Top 3 Greatest Guitarist Ever

[62Dodge_]

Howdy These two are always on my list Edward Van Halen, Jimmy Hendrix. The next one in depending on my mood are Les Paul or Jeff Beck or Chuck Berry. I'm in the John Lennon school of thought that Rock-n-Roll should have been called Chuck Berry.

 

[Coelacanth]

Esteban?

 

[Big bill]

I have been studying this dude ,playing man is it hard stuff to play.

 

[BB BELLA]

^ Likely because he supposedly started guitar playing classical,then you have the guys like jeff healey who have the technique of playing on your lap giving you an extended reach on the neck, playing chords impossible without using your thumb and not having your timing thrown off by the syncopated tits bouncing in front of you!
for you non music guys, syncopated-(of music or a rhythm) characterized by displaced beats or accents so that the strong beats are weak and vice versa.

 

[Hey-O]

 

[YY1]

^ Likely because he supposedly started guitar playing classical,then you have the guys like jeff healey who have the technique of playing on your lap giving you an extended reach on the neck, playing chords impossible without using your thumb and not having your timing thrown off by the syncopated tits bouncing in front of you!
for you non music guys, syncopated-(of music or a rhythm) characterized by displaced beats or accents so that the strong beats are weak and vice versa.

Need visual reference.

 

[Krooser]

Grady Martin...played on inumerable country hits. His work on Marty Robbins "El Paso" is an amazing piece of guitar history.

Tommy Tedesco... as a member of " The Wrecking Crew" he laid down legendary solos on a thousand hit records.

Chet Atkins... no explanation needed.


All three of these players came up with the licks and solos that millions of guitar players copy everyday around the world.

 

[YY1]

Tommy Tedesco also did a ton of 60's TV themes including Batman.

 

[j-c-c-62]

On top what is mentioned, add Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd/Blackfoot

Surprised it took 5 pages before Rick made anyone's list.
And it took 9 pages before Dickie Betts got mentioned.
I am a little biased as I toured with both among others here decades back as sound engineer.
Good times they were, and great memories.
Unlikely ever to be equaled again.

Edit: The good times I am referring to above was the entire rock era music scene, lots of great music and talent

 

[jeepthrills01]

Jimmy Page
Tony Iommi
Dick Dale

 

[Pops1967GTX]

 

[cosgig]

I’m just gonna park this freight train right here for now!

 

[Dodge-Scatpack]

There are so many greats. But my favorites are:

Tony Iommi
Jimmy Page
Jimi Hendrix

 

[Nutso]

I agree with previous posters that most mentioned are amazing. Best ever?

Charlie Christian was an amazing player and an innovator.

Glen Campbell (as mentioned) was a master of the instrument.

Steve Cropper was a bad dude too.

 

[TN Mopar]

Since I retired, I took up the guitar as one of my life's goals
I am not good but as side effect to learning to play I have become a student of the Guitar

Many of you have mentioned some fabulous guitar players who I could never argue with
but I want to add some names to the list

1.) Dweezil Zappa - Dweezil's ability to mimic the styles of many of the greatest guitarists of all time puts him in a class all by himself. He can do his Dad, He can do EVH, He does Hendrix and many others. His concerts are amazing
2.) Warren Haynes - Warren maybe one of the best I have ever seen at bending a guitar string. His bends are always perfectly on pitch and convey so much emotion. Just listen to Soulshine. He was probably one of the best concerts I have had the good fortune of seeing
3.) Jake Cinninger - Lead Guitarist for Umphrey's McGee. His ability to jam on a regular basis is exactly what powers a Jam Band. The speed of his fingers is exceptional


In the past 2 years I have been able to see all of the above
and some honorable mentions:
Derek Trucks, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons,

I kick myself regularly for taking up guitar so late in life
My old fingers will never be fast enough to play like I want to
But thanks to a very good friend and a very Good teacher
I have learned to appreciate the guitar, Guitarists and Music better than I ever have