Just a guy with an opinion.
This changes on a daily basis. My list of the top rock guitar shredders worldwide. For a more reliable source, check out the 2023 Rolling Stone Magazine published list of:
The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time
However, I must warn you the public outcry of Rolling Stone’s list could be heard from the steps of the stairway to heaven! Of course, this is subjective. I came up with a list, but even better, it is a show! Hit the links and watch signature performances–or this is boring.
The top 7 are listed below with links to signature performances.
THIS IS AN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE!
This blog is more of an entertainment journey. I design these blogs to be just table settings for the show. This is Rock-n-Roll, so make sure you click each link and watch the show. Otherwise, you miss the best parts!
#1 Brain May
Queen’s lead guitarist took the top spot. He has the perfect balance for Freddie Mercury’s iconic voice.
Interesting fact: Brian May has a degree in astrophysics.
Rolling Stone Magazine Rank: 33
#2 Jimi Hendrix
Arguably the greatest guitar player of all time. His use of feedback, radical string bending, vibrato, and the wah-wah pedal were innovative and legendary.
Interesting fact: He used fuzz, octave fuzz, wah-wah & Univibe.
Rolling Stone Magazine Rank: 1
GuitarWorld
“Jimi Hendrix was the supernova of creativity…”
#3 Jimmy Page
Jimmy was a legend before Led Zeppelin as a studio guitarist for the Who, the Kinks and then then with his band the Yardbirds.
Interesting fact: He sometimes played his guitar with a cello bow.
Rolling Stone Magazine Rank: 3
#4 Eddie Van Halen
Self-taught Eddie pioneered new techniques and sounds. If you haven’t listened to “Eruption” you haven’t lived.
Interesting fact: The solo Eruption was named the 2nd best solo ever!
#5 Eric Clapton
Perhaps one of Rolling Stone’s most egregious errors ranking Clapton #35. A blues guitarist at heart with a soulful voice.
Interesting fact: Inducted into Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame with 3 bands.
Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck were all in Yardbirds
David Gilmour
Listen to Comfortably Numb and you get a sense of David’s style. It is clean and melodic with a touch of blues. And never over the top.
Interesting fact: He was influenced by B.B. King, Albert Collins, and Frank Zappa cs.
#7 Ritchie Blackmore
This guy from Deep Purple is a shredder! His solos set the edge for the future power metal.
Interesting fact: His inspiration was classical music note scales.
I have spoken. What do you think of my list?
Who do you have on your list? Tell me your top 7 male rock guitarist of all time. Leave your comments below.
Next week we look at the top ladies of rock guitar.
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