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The real Guitar Heroes: Top 10 rock guitarists ever

Tuesday, 31 March 2009

eddie_1986From the full article at nydailynews.com:

In honor of the release of ‘Guitar Hero: Metallica’, the News shredded all conventions to name our list of the top ten rock guitarists ever. Did Hendrix, Clapton or Van Halen get the top spot? Did Slash get cut from the list? Did metal guitarists like Steve Vai and Randy Rhoads get their due?

Fans surely won’t agree with all of our choices, so feel free to rock out with our poll and make your own choice for the best axe-wielder of all time.

No. 10: Neil Young
No. 9: Kirk Hammett
No. 8: Carlos Santana
No. 7: Randy Rhoads
No. 6: Stevie Ray Vaughan
No. 5: Jeff Beck
No. 4: Eric Clapton
No. 3: Jimmy Page
No. 2: Eddie Van Halen
No. 1: Jimi Hendrix

Back in the days when Van Halen, a staple on the ’70s L.A. club scene, had yet to sign a record deal, Eddie Van Halen used to play his solos with his back to the audience - so they couldn’t see his trademark fret work. Even if they could see what he was doing, they would have trouble keeping up. His tapping, use of sound effects and long solos are still immediately recognizable - even though most ’80s metal guitarists have been influenced by his style.


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74 Responses to “The real Guitar Heroes: Top 10 rock guitarists ever”

  1. Joey says:

    Neil Young but no Steve Vai…..huh….

  2. Scottso says:

    Not a bad list. Hendrix usually gets the top spot in most polls. Personally, I was never into Jeff Beck. And Neil Young is more reknown as a singer/songwriter than a guitar hero.

    Sadly, Eddie produces as much new music as Jimi does.

  3. Kenny in Florida says:

    What makes me mad is that Chuck Berry is never on these lists. He invented the rock guitar hero. None of these other guitarists would be here if he hadn’t set the standards for a rock and roll guitarist. He made the rock and roll guitarist the star, up front in the mix, made the solo an important part of a song and showed that the guitarist could be the songwriter and leader. He is never in any guitarist top ten and that is sad cause he revolutionized, set standards and was popular. That should put him in any top 10 (I know this is off the VH topic, but I had to say this). Also as far as vai is concerned, he is a great guitarist but he doesn’t really meet any of the standards for a list like this. Just a good guitarist and a band member, not really a legend.

  4. Erick says:

    Never got it what’s so good about Jimi Hendrix, but I guess the whole world always agrees with him in first place, so that’s where he is.

    Good to see EVH at 2

  5. JVH says:

    For EVERYTHING he’s done with the guitar, it would be nice to see Ed top the polls once in a while -no offense to Jimi whatsoever!

  6. TK says:

    What??? No C.C. DeVille???? What an outrage.

  7. Coyoteface says:

    But what if…Jimi Hendrix hadn’t died at the age of 27?

    Oh well, the polls tells me to listen to Hendrix more often and play less Van Halen. So that’s what I am going to do.

    *cough*

  8. J5150C says:

    I really think that Hendrix was great and all, but we need to ask ourselves where the creativity lies and who actually inspired more guitarists? They should make a poll where people are asked who inspired you to play and why? And for the none-guitarists, they should be asked who they consider to be the all time best and WHY also. They should do that poll here. But then again, if it’s done here, we know EVH will win. He should win regardless of the site!

  9. jmd says:

    Rearranging this top 10…
    10 Young
    9 Beck
    8 Hammett
    7 Santana
    6 Rhoads
    5 Page
    4 Clapton
    3 SRV
    2 Jimi
    1 EVH

  10. chris says:

    Kirk Hammett? Really? Gimmie a break.

  11. Juan Bodley says:

    I’m glad to see a guy (shortlived as his career was) like Randy Rhoads getting his due on a list like this.
    Everybody should remember though that any list like this will inevitably piss people off.

    I’m just waiting to see what EVH will do when he gets the boyz in the studio and rips out another disc. We’ve been waiting too FRICKIN’ LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  12. dave says:

    Neil Young SUCKS! Where’s Angus if they want a Young? Hammett? Come on. I’d take Tony Iommi over him any day. Need Mr. Malmsteen on here too. This list looks more like a popularity list.

  13. RickieVanWhalen says:

    Hendrix tops the list once again… snooze! Political correctness gone wrong once again.

    Was this guy neil young guy, or any other one listed, ever voted guitar playing of the year so many times that he was removed from the polling? I am tired of the disrespect for the king.

    Snooze again. Where is the new music?

  14. RickieVanWhalen says:

    Bye the way, Richie Blackmore smokes at least 3 guys on this list.

  15. bill says:

    Longevity=Van Halen!

  16. Joe says:

    I just don’t get Hendrix at the top spot. Never have, never will. I like some of his stuff, but overall I think the way he played was just sloppy…just my opinion of course. If Eddie continued to play like he did after Dave first left, he’d get the top spot.

  17. mad anthony says:

    Where’s the guitarist from chickenfoot?

  18. Rick VH says:

    I agree on the “political correctness” comment.

    You can bet that if Eddie was the one who died young, and Hendrix was still alive today, Eddie would top most of these lists, not Hendrix.

    People always have more respect for musicians that have passed away than they do for people who are still here. I would argue that even though Eddie is extremely popular, he is still underated.

  19. pete says:

    wow,another top 10 list.

  20. Vanbarbee says:

    Okay so here’s my take on the list. Jimi at the top is great, I’d personally like to see Page take the spot but fair enough. Eddie of course deserves a top 3. Clapton was Eddie’s greatest influence, and of course a great artist so I’ll agree with putting him on the list, but I’d rather see him with 10. I do not agree with Beck being up there, and would much rather like to see Chuck Berry take the spot, or something later on. SRV should be high, probably 4th. Rhoads was a great guitarist, but I’m just not sure if his short-lived (no offense, peace be with ya man) career allows him a spot on this list. Santana remains a great guitarist and I’m fine with his positioning. Many won’t agree with Kirk Hammett being on the list, but with all the success his riffs and solos brought to Metallica he definitely deserves it. And finally, Niel Young. NO. So, here’s my take on what the list should be…as well as a song that will prove their abilities should you want to argue it…included Slash because of his technical skill, and for having EVH as one of his greatest influences.

    1. Jimmy Page - Black Dog
    2. Edward Van Halen - 316~Mean Street~Cathedral~Eruption
    3. Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze
    4. Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy
    5. Slash - Paradise City
    6. Carlos Santana - Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
    7. Randy Rhoads - Crazy Train
    8. Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode
    9. Kirk Hammett - One
    10. Eric Clapton - Crossroads

  21. Bocephus says:

    Re-rearranging the Top Ten…

    10 Carlos Santana
    9 Jeff Beck
    8 Mark Knoffler
    7 Randy Rhoads
    6 Jimi Hendrix
    5 Stevie Ray Vaughn
    4 David Gilmour
    3 Jimmy Page
    2 Eddie Van Halen
    1 Eric Clapton

  22. scott says:

    boy there is alot of good guitars missing criss oliva jake e lee ronni le tekro john petrucci and the list goes on!

  23. Jim says:

    EVH gets screwed yet again. This guy never can get a break. He is clearly #1. Yet he always gets bumped for Hendrix. Hendrix didn’t influence 10% of the people that EVH did. Hendrix would only dream of the success that EVH has had.

  24. Brian says:

    Hendrix doesn’t deserve top bill…no how. Paco De Lucia, Al Dimeola, John McLaughlin, Sabicas and many others should’ve been considered for #1 spot. If we are to judge guitar talent on technical guitar playing ability and composition, Hendrix falls FAR short of top ten. Hendrix was sloppy and his riffs / structure were dissonant contrasted to the other guitarist represented. VH certainly deserves to be in top 5 with those aforementioned. It just amazes me that Hendrix’ name keeps coming up as number 1…is everybody tone deaf?? There are MANY guitar players out there that are more innovative, enjoyable to listen to than Hendrix - a name that comes to mind is Peter Frampton….highly underrated as a guitarist, but this chap can really jam - with the best of ‘em. Satriani is another. Neil Young as a guitarist is popular but is he as technically astute on guitar as Beck, Santana or even Clapton? No. I don’t think so.

  25. Kevin says:

    Neil Young???? NO WAY. There are countless guitarists better than him.

    And Jimi Hendrix - Top 5 yes, but #1? No. too cliche. and besides he was the best OF HIS TIME until, oh let me think, what was his name…. oh yeah Eddie Van Halen! Jimi could never have the ability that eddie does.

    Guitar Revolutionaries (main) in order

    First there was chuck berry
    then there was jimi
    then there was EVH

    with many great guitarits scattered in between. Those 3 arent necessarily the best (actually i think EVH is though), but they were the three Generation-spawning guitarists, the “guitar heroes”

  26. Yes! says:

    The reason “many guitar players” are more innovative is/was because of Hendrix. Be reminded that he was 40 years ago…and listen to what any of the well respected players from that era had/have to say about Hendrix. It is much of the same that other players said when EVH was first heard. All top 10 lists are highly arguable…like this one. Best? What’s best…technical, innovative, influential …who knows. These are my fav cause they captured my ear and soul the most.

    EVH
    Frehley
    Page
    Hendrix
    Trower
    SRV
    Howe
    B Jones
    Iommi
    Blackmore

    EVH by far my fav

  27. JVH says:

    EVH in his prime was simply the best of all time,period.

  28. Erick says:

    I agree with JVH

  29. ClubfootKolby says:

    Don Henley is better than most of these people on the list

  30. pushtoshove says:

    Les Paul,Chuck Berry,Segovia, and Me .

  31. C'mom says:

    Everyone will always have their own lists. That is why these “best” lists suck. Besides, do have any idea how many great guitarist are out there that are “under the radar” Just enjoy the music, why’s it always a pissing match?

  32. Hey Kenny in Florida says:

    I agree with you 100%!

    Chuck Berry is overlooked. Neil Young? Whatever…..CC Deville, maybe. But what about Alex Lifeson, Angus Young (Ever see this guy live?) That would change your mind. Kirk Hammet? No way!

  33. pushtoshove says:

    Am i The Celebrity Mystery Guess?

  34. Hey Kenny in Florida says:

    With Neil Young on the list, might as well add Paul Stanley and Nancy Wilson.

    What about Ted Fuckin Nugent!

  35. pushtoshove says:

    Neil young plays like his fingers are dicks on ecstasy

  36. ringostore says:

    Eddie should be number one. He has done more with the electric guitar more than anyone. More people have been influenced by him. This is always a stupid list. Kirk Hammet? What a loser and he has never done anything memorable. Neil Young, ha ha ha come on, is this list done by Martha Stewart?

    Actually you want to know who are unrecognised guitar players? How about Pat Benetar’s husband?

  37. John says:

    WRONG

    EVH number 1.

    who the hell made this?
    No Schon? Satriani? MAY? OMGGGGG

    get it sorted :/

  38. Rocko says:

    Neil Young does NOT belong on the list of guitar heroe’s.
    Eddie and Jimi are well deserved on the Top 2.

  39. Rocko says:

    I also agree with John as to why there was no Neal Schon.

  40. T1m says:

    This is actually a pretty good list in my book, not perfect but still a thousand times better than Rolling Stone’s mockery of a “100 greatest guitarists of all time” list.

    Like many here, I don’t understand Neil Young being on the list. I would be interested to hear the people who chose him explain their reasoning.

  41. phil says:

    10. Neil Schon
    9. B.B. King
    8. Jeff Beck
    7. Chuck Berry
    6. Stevie Ray Vaughan
    5. Jimi Hendrix
    4. Randy Rhoades
    3. Jimmy Page
    2. Eddie Van Halen
    1. Eric Clapton

  42. Erick says:

    George Lynch could be in the top 10

  43. phil says:

    Honorable mention: Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

  44. ace5150 says:

    I think Dokken’s George Lynch has always been underrated.

    I always loved his clean sound. If you ever heard him play “Mr Scary”, you would agree.

    Also, if we’re gonna talk about guitarists who died way too young and in their prime than we can’t forget about Eddie’s friend Dimebag Darrel.

    You know you’re good when you impress EVH!!

  45. FULL METAL GENO says:

    Here it is… and to everyone asking about Chuck Berry, B.B. King and the likes… and to why Hendrix is at the bottom of my list it’s simple.

    This is about top ROCK guitarist of all time… not the top blues guitarist ever.

    Now a lot Rock is based on the Blues… but it is in it’s own right it’s own genre and style of music.

    Berry was a good guitarist that inspired players of his age but for what this list represents he doesn’t quite make the cut. And as far as B.B. King goes… who self admittedly claims he can not play a bar chord and knows any scales. I mean come on now… You’ve been playing guitar for 50 yrs and you can’t pull off a bar chord? And when people say, man B.B. can play one note and make it sound like 12 notes. There’s a reason… bc he can’t play 12 notes.

    Hendrix was nothing but a blues guitarist… and when it comes to blues guitarist SRV smokes jimi or anyone else. That cat was beyond amazing and played with way more feel and style than jimi. Hendrix was all more about flash looking like a gipsy on acid (literally) with a shit ton of effects to pull off what he did in the studio.

    I am just sick and tired of non-musicians or anyone without any knowledge of rock guitar coming up with these list and always using the “stock” #1 as Hendrix. It’s like when you see the best guitar solo’s of all time and you have Eddie’s “Eruption” at #2 and Jimmy’s “Stairway to Heaven #1

    Don’t get me wrong… great solo but I think they are taking the entire song as a whole into account instead of just the solo

    bc last I checked when I happen into a guitar shop or look up on youtube I see kids, teenagers and grown ass men doing their best impression of “Eruption” to show that they’ve finally reached the bar that Eddie set so high for us but gave us the inspiration then to one day reach it.

    Eruption is not just the greatest guitar solo ever… but it’s just plain and simple a perfect song that makes you feel like you’ve been abducted by some out of this world space ship and takes your mind on a journey that it’s never been. Then brings you back a new and changed guitarist having been shown things unseen and what the guitar can actually do and transform into when in the hands of an artist

    But in saying all that respect is and always should be shown to the greats that came before… even if they didn’t have much influence on one style of music or individual bc they did the ground work. A lot of us can play “Eruption” fairly well… but none of us could have come up with it.

    Eddie is a once in a millennium kind of musician and artist… and as great as Page, Clapton, Hendrix all the way up to guitarist like Vai and Satrianai they haven’t done combined what Eddie has done for the guitar from inspiring us all to want to be just like him… motivating others to want to do the exact opposite and find their own sound and style. Either way Eddie has influenced rock music and the guitar that hasn’t been felt so heavy since bands like the Beatles, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin changed music with their music. Eddie has also done more for the advancement of the guitar itself from design, tone and practical functionality from it’s playing, pickups, rear loading, tremelos, style & quality control even to the amps he plays them through.

    So Hendrix can have his scarfs, acid trips and lighter fluid and matches… but the guitarist that blew everyone’s away that made you think your mind was on acid when you first heard one of his solo’s and set the guitar world on fire not with a match for flash but instead with his hands and skillful almost effortless playing is King Edward Van Halen.

    No. 10: Jimi Hendrix
    No. 9: David Gilmore
    No. 8: Eric Clapton
    No. 7: Stevie Ray Vaughan
    No. 6: Toni Iommi
    No. 5: Jimmy Page
    No. 4: Randy Rhoads
    No. 3: Dimebag Darrell Abbott (The Idol)
    No. 2: Zakk Wylde (The Legend)
    No. 1: Eddie Van Halen (The King)

  46. Conner says:

    1. Jimmy Page
    2. EVH
    3. Angus Young
    4. Chuck Berry
    5. Hendrix
    6. Randy Rhoads
    7. Jason Becker
    8. Joe Walsh
    9. Joe Satriani
    10. Paul Gilbert

  47. Juca says:

    Where is Blackmore? And Zappa?
    Hammet plays terrible solos.

  48. scott says:

    these lists about greatest guitarists of all time are boring. it’s about the songwriting.

  49. Coyoteface says:

    Top ten’s, Top 20’s, Top 100’s….they are all bs to me. If people are that desperate to fill some pages I suggest they just write an article about the most influential guitar players off all time. Just a list, not a ranking.

    And even that would be quite limited.

  50. EDWARDisTHEbest says:

    Neil Young = no
    Angus Young = yes

    angus is a fantastic guitarist and like (sober) EVH is just as good live as in the studio even now.

    i have seen both AC/DC and Van Halen on their most recent tours and saw very few slips if any in guitar playing from either. For example I’m The One @ my VH show was literally perfect. It gives me the chills listening to it. Also, AC/DC’s epic live version of let there be rock was mind- (and ear-) blowing as well - angus went on for nearly a half hour. never re-using the same stuff over and over again - just 25 minutes of original improv soloing.

    and Eddie’s guitar solo - Oh. My. God. It. Was. Fantastic.

    Ah i went off on a tangent there….

    point is, Angus needs to be on this list. I would put him above Santana, Beck, Hammett (all three are still amazing) and neil young ANY day.

    and of course EVH should be #1

  51. pushtoshove says:

    Randy rhoads,Dimebag Darrel,glenn tipton & KK downing,Adrian Murray ,Jimmy page,Goerge Lynch,The De Leo bros,steve stephens,Def leppards orig guitars,….The list goes on and on

  52. pushtoshove says:

    Friggin Judas Priest!!!!

  53. JP says:

    Kirk Hammett?

  54. Jimmy says:

    Neil young? Can I laugh now.

  55. Buy A Rock Guitar says:

    No Slash, no Via, no Gilmour…..

    What?

  56. classicmill says:

    At some point in time Jack White will need to be added to the list. I’m all over the oldskool dudes, but Jack “The Ripper” knows how to play as well as any of these guys.

  57. Some Guitar Guy says:

    I know, none of you can sleep because of curiosity so here is my personal top 10

    1) EVH
    2) Jimi Hendrix
    3) David Gilmour
    4) Alex Lifeson
    5) Jimmy Page
    6) Steven Rothery
    7) John McLaughlin
    8) The Edge
    9) Joe Satriani
    10) Angus Young

  58. Gary C. says:

    10. Nuno Bettencourt (all right, I’m pushing it but…)
    9. Joe Perry
    8. Carlos Santana
    7. Jeff Beck
    6. Stevie Ray Vaughn
    5. David Gilmour
    4. Jimmy Page
    3. Hendrix
    2. Eric Clapton
    1. Edward Van Halen

    Ed will always be number 1 in my book. Revolutionized guitar playing..EVERYBODY plays like Ed now or at least incorporates something of what he invented.

  59. Luther says:

    Slash saved the world from EVH clones. He also likes record new music more than once every 10 to 15 years!

  60. Willis says:

    It’s about time they made a top 10 with eddie higher then 5, most of the other polls have people that are rip offs of eddie or have’nt achvied as much as eddie. But eddie will all was be better then hendrix and what I hear hendrix use to stuff up alot to.

  61. rocker says:

    what about slash he is great. neil young no way.
    forget kirk hammet. the list should be of
    innovative and creative guitarist.
    EVH, Eric Clapton, Slash, Satch, Ywingie, etc
    no CC deville

  62. Rick Berdeski says:

    OK…so here’s no surprise, BUT if hendrix wasnt dead at age 21 he would have probably petered out like nirvana. My reasoning: Nirvana 2-3 strong albums…jimi the same, both had 7-8 strong songs. BUT listening to cobain in 2009 or JIMI in 1984??? I dont know, I just think they were an “era artists.” Make their position in history and then OVER. No steve Vai? Not a huge fan, but definietly talent and satch? whats up with that? King Edward #1 Page #2 Hendrix #3 etc etc blah blah blah…shit…nickleback guitarist has some sweet licks but VH thats some major talent there kids.

  63. Rockenvelop says:

    My Top 10 list
    1. Eddie Van Halen
    2. Jimmy Page
    3. Jimi Hendrix
    4. Eric Clapton
    5. Jeff Beck
    6. Ritchie Blackmore
    7. Joe Satriani
    8. Steve Lukather
    9. Steve Vai
    10. Yngwie Malmsteen

    Some have slagged Beck on here. Most likely because he is so unconventional but that is what makes him so great. Peace…

  64. GuitarShred says:

    I’m so glad I found VHND and I have already bookmarked it on a few of my social sites. The timing of this post is uncanny…I’ve been working on a site of my favorite guitarists and these comments are helping me make sure I don’t leave anyone out who is worthy of mention. My top ten list can vary at times, but one thing is sure…EVH is absolutely #1. My favorite VH album is Fair Warning.

  65. Taft says:

    Neil Young and Jeff Beck? More like David Gilmore and Angus Young. I could go on. This list sucks pretty bad. Prince is better than a few dudes on this list.

  66. Kash says:

    It consistently remains the same in every one of these polls. Ed is #2, and Hendrix is #1. Now Im not going to take any of Hendrix’ credibility away, because he was a fantastic guitar player, but hypothetically speaking, if you had ever put Hendrix and EVH in the same room to duel it out on guitar, the outcome would always remain the same: Ed would completely obliterate.

    Santana??? I have never considered Carlos Santana a top 10 kind of guy. He has made some great music, but Santana falls short where most of these guys dominant, although I think he has more of a right to be top 10 than Hammett.

    The fact that I dont see guys like Satriani, Vai, Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, or Angus Young topping this list is saddening. Neil Young? Give me a fuckin break. Neil Young was a fantastic song writer, but guitar hero? I WOULD put C.C. Deville on here before Neil Young, and I dont think good ol’ C.C. has any right to be top 10 on ANY list.

    Let us not forget Dimebag Darrell. The way I see it, an entire genre of music would have completely died out if it hadn’t been for him, in the midst of grunge taking over the planet. Dime and Pantera truly kept the metal scene alive, and he quoted Eddie Van Halen as being his biggest inspiration, and the entire reason he started taking guitar seriously in the first place.

    So heres my list:

    10:Yngwie Malmsteen
    9:Steve Vai
    8:Joe Satriani
    7:Ritchie Blackmore
    6:Zakk Wylde
    5:Dimebag Darrell
    4:Jimmie Paige
    3:Jimi Hendrix
    2:Eric Clapton
    1:EDDIE VAN HALEN

    In regards to the greatest solo ever? Eruption was and is still a masterpiece. It is truly timeless in every regard. The only solo I may enjoy almost as much is Cathedral. Two of Eddies greatest.

  67. Line6Guy says:

    Neil Young?? WTF?? LMAO!!

    1) Hendrix
    2) EVH
    3) Jimmy Page
    4) Clapton
    5) Stevie Ray Vaughan
    6) David Gilmour
    7) Joe Satriani
    8) Eric Johnson
    9) Randy Rhoads
    10)Jeff Beck

  68. Ferdnand says:

    Xcuse all the guitar experts, but there“s no other truth than EVH = GOD and Mr. Vai = Jesus when talking about guitar monsters. Hendrix (like said above), if still alive Huh??
    Clapton, one or anoher song.
    Slash, makes me laugh,

  69. MCorleone says:

    Chuck Sierra of Northwest Indiana/Illinois should be added, maybe not on the top ten but the top 100. He can smoke Hammett, Chuck is the same age as Joey Satriani. He knows music and CAN read it unlike most players. Dave Gilmour at number 6? No way…Put Uli Jon Roth in the, the greatest living rock guitarist and also the most underrated.

  70. lindy says:

    Hendrix inspired a style, Edward Inspired a generation and beyond. A hundred years from now 10 year old kids will still be yearning for a striped guitar and a Marshall stack trying to duplicate Eruption.

  71. Derrick says:

    Jimi Hendrix was a “good” guitarist, but wasn’t the greatest. He had his style of playing, but it doesn’t top the speed, accuracy, and Eddie’s way of making the guitar sing or scream in such a way that it made the crowd silent.

    Edward Van Halen should be number one!

  72. Paul says:

    Neil Young???!!!! Holy cow. That’s like publishing a list of the top vacation sites in the world, and “a horse’s butt” getting on the list.
    As a side note, I think numbers 1 & 2 got transposed.

  73. 5150j-man says:

    As the great billy gibbons puts it: “Ed takes up the first 5 spots then it starts to open up.

  74. kamakshi says:

    yeah jimi on top!! wohoo love him !!! <3 <3 jimi u’re the best.

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