Who is the greatest guitarist ever?

[Alvabass]

Hi.

I've always classified guitarists into two types: The virtuoso ones and the ones who, without being virtuosos, play excellent and have so much feeling (these ones are my favorites).

In the first group I'd put people like Vai, Satriani or Malmsteen. They're great, but boring to me. In the second, people like Jimmy Page, Frank Zappa, Stevie Ray Vaughan or Ritchie Blackmore. I'm a big fan of these guys. Just to mention as an example: The best part of the first G3 concert is Eric Johnson's performance.

But to me, there's only one who could combine the best of both worlds: Virtuosity plus great music. This guy is EDDIE VAN HALEN. I admire him so much. I think he's a genius and the world will never hear someone like him again.

Just my two cents.

 

[ShadowedChaos]

It doesn't surprise me that Alexi Laiho, Micheal Amott, or Christopher Amott
weren't mentioned...Thier not really known but they are really good guitarists and thier solos are INSANE.

 

[dfrady]

What about Vito Bratta ??? He kicked out some pretty killer solo's for White Lion.

 

[prickly_pete]

Steve Morse and Albert Lee.

 

[jking]

Dave Gilmour, hands down. The soul, the variety, the tonal quality- beautiful. No one comes close to picture perfect structuring of several minute-long live solos (PULSE- Sorrow, Comfy Numb, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, etc.) Everything he plays directly connects to the soul of the listener. Well, at least me. Doyle Bramhall II also has some amazing chops. He had some personal instruction from SRV and it shows on occassion. Jan King is a tasteful player as well, but not well known.

 

[SteveLINY]

Guthrie Govan......
Nuff said.

 

[SoUtHeRn_RoCkEr]

Old School

Me i hate all music today (punk rock) only old school like metallica, ac dc, dio, led
so my favorite guitar would be hammet.

ONLY OLD SCHOOL FOR ME AND MY SLINKS

 

[CautionHOT]

The one and only Kirk

OK, why is it that Kirk Hammett's name does not show up very often? Hammett's incredible ability as a metal shredder is what most people know him for but what they dont know is his ability to play the blues with as much soul as SRV and as much authority as Muddy or Howlin Wolf. A true master of his art, a guitarist who completely transcends his instrument, and comfortable playing metal, blues, classical- distorted, overdriven, or clean. Kirk Hammett, greatest guitarist ever.

 

[jongitarz]

-1

 

[Rippin Rod]

Greatest guitarist

Al DiMeola is not too shabby.

 

[Ali]

Can I also add to my list: Brian May

Hugely, hugely underrated. Just listen to the guitar work on the likes of Gimme The Prize, I Want It All, Princes Of the Universe etc When he was allowed of Freddie's leash he could seriously play...I look forward to seeing what he does with Paul Rogers on vocals. And that tone......................*shivers* Bliss

 

[kbaim]

Man I loved Queen growing up. What terrific songwriters and performers. I saw 'em live only once

Brian's playing had a huge influence on me. Especially the album Sheer Heart Attack (their 3rd). Now I'm Here just floored me.

Still some of the most durable songs of any era.

KEITH

 

[leishan]

Steve Vai, Andy Timmons and JP

Just my 2 cents.....

 

[jongitarz]

I just got the new Guitar Player in the mail. It had a quote from Dimebag Darrell that made me think a bit differently about the man.

"Nobody is better than anybody. The guitar is for everyone and it's a beautiful thing. Long live the 6 string!"

 

[Deacon]

Greatest ever?

For me, it's still probably Jimi

 

[SteveLINY]

OK, why is it that Kirk Hammett's name does not show up very often? Hammett's incredible ability as a metal shredder is what most people know him for but what they dont know is his ability to play the blues with as much soul as SRV and as much authority as Muddy or Howlin Wolf. A true master of his art, a guitarist who completely transcends his instrument, and comfortable playing metal, blues, classical- distorted, overdriven, or clean. Kirk Hammett, greatest guitarist ever.

I think that has to be the scariest post I've ever seen on any music forum.
I seriously think you should pull the old head out of the rearend before making such a rediculous statement.
Steve

 

[Hookpunch]

Point taken Steve, Hammet is great at what he does - but a blues player on level with SRV?

We all have our idols, mine is Steve Morse, but there is no way I am going to say he is as great great a classical player as say John Williams or a blues player like SRV, a little reality sets in.

 

[sundar]

I got the privilege of seeing Charlie Hunter about 3-4 weeks back at Yoshis in Oakland. He blew my mind completely. I am still in a hangover from the concert, especially since everything that I thought I knew about a guitar (and bass) has been redefined by this maestro in less than 2 hours.

 

[Eddie Van Halen]

hardly anyone is as good at blues guitar as SRV

as for best guitarist i say Eddie Van Halen

 

[dwf1004]

Hey sundar, sounds like that would be a treat...I picked up "Songs From the Analog Playground" a while back...good stuff!