The guitar is one of the most popular and versatile instruments in the world of music. From rock and roll to blues, jazz, and metal, the guitar has played a vital role in shaping the sounds of many genres. Throughout the years, there have been many guitarists who have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire future generations of musicians. In this article, we will look at AmplifiCity’s top 10 guitarists of all time.
Before I kick this list off I’d like to share with you some of the guitars that these amazing bad boys used to bedazzle us each time they played.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – 1963 Fender Stratocaster
- Jimi Hendrix – 1968 Black Fender Stratocaster
- BB King – Gibson ES-355
- Jeff Beck – Fender Telecaster
- Eric Clapton – Gibson Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster
- Jimmy Page – Gibson Les Paul
- Keith Richards – Gibson Les Paul
- Joe Satriani – Ibanez JS series
- Eddie Van Halen – EVH Frankenstein, Charvel, Fender Stratocaster
- Carlos Santana – Gibson SG, PRS
Can you believe that these 10 legends of music released over 180 albums combined, give, or take a few.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – 6 studio albums, including “Texas Flood” and “Couldn’t Stand the Weather”
- Jimi Hendrix – 4 studio albums, including “Are You Experienced” and “Electric Ladyland”
- BB King – over 60 studio albums, including “Live at the Regal” and “Blues on the Bayou”
- Jeff Beck – 15 studio albums, including “Blow by Blow” and “Wired”
- Eric Clapton – 24 studio albums, including “Unplugged” and “Slowhand”
- Jimmy Page – 6 studio albums with Led Zeppelin and 3 solo albums, including “Led Zeppelin IV” and “Outrider”
- Keith Richards – 3 studio albums with The Rolling Stones and 2 solo albums, including “Talk Is Cheap” and “Crosseyed Heart”
- Joe Satriani – 15 studio albums, including “Surfing with the Alien” and “The Extremist”
- Eddie Van Halen – 12 studio albums with Van Halen and 1 solo album, including “Van Halen” and “1984”
- Carlos Santana – over 30 studio albums, including “Abraxas” and “Supernatural”
Introducing our top 10 guitarists;
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Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American blues rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Dallas, Texas. He began playing the guitar at the age of seven and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Vaughan’s career took off in the early 1980s with his debut album “Texas Flood”. He went on to release several more albums, including “Couldn’t Stand the Weather” and “Soul to Soul”, which received critical acclaim. Vaughan’s playing style was heavily influenced by blues guitarists such as B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King. He was known for his virtuosic guitar solos, which blended elements of blues, rock, and jazz. Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash in 1990 at the age of 35.
2. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who is widely considered to be one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He began playing the guitar at the age of 15 and quickly developed a unique style that blended elements of blues, rock, and psychedelic music. Hendrix’s career took off in the late 1960s with the release of his debut album “Are You Experienced”. He went on to release several more albums, including “Axis: Bold as Love” and “Electric Ladyland”, which received critical acclaim. Hendrix’s playing style was known for its use of feedback, distortion, and unconventional techniques, such as playing the guitar with his teeth and behind his back. Hendrix died in 1970 at the age of 27.
3. B.B. King
B.B. King was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Mississippi. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for the blues. King’s career took off in the 1950s with the release of his debut album “Singin’ the Blues”. He went on to release several more albums, including “The Blues Is King” and “Live at the Regal”, which received critical acclaim. King’s playing style was heavily influenced by blues guitarists such as T-Bone Walker and Lonnie Johnson. He was known for his soulful playing, which blended elements of gospel, blues, and R&B. B.B. King died in 2015 at the age of 89.
4. Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck is an English rock guitarist who first rose to fame as a member of The Yardbirds in the 1960s. He began playing the guitar at the age of 15 and quickly developed a unique style that blended elements of blues, rock, and jazz. Beck’s solo career took off in the 1970s with the release of his debut album “Truth”. He went on to release several more albums, including “Blow by Blow” and “Wired”, which received critical acclaim. Beck’s playing style is known for its use of unorthodox techniques, such as finger tapping and harmonics. He is also known for his use of effects pedals, such as the wah-wah pedal.
5. Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is an English
rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He began playing the guitar at the age of 13 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Clapton’s career took off in the 1960s as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. He then embarked on a successful solo career, releasing albums such as “Slowhand” and “Unplugged”, which received critical acclaim. Clapton’s playing style is heavily influenced by blues guitarists such as B.B. King and Robert Johnson. He is known for his soulful playing, which blends elements of blues, rock, and gospel.
6. Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page is an English rock guitarist, songwriter, and record producer who is best known as the lead guitarist of Led Zeppelin. He began playing the guitar at the age of 13 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Page’s career took off in the 1960s with the formation of Led Zeppelin. The band went on to release several albums that are considered to be among the greatest in rock music history. Page’s playing style is known for its use of heavy riffs, intricate solos, and unconventional techniques, such as using a violin bow on the guitar.
7. Keith Richards
Keith Richards is an English rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is best known as a member of The Rolling Stones. He began playing the guitar at the age of 17 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Richards’ career took off in the 1960s with the formation of The Rolling Stones. The band went on to release several albums that are considered to be among the greatest in rock music history. Richards’ playing style is known for its use of open tunings, slide guitar, and rhythm guitar. He is also known for his songwriting ability, having written many of The Rolling Stones’ biggest hits.
8. Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani is an American rock guitarist, songwriter, and music teacher who is known for his virtuosic guitar playing. He began playing the guitar at the age of 14 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Satriani’s career took off in the 1980s with the release of his debut album “Not of This Earth”. He went on to release several more albums, including “Surfing with the Alien” and “Crystal Planet”, which received critical acclaim. Satriani’s playing style is known for its use of shredding, fast legato runs, and unconventional techniques, such as tapping and sweep picking.
9. Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen is a Dutch-American rock guitarist, songwriter, and record producer who is best known as the lead guitarist of Van Halen. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Van Halen’s career took off in the 1970s with the formation of Van Halen. The band went on to release several albums that are considered to be among the greatest in rock music history. Van Halen’s playing style is known for its use of tapping, finger-tapping and use of the two-handed tapping technique, and finger vibrato.
10. Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana is a Mexican-American rock and jazz guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is known for his virtuosic guitar playing. He began playing the guitar at the age of 8 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Santana’s career took off in the 1960s with the formation of the band Santana. The band went on to release several albums that received critical acclaim and commercial success. Santana’s playing style is heavily influenced by African and Latin American music, blending elements of rock, jazz, blues, and salsa. He is known for his use of complex chord progressions, and his signature use of percussion elements in his guitar playing.
Conclusion
The guitar is a timeless instrument that has played a significant role in shaping the sounds of many genres of music. Throughout the years, there have been many guitarists who have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire future generations of musicians. The guitarists listed in this article, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Joe Satriani, Eddie Van Halen, and Carlos Santana, are all considered to be among the greatest guitarists of all time and have made an incredible impact on the world of music.