

Brian "Head" Welch and James "Munky" Schaffer from KoRn for resurrecting the 7-string guitars, and for their contribtutions to the nu-metal scene.

-Pharaun

I just wanted to add Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine. I mean I know he really doesn't do many guitar solos's and all but we all know that he could easily do them. He has created his own style by being able to play the guitar in many differnt way's and being able to produce some weird sounds all with just a guitar. I love his style.

I just wanted to add Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine. I mean I know he really doesn't do many guitar solos's and all but we all know that he could easily do them. He has created his own style by being able to play the guitar in many differnt way's and being able tp produce some weird sounds all with just a guitar. I love his style.

Tom Morello is classic, and should be added to the list, too. His scratch solos are awesome. From what I've heard, he's a master of guitar effects.

-Pharaun

I was gonna mention Adam Jones and Tom Morello, but they already were...what about Billy Howerdel or Danny Lohner?

BEN MOODY - Why? For all he's done within Eva musically. He's the guy right now OUT THERE, slowly breaking the mainstream with some absolutely killer, laid-back but very milked/"feeling" solos and fun riffs.

Who's Ben Moody? ;)


Heh heh, just kidding. He does some fine solos and riffs indeed.


Some other to add to the list

Dave Mustaine from Megadeth....now a solo artist

Jonathan Donais from Shadowsfall

Dan Donegan from Distrubed

Sara(H)

By far.

No comparison.

Richie Sambora - Bon Jovi is one of the best ever
and possibly
Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen not Van Hagar

I like the Van Halen giutarist....he has some mad skills ;)

Page.

I mean, Christ! Zeppelin is the baddest assed band in history, with the meanest fuckin' solos ever.

Sara(H)

By far.

No comparison.

HELL YA. The most talented AND the prettiest. Well, maybe next to Vai.

Brian "Head" Welch and James "Munky" Schaffer from KoRn for resurrecting the 7-string guitars, and for their contribtutions to the nu-metal scene.

-Pharaun yes yes yes i'm getting hard thinking about their playing...

Oh, I can't forget about Tom Morello... the guitarist who masks his amazing talent with groundbreaking innovation.

Eric Johnson?

EJ is on a whole other galactic realm from those other guitarists mentioned. There are guitarists... and there is the King of Tone: Eric Johnson. The self-confessed "alien love child". He plays beautifully but can also be jazzy, bluesy and can shred when absolutely called-for. He is a musical category unto himself. I'll let www.ericjohnson.com take it from here...

My top 3 choices would be:

Alex Lifeson-Rush
John Petrucci-Dream Theater
Tom Morello-Rage & Audioslave

I just wanted to add Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine. I mean I know he really doesn't do many guitar solos's and all but we all know that he could easily do them. He has created his own style by being able to play the guitar in many differnt way's and being able to produce some weird sounds all with just a guitar. I love his style.

HELL YEAH !! AUDIOSLAVE ALL THE WAY !!

when i was looking down the list .. i was saying to myself "where's tom morello ??"

Metal's always been a bit of a "boys' club", so I'll step in with what I think I know and make a list that, in my opinion, should cover all of the guitarists we REALLY need to respect in this genre. Your "classic" metal is covered, obviously...but I've added some names you might not normally see. Why? Well, all of these men (Oddly, this list backs the "boys' club" theory. :P ) have contributed A LOT or really perfected their specific subregions of the genre. That's why you see Tool etc. on the list. Add some more if I've left anybody super important out!

Kirk Hammett (Metallica)


Kirk Hammett is my idol

Mine too. And Ben's! I think that's the key to why Ben owns so much ass...

ANYWAY...

Yes, I totally forgot Tom Morello! I'm kicking myself for that. And actually I was copying and pasting from a word document I'd saved (It took me a while to sit down and think of everybody who influences myself and others the most), and it cut off Head and Munky...whoopsie!

Interestingly enough, nobody has mentioned Rocky Gray! He is my guitar hero! Before he was playing drums for Ev he was working on projects like Living Sacrifice and Soul Embraced (sometimes with John LeCompt in SE). Some of the best riffage out there!
I'm sure Ev is very blessed to have him there to help with the writing for the next album. He really is a genius-musician! He is very humble to just stay in the background and not get noticed as much as some of the other Ev members. I think that he will get more attention after the next album when he actually writes the drum parts. Bwah-hah-hah Just a thought...
Somebody keep an eye on that boy!!!
http://www.cgtalk.com/images/smilies/buttrock.gif

not the greatest technically, but my favorite all time rock guitarist is Angus Young of AC\DC. dosen't play anything terribly technically difficult but his playing is full of emotion and energy. just my personal favorite.

hey the slash one... i think is named velvet guns or velvet something...

it's kinda corny :D

well, I wouldn't consider her metal or hard rock but I'd have to say that my favorite guitarist is Tanya Donelly. When she fronted Belly she came up with some interesting stuff.

hey the slash one... i think is named velvet guns or velvet something...

it's kinda corny :D

Velvet Revolver.

I would name more of my fav. guitarists, but I think you guys got them all, except for Richard Kruspe-Bernstein (RAMMSTEIN).

Ummmm I think that we all have also not mentioned someone who really inspired most of the people that are on this list. Jimi Hendrix. I mean I know he really never played any Metal cause of the time and all but he was the shit with a guitar. I mean teaching himself how to play the guitar with his left hand and being one of the most talented guitarist's of all time.

I just found it funny that no onw mentioned Jimi. He he he I was the first one to mention Tom. I rawk :twisted:

Man I forgot about Buzz Osbourne! You know, The Reverend Buzz, King Buzzo! Of The Melvins. And Fantomas. And The FantomasMelvins Bigband.

Time for yet another one of my "short" lists.

Rocky (L.S. Evanescence)
Jason Truby (L.S., P.O.D.)
Marty Freidman
Jason Becker
John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
Yngwie Malmsteen
Eric Johnson
Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Alex Skolnick (Testament)
James Murphy (Death, Cancer, Testament.)
Ole Borud, Christer Espevoll (Extol)
Gary Lenaire (Tourniquet)
Ben Moody
Dino Cazares (Fear Factory)
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne)
Randy Rhodes (R.I.P.)
Hendrix
Ty Tabor (King's X)

That's about it for now, will come up with more later.

Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen not Van Hagar

Dude!!! Don't get me started! I'm a veteran when it comes to these things. :)

There isn't anything wrong with Eddie's playing during the Hagar years. He had just as many cool riffs and solos with Hagar as he did with Roth. Not to mention he was with Hagar when he started using the Steinberger guitar with the Trans Tremolo bridge. To this day I have not heard anyone who can play a Steingberger like Eddie.

There isn't anything wrong with the way Eddie plays period.......except when he's not playing. :)

Sorry I get a little touchy when it comes to VH. It comes from not having any new material for the past 5 years! :)

Okay if I restated a few then shoot me....lol

Jimi Hendrix(He was the fuzz king)
Eddie Van Halen(limitless innovation)
John Petrucci(another innovator)
Steve Vai
Kirk Hammett
Joe Satriani(forgive me if I'm wrong...but didn't he teach Vai and Hammett a thing or two?)
Angus Young(pure emotion)
Jimmy Paige(for being sick enough to use a violin bow on a Gibson)
Stevie Ray Vaughan(not metal...but he was still a major influence on a lot of people)
Eric Johnson(Cliffs Of Dover is such a pretty bouncy song)
Tommy Iommi(sick, dark, crunchy chord meister)

I have a few others...too tired to remember atm

Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Justin King

I find those to be the best. Those of you who are putting Ben Moody on the same level as these guys, Hendrix, Vaughan, etc... well you are stupid...

Sara(H)

By far.

No comparison.

HELL YA. The most talented AND the prettiest. Well, maybe next to Vai.
I couldn't agree more.

if I restate some, o well



Eddie Van Halen
Joe Satrani(he gave lessons to Hammett)
Jimmy Page
Angus Young(he was 15 when he joined ac/dc, 15!)
Ben Moody
Zach Wylde
Randy Rhodes
Jimi Hendrix
Steve Vai
Tom Morolleo

and one I know wasn't mentioned, Eric Weaver. The LEAD guitarist in 12 Stones. He is one of if not the best new guitarist. He has incredible solos :twisted:

we must never forget the eternal Billy Corgan.

Angus Young(he was 15 when he joined ac/dc, 15!)

The hanson huy was younger wasnt he? :D

Seriously though, what are you people thinking putting Ben Moody on the same list as these legends. I'm not saying he is bad or anything of the sort, but he just doesn't come anywhere near the talent of guys like Vai, Vaughan, Satrani!, Hendrix, etc.

I agree.

Randy Rhoads - First high-profile Metal guitarist to incorporate elements of classical music in his soloing.

Eddie Van Halen - He has it all: Insane guitar skills, great tone, great songwriting skills, one-of-a-kind style.

Joe Satriani - Self-taught Virtuoso. Gave lessons to Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, Charlie Hunter, Les Claypool, and many others. Also one of the few guitarists out of the 80's to have a unique style.

George Lynch - Another unique guitarist out of the 80's. insane soloing ability, Mr. Scary proved that he could hold his own with Satriani, Vai, and Van Halen.

Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman- Fused shredding metal solos with hardcore riffs to create many classic thrash riffs.

Tom Morello - Made all kinds of weird sounds with just his guitar, various effects, and an allen wrench. (He uses an allen wrench to play the main riff to "People Of The Sun")

Jimi Hendrix - He's the man. Could play Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, and Jazz with equal efficiency. Had the look, Had the sound, had the skills. Enough Said.

I could name many more but decided to narrow it down to those 8 guys.

In addition to what other people have mentioned, Billy Howerdel.

i would have to say:

zakk wylde
randy rhodes
jimi hendrix
kirk hammet
slash
joe satriani
jimmy page
steve vai

Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Justin King

I find those to be the best. Those of you who are putting Ben Moody on the same level as these guys, Hendrix, Vaughan, etc... well you are stupid...

I agree. And with the guys from Korn, who all they do is distort their damned guitars.

Kirk Hammet - Metallica

i just can't belive no one has mentioned Emppu Vuorinen! he's one of the main reasons i fell in love with Nightwish!

Ok, I have to explain something for all of you who want to put Ben Moody, the guy from 12 stones, the guy from Nightwish, etc. on a list of the greastest metal/rock guitarists of all time. Being one of the greatest doesn’t just mean you are great at guitar. You have to bring something innovative and original to the industry.

Joe Satrani- The man gave lessons to Hammit, Vai, and a few others. Need I say more.
Van Halen- Finger tapping was nothing until this guy came along. His influence is underrated
Hendrix- I don’t even have to say anything about this guy.
Vaughan- Brought blues to the forefront of music with his unique style
Jimmy Page- Revolutionized the sound of rock
Hammit- Revolutionized the sound of metal, and pretty much created it.
Vai- If you ever hear something by him, you instantly know its him. His style is extremely amazing anf unique


Name something that makes Moody or any other guys worthy of the list. Don’t say something asinine like “he has crazy solos,” or anything like that.

werd

well I said Eric Weaver, the 12 stones guitarist, and Ben Moody for TODAY's best, but they still do have to establish themselves as all-time greats.

I also forgot another one that really kicks ass, he got lessons from Mark Tremonti, Eric Friedman, lead guitarist of Submersed. He's going to be big.

I dunno if I've posted yet on this thread...

Kirk Hammett
Joe Satriani
Eddie Van Halen
Jimi Hendrix
Zakk Wylde

and thats all that really merit's my list of best ever... but there are a bunch (like Ben Moody) whose skills I admire, but they're all just so much better than I am... :(

Hammit- Revolutionized the sound of metal, and pretty much created it.
What about Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath?? he was one of the first to put a metal distortion on his guitar, and is widely regarded as "The Godfather of Metal"

well I said Eric Weaver, the 12 stones guitarist, and Ben Moody for TODAY's best, but they still do have to establish themselves as all-time greats.

They aren't todays' best really, and they will never be considered all time greats unless they somehow totally reinvent themselves

If you want to start talking about who todays best guitarists are, I can name a number of people who have a much more unique style, and don't stick with that mainstream crap.

I also like Mike McCready and Stone Gossard. Gossard did some very interesting and very influential rythm work and McCready solos are the perfect combination of Hendrix and Page. McCready and Gossard worked perfectly together.

In addition, I like John Fruciante. His solos are good not for their technicality but good taste. He is a true student of the "less is more" category.

Randy Rhoads - First high-profile Metal guitarist to incorporate elements of classical music in his soloing.

Eddie Van Halen - He has it all: Insane guitar skills, great tone, great songwriting skills, one-of-a-kind style.

Joe Satriani - Self-taught Virtuoso. Gave lessons to Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, Charlie Hunter, Les Claypool, and many others. Also one of the few guitarists out of the 80's to have a unique style.

George Lynch - Another unique guitarist out of the 80's. insane soloing ability, Mr. Scary proved that he could hold his own with Satriani, Vai, and Van Halen.

Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman- Fused shredding metal solos with hardcore riffs to create many classic thrash riffs.

Tom Morello - Made all kinds of weird sounds with just his guitar, various effects, and an allen wrench. (He uses an allen wrench to play the main riff to "People Of The Sun")

Jimi Hendrix - He's the man. Could play Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, and Jazz with equal efficiency. Had the look, Had the sound, had the skills. Enough Said.

I could name many more but decided to narrow it down to those 8 guys.

Even thought he's in you sig, I have to add one more guy to your list

NUNO BETTENCOURT!! :twisted:

Ok I'm done. :mrgreen:

^^^Yeah....and I play his signature model guitar, a Washburn N2!!! :?

...but you could compare his playing to EVH, because Nuno's playing is similar to EVH. That's why I didn't mention him in that last post.

devin townsend is my favourite guitarist

Here's my picks.


James Murphy (Testament, Obituary, Death, solo)
Alex Skolnick (Testament, solo)
Dan Spitz (former Anthrax)
Scott Ian (Anthrax, S.O.D. . .master of insane riffage)
Mike Amott (Carcass, Arch Enemy)
Kerry King (Slayer!)
James Hetfield (Metallica...Had some really good rhythms back in the day)
Jason Becker (Cacophony, solo)
Cris Oliva (Deceased. Former Savatage)
Marty Friedman (Cacophony, Megadeth, current solo)
Al Pitrelli (Savatage, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Megadeth)
Jeff Hanneman (Slayer)
Chuck Schuldiner (Deceased. Former Death)
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy)
Randy Rhodes (Deceased. Former Ozzy)
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
Dimebag Darrell (Pantera...?)
Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
Mark Tremonti (Creed...yes, I'll get crucified for this one)
Steve Vai (Alcatrazz, Whitesnake, Solo))
Yngwie Malmsteen (Alcatrazz, Steeler, Solo)
Joe Satriani (Solo)
Eric Johnson (solo)
Tony Macalpine (solo)

I'm sure there's a whole bunch of others I'm missing, but these are the ones who I respect the most .

Alexi Laiho - Children of Bodom. Utterly fucking awesome.

Robert Johnson is the best acoustic player of all time. And he sold his soul to the devil that's how he is heavy metal. :twisted:
How about Dave Navarro. I like his wah pedal technique.

Adam Jones, hands down.

Ehh. He's good but. Ehh. :rolleyes:

:rolleyes:

back at ya! ;)

What. He's good live but on record he is really kinda boring.

YES!!! great thread!

Alright, I'll just throw down my top 5

1) Van Halen.....Godly, no words describe him better
2) Hendrix.....the original larger than life guitar god
3) Joe Satriani.....flawless. So amazingly Smooth
4) George Lynch.....Puzzling. An amazingly unique style.
5) Zakk Wylde.....ferocious. Only player I know to get so much mileage out of a wah and the pentatonic scale
....
....
well....how bout top ten...

6) Tremonti....dropped Stapp, and now, poised to drop a crazy- assed album...hopefully
7) Page....Kashmir is one of the most ingeniously written riffs ever...nmot to mention the rest of his songs...
8 ) Teppei....from Thrice...awesome guitarist, if you've never heard him, check out "To Awake and Avenge the Dead"...crazy.
9) Jake E. Lee...Ozzy's second guitarist...less respected, but wrote "Bark at the Moon", my all time fav ozzy song
10) Ace Frehley...just kidding...
10) Stevie Ray Vaughn....I know he's not a metal or hard rock player, but I felt wrong not putting him on a top ten guitar list after hearing his version of Little Wing...

well, I'm sure I'll remember a bunch of other guitarists taht should have been on this list, but I can't recall them right now...

Randy Rhodes (Deceased. Former Ozzy)


'nuff said!

Guess I will add a couple, and I apologize if this brands me as the "old guy" but, I think there are a couple
of classic ones that were not mentioned.

1. Richie Blackmore- Deep Purple, Rainbow (how many guitarists get their start playing "Smoke on the Water"?
Now you know who to blame...

2. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith- Iron Maiden (these guys are one of the best dual guitar tandems ever.
Plus, their influence can be seen in bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Queensryche, and countless others.)

3. Pete Townsend-The Who (you can argue that he wasn't the fastest, but his innovative style
and recognition from people like Eddie Van Halen make him an early pioneer of the modern hard rock guitarist.

4. Paul Gilbert- Racer X, Mr. Big, solo (one of the fastest guitarists on the planet, and contrary to
popular opinion, he originated the use of a power drill pick for guitar, a few years before Eddie tried it.)

5. Lita Ford- The Runaways, solo- (This one will get me flamed.. but she was one of the first
female heavy metal guitarists, and she can actually stand up to the boys with her playing.)
(Sorry... just giving the girls their due.. )

6. Billy Gibbons- ZZ Top (The hard rockin southern guitarist that was reported to be one of
Jimi Hendrix's favorite guitarists. Effectively mixed Blues and distorted harder rock to help pioneer the
southern rock genre.)

There are literally hundreds more obscure players that could be mentioned. I agree with a lot of the
previous suggestions, but, I am sure there
are a few yet to be mentioned that deserve to be on the list.

I would like to add David Gilmore. Take a listen to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" album and you will understand what Im talking about. The entire album is engenioulsy crafted. Every note is exactly where it should be. Its... perfect.

What about the other gut they had. His name illudes me now.

Terry Balsamo

are you sure.

If Ben is one of the best all time, Terry is one of them too. But it's just my opinion and none has to agree

What about the other gut they had. His name illudes me now.

Umm.. the other guy that WHO had? Which post were you referring to?

Pink Floyd.

My favs...
#1-John Petrucci. He owns everyone.
From here on, no particular order..
Dave Mustaine, Chuck Schuldiner, SRV, Chris Olivia, Andy Summers, Joe Satriani.
I know that not everyone on my list is a metal guitarist, but I don't care. I also know that most of them are dead. :(

Now everyone is entitled to their opinion, but someone posted on page one something that pissed me off.
The guys from Korn didn't re-introduce the 7-string. Petrucci did on "Lie" and even before him Trey from Morbid Angel did on "God Of Emptiness". Korn just showed you that you could suck on a 7 string just like it was a 6. By their own admission, they 7-string fascinated them with the "noises" it was capable of. "Noises" don't constitute music in my book and should never have been mentioned on this list.
Sorry if I pissed off any Korn worshippers here. I'm not bagging on them for their lack of proficiency....actually, I guess I am...they are good at what they do. I have a few Korn CD's and have seen them live. They just don't belong here or deserve that earlier credit.

umm...I thought Vai reintroduced the seven string...I don't know. I do know of a lot of hardcore Petrucci fans though. They usually have a rabid fan base. Still though, I'm stubborn in my unwillingness to deny Van Halen as the king of guitar, so I guess we're in the same boat. Even Wylde said Eddie was the greatest of all time...I really do like Zakk a lot! :D

Vai was the first to use a 7-string in a hard rock context. Check out his album Passion and Warfare. I think that is THE best 7 string guitar album of all time. Head and Munky actually played the Steve Vai model Ibanez 7-string before they both got their custom models. And even the K-7's design is based off the Ibanez Universe.
edit: forgot to add this: The K-7 is just a stripped down version of the Ibanez Universe, the model that Vai plays.

The 7-string guitar was invented in the 40's. They were produced briefly by Gretch in the 60's.

As to Pink Floyd, Gilmour was the sole guitarist for the Dark Side album.

As I recall Vai used to play a 7-string Ibanez Jem 777 guitar when he was with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake. That was way before Petrucci or Korn.

BTW, not sure if anyone had mentioned it, (and it's kinda off topic) but speaking of Nuno Bettencourt, VH1 is having an Extreme reunion on next week, during their "Bands Reunited" shows. Not sure what night it is on, but, it might be interesting to watch Nuno on TV again...

Another guitarist that no one here has mentioned is John Sykes. One of the most underrated guitarists of all time. He played guitar in Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. Check out the guitar solo in "Is This Love" and you'll know what I'm talking about. :D

zakk wylde owns all period

Another guitarist that no one here has mentioned is John Sykes. One of the most underrated guitarists of all time. He played guitar in Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. Check out the guitar solo in "Is This Love" and you'll know what I'm talking about. :D

Definetely! Poor guy wrote all the songs on that album, and then left...never got the credit he deserved! While we're on the 80's topic...what about guitarists like Vinnie Moore, Tony Mcalpine, Marty Friedman, or the nightranger guitarists (Gillis and ?)? I thought them all very competent in playing shred quite well. Not quite as melodically as Satch and Vai, but they were pretty good...Sorry about the 80's bomb, but I just got taht Guitar mag that was all about the 80's...had intereviews from back in the day with numerous of the guitarists we've been mentioning so far...I'm sure I'll throw in a couple more names later... :D

I hate Creed but Mark Tremonti does rock. Oh and Satch has converted to a 7-stringer and Vai is mellowing out for all others to except his incredible virtuosity.

As I recall Vai used to play a 7-string Ibanez Jem 777 guitar when he was with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake. That was way before Petrucci or Korn.

BTW, not sure if anyone had mentioned it, (and it's kinda off topic) but speaking of Nuno Bettencourt, VH1 is having an Extreme reunion on next week, during their "Bands Reunited" shows. Not sure what night it is on, but, it might be interesting to watch Nuno on TV again...

You are very right. However, I was talking about the more recent resurgannce in the 7- string that started mid-90's. It's nice to know however that you know your shit.
To be real technical though, lots of jazz guitarists have used 7's as their mainstay instrument of choice. Since we're talking about metal though I guess it's not relevant.

You are very right. However, I was talking about the more recent resurgannce in the 7- string that started mid-90's. It's nice to know however that you know your shit.
To be real technical though, lots of jazz guitarists have used 7's as their mainstay instrument of choice. Since we're talking about metal though I guess it's not relevant.

Thanks for the compliment. Besides being a guitar-aholic, I've played for over 20 years, and listened to a ton of talented axeslingers along the way.

By the way, someone mentioned John Sykes, and the Night Ranger guitarists, Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson. I'm glad to see these guys weren't overlooked. Watson developed a technique of finger tapping with 8 fingers that not very many can duplicate. I've seen Sykes play live several times, with the revamped Thin Lizzy and he is awesome. Oh, and while I'm on Thin Lizzy...

Two words.. Gary Moore. (He may be a great Blues guitarist, but his rock stuff was incredible.)

Metal:

Emppu Vuorinen- Nightwish
Daron Malkian- System Of A Down
Joey Jordison + Acey Slade- Murderdolls
Tony Iommi- Black Sabbath
Randy Rhoads (R.I.P)- Ozzy Osbourne/ Quiet Riot
Dave Murray, Adrian Smith + Janick Gers- Iron Maiden


Hard Rock:

Brian May- Queen
Peter Buck- REM

You forget Coal Chamber. Oh Munky and Head started off with gems (Vai's old signature model).

By the way, someone mentioned John Sykes, and the Night Ranger guitarists, Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson. I'm glad to see these guys weren't overlooked. Watson developed a technique of finger tapping with 8 fingers that not very many can duplicate. I've seen Sykes play live several times, with the revamped Thin Lizzy and he is awesome. Oh, and while I'm on Thin Lizzy...

Yeah, not every man can play with eight fingers, that's for sure! Hell, I would be happy to play with 6 or 7 competently... ;)

I don't know if all of these have been posted yet, I'm sure most of them have... oh well. shoot me.

Kirk Hammet
Steve Vai
Frank Zappa
Jimmy Page
James Hetfield
Daniel Johns
Carlos Santana
Jimi Hendrix
Ben Moody
Kurt Cobain
Morgan Lander...gotta give it up to the girls...

Dave Navarro

Someone mentioned Jeff Watson.....another guitarist who plays like that is Steve Lynch of Autograph. Check out the solo to "Turn Up The Radio" to hear what 8-finger tapping sounds like.

Santana, Cobain n Navarro have gotta be my top 3 :)

I just wanted to add Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine. I mean I know he really doesn't do many guitar solos's and all but we all know that he could easily do them. He has created his own style by being able to play the guitar in many differnt way's and being able to produce some weird sounds all with just a guitar. I love his style.

Of Rage, and now of Audioslave. I love him.

What about Jimi Hendrix?

Of course Hendrix :rolleyes:
J/K...we all recognize Hendrix as being top tier. Maybe not agree that he is the best, but most acknowledge his unmistakable influence. I personally think he's top 3, alternating in a battle with Eddie Van Halen, and Jimmy Page, but that's just me. oh, and my list earlier is a little different, but I always do that... ;)

First off Jimmy Page gets a little to much credit and second Jimmi is the most influential guitarist that ever walked the earth.

First off Jimmy Page gets a little to much credit and second Jimmi is the most influential guitarist that ever walked the earth.

JIMI HENDRIX IS THE MAN!!!!
Enough Said.

Emppu from Nightwish, Oh God I love him, and of course Ben Moody

Metal:

Emppu Vuorinen- Nightwish
Daron Malkian- System Of A Down
Joey Jordison + Acey Slade- Murderdolls
Tony Iommi- Black Sabbath
Randy Rhoads (R.I.P)- Ozzy Osbourne/ Quiet Riot
Dave Murray, Adrian Smith + Janick Gers- Iron Maiden


Hard Rock:

Brian May- Queen
Peter Buck- REM


OH GOD!! I LOVE EMPPU VUORINEN!! HE'S GREAT, AND NIGHTWISH IS ONE OF MY FAV BANDS

jimmy Page gets credit because of his songwriting ability, not his actual playing. I mean, Kashmir is simple, but it's amazing. Stairway to Heaven, as cliche' as it is, is perfect. He was a genius at writing songs. Of course, my list of top 3 constantly change. I was listening to Satch again, and think he's now number three... ;)

Come on, people!

What about:
Paco de Lucia (greatest flamengo ever)
Jennifer Batten (a girl playing well? Yes, she did)
Gary Moore
Steve Ray Vaughan
Rata Blanca's guitarist (one of the fastest!)
Pirai Vaca (the best on acoustic guitar)
Yngiwe Malmsteen (he did 6-string arpeggios and more, also fast)

and almost everyone who can play flamengo!
I've been playing the guitar for almost 8 years, and still is difficult to play well a flamengo song, because playing metal it's pretty easy!

There is a difference between Flamenco and Hard Rock/Metal, which is what we were discussing. If you want to get into other genres I have one word for you: Segovia.

Jennifer Batten (a girl playing well? Yes, she did)

Thats the girl!!!

I was going to add her to the eight-finger tapping thing, but couldn't remember her name. And I think people have mentioned Yngwie. I mentioned SRV I believe, and if I didn't, I apologize. He is definetely excellent.

Jennifer Batten was Michael Jackson's touring guitarist during the 80s. She could play Eddie Van Halen's solo in "Beat It" flawlessly.

Yngwie is pretty cool, too. He catches a lot of flak for doing the same thing over and over again, But it is pretty awesome hearing him rip through the harmonic minor scale at warp speed. But then again, Satch could play circles around him 17 ways from tuesday.

I have the new Guitar World issue. Anyone want their list of the Best Metal Guitarists?

Isn't it just the best Strat players, and I am very disapointed by their choices. And yes Yngwie can play fast but that does not make him good, it makes him cordinated. And Jimmy couldn't have written any of the songs or even pulled them off with out Plant, John and John Paul Jones.

I'm not saying Jimmy is the end all be all, I just said that his songwriting is great. I think that's meant to be taken as a band effort. That's why I said that Satch is back up above him on my list...he's badass :D

I liked Guitar One's list of Best Strat Players, but SRV, Jimi, Eric Johnson and Jeff Beck were too low on that list. :(

Isn't it just the best Strat players, and I am very disapointed by their choices. And yes Yngwie can play fast but that does not make him good, it makes him cordinated. And Jimmy couldn't have written any of the songs or even pulled them off with out Plant, John and John Paul Jones.

Nope. Its the best METAL players. I have a subscription so I get the issue before the stores do.

EDIT: Ok, I typed up the list. Here it is:

1- Tony Iommi
2- Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield
3- Angus and Malcolm Young
4- Randy Rhoads
5- Eddie Van Halen
6- Jimmy Page
7- Dimebag Darrel
8- Zakk Wylde
9- Adam Jones
10- Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman
11- Dave Murray and Adrian Smith
12- Jimi Hendrix
13- Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing
14- Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley
15- Slash
16- Ritchie Blackmore
17- Yngwie Malmsteen
18- Joe Perry and Brad Whitford
19- Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman
20- Chuck Schuldiner
21- Brian May
22- Michael Schenker
23- Nigel Tufnel
24- Jeff Beck
25- Tom Morello
26- James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch
27- John Petrucci
28- Kim Thayil
29- Vivian Campbell
30- Daron Malakian
31- Scott Ian
32- Tom G. Warrior
33- Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton
34- C.C. Deville
35- Marten Hagstrom and Fredrick Thordendal
36- Alex Lifeson
37- Paul Gilbert
38- Jerry Cantrell
39- Mantas
40- Jason Becker
41- Phil Collen and Steve Clark
42- Mikael Akerfeldt and Peter Linden
43- “Fast” Eddie Clark
44- Nuno Bettencourt
45- Warren DeMartini
46- Mick Mars
47- George Lynch
48- Ted Nugent
49- Jake E. Lee
50- Rudolf Schenker and Uli John Roth
51- Oystein “Euronymous” Aarseth
52- Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson
53- Steve Vai
54- Reb Beach
55- Trey Azagthoth
56- John Sykes
57- Hank Shermann and Michael Denner
58- Ritchie Sambora
59- Jon Donais and Matt Bachand
60- Stephen Carpenter
61- Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson
62- Brian Tatler
63- John Christ
64- Scott “Wino” Weinrich
65- Pepper Keenan and Woody Weatherman
66- Tommy Victor
67- Leslie West
68- Vernon Reid
69- Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce
70- Bjorn Gelotte and Jesper Stromblad
71- Jim Matheos
72- Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt
73- Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser
74- Michael Amott
75- Robert Fripp
76- Andre Olbrich
77- Joe Satriani
75- Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch
79- Ty Tabor
80- Mark Morton and Will Adler
81- Dino Cazares
82- Pete Townshend
83- Jon Schaffer
84- Timo Tolkki
85- Neil Young
86- Abbath Doom Occulta
87- Kai Hansen
88- Uffe Cederlund and Alex Hellid
89- Leigh Stephens
90- Jim Martin
91- Michel Romeo
92- Bill Steer
93- Piggy
94- Tony Bourge
95- Sammy Hagar
96- Alexi “Wildchild” Laiho
97- Akira Takasaki
98- Michael Angelo
99- John Kay and Michael Monarch
100- Nick Bowcott

:shock:
Thanks for typing it out, but that list is ridiculous. While it IS way better than the RS one....

1- Tony Iommi
2- Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield
3- Angus and Malcolm Young
4- Randy Rhoads
5- Eddie Van Halen

I hate it when Eddie isn't in top 3, but when it's a METAL list, he should be at the VERY least top 2. Iommi got 1 on pure reputation. Overrated.

26- James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch
34- C.C. Deville

53- Steve Vai
77- Joe Satriani

How the hell are Vai and Satch below C.C. Deville and Korn... :rolleyes:

oh well...whatever they want to believe is up to them. In MY opinion, the list is a little whacked, but I don't see things like everyone else... ;)

The list is not only about who had the best chops. It is about influence and who had the metal attitude. That is why Korn is above Vai. Vai is great and all of that, but what inpact has he had?

If you look at Iommi, he practically invented metal, he basically invented overdriving the preamp to cause the amp to distort, he practically invented playing the de-tuned chugging riffs, and he did all of this with two missing fingers.

Yeah, Tony Iommi was one of the first metal guitar players to tune his guitar to C#. He didi it for 2 reasons: To get a heavier sound, and to take the stress of his 2 missing fingertips. He wore thimbles on them to play.

damn!...ok, he's pretty metal. I agree now. but c'mon! Eddie has had one of the biggest impacts on guitar period! :D
Most metal bands would have never existed if he hadn't come out.

They left out Hetfield. What the bacock*chicken sound* he completely sculpted all of the riffs and sound of Metallica.

No they didnt. He is put along with Hammett.

Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen...

Mark Tremonti is an amazing guitarist, not many people know just how good he is.

Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen...

Mark Tremonti is an amazing guitarist, not many people know just how good he is.

Have to say i agree on that one, only discovered creed a few months back but i like tremonti's playing

id also have to say being a tallica fan kirk hammett and james hetfield, also kerry king, zakk wylde and jimi hendrix

I've been preaching the word of tremonti ever since the first album, and no one really believed me. They all thought of songs like 'Higher', and 'with arms wide open'. If they were to hear 'Pity for a Dime' or 'Ode', I think they would change their tune! :D

Exactly, there's also a few video's out there with him shredding like mad, sweep picking...

Metal's always been a bit of a "boys' club", so I'll step in with what I think I know and make a list that, in my opinion, should cover all of the guitarists we REALLY need to respect in this genre. Your "classic" metal is covered, obviously...but I've added some names you might not normally see. Why? Well, all of these men (Oddly, this list backs the "boys' club" theory. :P ) have contributed A LOT or really perfected their specific subregions of the genre. That's why you see Tool etc. on the list. Add some more if I've left anybody super important out!

Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
Scott Ian (Anthrax)
Kerry King (Slayah~!)
James Hetfield (Metallica...adding this because of his killer riffs)
Marty Friedman (Former Megadeth, current solo)
Buckethead (Former solo, current G 'n R)
Jeff Hanneman (Slayerrrrrrr again, he wrote too much not to be added)
Slash (Former G 'n R, current...forgot the name of the project after Slash's Snake Pit. Wasn't it "The Project"?)
Chuck Schuldiner (Deceased. Former Death)
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy)
Randy Rhodes (Deceased. Former Ozzy)
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
Dimebag/Diamond Darrell (Pantera...?)
Joe Perry (Aerosmith, this is iffy because they've only sometimes been 'hard rock')
Brad Whitford (See above)
Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
Tony Rombola (Godsmack - He's refined a very "different" sound)
Jimmy Page (Zep)
Angus Young (AC/DC)
John Petrucci (Dream Theater, si?)
Mark Tremonti (Creed...yes, I'll get crucified for this one)
Steve Vai (Current solo)
Adam Jones (Tool)
Yngwie Malmsteen
Joe Satriani

BEN MOODY - Why? For all he's done within Eva musically. He's the guy right now OUT THERE, slowly breaking the mainstream with some absolutely killer, laid-back but very milked/"feeling" solos and fun riffs.

Discuss this list! Make your additions or subtractions and..well...discuss it!
what about john lecompt? he's a great guitarist!

He's good but he can't touch the players like Yngwie Malmsteen, Vai, Hetfield, Hammett, Petrucci.....

He's good but he can't touch the players like Yngwie Malmsteen, Vai, Hetfield, Hammett, Petrucci.....

well, he's still my favourite guitarist!
but hetfield and hammett rock too!

see below*
*
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*
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\/ that took forever to make

Page,Hammet,Hetfield,Mustaines pretty good too....there's a lot of good guitarists! Like yer man in Queen! There's some nice guitaring, in my opinion anyway.

Slash & Joe Perry. i adore Aerosmith.

My favourites,,,

Johnny Winter
Allen Colins, Gary Rosington and Steve Gaines (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Ted Nugent
Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush)
Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple)
Joe Perry (Aerosmith)
Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

One of the reasons I started to listen to EV was because of that chanting/milky part of the guitar. Listen to Alex Lifeson of RUSH and you get that kind of feel. Alex has a stye that is blues based and goes off the meter. Listen to "La Villa Strangiato" and hold on because your going for a ride. RUSH was so far ahead of thier time with music. That song was done in the late 70's. My personal fav. solo is from "Limelight" classic power guitar solo, timeless.
Rik Emmet from Triumph is also a killer guitar player. Listen to "Ordinary Man"
I like the old school.....It ROCKS!

John Petrucci
Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Paul Gilbert
Zakk Wylde

Alexi Laiho - Children Of Bodom - need i say more!

Here's a few more:
Randy Jackson - Zebra
Michael and Rudolf Schenker - Scorpions, UFO, MSG

Here are some of my favs in no particular order:

Ben Moody (formerly from Evanescence)
John Lecompt (Evanescence)
Terry Balsamo (Evanescence)
Mike Mushok (Staind)
Brad Delson (Linkin Park)
Mark Tremonti (Creed)
Pete Loeffer (Chevelle)
Dan Estrin (Hoobastank)
James "Munky" Shaffer (Korn)
Brian "Head" Welch (Korn)

I might add more later on.

john petrucci and sara(h) all the way.
they should get married and make many little guitar legends

Slaaaaaaasssshhhh!!!!!!!!

I've loved a lot of Metal guitaristse in my time (Adrian Smith, Angus Young, Philthy Phil Taylor)but none have come close to Slash in terms of style, speed, finesse, Elan... Slash is The Man.

Hell, yeah.

(please consider that I included Angus in that list... And I love Angus more than anything... More than Cheeseburgers (if that's possible)... )

I AM LOVED!!

I am buying a PRS for naikuu and Hummer Limos for all my fans when I get famous.

and Cheez-its. Life is incomplete without cheez-it's.

Petrucchic... You know we all love you and all...
But for FUCK'S SAKE, babe... Change the colour of your font so we can reqad what you're saying???

Pleeeeeease????

:p

ok head, youre kinda new around here so i'll let you slide
but SARA is THE ALMIGHTY SARA!!! she can have wtfevar font color she wishes, and you can invest in glasses. :D :p

you can't read blue on black?
hm. looks fine to meee...

i'm almighty?
rawk! I'M ALMIGHTY!!

John Petrucci is who I'm currently into. I have a love/hate relationship with Dream Theater though. I mean musically, I completely dig them and they are by far some of the most talented musicians out there... but I can't stand James LaBrie's vocals. When he sings softer parts it can be tolerable, when he's belting it out... I don't know, it's just not my thing. The instruments more than make up for it, though. Hey Sara,... can I have a PRS too? *goes and practices Flight of the Bumblebee*

John Petrucci = GOD.
The man is just a fuckin monster.
I saw them April 3rd at MSG. The set list was a bit dissapointing but Petrucci was so on. G3 did wonders for him last year. He's unstopable now.

John Petrucci = GOD.
The man is just a fuckin monster.
I saw them April 3rd at MSG. The set list was a bit dissapointing but Petrucci was so on. G3 did wonders for him last year. He's unstopable now.
Petrucci is definitely awesome. . .I think he's definitely in the upper echelon of guitar players.

I've been studying JP's playing since 92 and I'm still learning. Every year he gets better and incorporates new stuff into his repratoire (sp?). That and he's always improving his techniques and bringing them to new levels. Too much talent for one man.

I think I saw an add in Guitar Player for his signature Music Man guitar that said something about a solo album. If so, I WANT IT BAD!!! ehrm... excuse me.

p.s. I still want that PRS Sara......... Sara?

Petrucci is indeed an awesome guitar player, and has been a huge influence on me. :cool:

However, I wouldn't be playing if it weren't for THE MAN Eddie Van Halen. No matter who comes along Eddie is always going to be #1 in my book, because he influenced me to play the guitar. Yeah there are plenty of guys out there that have all the theory and all the techniques down but thats what I like about Eddie. He knows little to no guitar theory and the dude can still play like one bad mofo! He relied on his heart more than he did his brain when it came to playing. All of his music is pure emotion and heart. :cool:

Steve Vai has the best technique but I don't like the way he uses it in his music. He's showing off instead of making very nice music.

Steve Vai has the best technique but I don't like the way he uses it in his music. He's showing off instead of making very nice music.

I couldn't agree with you more on that one. I love Vai yet I really hate him. His music does nothing for me, but that dude can play.

I think I saw an add in Guitar Player for his signature Music Man guitar that said something about a solo album. If so, I WANT IT BAD!!! ehrm... excuse me.

Yes he does. It's called Suspended Animation and it's due sometime this year. Details on it are very hard to come by. It features the songs he wrote and performed at G3 along with some new ones. It does not have Danny LaRue or Mike Portnoy on it though (his band for G3).

John Petrucci.

Period. The End. He. is. teh. shit.

:D

John Petrucci.

Period. The End. He. is. teh. shit.

:D


Yes....more of my peeps....excellent...........

John Petrucci.

Period. The End. He. is. teh. shit.

:D


Eveyone's entitled to their opinions. :D

*cough*eddievanhalen and zakk wylde are the shiznit*cough* ;)

Actually Petrucci's solo in Erotomania is one of my all time favorites. Awesome guitairst. I hope to get see him and Eddie this summer on tour. :cool:

Eveyone's entitled to their opinions. :D

*cough*eddievanhalen and zakk wylde are the shiznit*cough* ;)

Actually Petrucci's solo in Erotomania is one of my all time favorites. Awesome guitairst. I hope to get see him and Eddie this summer on tour. :cool:

Fuck, you got me thinking now. That's one Summer tour I'd love to see-
Dream Theater opening for Van Halen. That would just be a fun, amazing show to see.
With a little jam at the end featuring both bands like DT did with Queensryche last summer. Petrucci trading licks with Eddie on Mean Streets...shit...order my ticket.

Fuck, you got me thinking now. That's one Summer tour I'd love to see-
Dream Theater opening for Van Halen. That would just be a fun, amazing show to see.
With a little jam at the end featuring both bands like DT did with Queensryche last summer. Petrucci trading licks with Eddie on Mean Streets...shit...order my ticket.

That would be an awesome show! VH is stil without an opening band so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I get a backstage pass so I'm hoping they'll pick someone awesome to open for them. :cool:

That would be an awesome show! VH is stil without an opening band so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I get a backstage pass so I'm hoping they'll pick someone awesome to open for them. :cool:

Dt only have a hand full of dates to do in Italy in July. Everyone on their forums have been wondering what's up with a summer tour as nothing has been announced yet. I'm hoping they're waiting for "the big one" and that would be it. John and Eddie have hung many times at NAAM shows and such. Don't read into it but it would be nice. VH needs an opener and DT are available.

I read all of the posts and didn't see this one. Maybe I missed it but....

Alex Lifeson (RUSH)

tMR

OH yes! Alexi Laiho! number 96! oh yes!

As much as I love the ability of all these guys aforementioned, especially Petrucci, I still give my main props to the best songwriter/guitarist/musical visionary: Jimi Hendrix. Yeah, his technique is completely unorthodox etc., but without him rock music, let alone guitar playing, would be a much sadder place.

Well I've kissed Petrucci's ass enough here so here's my other favs. Not all of them are metal or virtuosso's but I love their playing:
Mustaine, Satriani, Andy Summers (the Police), Lisa Loeb (no, really!), SRV, Chris Olivia (Savatage, died many years ago), Skolnik, Slash, Chuck Schullider.

I'm way tooo lazy to read thro all of that, LOL!
I don't kno if this has been posted..but OH WELL!

Wes Borland: Why? Fuck, cuz he was cool :p *and still is :D!* He made Limp Bizkit a hell of a lot better.

ive added to this before but im majorly loving yngwie malmsteen now....i managed to hear his concerto with electric guitars (think its called that) and was totally amazed and blown away

ive added to this before but im majorly loving yngwie malmsteen now....i managed to hear his concerto with electric guitars (think its called that) and was totally amazed and blown awayHeh. I was thinking about mentioning him but you beat me to it.:p Yes, Yngwie is definately a pioneer. He was one of the first "shredders" and started the practice of incorporating classical and baroque into a rock/metal setting. Yngwie definately had a thing for Bach too. He's actually probably one Yngwie's main influences. The only qualm I have with him is that, as with much 80s music, his music can sound a little souless at times. Plus, let's face it, there are only so many notes you can play in a certain amount of time. His insane speed and technique can work against him sometimes and actually induce a feeling of monotany. But these are just minor things. Overall, Yngwei rocks! \m/ Anyway, if you see him in the G3 tour, there are enough other styles to balance him out and make his "flaws" irrelevant.

Hmmmmmmm
Eddie Van Halen for sure, Richie Sambora..
and my number one vote:
Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates Synyster Gates


For those who didn't quite catch that: Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold

munky munky munky munky munky munky munky!! (james shaffer, korn)

like my signature.

head (brian welch) is awesome too, but munky rules all.

and kerry king from slayer.

me me me me me me me!! (sex muffin #2, the sex muffins)

like my signature.

Randy (Rhoads) is awesome too, but me rules all.

and Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath.

here we go:

Ben Moody - nobody can pull of squeals like Teh Ben. not to mention, his solos kick ass, his riffs kick ass...just his overall guitar shredding...kicks ass.

Kurt Cobain - um...do i really need to explain myself? i mean, come on. not only was he part of one of the greatest rock bands ever, but he wrote all his own stuff, and basically taught himself everything he knew about guitar. he was also a lefty, and that just pwns itself right there.

Jimmi Hendrix - another lefty, another guitar-pwner. and i do believe (although i could be wrong) that he played his guitars upside-down (highest string first). serious skill.

plenty more, but i can't think. not now, not ever.

Jimmi Hendrix played his guitar upside down, but he switched the order of the strings, so it was just like a real left-handed guitar. I personally think he is the best guitar player ever.

Mark Tremonti (Creed...yes, I'll get crucified for this one)
Anyone who's heard the new Alter Bridge album would definetly back you up. I will. There are plenty of other guitarists who have influenced me over the last 8 years I've spent learning to play guitar. Some of them include:

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammet of Metallica, the ones that got me started.
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top for his blues and rock style.
Stevie Ray Vaughn, even though he is on the border of hard rock and blues. That guy could play.
Alex Lifeson of Rush
Adam Jones of Tool
Tom Morello of Audioslave/RAtM
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd - The epitome of tone.
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
George Lynch. I dig the style, shreddy, but not in the same vein as Yngwie.
Jerry Cantrell. I get half of my vibrato technique from him, and he's a pretty damn good songwriter too.
Michael Schenker - Great playing style, great tone.
Randy Rhoads - Another great shredder, died too young.

Yeah, Mark Tremonti's a good guitarist on the Alter Bridge CD but he goes solo-crazy on like every song. I think one in almost every song on the CD.

some overlooked guitar players that are on top of my list..
1. alex lifeson....nobody can play a haunted sound like alex
2. david gillmore.....can you say pink floyd
these two boys helped shaped arena rock as we know it!

Glenn Tipton and K.K downing, beacouse Judas Priest inspired so many of todays rock/metal bands the face of metal would be no were near what it is with out their influence. one of the under-rated guitar duos of all time.

Also Adrian smith and Dave murrey (later on janick gers), Iron maiden have been one of the most important figures in metal/rock since they started, they took the Judas Priest influence and improved it, by no means a small feat.

Kirk Hammet and James Hetfield (To some extent Dave Mustaine) also deserve a metion (metallica), as do kerry king and jeff hannerman (slayer), Zack wylde and Randy Rhoads (Both played with Ozzy).

But as far as skill goes, Joe Satriani (at least in my humble opinion) tops even Hendrix, Clapton and Eric johnson, to be the best rock guitarist ever, teaching Steve Vai and Kirk Hammet on the way.

Ill stop now, promise.

Who's Ben Moody? ;)


Heh heh, just kidding. He does some fine solos and riffs indeed.


Some other to add to the list

Dave Mustaine from Megadeth....now a solo artist

Jonathan Donais from Shadowsfall

Dan Donegan from Distrubed

wow, you scared the shit outta me, don't do that 'who's ben moody' thing. Geez, never do that again anyone or I'll have a heart attack. As for guitarits, of course Ben kicks ass obviously but I think one of the best guitarists ever was...drumroll please...Kurt Cobain. I'm listening to Nirvana right now, smells like teen spirit. it kicks fucking ass!!!!!!!! R.I.P. Kurt.

Wow this is an old thread. Probably not much I can add so let me say this: It's largely a matter of taste but for me the great ones changed the course of rock. They would be:

Jimi Hendrix - single handedly invented the modern rock guitar. Everything, and I mean everything, came from this.
Eddie Van Halen - Made it cool to be technically brilliant. For better or worse most hair bands in the 80's evolved from Eddie.
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Channeling Hendrix, brought blues guitar into a modern context
Kurt Cobain - not for his skills (don't hate me you know it's true) but because almost every band today came from that sound. Single handedly made hair bands uncool.
Johnny Ramone - This one took awhile to ripen but breathed life into punk and made it okay to suck at guitar and still have a great band!

Who will be next? Don't know yet. Not much original out there today. Some would argue that there are better guitarists than these out there (not many though) but all of them and virtually every band today owes allegience to one or more of these five for their sound.

hands down, my vote is slash!

Wow this is an old thread. Probably not much I can add so let me say this: It's largely a matter of taste but for me the great ones changed the course of rock. They would be:

Jimi Hendrix - single handedly invented the modern rock guitar. Everything, and I mean everything, came from this.
Eddie Van Halen - Made it cool to be technically brilliant. For better or worse most hair bands in the 80's evolved from Eddie.
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Channeling Hendrix, brought blues guitar into a modern context
Kurt Cobain - not for his skills (don't hate me you know it's true) but because almost every band today came from that sound. Single handedly made hair bands uncool.
Johnny Ramone - This one took awhile to ripen but breathed life into punk and made it okay to suck at guitar and still have a great band!

Who will be next? Don't know yet. Not much original out there today. Some would argue that there are better guitarists than these out there (not many though) but all of them and virtually every band today owes allegience to one or more of these five for their sound.

Almost every band today taking their sound from kurt cobain?? Say that to a heavy metal band that can actually play, you'll get your head blown off. Single handedly made hair metal un cool? that was sound garden, pearl jam and korn as well. And hendrix, while great, isnt solely responsible for modern rock music, people like buddy holly and elvis before him ha dmore to do with it.

Almost every band today taking their sound from kurt cobain?? Say that to a heavy metal band that can actually play, you'll get your head blown off. Single handedly made hair metal un cool? that was sound garden, pearl jam and korn as well. And hendrix, while great, isnt solely responsible for modern rock music, people like buddy holly and elvis before him ha dmore to do with it.
If Smells Like Teen Spirit didn't blow up as it did, we'd probably be back in 1999 and in that music scene now. Someone would've moved music, but Nirvana was the biggest piece of the puzzle as it actually played out.

Almost every band today taking their sound from kurt cobain?? Say that to a heavy metal band that can actually play, you'll get your head blown off. Single handedly made hair metal un cool? that was sound garden, pearl jam and korn as well. And hendrix, while great, isnt solely responsible for modern rock music, people like buddy holly and elvis before him ha dmore to do with it. I had a feeling this was going to spark an argument. Everyone's got an opinion.

Look, when people look back at what changed rock and roll in the 90's they won't remember Soundgarden, Pearl Jam et al. The will remember Nirvana. Doesn't matter if it's fair or not, it's what has happened.

And you make a good point about Elvis and Buddy Holly making blues and rock acceptable for white people, but it was Hendrix who fundamentally changed the essence of rock forever by bringing us the screaming electrified guitar.

Look, when people look back at what changed rock and roll in the 90's they won't remember Soundgarden, Pearl Jam et al. The will remember Nirvana. Doesn't matter if it's fair or not, it's what has happened.

And you make a good point about Elvis and Buddy Holly making blues and rock acceptable for white people, but it was Hendrix who fundamentally changed the essence of rock forever by bringing us the screaming electrified guitar.

Granted, on both points. I'll stop posting on this now since as you said, its all just opinion.

Heres my list

Toni Ionommi{sp???} ~black sabbath

Slash~ gnr vr snake pit

Randy Rhodes~ ozzy

Keith Richards { the stones}

Jimi Hendrix { only the most greatest players}

Eddie Van Halen{ Van Halen, of course he had to be on my list lol}

haha theres more than that but i wont list them

im not sure if there is a thread like this already. i dont think so

Im just curiouse to know who are your favorite guitar players Or your guitar GODS
Go ahead and say what you like most about em and why u think that guitarist is awsome
Solos....
Songs...
Bands...
Anything...

My favorite Guitarist's are John 5, Trent Reznor, Dimebag Darrel (RIP), and Tim Skold. :)

My favourites in no particualar order are:

For sheer skill:

Joe Satriani
Eric Johnson
Steve Vai

Soloing (apart from the above):

Slash
Adrian smith/Dave Murrey
K.K.Downing/Glen Tipton
Zack Wilde
Kirk Hammet

Hard Riffs:

Dimebag Darrel (RIP)
Kerry King/Jeff Hannerman

There are more, thats just off the top of my head.

I am my favourite guitar player....lol

The best guitarist in my humble opinion is:

(drum roll)

NUNO BETTENCOURT

...can't believe no one mentioned him before. He's just the whole package. For both technique, creativity and songwriting he can compete with the best of them. His solos and songwriting are just phenomenal. Check out his new band:

www.population-1.com

These are good too:
Marty Friedman(Cacophony, Megadeth, solo)
Steve Vai(Zappa, DLR band, Whitesnake, solo)
Vernon Reid(Living Color, solo)

Not so important:
Kirk Hammett, criminally overrated, awful phrasing and way too much wahwah
Yngwie Malmsteen, for 20 years he still sounds like he just figured out the phrygian dominant scale for the first time, not good.
Ben Moody, can't believe people rate him so highly. YES he was involved in some fine tunes, his guitar work is solid, but nothing special.

Some of my favorites


John Petrucci (Dream Theater, no more needs to be said)
Jeff Loomis (VERY Underrated, in the band Nevermore)
Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, no sorrys here, he is awesome)
Alex Laiho (Great guitar player, but didn't need to say what he did in GW about Dream Theater, he'll be eatin those words for a while)
Mark Morton and Wilie Adler (Lamb of God, great rhythm and lead players)
Chris Poland (Megadeth, awesome guitar player)
Marty Friedman and Jason Becker (need I say more?)
Paul Gilbert (you name it he probably has an instructional tape/video on it, one of a kind)
Troy Stetina (his books have helped me a lot, another awesome guitarist and teacher)
Eric Friedman (guitar blues player, from the band Submersed)
Tj Davis (metalhead and can solo out his ass, also from the band Submersed)

Also agree with the guy above (sorry can't remember the username off hand!) about Kirk Hammett and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Here'a few faves of mine and examples of their finest...

Neil Young ('Hey Hey My My' {Into the Black}, need I say any more?)
Lita Ford (check out the solo on 'Under the Gun'-massively underrated, and a 'gal' too!)
John Sykes (ex-Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and Blue Murder, listen to the chops on the solo on 'Crying in the Rain')
Reb Beach (I know, I know...Winger, but forget the poodle hair pretty boy image for a moment and listen to the solos, this guy can really play, check out the heart-rending solo on 'Without the Night' or the solo piece 'Black Magic', and for something a little heavier check the riffage on 'Junkyard Dog, Tears on Stone')
Tony Borg (Swedish band Alien-listen to the Yngwie-esque solo on 'Feel My Love'...how do these Swedish guys play so clean and fast anyway)

Apart from that, pretty much all the usual suspects already mentioned here (Slash, Vai, Van Halen, Hammett, the great Satch etc etc)

John Petrucci - Dream Theatre

Kerry King - Slayer

Eddie Van Halen

Dave Pybus - Cradle of Filth (bassist)

Jack Owen - Deicide (Formerly with Cannibal Corpse) ...Quite probably the best death metal guitarist ever.

Edit: Rocker, I totally agree with you about Jeff Loomis ...Nevermore is fucking incredible.

Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)
John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
Eddie Van Halen
Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
Randy Rhoads (RIP, Ozzy)
Dimebag Darrell (RIP, Pantera)
Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow)
Marty Friedman (Megadeth)
Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Hendrix
Yngwie Malmsteen
Dave Murray and Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)
Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

Dimebag Darrell Hands Down!!

Jimmy Page; Led Zeppelin. Enough said.
Jimmy Hendrix. Ditto.
Eddie Van Halen.
Joe Satriani.
Adrian Smith; Iron Maiden.
Jerry Cantrell; Alice in Chains. Jerrry is highly underrated unfortunately.
Jeff Loomis; Nevermore. I'm surprised at how few people have heard of Nevermore.

Dimebag Darrell...no question

R.I.P

Actually, I'm kind of suprised that no one has mentioned this guy yet, but Axel Rudi Pell. He's a German guitarist who has been referred to as "the German Malmsteen, who is in reality better than Malmsteen." Personally, I'm not a huge fan of his music but I do like some. And in terms of skill, I think that he's one of the best. If you want to check him out, try to find these songs (although it might be a challenge lol):

Prelude to the Moon (Instrumental)
Oceans of Time
Serenade of Darkness(another instrumental)

Oh, and by the way, I agree with everyone here that Jeff Loomis from Nevermore is one of the best as well.

Dimebag Darrell Hands Down!

Well, there's...

Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Frank Zappa
John Petrucci
Andy Timmons
Paul Gilbert
Tony MacAlpine
Yngwie Malmsteen
Kirk Hammet
Dimebag Darrell

Those are some of the metal/hard rock guitarists I like... The rest are jazz/fusion guitarists... I guess there's no harm in mentioning them either. :P

Allan Holdsworth
Greg Howe
Al DiMeola
John Scofield
John McLaughlin
Pat Metheny
Joe Pass
George Benson
Pat Metheny

There ya go! :)