Who is the Best Guitarist of All Time?

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The discussion revolves around the question of who is the best guitarist of all time, with participants sharing their opinions and favorite guitarists. Jimi Hendrix is frequently mentioned as a top choice due to his innovative techniques and impact on music, though some argue about his technical skills compared to modern players. Eric Clapton, Leo Kottke, and Paco de Lucia are also highlighted for their unique styles and contributions to guitar music. The conversation touches on the distinction between technical proficiency and emotional expression in guitar playing, with many asserting that true greatness involves both. Other notable mentions include Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani, and various metal guitarists like Dave Mustaine and James Hetfield, emphasizing the diversity of styles and personal preferences in defining the "best" guitarist. The debate reflects a blend of admiration for technical skill and the emotional connection that music can evoke.
  • #31
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  • #32
Too many "bests" to list. As a guitarist, myself, my "best" changes frequently. Often bubbling to the top are Hendrix, Junior, Adrian Legg, Robben Ford, and Danny Gatton.
 
  • #33
another one
 
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  • #34
Danny Gatton is probably my favorite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MS5XH84mmI4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MS5XH84mmI4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
 
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  • #35
He probably isn't the 'best' technically, but my favorite guitarist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg3BYU2U6ic
 
  • #36
Mark Knopfler, mainly for fingerpicking.
 
  • #37
Niles said:
Mark Knopfler, mainly for fingerpicking.
If you like Knopfler, pick up some old JJ Cale stuff. Knopfler should pay Cale royalties every time he sells an album.
Highly derivative, though I like Knopfler's creativity.
 
  • #38
Dembadon said:
Danny Gatton is probably my favorite.

yes! I'm surprised somebody else has heard of him :smile:
 
  • #39
fourier jr said:
yes! I'm surprised somebody else has heard of him :smile:
I've got albums and the double-CD "best of" set. Redneck Jazz, Indeed!
 
  • #40
Evo said:
Probably the greatest guitarist of all time - Leo kotke. Unfortunately no good videos of him playing survive. This is a horrible quality video, but gives you an idea of his capabilities.



I support the nomination of Leo. I think Airproofing is one of his finest. As you watch, look around him to verify that there is indeed only one guitarist playing.
 
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  • #41
TheLoser said:
I just want to tell you that i don't care about guitar
Yeah? Well...guitars probably don't care about you, either!
 
  • #42
Chi Meson said:
Yeah? Well...guitars probably don't care about you, either!
There were times that I owned 20 or more at once. They were my buddies.
 
  • #43
turbo-1 said:
There were times that I owned 20 or more at once. They were my buddies.

That's either wonderful or sad. I'm not sure.
 
  • #44
SRV unplugged


more crazy bending by adrian legg
 
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  • #45
Chi Meson said:
That's either wonderful or sad. I'm not sure.
It was wonderful. I bought them in lean times and sold them when people were flush. I service guitars and amps, and when they left my hands, they were in top-notch condition.

I loved taking in well-worn instruments, refretting, adjusting, etc, so they were back at the top of their form.
 
  • #46
Evo said:
I saw Jimi Hendrix play live at the Houston Colloseum. No, Hendrix was not that talented on the guitar. Good, but not exceptional.

I love Hendrix, but he's honestly not technically that great a guitar player. Are we talking favorite songs or technical ability here?

Does somebody really need to be technically good to be considered great at something? Hendrix's playing, for the time period, was outstanding. There's A LOT more to being good at something than being able to do things that are hard.

"Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see."
- Arthur Schopenhauer

Hendrix did things that nobody could have foreseen, he will never be surpassed on the guitar. Not to mention he wrote some of the most memorable guitar songs.

When the title says "Best Guitarist Ever", it means the best overall not who can play something that's the hardest to copy.

dx said:
He probably isn't the 'best' technically, but my favorite guitarist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg3BYU2U6ic

His solos had a melody to them, I would say he was great but he wrote a few good solos.

If were talking about great technical players, I like these to guys:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/famYtHftpwE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/famYtHftpwE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/55nAwmVLQSk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/55nAwmVLQSk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Not to mention they were creative. They blow people like bucket head out of the water overall.

Edit: Here's a list made by Rolling Stones Magazine: http://nopski.multiply.com/journal/item/8/100_Greatest_guitarist_of_all_timeRolling_stones_magazine_

I disagree with some of it but I think it's a decent list, best that I've seen anyway. Although when you get to a certain level of "Greatness" it becomes useless to rank them, it is then just a matter of taste.
 
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  • #47
Chi Meson said:
I support the nomination of Leo. I think Airproofing is one of his finest. As you watch, look around him to verify that there is indeed only one guitarist playing.


That was gorgeous.
 
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  • #48
I saw Leo one night at Bowdoin college. His 12-string was stolen on the trip to Maine, and he was playing a borrowed instrument, but he was still fantastic. That's not easy when you have a "connection" with your guitar and you know all its sweet spots.
 
  • #49
more adrian legg & leo kottke


 
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  • #50
Not sure about greatest guitarist ever, but I've recently become a fan of Andy McKee. Good music to listen to in the background while reading.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfF4QLO-L_4&a=IzIo8BLeiso&playnext_from=ML

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRAiUzrmkMk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHFcg1Bg83w&feature=channel
 
  • #51
knopfler is one of my favorites. but nobody has mentioned jimmy page, chuck berry, kirk hammet, van halen, david gilmour.
 
  • #52
bp_psy said:
From metal these two know how to write riffs.

Tommy Vetterli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTlBua7mfao

Trey Azagthoth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7YLblswAI0

iommi started it all. children of the grave probably is the best riff ever
 
  • #53
Evo said:
Erik Mongrain. Have you ever seen anyone able to play a guitar like that?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbndgwfG22k


Evo said:
Probably the greatest guitarist of all time - Leo kotke. Unfortunately no good videos of him playing survive. This is a horrible quality video, but gives you an idea of his capabilities.



I like Hendrix, Zappa (not known for being a good guitarist, but an incredible mind), and the others listed so far, but they don't have true talent that rises above the rest.

Popular songs is one thing, exceptional talent is another.


Greg Bernhardt said:
Always liked Buckethead
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Et6BSDMNLY

Michael Romeo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG2804ggsI0

John Petrucci
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVmq2C5kLoM

Alexi Laiho
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFuHXAOrwkI

Jesper_Strömblad - steel guitar solo is awesome at 2:10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrdGYVir6DU

some of these like kottke, mongrain, and buckethead i ahd never heard, and they are ossum
 
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  • #54
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  • #56
chhitiz said:
some of these like kottke, mongrain, and buckethead i ahd never heard, and they are ossum

Except for Kottle, I really don't see what's so "ossum" (I assume you meant "Awesome") about them. they can play things that are really hard to play, but it's nothing ground breaking, you heard 10 seconds you've heard everything they have to offer. Anybody can do it, all you have to do it take the time to mindlessly play arpeggios all day long, in no time you'll be able to play fast. What really takes talent is to capture an emotion and hold peoples attention for long periods of time. Not many people are going to listen to those guys for anymore than a minute.
 
  • #57
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adV8-_hgL4g

I win

=]
 
  • #59
chhitiz said:
knopfler is one of my favorites. but nobody has mentioned jimmy page, chuck berry, kirk hammet, van halen, david gilmour.

I guess everybody has heard of them? here they are anyway













 
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  • #60
chhitiz said:
iommi started it all. children of the grave probably is the best riff ever

He is still one of the greatest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BkhtJM8CqE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhhAfeuqanc&NR
 

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