Rolling Stone Lists Greatest Guitar Players

[Cereal]

Rolling Stone magazine along with a "panel of experts" has put out a list of the 10 greatest guitar players of all time.

Agreements? Disagreements? Additions? Subtractions?

The full list will be featured in a special issue with four special covers of Van Halen, Clapton, Hendrix and Page, and will be on newsstands and online at www.rollingstone.com on Friday. Rolling Stone's top 10 greatest guitarists follow:

1. Jimi Hendrix
2. Eric Clapton
3. Jimmy Page
4. Keith Richards
5. Jeff Beck
6. B.B. King
7. Chuck Berry
8. Eddie Van Halen
9. Duane Allman
10. Pete Townshend

I don't understand Eric Clapton on the list at all. Personally I think Jimmy Page should have been #1, followed by Eddie Van Halen. I also think Pete Townshend was more show than go.

[ACofOntario]

Jack White is missing. He's a more recent guitarist, but he definitely belongs there.

Personally, I'd throw in Joni Mitchell, if only for her uniqueness.

[marsavalanche]

Jack White is missing. He's a more recent guitarist, but he definitely belongs there.

Personally, I'd throw in Joni Mitchell, if only for her uniqueness.

Jack White?

Ahahahahha

Humor aside I expect this thread to be full of incessant whining from people born after Hendrix died writing about how overrated the likes of him and everyone else from his generation are compared to Vai, Satriani, et al.  going to be difficult though to top someone nominating a dude more famous for dressing like a peppermint and bad bond songs than guiter playing.

Begin!

[SpaceRook]

I think the list is a combination of technical skill and popular appeal, which is fine.  But no Stevie Ray Vaughn? 

And if you are going to list players *purely* on skill, how can you leave Steve Vai off the list?  When he was playing with Frank Zappa, he'd ask fans to bring their most difficult sheet music to the concert, and he would sight read it on the spot.  Dude is a monster.

I also think Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains is quite good. 

[Cereal]

Jack White is missing. He's a more recent guitarist, but he definitely belongs there.

Personally, I'd throw in Joni Mitchell, if only for her uniqueness.

Jack White?

Ahahahahha

Humor aside I expect this thread to be full of incessant whining from people born after Hendrix died writing about how overrated the likes of him and everyone else from his generation are compared to Vai, Satriani, et al.  going to be difficult though to top someone nominating a dude more famous for dressing like a peppermint and bad bond songs than guiter playing.

Begin!

Wow!!!

I think the list isn't compiled based on talent alone. There's probably a ton of guitar players out there who can play the pants off of any of them. I think this list is supposed to represent guitarists who fundamentally caused a shift in guitar playing.

No doubt Vai and Satriani were crazy talented, but I don't think they changed music.

My opinion.

For that matter, I think Roy Clark should be on the list!

[ACofOntario]

Jack White is missing. He's a more recent guitarist, but he definitely belongs there.

Personally, I'd throw in Joni Mitchell, if only for her uniqueness.

Jack White?

Ahahahahha

Humor aside I expect this thread to be full of incessant whining from people born after Hendrix died writing about how overrated the likes of him and everyone else from his generation are compared to Vai, Satriani, et al.  going to be difficult though to top someone nominating a dude more famous for dressing like a peppermint and bad bond songs than guiter playing.

Begin!

I happen to be a Hendrix fan. I went through a big phase listening to Zeppelin, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, and Clapton in high school.  But to laugh off Jack White like you just did is to be clinging too strongly to past masters. Jack White has been consistently awesome since he started making music in the late 90s.

I was going to add Adam Jones of Tool... naturally, since It's my favourite band.

You don't have to be an expert to have a subjective opinion on the best guitarists of all time.  In fact, besides making an arrogant and aloof speculation you didn't even contribute, troll.

Jack White has to be the best current (not living) guitarist. He has a million awesome songs. You should watch the movie/doco It Might Get Loud.

My point exactly.

[Cereal]

Jack White has to be the best current (not living) guitarist. He has a million awesome songs. You should watch the movie/doco It Might Get Loud.

Thanks! Consider it watched. Embarrassed to say I have never heard of him.

[marsavalanche]

Wow!!!

I think the list isn't compiled based on talent alone. There's probably a ton of guitar players out there who can play the pants off of any of them. I think this list is supposed to represent guitarists who fundamentally caused a shift in guitar playing.

No doubt Vai and Satriani were crazy talented, but I don't think they changed music.

My opinion.

For that matter, I think Roy Clark should be on the list!

Do you agree with Hendrix at #1?

[FloridaGator314]

Listing Clapton over Page is ridiculous.

[Jrong]

I've always loved the way Hendrix expressed himself through the guitar. My room-mate in college was a big fan of Vai, Satriani, and the rest, but although I found they were technically good, I just didn't feel anything when they played. It all seemed so mechanical. Hendrix probably represents the way I'd most love to express myself through guitar. Messy, dynamic, and passionate. I'm surprised Hendrix secured top spot b/c most "learned-guitar-folk" I know would never put him at #1. This topic is making me miss my old Ibanez "Les Paul" lawsuit guitar...

[southcareer]

I have to support the presence of Clapton, and also think White is up there. 

Again, I am devastated to see my name has been left out once again- I thought my rendition of Wonderwall and first 16 bars of the introduction to Nothing Else Matters at Haeundae beach last year would be enough to clinch it.

However, I still think Hendrix is the best.  Ever. 

Compare the opinions of people who listen with people who play- especially those who have made it- done it, been there, got the t shirt.  Hendrix is a god, a bloody beacon.  Technically, when one means speed, there are a few better- but none who also write like him.  His use of powered sound, feedback, rhythm and clean notes is unparalleled.

I love lists like these: music, tv, movies, women, candy bars- it;s the debate they spark.  Of course we all know no-one is 'the best', thankfully we don't have to choose just one.  I love page, I always listen to 'whole lotta love' before I go out for a big night.   

[marsavalanche]

I remember wearing my Hendrix shirt down in San Diego and some old dude came up to me to chat.  Said he saw Hendrix live for $5 and it was the greatest show he's ever seen.

Look up the stuff he did like Isle of Wight... like someone said, Hendrix was so good at EXPRESSING himself through the guitar.

Cracks me up when kids then come in here and compare him to acts like the the raconteurs and chickenfoot. ahahahahaa

[L.H Puttgrass]

Jack White has to be the best current (not living) guitarist. He has a million awesome songs. You should watch the movie/doco It Might Get Loud.

hmmm..... if you really think Jack White is awesome and all, you should be positively blown away by the man he nicked much of his and his band's style from.... Dexter Romweber who played guitar and sang with the Flat Duo Jets.  They predated the White Stripes by a good ten years... and yes, the Flat Duo Jets were just the drummer and Dexter.  In  addition to his guitar chops, he sang with more soul than any white man i've ever heard..

[alwaysgood]

Keith Richards doesn't belong on the list.  I vote to replace him with Rory Gallagher or Carlos Santana.   You can't take these lists seriously though.  They're just trying to sell magazines.  I remember a few years ago they did a top guitarists list and put Kurt Cobain on the cover. 

But really, I can't wait until Rolling Stone dies off with the rest of the magazine industry.

[L.H Puttgrass]

Jack White has to be the best current (not living) guitarist. He has a million awesome songs. You should watch the movie/doco It Might Get Loud.

hmmm..... if you really think Jack White is awesome and all, you should be positively blown away by the man he nicked much of his and his band's style from.... Dexter Romweber who played guitar and sang with the Flat Duo Jets.  They predated the White Stripes by a good ten years... and yes, the Flat Duo Jets were just the drummer and Dexter.  In  addition to his guitar chops, he sang with more soul than any white man i've ever heard..

Didn't Jack White steal much of his schtick from 60s bluegrass?

According to Jack White in interviews he has given on this subject, he admits that his biggest influence in overall style came from (drumroll)..................Dexter Romweber ..
Search out interviews with Jack White to confirm this yourself. IMO he (White Stripes) were trying for that old school garage/bluesy sound pioneered by bands like the Standells, Cynics and later Flat Duo Jets.  Although I love these bands (and many more like them), Flat Duo Jets were the best ... esp. live. 

[#basedcowboyshirt]

Rolling Stone Best-Of lists are the worst things ever.

On an unrelated note, best guitarists from the past 30 years definitely needs to include:

J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.)
Omar Rodríguez-López (The Mars Volta)
John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)


J Mascis is just a behemoth of a guitar player.

[dapto1]

Why is Clapton like coffee?

Because he's crap without Cream.

[Danihel]

generic list is generic.

[Cereal]

Wow!!!

I think the list isn't compiled based on talent alone. There's probably a ton of guitar players out there who can play the pants off of any of them. I think this list is supposed to represent guitarists who fundamentally caused a shift in guitar playing.

No doubt Vai and Satriani were crazy talented, but I don't think they changed music.

My opinion.

For that matter, I think Roy Clark should be on the list!

Do you agree with Hendrix at #1?

Sorry but I don't. I think Page should be #1 and Hendrix #2 with Eddie Van Halen #3.

I love these lists because of what was said before. They spark debate. No one of us is absolutely right or wrong, it's an opinion, and that's what makes things like this so much fun.

I also agree that there is a difference between those who have "done it" and those who have "listened to it" but both opinions have merit. I would respectfully suggest the "done it" gang may have a more valid opinion, however.

I've never played guitar in a band - although I do play a bit. I have managed to put food on my table with my ability to play drums however.

[kiwikimchi]

Rolling Stone Best-Of lists are the worst things ever.

On an unrelated note, best guitarists from the past 30 years definitely needs to include:

J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.)
Omar Rodríguez-López (The Mars Volta)
John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)


J Mascis is just a behemoth of a guitar player.

Glad you mentioned Omar and John.

Frusciante is way too under rated. People should listen to his solo stuff. Personally he is the modern day Jimi.

Polls are pointess to me. Guitarists and music are personal.
Clapton who no doubt is great, is ranked above Frusciante who I connect with the most of any musician I have heard.
Does that make one better than the other? Maybe technically, buy what a musican makes you feel determines what you like the most.

Also, why isn't there any decet music these days?? Just manufactured crap. Old school bands still the best.