Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Guitarists

As most of Rolling Stones article, this list is very biased... However to give them credit I do think they got the major things correct:

1. Jimi as no. 1, well deserved.
2. They've included a lot of early influences few had heard about, which is really good, because none of these present players will be here without them
3. They've left out Slash and Prince, awesome decisions. Both of them are extremely extremely overrated and their riffs are mostly boring and uncreative.

However, here are some things that I do not disagree:

1. Kurt shouldn't be on the list (as many of you said), or at least not so high. You can't put the lead for Nirvana as high as 12th and the lead for Pearl Jam (which probably is a better guitar player, skillwise) no. 100.
2. George Harrison is way too high, although I do like a lot of his music. He's just not a brilliant guitar player.
3. They left out a few good players, like Nick Drake, Robbie Robertson, José Feliciano, Paco de Lucia, Mick Taylor etc.

Other than these, I really don't have much complaints. PS: Jimmy Page is actually a pretty damn good performer as well, it's just most of the time he's very sloppy. Brian May probably should be higher, I guess it's just hard to be a standout guitarist when the lead vocal of your band is Freddie Mercury :P

Les Paul is the best....

He invented the electric guitar AND overdubbing...plus he can play anything and still does at 90 years old twice a week in NYC

Here is my list

The best guitarist

Alive
Doc Watson-acoustic
Les Paul-electric

Dead
Jerry Garcia -electric
Chet Adkins-acoustic

honorable mention
Dead
Jimi Hendrix-electric
Clarence White-acoustic

Alive
Eddie Van Halen-electric
Tony Rice-acoustic

I had to make some kinda of catagories for this question for all the reasons stated in previous posts....

I omitted Zach because of Eddie Van Halen same thing for Kirk....Though I Think Metalica(whom "Im not into") Did create or should be given credit for creating a new style of Heavy Metal (imitated by many others) neither him nor Zack invented that guitar "sounds/style"..Eddie Did and Randy Rhodes....with that Said Hendrix was already experimenting with Heavy Distortions and Feedback.... the "tapping" the fretboard technique Was done by Les Paul way before Eddie and Randy however they perfected it.

Really though Les Paul is the best Guitarist living heres the proof... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAbH1b5HEO8 ( both Santana and Zach credited him in this bio video)
...He invented the Electric Guitar and he IS the reason for the popularized Electric Guitar...Moreover he invented overdubbing...With out overdubbing there would be NO Dark Side of the moon or RAP or any modern music on cd or in movies or tv......you should you tube him ....Again Im not "totally" into his music but as muscianship goes he IS amazing....

Doc Watson is the Best acoustic player alive because anyone with talent on acoustic at some point has to learn something from him... not to mention he is a national treasure and on top of it he is blind...He Hosts an annual music fest called merlefest (in honor of his late son) with 14 stages of 90% acoustic music.

Chuck Berry...is most influential to guitar players...at some point no matter what you play you will learn his Rock & Roll shuffle technique

I know many other players qualify for this list but i think this best sums it up...Before you knock Jerry Garcia, know that he was on fore front of midi, used it alot, as well as other sound technology...That why dylan, santana, sting, steve miller and many many others would want to tour as opening acts for them..Well Dylan actually played shows for summer with him....Check out Jerry Garcia and David grisman on you tube..He can play acoustic excellent as well.

Rolling Stone is an advertising tool for mass media now, it used to have some guts but it is what it is...People magazine for music...I mean Lady GaGa(who?) on the cover ...Come ON ...seriously Lame and very un-cool & un-hip.

I encourage anyone not familiar with some of these names to you tube them...I dont expect you to like all the music...I dont...BUT please give it an Honest listening for talent...its worth it

I have no idea why Mark Knopfler is way down the list. He is one of the clearest and cleanest and most innovative players. And for that matter what is David Gilmour doing down at 82!!!! And why is the no mention of Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. Are you kidding? His abilities should put him in the top 10 at very least. Don't agree with Jimi Hendrix being number one, brilliant yes but over-rated. BB King at number 3? The guy does the same thing on every song he plays. Not a single guitarist from the Eagles? Many may think of Paul Simon as just a great folk singer but have you ever heard him play? Jayzuz if Joni Mitchel is mention so should he.
Kurt Cobain? Guitar soloist? Guitarist? WTF

Why don't I see Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani and Eddie van Halen. These are the Gods of guitar!!! In fact Joe taught a lot of the guitarists listed here. He is the master who can't be surpassed by his students.....

just a few left out
slash (guns n roses)some of the best intros ever plus the solos on sweet child and november rain are probally two of the greatest ever)
Richie Sambora (bon jovi)
Zakk Wylde
Joe sitrani
eric johnson (cliff of dover is possibly the greatest instrumental ever behind eruption)
c.c deville (poison) extremely skilled no matter how stupid he looked)
The guitairist from iron maiden not sure of his name but extremely skilled)

and i can play 7 nation army and im 9 so does that make
me the 19 best guitarist ever

pearl jam has a great giutarist im not sure wat his name is though

some more missed guitarist:
mick mars - motley crue
ted nudgent
Tom Sholz - boston ( don't under estimate the skill of this guy)
joe matt - reo speedwagon
Alex Lifeson - rush
Matthias Jabs - scorpions(one of metals best)
phil keaggy(said to be the greatest guitarist by eddie van halen)
Dave sab0 - skid row
frank hannon - tesla
comments on my thoughts and the ones above

the fact that eddie van halen is at 70 is outrageous.... he should definately be top 5, Eruption, Mean Street are two of the best solos ive ever heard

heres my top 20

1. Jimi Hendrix- just think if he lived to be 47....
2. Eddie Van Halen- influenced pretty much everyone after him, and never really had a formal lesson.. that counts for something in my book
3. Duane Allman- greatest slide guitarist ive ever heard...
4. David Gilmour- Comfortably Numb.... enough said... many more great solos
5. Chuck Berry- the pioneer of rock and roll
6. Eric Clapton- i dropped clapton a couple of spots just because his playing wasnt AMAZING... but a very good guitarist
7. Stevie Ray Vaughn- right where he needs to be.... some great solos
8. Randy Rhoads- the fact hes 85 is terrible... one of the fastest ive heard
9. Frank Zappa- very complex stuff... also influential
10. Jeff Beck- not a huge fan... but an excellent guitar player
11. Jimmy Page- i think he's overrated because he played Stairway To Heaven... while that is the greatest solo ever... people tend to think of him as the greatest... great riffs but i agree he's sloppy
12. Brian May- awesome guitar player pretty underrated
13. John Fahey- one of the best folk guitar players ever
14. Kirk Hammett- a great player, not a lot of guys can play seven 8 minute songs with some excellent solos in a row
15. Pete Townshend- im a huge fan of The Who and love Townshends style and great songs... best windmill in history
16. Dick Dale- surf guitar.... one of the fastest guys to ever touch a guitar
17. Mark Knopfler
18- Ritchie Blackmore- Smoke on the Water is prolly the most popular riff ever... but also played some other great stuff
19. Joe Perry- great stuff... a lot of people wont agree but i can pick out a joe perry song instantly.... great style
20. Eddie Hazel

dickey betts, angus young, johnny winter, steve howe, and trey anastasio should all be much higher than they are

ted nugent and slash should be put on.... jack white wouldnt even be in my top 200 greatest

kurt cobain should be somewhere in the 60's

oh i also forgot dave davies should crack top 30.... fast player and early inventor

reading over some of the comments... i do think yngwie malmsteen and steve vai should be on the top somewhere, as well as dimebag darrell, zakk wylde, james hetfield, dave mustaine, and dave murray should also be included in the list... i dont think white stripes, red hot chili peppers, and rage against the machine guitarists have earned their stripes

reading over some of the comments... i do think yngwie malmsteen and steve vai should be on the top somewhere, as well as dimebag darrell, zakk wylde, james hetfield, dave mustaine, and dave murray should also be included in the list... i dont think white stripes, red hot chili peppers, and rage against the machine guitarists have earned their stripes

i know this has probably been said already but it must be said again. WHERE IS DIME BAG, and stevie ray vaughan. Im a huge metallica fan and even i dont think kurt should be that high. rolling stone is terrible at making lists.

Is this list exclusively American and British, or did I miss something? Where are all of the great metal guitarists like Luca Turilli, Emppu Vuorinen, Michael Romeo, Alexi Laiho, and Thomas Youngblood? They are all definitely way better than Jimmie Page and definitely Kurt Cobain. Cobain shouldn't even be on the list. And Jimi Hendrix should not be #1. He's a good guitarist, but I wouldn't even call him great. This list is 75% popularity and 25% talent.

2 things; number one, robert quinne was never a part of television. secondly, it was richard lloyd not tom verlaine who played with matthew sweet.

also, i have to say, some of your comments are just rubbish, for example "Jeff Beck - Great player. Small amount of impressive recorded work. Besides Blow by Blow, not a lot of listenable stuff." i think that you should have a re listen to his solo records (if you have listened to them at all) and secondly, im not sure if you are aware that he was a member of the yardbirds, the unofficial breeding ground of the great english guitarists (Page and Clapton also).

I've played guitar for 42 years and made my living at music for about 25 of those years. Retired from performing because me and the Music Business (record executives), didn't get along very well, but still play and sing passionately every day. Sometimes I play at parties and even at Night clubs for one or two nights, just to stay sharp and to get the rush of people listening and enjoying my music. I'm also a songwriter with over 100 songs in my catalog, of which about 40 are really good, (no songwriter hits a "home run" with every song they write). Here's my take on the TOP 100 ROCK GUITARISTS by Rolling Stone in 2003.

First, the list is horribly incorrect in most of it's choices. The guitarists mentioned are either too high or too low or don't belong on the list, while others are left off who should probably be there. But everyone who posted knows this is true. Here is my take with my objective reasons. I will try to stay away from subjectivity.

1 Jimi Hendrix - I also can't argue with this. It was not only his unique, (often copied, never duplicated) technical skills, but his passion, heart and soul went into every performance. He changed things forever for guitarists in 1966. The story goes that Pete Townshend saw Hendrix in a night club in London one night in about 1966. He called Clapton saying "you've got to come hear this guy play". Clapton shows up a while later, listens to a few songs and says to Townshend: " We need to start looking for a new line of work." Went something like that.
2 - Duane Allman - possibly a few spots too high, but still the best slide guitarist ever - - - ever. All of his work is heartfelt and wonderful.
3 - B.B. King - he was a pioneer in electric blues, but he was never a great technical guitarist. Belongs on list, but down about 35 spots.
4 - Eric Clapton - Has had an up and down career, but you can't argue with his blues interpretations. The best, simply the best. I heard him in concert in Orlando in January 2010 and was completely blown away by his performance. I was up front right at the rail about 15 feet from him and I not only heard what he was playing but saw close up how he was playing and at almost 70 years old, he can outplay anybody. IMO, should be moved up to # 2.
5 - Robert Johnson - I agree completely with the first post: Blues legend from the 20's and 30's. Was the blues innovator of his day and his recordings, while not very listen-able, taught later generations how the blues should be played. Ask Clapton, Mayhall, Stills, Beck, Mo Keb, Albert King, Buddy Guy and many other modern blues-ers what they think about Johnson. But probably shouldn't be this high on the list - more accurate as a player at about 30-35.
6 - Chuck Berry - I like him right where he is - definately a top 10 rocker and an innovator. Big personality, big ego, and huge ability, though often repetitious.
7 - Stevie Ray Vaughn - has a special place in my heart for his incredible blues/rock abilities. Just about right at this spot, absolutely top 10. Texas Blues: "aaahhhhh".
8 - Ry Cooder - once again I agree with first poster: Great guitarist, but his conquering of so many styles waters down his ranking as a rock/blues guitarist. A definate top 30 though.
9 - Jimmy Page - tough to rank. Agree with first poster that he is sometimes a bit sloppy, but when he was on, he was great. Probably a top 15, but not a Top 10.
10 - Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. He is a great rhythm guitarist, but there are many great rhythm guitarists. Way too high on list. Should be on top 100, but down at about 60 to 70 and only that high because he was lucky enough to be in the Stones.
11 - Kirk Hammett of Metallica - Never a real Metallica fan but recognize his high skill level. Hammett played with technical proficiency, but since Metallica played so loud all the time, his dynamics could never be heard. On that basis I'd drop him to about 25 to 30.
12 - Kurt Cobain - as a guitarist??? Should not be on this list at all, in fact shouldn't be in the top 500. I personally know 30 guitarists, who are not famous enough to be on this list, who are so much better than Cobain. He was a songwriter, not a guitarist.
13 - Jerry Garcia - his performances didn't make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. He was really more a team player musical director with the Dead. But he was an innovator with his electronic and synthesized sounds. Was the voice of R2D2 in the Star Wars Movies, which is pretty cool, but should be moved down to 35 to 40.
14 - Jeff Beck - amazing player with a style and sound all his own. His incredible abilities, longevity and consistency should move him into the Top 10.
15 - Carlos Santana - possibly the sweetest guitar tone of all time. Great technically and has all the chops. Should be 4 or 5 places higher.
16 - Johnny Ramone - He did start punk rock in the New York, but the guy was a mediocre rhythm guitarist who only knew about 9 chords. Shouldn't be in the top 100. An insult to really great guitarists who are farther down the list to have this guy at 16. He was part of the New York sound of his era, but I've never been really impressed with the New York sound of that era. Simple to the point of boredom.
17 - Jack White - agree with first reviewer - why is he on the list at all, much less this high. If you read Rolling Stone, he had a political "in" with their editorial staff for some reason. Always way, way over-rated.
18 - John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Interesting guitar player. Not an innovator, but did play with passion. Nice chops, but a little high on this list. Probably more accurate at about 30 to 40.
19 - Richard Thompson - Never heard his work which is my fault. I'll take the word of other poster who like him very much. However, if he is little known, as others have noted, how can he be rated this high on the list.
20 - James Burton - an exceptional country guitarist, but this is not a country list. On that basis, he shouldn't be here.
21 - George Harrison of the Beatles - he was a very competent and consistent guitarist and a Beatle. Had an even better solo career after the Beatles. Better songwriter than guitarist. Rated too high on this list as a guitar player, probably more accurate at about 35 to 40.
22 - Mike Bloomfield - a magnificent guitarist. Blues was his strong suit. Feel good with this ranking, but could possibly be a few higher.
23 - Warren Haynes - good player but not nearly as good as Dicky Betts who is ranked at a ridiculously low at 58.
24 - Edge of U2. Solid player, but not a Top 25 guitarist. I feel more comfortable with him at about 50 to 55.
25 - Freddy King - Another great Blues player, but too high on this list. Better somewhere between 55 to 65.
26 - Tom Morello - Way too high on list. Not an innovator, performances sound pretty flat. Drop him to 85 to 90.
27 - Mark Knopfler - Way under-rated. An incredible guitarist, an English Rock innovator, very creative - should be in Top 12 at least.
28 - Stephen Stills - this is the biggest insult on this list - are you kidding. Stills is a definate Top 10. A hugh blues/rock guitarist innovator. Again often copied, never duplicated. His guitar chops are insane. His forte is acoustic blues and rock, where he stands untouched. His electric work was clean and rarely distorted to hide mistakes. Nobody can play an acoustic guitar like Stills. He wasn't known as "Captain Many Hands" for no reason. Again I say, without question a Top 10. He often jammed with his friend Jimi Hendrix and was given a job offer to play Bass for Hendrix band. Stills turned it down to start Crosby, Stills and Nash. Probably a good choice.
29 - Ron Asheton - not familiar with his work, which IMO drops him out of the top 50 at least.
30 - Buddy Guy - One of the electric Blues originals. Great player with huge ego. But his chops are outstanding. Very influential and innovative. Should probably be rated15 spots or so higher. He was an original and studied by Clapton, Mayhall and many others.
31 - Dick Dale - amazing to hear his chops. Strangely unknown for his skill level. Should probably a little higher on list.
32 - John Cipollina - very good guitarist, but not a standout, should probably be in the mid 50's ranking.
33 - Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth - somewhat of an innovator, but never got the credit for his innovations. Probably good at this ranking.
34 - Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth - same review as Lee Ranaldo.
35 - John Fahey - Not a big ego or huge personality but an innovator in Folk Music. When you hear his recordings, his guitar work jumps out at you. Should be higher in the Top 20.
36 - Steve Cropper - very, very skilled studio musician. Played on many diverse style albums. Dynamic soloist. Not known except for his work with Booker T and the MGs. Probably good at this ranking.
37 - Bo Diddley - another Blues innovator and original who was studied by many who followed. Ranking possibly a little high as strictly a guitarist, but he was one of the original group of Blues players which makes this ranking okay.
38 - Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac - Must have come after Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac. Didn't listen to Fleetwood Mac much after Buckingham left. So I'm not that current on his work, although I plan to do some listening to him to better informed.
39 - Brian May of Queen - Should be higher on list - amazing compliment to Queens outstanding vocals and harmonies. Great player, underrated.
40 - John Fogerty of CCR - Better vocalist and songwriter. Competent rhythm guitarist but doesn't stand out. Possibly ranked a bit too high.
41 - Clarence White of Byrds- agree with 1st poster - hard to pick out his work, especially with Roger McGuinn's 12 string electric work. By the way, where the hell is Roger McGuinn?? He is definately a Top 25 player.
42 - Robert Fripp of King Crimson - also didn't like the band, so I don't know much about his work. King Crimson is completely forgettable as a band.
43 - Eddie Hazel of Funkadelic - incredible guitarist - should be in Top 15, but I don't agree with 1st Poster about his guitar playing being equal to Hendrix. He is a 2nd generation copycat of Hendrix, but still very listen-able and good.
44 - Scotty Moore - was guitarist for Elvis who could have had any guitarist he wanted. That says a lot. Definate innovator who played many styles. Should be ranked a little higher. Perhaps Top 30.
45 - Frank Zappa - another terrible insult at # 45 - a definate Top 15, possibly a Top 10. His guitar work was amazing and innovative. Perhaps overlooked by his strange but wonderful songwriting and his distictive vocals.
46 - Les Paul - huge respect for his incredible jazz work. I own 9 of his CD's as a testament to my enjoyment of his guitar work. He was incredibly fast, fast, fast as a jazz player - possibly the greatest jazz guitarist ever ( all due respect to Django). But this is not a Jazz list. Doesn't belong here.
47 - T-Bone Walker - another of the original group of Blues-ers. Studied by many who came after. Perhaps a bit too high at # 47.
48 - Joe Perry of Aerosmith - at 48, way too low. His work is a little understated, but still outstanding. Perhaps overwhelmed by Steven Tyler's vocals. Great guitarist who played with his soul. Puts to shame most of the metal guitarists of the 80's.
49 - John McLaughlin - Mostly jazz player - extremely fine, accurate, very listen-able guitarist. If we were talking about all styles of great guitarists, he would be Top 15 easily. But once again this is not a Jazz list.
50 - Pete Townshend - Great rhythm guitarist and great showman. Not a great soloist. Okay with him at # 50.
51 - Paul Kossoff - For Rolling Stone, a correct ranking. Fun to listen to.
52 - Lou Reed - great songwriter from the New York school. Not a great guitarist. Way too high on list or possibly doesn't belong on list.
53 - Mickey Baker - A Jazz player who is relatively unknown because he was mostly a session player. He sessioned with Ray Charles, Coleman Hawkins, Ike and Tina Turner, The Drifters and Ruth Brown to name but a few. Solid guitar work, but once again a Jazz guitarist - shouldn't be on this list.
54 - Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane. Guitar work overshadowed by Grace Slick vocals, still a knockout guitarist. Should be ranked 10 places higher, at least.
55 - Ritchie Blackmore - agree with 1st guy - great guitarist, great soloist. A Top 25 at least.
56 - Tom Verlaine from Television - unfamiliar with his work, again my fault. Don't know where to rank him.
57 - Roy Buchanan - a great Blues innovator - named in a PBS documentary as the "The greatest guitarist you've never heard of". Played on many labels and with many bands, but never achieved stardom despite a supposed offer to join the Rolling Stones (again isn't Keith Richards a lucky guy). Earned praise from other guitarists like Clapton, John Lennon and Merle Haggard. He tutored Robbie Robertson of The Band when Robertson was a young up-and-comer. These facts alone should place him much higher on the list, even though he is publicly unknown, but not unknown among guitarists and musicians.
58 - Dicky Betts - another insult to this great rock guitarist. Has distinctive solo style which is wonderful to listen to. He was a great compliment to Duane Allman's slide guitar. Just listen to "No Way Out" where both Betts and Allman put on a classic performance that still stands today as one of the greatest ever. Betts is a definate Top 20.
59 - Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead - fun band to listen to, and a good guitarist, but not a great one - should not be in Top 100, but perhaps in Top 125.
60 - Ed O'Brien of Radiohead - again fun to listen to and better than Greenwood. Should be lower in Top 100.
61 - Ike Turner - guitar work muddied by drug and alcohol addiction and having the great Tina Turner outshine him on every song they played. Listening to his playing sounds flat and uninspired. Ranking way too high.
62 - Zoot Horn Rollo - not a great guitarist by any method of judging. Shouldn't be in Top 100.
63 - Danny Gatton - an incredible virtuoso known for playing blues, rockabilly and jazz. Praised by Les Paul, Eric Clapton and Willie Nelson. Never achieved the fame he deserved. Story has it his nickname was "The Humbler" because he would shame and humble any guitarist who went head to head in a jam session. Very , very fast and clean. Deserves to be much higher on this list as just a Blues player. Wouldn't qualify to be on list as Jazz or Rockabilly guitarist for which he was highly respected.
64 - Mike Ronson - not familiar with his work, but if he played for Bowie and Ian Hunter, that says something right there. Wouldn't know where to rank him, but apparently is well respected.
65 - Hubert Sumlin - not well known, but has good rep in Blues circles.
66 - Vernon Reid of Living Colour - only achieved short-term fame with short-term Living Colour. I heard him one time and he was impressive, though understated. Okay at # 66.
67 - Link Wray - innovator in the finest sense - credited with inventing the "power chord" as a tool for Rock and Roll songs - considered the "father" of Punk and Metal. He was a very good vocalist as well. Many big name pros credit Wray with being an influence, including: Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Marc Bolin, Neil Young and Bob Dylan to name a few. Was named to the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, but not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (yet). His later career was spent as a contributing musician in such movies as Pulp Fiction, Independence Day, Twelve Monkeys and many others. At # 67 is way, way too low. Probably Top 20, at least Top 30.
68 - Jerry Miller of Moby Grape - never a big fan of Grape although Miller has his moments on their recordings. Probably too high at # 68, but definately Top 100.
69 - Steve Howe of Yes - yet another unbelievable insult from Rolling Stone - should be much, much higher. Technical perfection infused with soulful playing. A definate Top 15. His work is so listen-able and fine. Equally proficient on both electric and acoustic guitars. I mean, my God, he was the guitarist for Yes for Christ's Sake. Once again, Rolling Stone shows it is a group of writers and not musicians.
70 - Eddie Van Halen - you've got be kidding. The father of modern shredding. A great, great guitarist, he has all the chops. Top 15 at least.
71 - Lightnin' Hopkins - another from the original group of Blues greats. Can't honestly say where he should be ranked, but # 71 sounds too low.
72 - Joni Mitchell - one of my mentors for singing, great vocalist and great rhythm player in many different guitar tunings, but not a soloist. But still a cool guitarist. The first great woman musician to stand out as an instrumentalist. By the way, where the hell are Bonnie Raitt and Nancy Wilson as Blues/Rock guitarists. Bonnie Raitt is a Top 25 guitarist, especially for her Slide Blues work. Very few are better than Bonnie who is also a great vocalist. Nancy Wilson - the guitarist for "Heart", the FIRST great Women's Hard Rock Band - a Top 35 at least and not even on this damn list.
73 - Trey Anastasio - amazing guitarist who should be in Top 40 at least.
74 - Johnny Winter - yet another insult by Rolling Stone. A solid Top 20 Blues guitarist. I love to listen to Johnny play.
75 - Adam Jones of Tool - never was a Tool fan, so I can't objectively rank Jones.
76 - Ali Farka Toure - a double Grammy winner as a Blues guitarist from Africa. Combined American Blues with African rhythms and folk songs. Was known as the "African John Lee Hooker. I have to admit I've never had the opportunity to listen to his guitar playing which I think is a huge gap in my musical knowledge. I intend to remedy this deficiency soon. Until then I can't comment on his ranking.
77 - Henry Vestine from Canned Heat - an over-rated guitarist in an over-rated band. Shouldn't be on this list.
78 - Robby Robertson - another insult from Rolling Stone - should be way higher on this list, at least in the Top 25. Very soulful player. Not a "fast guitarist", but always tasty, tasty, tasty. He plays from his soul and always seems to play the right notes at the right time. Not many guitarists can make that claim.
79 - Cliff Gallup - under-rated because he is relatively unknown outside the industry. But always respected for his work, which was early on in the Rock evolution.
80 - Robert Quine - known as a good session player mostly. Never a star or very well known, but he was a Session player which speaks volumes about his abilities.
81 - Derek Trucks - 2nd generation Southern Rock heritage - good guitarist. Should have long career if he stays focused.
82 -David Gilmour from Pink Floyd - RS has got to be kidding - in incredible British Blues player. His solos on the Pink Floyd concept album: "The Wall" are among the best I've ever heard. Great tone and soulfully played solos. Vastly underrated on this list. An extraordinary guitarist, Gilmour is a solid Top 20, maybe higher. IMO, "The Wall" is the greatest concept Rock album ever produced. Incredible to listen to and the story behind it's writing by Roger Waters, Gilmour and the others in the band is very interesting. Google Pink Floyd and go to Wikipedia to read about the album's concept and evolution.
83 - Neil Young - a living legend who can still perform impeccably. His guitar work is largely overlooked, but he has always been solid as an acoustic rhythm player and also as a electric rocker ( listen to his Crazy Horse CD's). Mostly known for his incredible songwriting, he has a distinctive high voice that goes to falsetto flawlessly. Once you've heard him sing, you'll always know when your listening to Neil Young. As a guitarist, he should be in the Top 50.
84 - Eddie Cochran - Don't know much about him, except he was an early Blues-er.
85 - Randy Rhodes - another insult to a great guitarist. Died too young to have a lifetime career portfolio. But should be ranked in top 25 at least.
86 - Tony Iommi - Never was that impressed with Iommi with Black Sabbath. To me his guitar work just sort of disappeared inside the songs.
87 - Joan Jett - agree with 1st guy - why is she on this list ???? - above mediocre rock vocalist - didn't think she really played the guitar, just wore it as a prop. Even if she really did play, she was not a soloist and only a mediocre rhythm player. Absolutely should not be on this list at all. Although she did look good in tight leather pants.
88 - Dave Davies - Probably okay at # 88. Early rock pioneer with his own style. Never remember him after the Kinks.
89 - D. Boon of the Minutemen - My God he played a Telecaster with the treble on 10 and the bass and midrange turned off. Only heard a couple of Minuteman songs. His guitar work sounded screachy and unpleasant to listen to. Not much of an innovator besides the screachy Telecaster. Shouldn't be on list. There are many other great guitarists who aren't on list at all.
90 - Glen Buxton of Alice Cooper - played golf one time with Alice in Phoenix (just a luck of the draw, I didn't know him before then). He had some great things to say about Buxton. Listen to Alice Cooper and listen to Glen Buxton - extremely good hard rock and metal player. Should be much, much higher on this list. Probably Top 30 at least.
91 - Robby Kreiger of the Doors. Not a very good guitarist when Doors first started, but worked hard and improved greatly. Ranking about right at # 91.
92/93 - Fred "Sonic" Smith and Wayne Kramer of MC5. Never listened to MC5, haven't heard their guitar work.
94 - Bert Jansch - Scottish guitarist who's most known band was "Pentangle" (late 60's early 70's). I have heard one of their albums -they are hard to come by. Considered a genius acoustic player who influenced guitarists like: Jimmy Page, Paul Simon, Mike Oldfield, Neil Young and many others. Has a great rep. Should probably be ranked much higher.
95 - Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine - Developed a technique where he uses a tremelo arm while strumming an electric guitar. Might be interesting to listed to if he didn't distort the sound so much (intentionally). Raised in Ireland and went to England where My Bloody Valentine was formed. I've heard My Funny Valentine and they play so loud that all the instruments get lost in the sound wall. Too bad. Ranking probably too high - should be at about # 140.
96 - Angus Young of AC/DC - Always liked AC/DC - always liked Angus Young's guitar work. Should be 30 places higher.
97 - Robert Randolf - Best known band was is family band: "Randolph Best and the Family Band" - had two family members in the band. A Pedal Steel player with disc credits with Ringo Starr, Santana, Los Lobos, Buddy Guy, Dave Matthews, Sly and the Family Stone, plus others. Good pedal steel player - modeled his sound on pedal steel after Stevie Ray Vaughn's Tex Mex Strat sound. If we're judging Pedal Steel players, where is Rusty Young and Kerry Siddel?
98 - Leigh Stephans of Blue Cheer - Never heard them.
99 - Greg Ginn of Black Flag - didn't listen to much of Black Flag.
100 - Kim Thayil of Soundgarden - loved Soundgarden and Thayil's work is impressive. Should be 10 to 15 spots higher.

Now that I've gone through the list, here are some amazing guitarists who were for some ignorant reason left off the list entirely: Joe Walsh, Nancy Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, Niles Lofgren, Skunk Baxter, Stevie Vai, WILL COMPLETE THIS PROJECT TOMORROW. THANKS FOR BEING PATIENT.

No Rory Gallagher!! Cant believe that!! Hendrix was asked once in an interview what it felt like been the greatest guitarist in the world? He answered "I dunno,ask Rory Gallagher that question sir" Enough said.Should at least be on the list.Goes to show the list is crap!

Firstly @Sp3ctor20.. Your not a huge Metallica fan if you think its KURT...
Okay, I'm seeing a lot of hate towards Kirk Hammett being at 11th? He is easily one of the greatest, most influential and skillful guitarists in the world(Hard to argue with as Metallica completely popularized the thrash metal genre) Just because he didn't die at age 20 doesn't mean he doesn't deserve to be that high on the list.

Then we have people saying We'res malmsteen we'res zakk wylde both an example of great technical guitarists, Sorry but i completely agree with this list in that part, Because if you had any idea you'd know that if this list was ranked by great technical guitarist Michael Angelo Batio would easily be number 1 he can do things in the world nobody can.

some list. anyone could have made this. the person that made it, dont know shit about guitar. where is MR guitar on the list?? chet atkins. its stupid to make a list at all. jimi hendrix at 1st? a boy that could only jam after a tune who died at 27? he is nothing compare to them who actually can play or pick it! i know exactly what guitar is.to bad most people think they do! you can use it to make music or as guitar! the best ex in making songs is mark knopfler. number 27 at this list. lol. and so many idiots higher on the list. you guys are fucked up. and the best ex of a guitar player who plays its after the book he wrote,is mr guitar chet atkins. where is he on the list? for you idiots out there. there is a way to play guitar. the thumb is ment for the bassline. then you fill in the rythm and melody! see chet atkins about guitar. jimi here only played rythm and melody like most does. or they play one beat to the bar instead of 4! its a shame people dont know better!shame on this magazine. may just have been my mother who made it

hahahahahahaha is this a joke...?!?!?!?!
eddie van halen #70 and angus young#96...
hahahahaha
and in the end WHERE THE FUCK IS PACO DE LUCIA!!!..:@@@
what idiot made this list..??

I agree with many of the comments above...

-notably Kurt Cobain (wtf?, I love playing Teen Spirit too but as a guitar innovator or pure player he has NO BUSINESS that high).
-Eddie Van Halen - enough said.
-Randy Rhoads - tough because his career was so short but pulling in his classical traing was training was innovative and solos amazing. Too low.
-Angus. Better than he gets credit for 50+
-Jack White. I am actually going to defend this one. Exceptionally innovative. Anyone that says he is a writer first knows NOTHING. Try to emulate any of his work with only a sister playing drums. There is a reason he was chosen as one of three guitarists with very different styles for "It Might Get Loud." Watch it.
-Clapton -too low

Most of the rest has been said but Jack White needed some defending - if you are a true guitarist spend some time with some of his work and you will understand.

BT

Why is david Gilmour not in this list

I've only been playing guitar for about a year and a half, so my experience is limited compared to someone like, say, the original poster. What is plainly obvious however, is that to create a list of the 100 greatest guitarists in some particular order is, nigh-on impossible. If I say Jimmy Page is number one, I am correct. If someone else says Kirk Hammet is number one, they are also correct. All it boils down to is the fact that this list is just someone's opinion. It's just a list of 100 great, influential guitarists, in no particular order.

Based on this list a better top ten list would be:
1. Jimi Hendrix
2. B.B. King
3. Eric Clapton
4. Chuck Berry
5. Jimmy Page
6. Duane Allman
7. Robert Johnson
8. Stevie Ray Vaughn
9. Keith Richards
10. Kirk Hammet

I don't believe Ry Cooder deserves to be on this list. Or Kurt Cobain, or Johnny Ramone, or John Frusciante.

I think when you are talking about the best guitar players, not song writers or bands, you have to put Jerry Garcia higher. His output, the volume of guitar playing in his library far out does any body on this list. Every show is different, every solo is unique and provoking and full of craft and a deep understanding of the history and the theory of music. No one can tell a story with a guitar better than he could. I wouldn't put him number one but possibly around 5 or 6 and with all respect I think for those of you that said he doesn't stand out when he plays you haven't listened to him enough...

Here's a sample of what he can do...Track 11 starting at about 3:25...

http://www.archive.org/details/gd1977-05-09.mtx.seamons.98168.flac16

I could make a few very interesting suggestions that haven't been mentioned at all, but I won't - because there is a single glaring omission from the list who should have not only been there but ought to have been at no.1.

(Although I believe it is doubted by some whether Jimi Hendrix made the following comment) still in my view the guy he refers to is the best: Answering what it was like to be the world's best guitar player, Hendrix said: "I don't know, ask RORY GALLAGHER."

Yes, the RS-list has a good bakers'-dozen of stinkers - take your picks - but where the hell are ALVIN LEE, RANDY CALIFORNIA, ROBIN TROWER, TED NUGENT, MICHAEL SCHENKER, LESLIE WEST, KIM SIMMONDS, BILLY GIBBONS & MARTIN BARRE????
It was nice of them to include such lesser-knowns as Henry Vestine, Ry Cooder & Paul Kossof. Also, I don't think the numbering/weighted-ness of list counts for much.

Steve Hackett and Trevor Rabin should be on this list.

Fuck rolling stone. Fuck everyone that thinks stevie ray vaughan ripped off jimi hendrix. Vaughan used to play the highest guage strings of all time until his fingers bled. And plus, everyone says hendrix is the best because its a fad to think that way. Most of the people that say that have heard like one popular song and say hes god. Dont formulate opinions by the norm. The world wants you to think weed is bad. so what does that say about what everyone tells you. thats right its bullshit. and jack white fucking sucks. EVH 70s? he could play all of the rolling stones top 500 songs with his fucking teeth. Anyway Fuck rolling stone, fuck everyone thats a fucking stupid fuck and fuck the commentator on the list too. Where the fuck is stevie vai? joe satch? .........................................................................Ps........... Tre anastasio would shit all over neil young and jack whites chest Fuck rolling stone.

roy buchanan at #57???

and where the hell is Eric Johnson or Steve Morse??

AND EDDIE VAN HALEN AT 70?!?!?!?

this list is garbage

There are a lot of things wrong with this list but the most glaring error which stood out for me is the omission of RORY GALLAGHER!There is an old story about Jimi Hendrix being asked by an interviewer after Woodstock what it was like to be the greatest guitar player in the world. Hendrix replied that he did not know. "Go ask Rory Gallagher"

how the heck do Kurt Cobain and Jack White have a higher rating than EVH?? I consider the list below the top 10 invalid! Where is Hetfield....what a disgrace to EVH...

how the heck do Kurt Cobain and Jack White have a higher rating than EVH?? I consider the list below the top 10 invalid! Where is Hetfield....what a disgrace to EVH...

Check out Earl Hooker - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7E7PCWTW5k&feature=related

Also Bob Brozman-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX--sM5G52U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2p52JNcbDc

Bob Brozman again...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oPXRWRxda8

This list is pretty impressive (Hendrix, Allman, King, Page, Clapton, etc), but it's missing some VERY important additions; and it had many guitarists which it didn't need (Jack White. While looking over this list, nowhere did I see Slash (GNR, Velvet Revolver), Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Alex Lifeson (Rush), Dean DeLeo (STP), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Dimebag Darrell (Pantera), Dave Murray (Iron Maiden), K.K. Downing or Glen Tipton (Judas Priest), Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction), Ted Nugent (needs no introduction!), Matt McCready (Pearl Jam), Ace Frehley (Kiss), or Neal Schon (Journey).

The problem with the list is it's for 100 greatest guitarists which include any type of music. Jazz guitarists included and there's like none on the list. Some of the comments people made about Jerry Garcia are farfetched. No one cried more than I did when he died but come on he should be higher than 13th. He would have a tough time making the top 50 for me which is about how many times I saw him. He was a great story teller and musician but just a good guitarist. The guy who mentioned Bob Weir should be banned from this site. I love Dire Straits and Mark Knofler is a great guitarist but the best ever. He's not even the best guitarist on a Steely Dan album. I love Nirvana but Kurt Cobain??? Ridiculous. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani not being on this list is a crime. I'm not even a big fan of either one's music but they both are incredible guitarist and I'm sure Frank Zappa would have ranked them 1 and 2 on his list. Alvin Lee should be top ten. I've seen about 15 guitarist on this list and none of them were better live then Larry Carlton. He's a hired gun just give him the sheet music and he'll play anything with feeling. Even Jerry Garcia hired him to do stuff on one of his solo albums. Here's a few no one has mentioned that would be in my top 25 Elliott Randall, Rick Derringer, Lee Ritenour and Brian Setzer. This is all about opinion but anyone could have done better then RS.

Missing from the list is Dimebag Darrell and Ted Nugent! Un-freaking-believable! Rolling Stones is re-writing history w/their own bias and stupidity! This list should be based on shear ability, not popularity!!!!!!

People who should be on the list or higher on the list:
1.) Adam Jones of Tool-have you guys even see Tool live, or even listened to their albums? Don't just base what you hear on radio songs! Adam should be in top 20 at least.
2.) Jimmy Page- should be in top 5 you fools! Sounds sloppy? Shows what you idiots know.
3.) Eddie van Halen
4.)David Gilmour- should be in top 30!
5.) John Fogerty- oh come on! what kid of my generation wasn't raised on CCR?
6.) Ace Frehley- this Kiss guitarist could play the heck out of a Gibson!
7.)Hughie Thomasson - the Outlaws knew how to play, and perhaps better than Lynyrd Skynyrd
8.) Any Lynyrd guitarist?
9.) Any Doobie Brothers guitarist?
10.) Les Paul should be in at least the top 5 for crying out loud! Really, his playing skills are unmatched. Make him numero uno!
11.)Roger McGuinn-thinking of The Byrds-he could really jam on a 12 string guitar.
12.)John Denver-I may not like his music all that much, but he could really play a 12 string as well.
13.)Jerry Cantrell-how can you guys forget this Alice in Chains guitarist/vocalist? Once again, don't just judge base on what you hear on the radio. Actually pick up an album and listen!
14.) Dimebag
15.) the "Nuge" for God's sake!
16.)Slash-holy cow he can solo!
17.)Kim Thayil-not a lot of work from him-but he could play. move him to 99. =)

People who should be removed or lowered on the list:
1.)Kurt Cobain-Really? You put him as number 12? I've literally known high school-aged players better than him.
2.)Johnny Ramone-Holy crap.......he's terrible!
3.)Carlos Santana-all of his solos sound the same to me. he should be lower on the list.
4.)Jack White of the White Stripes-okay, somebody should be fired for this one! take him completely off!
5.)the Edge of U2-never cared for their music instrumentally.
6.)Tom Morello of Rage-he's okay, and can pull off a few tricks, but should be in the bottom 10 at least.
7.)Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead-they are good.......but not THAT good. take em' off.
8.) Neil Young-his music is weird and irrelevent today. he was never really that good. people must like his shiny harmonica or something.
9.)Joe Perry-very, very over-rated

My list for top... however many I can come up with:

1. Jimi Hendrix- more innovations, experimentation, and exploration of a guitar's potential than anyone before him; and better at those three things than anyone after him. That's not mentioning his pure skill!
2. Duane Allman- Not only did Allman learn the slide guitar using a medicine bottle Greg dropped off when he was sick in about an hour's time (played statesboro blues), he could also play any number of styles of guitar as a complete master at any time (acoustic, 12 string, what have you)
3. Stevie Ray Vaughan- If you're looking for pure skill, there it is.
4. Eric Clapton- Has demonstrated his mastering of everything guitar enough times not to need an explanation
5. Buddy Guy- certainly the most skilled blues guitarist alive today
6. Jimmy Page- What's to say? The man's got serious talent and serious finesse. Great techniques, great riffs, great solos. Just plain great!
7. B.B. King- You have to honor someone so undeniably influential in the development of blues and rock. Although he may not be 7th in terms of skill, he's certainly top ten in influence.
8. Robert Johnson- Again, about the influence. However, there are many, many guitarists up there who still cannot play his riffs effectively. He WAS a very skilled guitarist.
9. Alvin Lee- You think Slash is good? He plays modified scales and calls it solos. THIS man can solo. (Look up "I'm Goin' Home" from his Woodstock performance). Why he was left off of the list, I don't know.
10. Chuck Berry- Top ten is the least one can do for the man who invented rock and roll
11. Albert King- To have Stevie Ray Vaughan consider you a mentor, you MUST have something goin' on. Absolutely phenomenal blues man.
12. Jerry Garcia- His technique at a glance often seems a bit simple, but if you are one to listen to the Dead for the guitar, it really shows how absolutely amazing this man was.
13. John McLaughlin- I don't care what anyone says, he is better than Santana. They did an album together, and it is clear (if you know their sounds well enough to tell them apart) who takes the lead. He is massively talented and putting him that low on the list is unreasonable.
14. Carlos Santana- Although he completely sold out after only a handful of albums to the point of being unlistenable, his guitar playing is and always has been exceptionally beautiful. When Santana heard blues and decided to attempt to blend it with Latino, he created something beautiful and he deserves top 20 because of it.
15. Johnny Winter- Amazing guitarist, amazing slide guitarist. He is simply top 20 in skill. Of course, I'm always biased towards blues men.
16. Derek Trucks- A lot of you may think I'm putting him too high, but his slide guitar is on par with Johnny Winter and he can keep up with the legacy left behind by Allman. He's absolutely fantastic and his sound, while reminiscent of Allman, is quite unique, which can be very hard to do these days. I can't get enough of this guy these days.
17. Jeff Beck: Although I'm not a huge fan of much of his stuff, his skill with a guitar is not to be overlooked or underestimated. He is fantastic.
That's All I can come up with as far as a top 20.
Who should be higher:
Frank Zappa: Certainly better than many of those above him *cough*Kurt Cobain*cough*
Trey Anastasio: I just love this guy. Grew up on Phish.
Buddy Guy: Screw you RS. Frusciante got top 20 and you put this guy in the 30s??
McLaughlin: ^Ditto
Alvin Lee: Not even on the list? Unbelievable.
Robert Randolph: Granted, he's only been around since '03. He's phenomenal.
David Gilmour: Do I need to explain?
Johnny Winter: ^Ditto
Joe Bonamassa: Put him on the list for God's Sake!
Dicky Betts: He's not too far off his rightful place on that list, but he's a tad low.
Robbie Robertson: He's simply got more skill than many people they decided to rank
above him.
Bonnie Raitt: Was she lost somewhere along the way on their list of possible top 100 picks?
John Fogerty: Listen to "Heard It Through The Grapevine" and tell me he's not under-ranked here.
Rory Gallagher: Come on... give the guy some credit, he deserves it!
I could go on, but I can't think right now.

Who should be lowered:
Kurt Cobain: Nuff said
Jack White: He actually is a remarkable guitarist when he plays the blues, but he doesn't. He plays simplistic songs with no soul.
Neil Young: His legacy lies in his songwriting, not his guitar playing. He is a very good rhythm/melody player.
John Frusciante: The hell is he doing anywhere near the top 20??
George Harrison: Good, but certainly not one of the greats.
Lee Ranaldo & Thurston Moore: Sonic Youth top 30? No. NO.
Lou Reed: I agree with the poster's comment. Just because he wouldn't even put himself that high.
Joan Jett: Where's Bonnie Raitt? Huh??
Joe Perry: Just a little shift down. He's a great guitarist, though.
The Edge: It's one thing to be a master technician with the guitar, but its another to have the machine play for you. He is borderline techno. He plays four notes and the machines do the rest. Watch the movie 'It Might Get Loud' and he shows you that. U2 does a cover of Hendrix's version of "All Along The Watchtower". The Edge changes one of the most complex guitar compositions ever written and strips it down to its three chords. The way they cover for that is loud singing and loud drums to fill in for what The Edge can't play for crap. He can't solo, he can't ACTUALLY riff by himself without a pathetic reliance on machines, and he's just plain not a very good guitarist (though I don't deny that he is a phenomenal technician who has pioneered an entire style of effects on his own). Move him down to the 60's to 80's please.
Tom Morello: He's just not that good. Sorry.
Kirk Hammett: He's good, but he's nowhere near top 20 material. Not to mention he thinks way too highly of himself already. No need to bloat and feed the ego of anyone from Metallica. (Psst, hey Metallica! Guess who beat you out for a Grammy in metal the one period they went metal? JETHRO TULL! You got served by JETHRO TULL!)
Keith Richards: He doesn't shine like a top 20 guitarist would be expected to. Very good for what is expected of him in a band like the Stones and a very good guitarist, but not so high up.

Right where they should be:
About half of the top ten.
Jerry Garcia
EDDIE VAN HALEN: His style and Slash's style are very similar. As far as that style of playing goes, Van Halen is far and beyond the best at it. Miles ahead of slash. But it's not a top 50 style. Not to mention that every single song aside from "Eruption" is a sell-0ut song. Only one I find tolerable as far as lyrics and guitar together is "Hot For Teacher" (it's just a funny song to me).
Tommy Iommi
Mark Knopfler
Pete Townshend
Angus Young: Maybe a little bit higher, but around that is good. He is good, don't get me wrong, just not THAT good.
Les Paul
Brian May
Warren Haynes: He doesn't take the lead often with the Allman Brothers, but when Trucks and Haynes ARE doing their double-lead cooperative bits, Haynes really lets loose. He's an awesome guitarist and deserves that kind of recognition.

Off the list:
Johnny Ramone
Kevin Shields
Sonic Youth Guys
Radiohead Guys
Joan Jett

Glad they're off the list:
Slash: Just plays modified scales as solo. Could be a lot more creative, but he's not.
Malmsteen/Satriani/others who play in that style: While I respect Malmsteen's skill and love Satriani's music, it's not top 100 material or style. It's all a more basic form of Van Halen's style.

That's all I've got for now, I guess.

And all of you who try to debate or argue one point or another, please learn how to spell first. It makes your argument look that much less important and it makes you seem that much less desirable to argue with. Don't make yourselves look like fools, there's no reason to.

What about Eric Johnson, Joe Bonamassa, Alvin Lee, Kim Simmonds from Savoy Brown and most notably, what about Prince?

Shame, shame, shame! How dare you Rolling Stone. Here are all of my problems with this list:
1. Jack White and Kurt Cobain. They were good guitarists. cobain was more famous for his lyrics. And i'm pretty sure i can play seven nations army, and i don't play guitar.
2. Why the hell is Eddie Van Halen, Angus Young, and Randy Rhoads not in the top 20. VH could be arguably the best ever. Angus was actually a very good guitarist (too many people's dismay). And Randy Rhoads. If he could have lived to play on two, even just one, more albums, he would be in the top ten easily and they would be praising him.
3. David Gilmour. He made the guitar sing better than anyone else.
4. The not as famous guitarists. Tom Morello was very good. He did more than the cool sounds. Should he be in the top 30? No. I say maybe 60. John Frusciante is also very good. I'd move him alittle higher. The Radiohead guitarists. I forget their names and i don't feel like scrolling up, but i would move them a little higher as well. Kim Thayll of Soundgarden was really good, and should be higher.
5. Kerry King and other thrash guitarists. Kerry King made Slayer as good as they were. He played on No Sleep till Brooklyn with the Beastie Boys (another one of my favorites) and that solo is surprisingly great. Mustaine and the guitarists from Anthrax should be on their as well.
6. The rejects. Here are a few who didn't make the list: Slash (how?), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains wouldn't be the same without him), Dimebag Darrell, Zakk Wylde (not familiar but heard he's really good), Tom Shulz (Boston had very good solos), Steve Stevens (had great stuff with Billy Idol, and, as corny as it sounds, the theme song for Top Gun was pretty damn good), Joe Satriani, CC Deville (he was hard to look at though), Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Buckethead, Larry LeDonde (of Primus, was good but overshadowed by the ever so clever Les Claypool), Peter Frampton, etc.
7. Rolling Stone. Give up before it gets any worse (like that's possible). What's next? Top 100 bassists without Geddy Lee or Flea? Please.
8. You. Where do you get off? What have you solved by putting all of this on here? Nothing (except maybe finding out clapton did while my guitar gently weeps. I didn't know that). This whole thing is like comparing apples and oranges. Who was better, Eddie Van Halen or Kurt Cobain? Some might say Cobain (weirdos). This whole list is just their opinion, it's not going to be perfect to everyone.
That's all I have to say.
Get off now don't be a ratard. Show some respect, go play the guitar.
(Yeah!)

Keith Richards is a great guitar player, he reinvented acoustic blues. Playing his stuff and sounding the way he did is a challenge.

Johnny Ramone is too high, he was important for developing punk's guitar sound but a novice guitar player can play every Ramones song easily.

Jack White is too high but is still pretty good. Some originality, unlike many modern guitarists.

Tom Morello has chops but I agree he lacks in creativity.

Mark Knopfler is technically very very good, his music is not the greatest though. On pure skill alone he's one of the best.

Ron Asheton is not that great. However James Williamson, who replaced Asheton on guitar for the album "Raw Power", I think is very good and not on the list at all.

Robert Fripp is way too low. Aside from his work with King Crimson his playing on Brian Eno and David Bowie albums is amazing. Particularly his work on Bowie's "Heroes" album.

Frank Zappa is also much too low. I agree that his playing is both technically and creatively outstanding, particularly on "Hot Rats".

John McLaughlin is even more way too low. He is my personal favorite guitar player so I am a biased. But I think what he does on the Miles Davis albums he plays on is the best electric guitar playing ever.

Jorma Kaukonen doesn't get to show off enough on the Jefferson Airplane studio albums. But if you listen to them live you can get a better sense of how good he actually is.

Richie Blackmore is too low, his skill on the guitar is ridiculous. Listen to some stuff by his medieval folk group "Blackmore's Night". It's a little cheesy but what he does on guitar is great.

Peter Green is too low, he's better than Jimmy Page in my opinion. The playing on his solo album "The End of the Game" is a little drugged out but still amazing. Has been said to have the sweetest guitar tone of anyone.

Zoot Horn Rollo must have worked hard when playing on "Trout Mask Replica", I'm sure none of us can even imagine what he went through.

Steve Howe should definitely be higher. How many people do you think can you play "The Clap"?

Eddie Van Halen should be higher, but not that much. He has virtuoso skill but he's not strong melodically, and also I think a little boring.

David Gilmour is definitely also too low. Gilmour is great for his sound manipulation of the guitar, and for his melodic genius. He can do more with one note than most can do with the entire fretboard.

Clarence White was a surprise. He's very skilled at finger-picking style and his stuff with The Byrds is very good. He plays with them from "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" onward. If you hear finger-picking it's probably him.

Lou Reed does not belong on the list.

Neil Young should be a little higher. He is one of the all time greats for memorable riffs, specifically for the CSNY song "Ohio".

Tony Iommi is too low. His influence on guitar playing is massive. His stuff is not technically that difficult, but is rhythmically and melodically very good.

Dave Davies deserves the credit for getting that guitar sound before anyone else.

This list does not contain the following and should:

Leo Kottke is an astoundingly impressive folk guitarist with a very distinct style. He is criminally overlooked. Hear his first album or watch him on youtube and you'll find out.

Donald Roeser, also known as "Buck Dharma" was lead guitar for Blue Oyster Cult. Amazing at riffs and solos. Blue Oyster Cult does not get enough respect.

Mike Oldfield is technically very good and also a creative genius. His guitar playing is at times shockingly good, particularly on the overlooked album "Amarok" where he goes completely nuts.

Regarding your evaluation of James Burton as a country musician: James Burton is an awesome guitarist who backed up Elvis Presley and Rick Nelson, among others. Perhaps you are confusing him with someone else?

ehh, ive seen worse

Ok where do I start.
1. Cobain out, I'm from Seattle. Sorry man. Mike from Pearl Jam is 1000x better than Cobain.
2. Jimmy Page. I like him top 5 along with Allman and Hendrix.
3. Jack White is often criticized but he is also a very good but rough around the edges. Maybe lurks outside the top 50 but we don't entirely know what he has in the future.
4. There's a few people left of I hear Malmsteen and a few others. Alex Lifeson and Kenny Wayne Sheppard are prominent guitarists who I haven't seen mentioned even in some comments.
5. Eddie VH and Angus Young need to be moved up.
Thats where I will leave it but I would like more suggestions.

Sorry its Matt note mike my bad

punker_rocker. Just because you play fast doesnt mean your good melodically. Page is a master of his art and your metal guitarists would bow to him hendrix and allman. They influence your so called metal gods. Three best rock guitarists regardless of whether its metal or glam or whatever bullshit you listen to. Sorry bro you're wrong the Page speaks for himself. Who wrote the one song that prove whether you can in fact play guitar the standard. Stairway. Peace

The biggest omission is definitely Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

Dickey Betts 57? He is top 15 easy.

Also Knopfler is amazing and should be way higher. Angus Young was also too low.

It's a shame these lists always seem to turn into most popular or influental instead of greatest players (see Keith Richards, Cobain, Jett, etc.)

ok I'm ****ing angry about slash, Where ****ing hell is he? he should be in top 10, and the one who said slash just plays modified scales, do you know what a guitar is? you can't even hold a guitar let alone smoking when ure playing. huh, I really don't understand RS's motivation of this list.

I would love to sit down with the good folks at Rolling Stone, assuming they weren't smoking dope, and have them expalin or justify both the order and content of this ridiculous list. It seem to me that if you're going to endluge in such a futile exercise you should at least do a modicum of homework and come up with a grouping with some sense of meaning. Not necessairly a top to bottom who's best list, ie: No.100 may be as valid as No.1, and with a meaningful group of artists who have through creativity and technique made a real contribution to humanity. This list...FAIL

What about Alex Lifeson of Rush? The greatest 3 piece band that sounded like a 5 piece. He has done every big of guitar work on every album over the past 30+ years.

Stupid list

I can't believe Rory Gallagher is not listed. He should be in the top ten.

I'm disappointed, but not surprised, that the name Don Felder appears nowhere on this particular thread - much less the list the thread is based on (until now, that is). I'm mentioning him not just because of his immaculate technique. Felder is a pioneer who has made such a deep impression on pop/rock consciousness that he's managed to influence hundreds of thousands of guitarists - many of whom not even aware he influenced them. Both Felder and Joe Walsh deserve to be in the top 50, there's no doubt in my mind.

Also: Steve Howe being ranked 69 is a complete laugh, but based on how ridiculous the REST of the list is, at least he made the top 100.
Peter Frampton deserves to be on there too. While Peter's overall technique was never particularly speedy, he's one of the most tasteful guitarists in history - immediately recognizable, and....like Howe, Steve Morse, and a chosen few others, he brought major, major 7th, and jazz scales into mainstream rock, intentionally defying the pentatonic blues guitar foundation used by 98% of the guitarists on this list. Rolling Stone....and more specifically, Mr. Wenner? This list PROVES once and for all that your publication has never been anything more than a cult fanzine. You have no musical background and worse yet, you've always had an agenda: Glamorize the artists you admire; crucify the ones you don't.

To the readers of this post: Isn't it frightening that the man behind THIS is also the Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation? It's been nearly 60 years since Rock & Roll emerged. The genre has become a legitimate, recognized art form and is taught in universities around the world. You'd think its leading publications and historical organizations MIGHT have some credibility. Sadly, they do not. It has become a corporate joke run by profiteers bent on elevating talentless douchebags to legendary heights while leaving many true, credible, and phenomenal artists behind forever. Shame on you.

Where´s our Slash?? *.*

buckethead and peter frampton also missing :\

van halen at 70, wtf is this? T.T

...Where are Alex Lifeson, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani? I can't find them.

where is steve morse from purple mark farner from grand funk mick box from uriah heep and the excellent player from boston come on guys.

Alright guys, I'd agree with most posters. I'm 50 and can remember most of these guys. I’ve been playing since I was 9 and I’ll listen/have listened to anything.

The list has been created with certain things in mind, I'd say. For instance, in the early 60s who else was creating riffs like George Harrison? OK, so he's not the most technical of all time, but his place may be secured by the time he was creating, if you get my drift.

If you agree and follow on from this, then the placing of Eddie Van Halen is an absolute joke and they got this terribly wrong. On influence alone (and yes I know he didn't invent, but he did popularize a style) he should be higher.

Omissions that are completely unacceptable in a list of this kind:

Pat Metheny - probably the greatest single omission in the list. A guy who has innovated, created and forged the guitar as a co-instrument with synth/effects/sounds and he's not even there? Sorry, but this one thing alone blows the credibility of the list for me.

Brian Setzer - quite simply the world’s most accomplished exponent of rockabilly guitar. Really stupid omission.

Rory Gallagher - OK, I'm Irish but he had a style all his own and was an influence on Stevie Ray and lots of other players. Was huge in his day and could have joined Stones.

Al di Meola. Another ridiculous omission.

Joe Satriani - I'm not a huge fan but I understand Joe and his music. His playing has traits that are completely his own and he should be in here. Again, a hugely influential player too.

Alex Lifeson - his stuff with Rush has to have been an unbelievable influence on lots of the heavier guitarists in this list - who followed him. Cannot understand. Brian May for his sound? OK - then Alex gets in too. Unique.

Larry Carlton contributed to most of the MOR rock music we would have heard in 70s and 80s, but with the most beautiful playing imaginable. Should be in.

Malmsteen too. No brainer.

Maybe EJ, Frampton (poppy, but lovely playing), Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, Walter Becker, Johnny Marr (unique sound).

Bonnie Raitt...should be in.

Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill - someone said this wasn't a country list, but there's nothing about that anywhere. It's a guitar list, not a 'genre' list.

Shouldn't be there:

Cobain, Garcia, Ramone, Jett - what is it, the original sound? Then check out early Nils Lofgren.

I get Clapton. Not everyone can agree because he is so lauded, but his feel is just breathtaking. Saw him recently (not a die hard fan though) and I was shocked at how good he was.

Agree, always thought Page was all over the place and then pulling it out at the last second...not sure how creative that is. The band's following made him bigger.

I agree with Steven Stills hugely - unbelievable player. Ditto Joni. Ditto Richard Thompson - check him out if you haven't. Folk, but its guitar.

Beck should be higher, if only because of his technique and the sounds he gets from the instrument. Guy above said his music is not that 'listenable' - maybe, but this is a guitar list.

Knopfler higher is a no-brainer, again. Unique, brilliant, inventive.

I get Jack White. Wildly different, innovator, doesn't give a shit, kick ass player. As high as he is? Don't know...

BB King - note player who is a very limited blues player and highly repetetive. Does not play a lot of filler. I know, this is probably sacriligious, but just my opinion. Influential and should be here but not so high.

That's my 2 Cents, Mr.

here's my list everyone!!!!!

http://www.listology.com/thaskald/list/first-fifty-greatest-guitarists

Nils Loffgren?? Bruce Springsteen?? Even Slash and Buckethead, these four are better than half the people on the rolling stone list. It's probably a computer generated list with no thought going into it whatsoever.

You have to wonder what criteria were used to come up with the list. There doesn't seem to be any consistency to it.

For example, Kurt Cobain at #12. This is a guy who played power chords badly. He could hardly play and sing. He had a Marshall amp powered with too much voltage. But, he wasn't the first. He learned it from the Melvins guy. And, Van Halen was doing it in the mid 70s.

Presumably, Cobain is in there for his influence, firing grunge guitar.

Well, if influence gets you a high rank -- with apologies the first on the list should be TONY IOMMI.

There is no guitarist on the planet more imitated and more influential than Tony Iommi. Just taking a look at the top twenty on the list, here are some whose playing would not exist without Iommi:

+ Kirk Hammett
+ Kurt Cobain
+ John Frusciante

Maybe heavy metal and all its subgenres aren't cool to Rolling Stone mag -- but that entire branch of heavy rock and roll disappears without Tony Iommi.

Now, from him, maybe you have to dig deeper and ask -- where did Iommi get his chops? Probably from the Page / Beck Yardbird late years when they were getting heavier and more experimental.

So many things wrong with the list.

Billy Gibbons not in there, but Stevie Ray at #7. If SRV were alive, you could ask him about that one.

Eddie Van Halen at #70 or so. Ridiculous. EVH is probably the greatest virtuoso soloist that will ever live. His aggressive assault on the fretboard has not been equalled since, not even by him. He had such an astounding confidence and grace to his playing. Just absolutely jaw-dropping.

Well, I think this RS list sucks. It just screws with my mind! Those guys are underrated. This is not a top list, no order.
1. Jeff Beck. "Wired" is an art on its own.
2. John McLaughlin. No wonder he was in Miles' group.
3. Johnny Winter. He kicks the ass of most of the other idiots of the list.
4. Rory Gallagher. I bet he used strings made in heaven. Should be in top 10
5. Albert Collins. The Master of the Telecaster is a title he absolutely deserves.
6. Ritchie Blackmore. Listen to "Made in Japan". Personal favourite live. Top 10.
7. Martin Barre. To play solos in Ian Anderson's band, he was really something.
8. John Lee Hooker. Did anyone mention him?
9. George Benson. Jazz rocks!
10. Al Di Meola. Listen to Return to Forever's "Vulcan Worlds"...
11. Paco De Lucia. Viva Paco!
12. John Petrucci. The modern David Gilmour. He's better though.
13. David Gilmour. Pink Floyd is my fav band alongside Porcupine Tree. I just HAVE to mention Dave!
14. Dave Mustaine. Strange? No. He is a monster of a guitarist as far as I'm concerned, and kicks Metallica's ass easily.
15. Kirk Hammett. He's pretty good, considering the Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets albums.
16. Slayer. I can't decide if King or Hanneman is the best, so...
17. Jon Schaffer. The Riff Lord.
18. Alvin Lee. Better than Hendrix.
19. Lynyrd Skynyrd. Same as Slayer.
20. Mark Knopfler. He is a music style by himself.
21. James Hetfield. MoP = Best Riff Ever.
22. Iron Maiden. Same as Slayer and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
23. Steven Wilson. Oh God. Sweet Guitar.
24. Tony Iommi. Heaven and Hell. War Pigs. Paranoid.
25. Manfred Mann's Earth Band's guitarist, name missing. Hugely underrated band and guitarist.

Well, I think this RS list sucks. It just screws with my mind! Those guys are underrated. This is not a top list, no order.
1. Jeff Beck. "Wired" is an art on its own.
2. John McLaughlin. No wonder he was in Miles' group.
3. Johnny Winter. He kicks the ass of most of the other idiots of the list.
4. Rory Gallagher. I bet he used strings made in heaven. Should be in top 10
5. Albert Collins. The Master of the Telecaster is a title he absolutely deserves.
6. Ritchie Blackmore. Listen to "Made in Japan". Personal favourite live. Top 10.
7. Martin Barre. To play solos in Ian Anderson's band, he was really something.
8. John Lee Hooker. Did anyone mention him?
9. George Benson. Jazz rocks!
10. Al Di Meola. Listen to Return to Forever's "Vulcan Worlds"...
11. Paco De Lucia. Viva Paco!
12. John Petrucci. The modern David Gilmour. He's better though.
13. David Gilmour. Pink Floyd is my fav band alongside Porcupine Tree. I just HAVE to mention Dave!
14. Dave Mustaine. Strange? No. He is a monster of a guitarist as far as I'm concerned, and kicks Metallica's ass easily.
15. Kirk Hammett. He's pretty good, considering the Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets albums.
16. Slayer. I can't decide if King or Hanneman is the best, so...
17. Jon Schaffer. The Riff Lord.
18. Alvin Lee. Better than Hendrix.
19. Lynyrd Skynyrd. Same as Slayer.
20. Mark Knopfler. He is a music style by himself.
21. James Hetfield. MoP = Best Riff Ever.
22. Iron Maiden. Same as Slayer and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
23. Steven Wilson. Oh God. Sweet Guitar.
24. Tony Iommi. Heaven and Hell. War Pigs. Paranoid.
25. Manfred Mann's Earth Band's guitarist, name missing. Hugely underrated band and guitarist.

Jimi was good, but in general he seemed to just make noise and trip on acid, which is what thousands of guitarists were doing in their garages at the time. Jimi got famous obviously.

Now, I don't mean to underrate his accomplishments, but I think it's a bit cliche to just throw him at the top of every greatest guitarist list. He was different for the time, but I have a hard time swallowing this one

Rolling Stone's list is just terrible - Hendrix at the top yes, maybe Chuck Berry should be #1 tough call.., Link Wray should be way higher. I understand why Ashton is so high, pioneer and innovator. Eddie VH should be higher for sure.., Slash is a disappointing omission. i would also mention mr. Joe Walsh, he should be on it, as well as Mick Ronson - very intricate player.

Agree w/ blindsider and others who recognize that Hendrix was a noise-maker. I can listen to one or two of his songs and I've had it. I think a lot of you guys emphasize technical ability too much and don't credit a guitarist's ability to create a lick that SOUNDS GOOD. On this basis, Joe Walsh should definitely be in the top 20 (just the leads for Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane should put him there). Also, I think Slash is underrated by many of you guys. The intro to Sweet Child of Mine is really simple, but it sounds REALLY GOOD. On the other hand, someone like Steve Vai is practicing guitar masturbation and doesn't care if his sound is listenable. I would put Chuck Berry on top, then Clapton, then Page (unbelievably creative leads with A LOT of no. 1 albums). BB King should not be in the top 100- everything sounds the same. One more comment: I totally agree with someone who said Nancy Wilson should be on the list.

I can't tell what this list is based on, and it seems RS isn't sure, either. What are the criteria? Popularity? Innovation? Technical proficiency? Influence? Songwriting ability? Vocal ability (while playing)? Drug and/or alcohol abuse? Early death? Fashion consciousness? WHAT?!?

If RS cannot answer that question, then we're left with a simple truth: What makes a guitarist great is simply a matter of the listener's personal taste, thus rendering all "greatest guitarists" lists equally valid and accurate. Perhaps it was RS' clandestine plan to generate controversy by creating a list they knew few would agree completely with, thereby increasing publicity and sales of their periodical. Or, the list conjurer could just be a fool and the piece was never actually run by the editorial staff prior to press. Who knows...

At any rate, my 2c worth:
I personally feel Jimi is overrated. I have his albums/CD's, but I don't hear anything on them that screams to me that he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. His stuff is highly enjoyable, but so is most of the other music in my collection -- otherwise, it wouldn't be part of my collection (duh).
I think a lot of people get caught up in the mystique and elitism of the Hendrix "experience". When I see/read/hear people commenting on JH, it often strikes me as remarkably similar to the way film buffs trip all over themselves in their haste to proclaim Citizen Kane is the greatest movie ever made, and attempt to shoot down anyone who disagrees with that assertion, employing all manner of colorful yet meaningless (to others) pseudopsychobabble terminology. It's a good movie. Hendrix was a good player. But neither, IMHO, is the greatest that ever was and ever will be in their respective subject areas -- again, this assumes no specific criteria are involved!

I'm glad a few here mentioned the glaring omission of Billy Gibbons. I have all of ZZ Top's albums/CD's and find his playing at least on par with the top 15 in most of the lists suggested in this thread. He's absolutely one of the top 5 in his area of specialty (blues-rock/"Southern-rock"). Don't go by the 5-10 most played songs of theirs; actually listen to their catalog and you'll undoubtedly have more of an appreciation of his talent.
You can discount ZZ Top's 80's techno-synth period if you like, but I actually can appreciate that segment of their catalog as well, as there are some really fun tunes and nice riffs presented!

I also agree Nancy Wilson should make this list, somehow. Again, knowing criteria would help, but Heart was super popular, their sound was enjoyable, they rocked hard, etc. ehh.. I like Heart and her playing, so I wish she was on the list.

The only other musician I'm going to mention now is one that I didn't see anyone else give credit to, much to my surprise and chagrin: Pat Travers!
He's undeservedly lesser known and underrated. He doesn't have the best singing voice in the world, but he definitely KICKS ASS with his axe. Have you listened to Snortin' Whiskey? Check it out on YouTube. Listen to the cut from the Crash And Burn album, as some live versions out there suck. If you like rock music and don't feel compelled to crank your volume to max for this track, there's something wrong with ya -- maybe you need to go watch Citizen Kane again. His solo on this one kicks the shit out of Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights), which most people recognize.

I am SICK and tired of Rolling Stones making such a HIPE about Nirvana ! ! !
I am just GLAD SRV is above that dead POS Cobain....
RUSH-OUT

I am SICK and tired of Rolling Stones making such a HIPE about Nirvana ! ! !
I am just GLAD SRV is above that dead POS Cobain....
RUSH-OUT

this list was obviously based on overall musical skill and inginuity, not just guitarplaying. thats not so bad cus otherwise some guitar-nerds, who can play more fluid than most the people on the list but cant write songs, would belong here too.

but they could have made the proportions different. guitar skill seems to make up 40% max of the position, which explains cobain n ramone.

Very hard yo believe that Rory Gallagher is not on this list. He should be up there with Hendrix. Listened to the Allman Brothers then Gallagher - RG had much more vitality and quality in his rock blues playing - check him out on youtube

there are so many greats missing off that list and so many greats in the wrong place its laughable, Everybody always seems to forget Rory Gallagher, a man who turned down the stones.....but then the pursuit of perfection over fame was his passion,
if your looking at metal then dave mustaine & dimebag deserve their place
I personally think Tim Commerford was the driving force within RATM.
Jack Black is just a joke!!!
Eric Clapton I think was at his best when he played with John Maylls Blues breakers.......

How about Terry Kath of Chicago. Hendrix himself declared Kath the best guitarist in the world. IMO not the best, but certainly top 20.

And for women, what about Nancy Wilson of Heart? I can't see Neil Young playing the intro to "Crazy on You"...

Yes Petrucci should be there. Steve Lukather too.

Jack White deserves to be on the list if johnny ramone and kurt cobain are on it. Ball and a biscuit is a great guitar song. my real problem with the list is where is prince? often overlooked because of his pop roots prince is an amazing guitarist. Check out any of his live preformances or the 2004 rock n roll hall of fame concert and watch tom pettys jaw drop.

Lots of comments here, and I've been plowing through them. It seems as if RS needed to at leadt give a nod to more current bands with some of their picks. One guy that did not make the list and whose name I have yet to see mentioned: David Lindley. Most of us would know him only for his slide or fiddle work with Jackson Brown, such as the searing steel break on Red Neck Friend. But he has a great body of work. duets with Ry cooder. He's been touring for a few years with various drummers - Wally Ingram, Hanni Nasser. His work with el Rayo-X is beautiful. Very melodic, maybe a little too ska or reggae for all tastes, but the "prince of polyester" brings it every time he hits the stage. For some reason (and I bet most of us can guess at it) he is unable to land a recording contract.

I saw Vernon Reid play live back in college. A bunch of friends saw Living Colour at the University of New Hampshire back in 1989 or 1990. He was beyond belief. I think they recorded a new album in 2010.

Clapton's new self-titled album is "killer". Best in years!!

Some great names from the past but what about the new crop of talent. I would like to offer my personal favourite. I saw Hendrix first gig in the UK and the first ever gig of The Cream in a small club in England and have played the blues guitar for 50+ years. recently I came across a young girl called Chantel McGregor and can honestly say she is a better guitarist than either Jimi or Eric were at the same age.
Big Praise but have a look at the solo at 2.50 on Red House http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md5f1egwgSI
and the silky melodic early piece followed by the shredding in SRV,s Lenny at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD5-QSVU58g
I have no vested interest in Chantel but just want to spread the word and get her onto peoples lists..

http://www.elle.com/content/edit/513016/1

you should have put yngwie malmsteen at least in the top 50. anyways people check him out on youtube and hes not one of those people who sounds great on recordings he also sounds quite good live.

Kurt Cobain was not a great guitarist. Sure, he was a decent songwriter, but he hasn't done any noteworthy solos.

Now, Eddie Van Halen? Being at number 70 is an insult. Switch Kurt and Eddie round, if you will.

Time for my personal favourites. The two inspirational, phenomenal, fiery-lickin guitarists that both died a tragic death: Randy Rhoads and Dimebag Darrell. Have you seen Rhoads' playing on the fretboard? His fingers set the guitar ablaze, and his incredible licks beat the ass out of Kurt Cobain. He puts style and feeling into his playing, although socially and physically he was rather numb. But it doesn't matter, Randy spoke to people through his blazing guitar ability and unbelievable talent. Listen to the solos on Crazy Train and Mr Crowley. Not unbelievably fast, but still incredible and skilful enough to put Rhoads in the spotlight. The only problem was, he was shy, making him incredibly underrated. He never really spoke much or showed off, although he did show his true potential through The Blizzard Of Oz. Shame he didn't unleash his power in Quiet Riot so much, though.

Dimebag Darrel: The metal guitarist with a taste for rock. He used to spider around the fretboard, dominating the neck with his Dimebag Harmonics and squeals. He was shot by some bastard at a show, i believe. Jealousy is a bitch. Anyway, these are both dazzling guitar players that had unstoppable talent and endless potential. Rhoads deserves to be around number 20 and Darrell deserves a high place on the list.

Quite interesting how listology goes in phases. Way back every new comment seemed to be about trance or at least electronic music. Then the arguments between scaruffists and beatles fans reached a head. These days it seems to be constant opinions regarding these rolling stones lists. Must admit I find these ones the most boring. Everyone knows rolling stone magazine is wrong all the time anyway. They make pitchfork look like the world's biggest experts.

dis list is shit........lol...Cobain at no 12 nd gilmour at 82....

What about Alex Liefson of Rush, he should be in the top 10. RS Mag is a phoney piece of fish wrapper...Joe Satriani, Mark Farner, Why isn't Richie Blackmore in the top 20? They have Lou Reed and Joan Jett in the top 100???? & Jonathon Fripp??? lol all three are a joke!! Rossington/Collins??? Billy Gibbons??? Why aren't these 3 players there?? Rolling Stone Mag sucks!

No Alex Liefson, no Stevie Vai, no Lynard Skynard dudes, no ZZ Top? Rolling Stone tops the list of "Worst List Ever"

Hey, 9 years later and the list still lives! It goes to show you that there's no greater force in the universe than guitarists argueing over who is better! Just wanted to update a few things, when I ragged on Jack White, it was 2003. They had only 1 decent album out. I wouldn't be as harsh now. Still think he's too high though. Everyone's comments are very insightful. Goes to show you that even when everyone has a different opinion, most people can get together and see the truth in what other people say. I also want to say that I absolutely love Neil Young, but I still don't think he's a top 100 guitar player. Another criteria for the list, if you don't play lead guitar in your own band, you can't be on the list. This knocks off Joan Jett (who I still like in leather) and Keith Richards among others.

Yeah. I think it's hard to say really what makes a great guitarist. By any measure, though, I think Rolling Stone's list is inconsistent with itself. There is no set of criteria that explain the list.

The longer I have played, the more I have come to view playing lead as wanking. The meat is in the rhythm, the song structure, the riffing. So, I would never disqualify a guy who didn't play ripping or tasty leads. I think Keith Richards definitely belongs on the list. Someone like Satriani may not. My opinion. Ultimately, did you move the craft forward in some way?

If you do count leads, one well-placed note from The Edge might be as good as a noodling harmonic minor loaf of Paganinni from Malmsteen. Really, it comes down to what is memorable, what makes your hair stand on end.

I agree 100% with vince1961 - it's a travesty that Don Felder is not on this list, and also that he hasn't been mentioned by anyone else other than us two. He's been highly rated by other players for years, and watching him and Joe Walsh playing together is mesmerising. Joe's a fabulous player too so should also be on the list, and a fair way up at that.

As for David Gilmour being right down at #82 - that's laughable, I just can't see the logic in that at all. Whoever created this list can't have an ear for a good guitarist, that's all I can say.

kenny burrell, larry coryell, oscar moore, al demiola, does anybody listen to jazz. what about tommy bolin, david lindley, dave mason or rick derringer(check out the slide work on steely dans showbiz kids). this is a list for under educated listeners that have only been exposed to commercial stuff. there are at least 25 guitar players in vegas alone who make someone like cobain look like an amature. widen your horizens and listen to some real music.

Stevie Ray Vaughan was way better than seven. Listen to some of his stuff. It's incredible. And where is slash? I know people don't like him; he's sloppy and all that. But he's an amazing soloist who has a feel for delivering a solo that will make the song. Listen to November Rain, Estranged. The solos are incredible. And Eddie Van Halen is way underrated here. Again, I know people don't like him but he was so clean and fast with his solos. And if you listen carefully you can also tell he had an untouchable sense of rhythm.

Just learned of this list from a different link. I was so pleased to see that many writers insisted that Alvin Lee was Missing. Are they Kidding: he should have been in the top 15, also noted that Mark Knopfler, tremendous guitarist. I agree with many of the selections, but not George Harrison and Keith Richards, they're good but not in the top 100.

Very bias folks at RS! Why is Mr. Chet Atkins not in the top ten ???????

Some great comments. A few suggestions for the list:

Terry Kath of Chicago, Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, Joe Walsh of The James Gang and the Eagles.

Also, it's important to remember that rock music had only existed for about 5 years when George Harrison and the Beatles started in the late 50s, so his work is often underrated. And that none of the people on the list would have ever played guitar if it hadn't been for the creativity of the great blues guitarists that came before them.

Ok first thing....get jimi Hendrix out of first and put Duane there. Second......dickey betts should be in the top ten.

And third.....and probably the most important......where the hell is toy Caldwell?! He's not even on the list and he easily deserves the top 15.

Also where's coco Montoya? He deserves the top 30 and he's not even on the list.

Also John renbourn deserves a spot on there somewhere.

Feels weird commenting on such an old piece of, well, crap, to be honest. My first objection is unmerited high postings for certain people, and low ratings or no ratings at all for some other ones. Yes, I am a fan of GnR, Dire Straits and Queen, but Slash is one of the great bluesmen, and can whip up a gritty and sexy rock song like few others. Mark Knopfler is simply awesome and Brian May often underrated. Not putting Slash in there and Knopfler (or Zappa!) so low is completely criminal. Totally messed up criteria.

My other objection is, and that goes for fellow commentators, complete blindness for anything outside the English speaking area. So sad. My suggestion to all of you is Vlatko Stefanovski from Macedonia (former Yugoslav republic of), a man honored by Knopfler himself. His solo work, work with his band Leb i sol (bread and salt, a traditional orthodox greeting) and with other musicians from the region and the world is amazing. Such feel, such diversity in musical styles, and perfect technique are rarely found anywhere. Check him out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_pJoFbKDug

See for yourselves, there's plenty of him on the web!

WTF!!!!! Eddie Van Halen at 70, HE IS TOP 3 MATERIAL!!!! thats just not right, Kirk Hammet, what an f***ing joke!!! James Hetfield does more lead than him. and WHY THE F*** ISNT DIMEBAG DARRELL ON THIS F***ING LIST!!!!! the "officials" at rolling stones are F***ING retards and I bet they've never even picked up a guitar in their life.

Mark Knopfler is great. I also like Doc Watson, Baden Powell (Brazilian from the bossa nova era), Django Reinhardt, Eric Clapton, and my dear Chet Atkins. Check out any duet with Chet on YouTube for a sample of what the master could do. Not in the Top 100, even? Unbelievable, sorry. Guess he didn't play loud enough.

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I'm an old guy and I have heard lots of guitar players but there are a lot of them on this list I have never heard of. I'm sure we all have our favorites depending on the music we enjoy. A couple of names that surprised me that were missing were, of course, Ted Nugent also Neal Schon of Journey and the blues guitarist Walter Trout. Back in his heyday Peter Frampton was pretty impressive also.

I know this list is a matter of opinion and different tastes in music play a huge role, but in my opinion the absence of Rory Gallagher is truly remarkable. I myself am Irish and Rory is underrated even in this country, its incredible how many Irish people have not heard of him. Yet I would have expected more from Rolling Stone. Just out of curiosity does anyone else agree?

Agree with just about everything. EVH should be top 5. Nuno Bettencourt is a superior technoflash guitar player than Kirk Hammett will ever be.
One omission worth a note. The legendary Todd Rundgren. Often overlooked as a guitar player but his work on Bat Out of Hell alone is worth a mention. His work over the years with Utopia and also his solo work is often sublime.

The RS list is insane !

Lists always bring out great arguments and are colored by personal favorites. Agree with many postings regarding ratings that are just too f&%*$#$% high (Cobain????????????? - give me a break) Couple of names I have not seen mentioned so here is my two cents:

Leo Kottke
Michael Hedges

Not rock guitarists but possess mind-blowing talent and styles that very few can replicate.

I'm skeptical of all lists and statistics. Rolling Stone has been a joke-of-a-clown-rag for many years now.

Lenny Breau
Mark knopfler
Official guitarist, Chet Atkins
Pat Metheny
I'm very glad Robert Randolph made the list. He's awesome.
Where is Segovia?
Satriani
Michael Hedges
Leo Kottke

Way too many to list.

I am a classic rock fanatic, and love anything Hendrix, Page, or Vaughan for that matter, However I still have respect for Hammett and I guess Iommi and those fellas. However, I have a problem with a lot of this list. First of all, where is Satriani? The dude is an animal on guitar and has been around for quite a while recording good quality music. And the Ramones? Really? I could teach a toddler how to play most of their music. I love B.B. King, however I think he should be more in the teens. He can't sing and play at the same time, which some would argue is his style, but for me it hurts his value. I also think Duane Allman should be down a little bit lower, and I know he's a fantastic slide guitarist, but it's just my opinion and I never really liked the Allman Brothers TOO much, which I'll probably get crucified for saying, but oh well.

Also something I was GLAD that was excluded from the list was players like Malmsteen and Vai and Batio. There are two things I hate in the world. Posers and players like Malmsteen. Actually, there isn't much of a difference between the two.

no Rory Gallagher???? hes gota be in this... nirvana must have music ive never heard.. Gilmore top 5 at least and has got t be above eric clapton.. eddie van halen top ten EASY.. Dimebag any1??...

Jack White may not deserve a spot as high as 17 (maybe somewhere in the 20s or 30s), but he definitely deserves to be on this list. Have you ever even listened to his stuff before? The Raconteurs? The White Stripes? He's the savior of music for this generation. Show the guy some respect. He's working his ass off so music snobs like yourself can have something to relate to.

Jimmy Page is sloppy? Have you ever SEEN him play before? That isn't what I call sloppy. In my opinion, he's better than Hendrix.

But you were right about one thing: Brian May deserves a much higher spot. Why in the hell Kurt Cobain is ahead of Eddie Van Halen, Joe Perry, and Brian May is something I'll never stand. Rolling Stones fails at having a good opinion on music.

I understand that all of you have your own list (in fact, I have my own too), but this list isn't list of guitarist which have best techique or fastest shreders or maybe "feel" guitarist(you got the point). This is the list of guitairst which are major influence to every generations. So comparing guitar skills of Joey Ramone, Neil Young and Eddie Van Halen is just stupid (this is just example). Then Hendrix wouldn't be first, and list would be completely different. You have to have in mind before making stupid replies. My comment for the list is: moreless list is right.

Sorry for my bad english :)

I think a lot of you are underestimating Tom Morello's actual input with Rage Against the Machine. It's not just the heavy riffs in the background, but all those screeching, squeeking, beeping noises you hear that you probably think is a DJ. 100% of RAtM's music is generated by Vocals, Guitars, Bass, and Drums. No DJ, no synthesizer, just a mad scientist of a guitar player who makes some unbelievable noise. I think you should give the solo on "Know Your Enemy" another listen.

And I agree the omission of Dimebag Darrell is tragic. That man summoned demons with his guitar just to make them scream.

Joe Satriani is superlative("If I could Fly", "Flying in a Blue Dream", "Summer Song")

Gary Moore is sublime("The Loner", "Still Got the Blues", "The Prophet")

Joe Bonamassa is phenomenal("Reconsider Baby", "Blues Deluxe", "Long Distance Blues")

The song "If I Had a Woman" by Johnny Mars is mind blowing. I don't think Mars is the guitarist - whoever it is, is outstanding.

If I had to choose one song with the best guitarring in it, it would be "Reconsider Baby" by Joe Bonamassa.

I agree completely with Bonamassa. I got turned on to some of his music recently and he's brilliant.

Does popularity and influence equal brilliance? No. Kurt Cobain was popular and influential - was he a great guitarist? No. Neil Young was popular and influential - was he a great guitarist? No. Joe Bonamassa's technical skill is superior to many of the people on RS's list. Why is he not widely known? Maybe he doesn't market himself well or have the right connections. That does not diminish his ability.

I can't figure out the criteria RS used to make their list.

I suppose the old adage about bad attention is better than no attention still applies. I hadn’t even thought about Rolling Stone in years and then thanks to this, my heads full of them. And it’s now 2011 and it’s still working for them! Credit where credit is due. So if the guy who originally pitched this wasn’t fired after the first several hundred negative comments, he’s probably got someone bringing his coffee to him by now.
As MisterLister pointed out, the problem is, all this is so subjective. 100 is a low number to start with without a time reference. I have nothing in common with guys who started listening even 20 years ago, and of course they aren’t interested in the guys who came first. I don’t even consider Metal to be Rock and Roll. I’m not saying it isn’t, just pointing an example of criteria differences. Was the list about proficiency or originality? I’ll have to see if this spawned narrower searches. Thanks Rolling Stone. This has been fun.

My Top 100

1) Jimmy Page
2) Jimi Hendrix
3) Joe Satriani
4) Frank Zappa
5) Brian May
6) Chuck Berry
7) Eddie van Halen
8) Steve Vai
9) Yngwie Malmsteen
10) Paul Gilbert
11) Alexi Laiho
12) Alvin Lee
13) Herman Li
14) Sam Totman
15) Jeff Beck
16) Eric Clapton
17) Duane Allman
18) Dickey Betts
19) Stevie Ray Vaughn
20) Ritchie Blackmore
21) Robert Johnson
22) Mark Knopfler
23) Zakk Wylde
24) Dave Mustaine
25) Slash
26) John Petrucci
27) Buckethead
28) Tony Iommi
29) Dimebag Darrell
30) Eric Johnson
31) Peter Green
32) B.B. King
33) Synyster Gates
34) Carlos Santana
35) Ry Cooder
36) Warren Haynes
37) Richie Sambora
38) Dave Murray
39) Allen Collins
40) John 5
41) Randy Rhoads
42) Django Reindhart
43) Eddie Hazell
44) Jack White
45) T-Bone Walker
46) Julian Bream
47) John McGlaughlin
48) Angus Young
49) Paul Kossoff
50) Stan Webb
51) David Gilmour
52) John Fahey
53) Janick Gers
54) Carl Verheyen
55) Frank Gambale
56) Larry Carlton
57) Steve Kahn
58) Jerry Reid
59) Joe Walsh
60) Joe Bonamassa
61) Adrian Smith
62) Michael Schenker
63) Billy Gibbons
64) Gary Moore
65) Jim Root
66) Vernon Reid
67) Pete Townshend
68) George Lynch
69) Matt Bellamy
70) Derek Trucks
71) Jeff Loomis
72) Alex Lifeson
73) Johnny Winter
74) Dick Dale
75) Trey Anastasio
76) Steve Howe
77) Danny Gatton
79) Les Paul
80) Roy Buchanan
81) Joe Perry
82) Tom Morello
83) Keith Richards
84) Kirk Hammett
85) Dave Davies
86) Ace Frehley
87) Glenn Tipton
88) Al Di Meola
89) Rory Gallagher
90) Andy Summers
91) Steve Lukather
92) Tommy Bolin
93) Eddie Clarke
94) Scott Gorham
95) Robert Fripp
96) Steve Cropper
97) K.K. Downing
98) Rick Parfitt
99) Don Felder
100) Ted Nugent

How 'bout adding Leo Kottke to this list?
Check out Junior Brown ("surf medley")- maybe not platinum, but he is alive and incredibly fun to listen to...!

"14 Jeff Beck - Great player. Small amount of impressive recorded work. Besides Blow by Blow, not a lot of listenable stuff."

Not a lot of listenable stuff.
Wow. Now THAT was a pretty ignorant comment.

Jeff Beck is known not only for his techniche and virtuosity but also for his musicality. If you're not a big fan of fusion, jazz and funk, you might not appreciate all of his work, but call it 'not listenable'? please.
Besides Blow by Blow, there's Wired, which also got the platinum status. 4 other records, with the Jeff Beck Group, gained gold status. Between 1985 and 2003, he made 4 grammy-winner albums.

So, please, do more research and listen to Beck more before saying such a blasphemy.

Robin Trower ? Jose Feliciano ? Joe Satriani ? Eric Johnson - maybe ? Johnny Lee Hooker ? Frank Marino ? 100 spots and some of the guys shouldnt even be on the list at all.who made the choices? Les Paul and Zappa should be higher and the guy who said Hendrix is overrated is the biggest moron on earth.

Okay, I'm going to give some reasons why Slash should be on the list and why he should be high:

>He was awesome
>Guns N Roses wouldn't have been real without him, because of his rhythms, which sounded AWESOME in their songs I've heard
>He was featured in Guitar Hero 3, and any guitarist featured in a video game is obviously good enough
>He has millions of fans, and it shows
>Served in Velvet Revolver and Slash's Snakepit, which also sounded awesome because of his guitar rhythms

So you see, Slash should've been on the list, and he should've been high, at least the top twenty; no... top 13!

@musicfan considering that two of your reasons are "he's awesome" and "he's in a video game" I have reached the conclusion that you know nothing about music. Slash is only popular because of Guitar Hero nowdays, which is a shame first of all because it is such a poor representation of a playing real guitar. Secondly, he is extrememly sloppy and his riffs, with the exeption of a few, are very uninspired. Most overrated guitar player in history.

Just saying, but anyone else think Tom Petty should be somewhere on the list?

You're right @Purplehaze.1970. What do I know? Exactly: NOTHING.

Any guitarists list without Rory Gallagher in it should be discarded as the steaming pile of shiat that it is. Agree with others, Zappa definitely top 10. Kurt Cobain or Ramone's head would have exploded if they even attempted some of Frank's works.

My top ten not in any particular order except for number one.

1. Dave Gilmour

Jimi Hendrix
Larry Carlton
Mark Knofpler
Slash
George Benson
Richie Blackmore
Jimmy Page
Eric Clapton
Don Felder

Jack White deserves to be on here, he's an amazing player.

Now Eddie Van Halen is too low, that's a damn joke.

No Eric Johnson?

I can't see Allen Collins, he played some legendary stuff, Free Bird's ending solo is just unbelievable.

I think Randy Rhoads should be on this list too. I know he died young but he was phenomenal playing with Ozzy. I agree that Eddie Van Halen should be in the top 10 at least. I also think that Stevie ray Vaughan should be higher. He brought the blues back to the fore front and he sang with his guitar. He too died too soon.

Don't forget Tommy Bolin. Greatest Echoplex Guitar Player of All Times on James Gang Bang and Billy Cobham's Spectrum and Alphonse Mouzon's Mind Transplant.

Joe Satriani should be on the list.
He taught Kirk Hammett and Steve Vai HOW TO PLAY GUITAR.

ORIANTHI is WAY BETTER than JOAN JETT.

Dave Mustaine, John Petrucci, Dimebag Darrell, Kerry King, Jeff Hahnemann, Glen Tipton of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden trio should be on the list. They're all GODS!!!

Slash should be placed on the list. He's a loser but I think he's better than at least 40 other losers on the list.

"11 Kirk Hammett of Metallica - Some great stuff. Some crappy stuff. Would I put him this high? Probably not. Master of Puppets is a great guitar album though." ---CORRECTION: MASTER OF PUPPETS IS THE MUTHERFUKIN' BEST GUITAR ALBUM OF ALL-TIME---

Overrated losers: Johnny Ramone, Eric Clapton, Kurt Cobain, George Harrison, Joan Jett.

Alright. People I can who make way more money that are obviously more stupid than I am. First of all. Kobain, Ramone, Jett, gone. Secondly additions. Zakk Wylde. Randy Rhoads, Alex Lifeson, me if your puttin Kobain on there I can play and sing every Nirvana song. Let's see Billy Gibbons. No love for the Maiden boys? C'mon theyre better than half the people on here. Jack White is tough to gauge. Top 20 he is not. Top 100 maybe. Especially if the Radiohead guys are in there. Robbie Roberston deserves a tiny bit of credit. Obviously Angus and Van Halen need some boost. Take note that Clapton hired Allman to help him refine his skill. SRV great feel so much soul. One of my top 5. Played the heaviest gauged strings on the market. Jimmy Page needs to be in that 5. He is absolutely fantastic. Alex Lifeson by the way is one of Kirk Hammet's idols. Think about that.