The guitar has been a cornerstone of modern music since its invention in the 16th century. Over the centuries, countless guitarists have left their mark on the instrument, revolutionizing the way it is played and expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved with it.
From virtuosos to innovators, the following is a list of the most influential guitarists of all time. We hope you enjoy!
Top 15 Influential Guitarists
15. Keith Richards
Keith Richards’ bluesy, rhythm-driven playing style has helped to define the sound of the Rolling Stones, one of the most important bands in rock history.
Richards’ use of open tuning and his ability to create memorable riffs have made him one of the most influential guitarists of his time.
14. Eric Clapton
Known as the “Godfather of British Blues,” Eric Clapton‘s bluesy, soulful playing style has made him one of the most influential guitarists in history.
He has been a member of some of the most important bands in rock history, including Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and The Yardbirds. Clapton is also known for his solo work, which includes classic songs like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”
13. Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen’s innovative approach to guitar playing helped to define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal in the 1980s. His use of two-handed tapping, harmonics, and other techniques inspired countless guitarists to push the limits of what could be achieved on the instrument.
Van Halen’s technical prowess and showmanship made him one of the most influential and beloved guitarists of his time.
12. B.B. King
B.B. King is widely regarded as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. His soulful playing style, punctuated by his signature vibrato, helped to define the sound of modern blues.
King’s influence on the guitar can be heard in the playing of countless musicians who have followed in his footsteps, and his music continues to inspire new generations of guitarists today.
11. Slash
Slash’s blues-based playing style and his ability to create memorable solos have made him one of the most influential guitarists in rock history.
His work with Guns N’ Roses helped to define the sound of the band and of the late 80s and early 90s rock scene, and his influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who have followed in his footsteps.
10. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry is often credited with inventing rock and roll, and his influence on the guitar cannot be overstated. His signature “duck walk” and energetic playing style helped to define the sound of early rock and roll, and his songs continue to be covered by musicians of all genres.
Berry’s influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists, from the Beatles to AC/DC.
9. Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. Despite losing the use of two fingers in a fire, Reinhardt developed a unique and groundbreaking playing style that incorporated fast runs, intricate chord progressions, and gypsy music influences.
Reinhardt’s music continues to be studied and emulated by guitarists around the world.
8. Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page’s virtuosic playing style and innovative use of effects helped to define the sound of Led Zeppelin, one of the most important bands in rock history.
Page’s use of the wah-wah pedal, distortion, and other effects helped to create a new sonic landscape for the guitar, and his influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who have followed in his footsteps.
7. Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana’s unique blend of Latin, rock, and blues music has made him one of the most influential guitarists in history.
His soulful playing style and use of Latin rhythms and percussion helped to create a new sound in rock music, and his songs continue to be covered by musicians of all genres. Santana’s influence on the guitar can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who have been inspired by his music.
6. Les Paul
Les Paul was not only an innovative guitarist but also an inventor and engineer who helped to develop the solid-body electric guitar, and some incredibly iconic guitars.
His groundbreaking work with the instrument and his use of multi-tracking recording techniques helped to shape the sound of modern music, and his influence on the guitar cannot be overstated.
5. Tony Iommi
Tony Iommi’s heavy, riff-based playing style helped to define the sound of heavy metal, and his work with Black Sabbath is considered to be some of the most influential in rock history.
Iommi’s use of drop tuning and distortion helped to create a new sound for the guitar, and his influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who have followed in his footsteps.
4. Jimi Hendrix
Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Jimi Hendrix pushed the boundaries of what could be done with the instrument, incorporating feedback, distortion, and other effects to create a unique and groundbreaking sound.
His innovative approach to guitar playing had a profound influence on countless musicians, and his music continues to inspire new generations of guitarists today.
3. Robert Johnson
Although he recorded only a handful of songs, Robert Johnson’s influence on the guitar and on the blues cannot be overstated.
His fingerstyle playing technique and his emotive vocals helped to define the sound of the Delta blues, and his songs continue to be covered by musicians of all genres.
2. Steve Vai
Steve Vai’s technical prowess and innovative approach to guitar playing have made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.
His work with Frank Zappa and David Lee Roth helped to showcase his virtuosic playing style, and his solo work continues to inspire new generations of guitarists today.
1. Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani’s virtuosic playing style and innovative use of effects have made him one of the most influential guitarists of the past few decades.
His work as a solo artist and his collaborations with other musicians have helped to push the boundaries of what can be achieved on the guitar, and his influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who have been inspired by his music.
Best Influential Guitarists – Final Thoughts
The guitar has been one of the most important instruments in modern music, and the guitarists listed above have all played a crucial role in shaping its sound and pushing its boundaries.
From blues to rock to jazz to metal, these guitarists have influenced countless musicians and inspired new generations of guitar players to continue pushing the limits of what can be achieved with the instrument. Their contributions to music will continue to be felt for generations to come.
“Chuck Berry” by Missouri Historical Society is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.