I belong to a discussion group where, from time to time, people attempt to rank order guitarists in terms of “who is the best”. While I realize that this is a ridiculous thing to attempt because it is so subjective and there are so many different ways to categorize “quality”, at the same time an exercise which can kinda be fun, especially if it gets me to spend sometime studying other guitarists techniques. So I spent some time on Youtube looking at videos. I purposefully tried to stay away from tried and true choices like Jimi Hendrix, though I did not immediately discard them as possible choices for me. What was important to me was 1) that the artist was someone I have seen either in person or in video 2) the person had made a significant contribution to guitar music history 3) The person could play many different styles and seemed to possess a masterful knowledge of music and as well as the guitar. So without any further adieu, here is my list. Feel free to add you own opinions. I am especially interested in great guitarists that are not “famous”.
( In no particular order )
1 Stevie Vaughn – Simply a phenomenon
2 Trey Anastasio – Trey can play anything
3 Andy Mckee/Micheal Hedges – These guys have a very similar style and reinvented how to play guitar
4 Joe Satriani/Steve Vai – Tie, they are equally as good, though Satriani is the father of “Shred” and teacher to a whole raft of contemporary rock guitarists
5 Andre Sergovia – The classical master
6 Richie Blackmore – Father of Heavy Metal
7 Tuck Andross – The guitar becomes a complete band in this guy’s hands.
8 Jerry Garcia – What kind of deadhead would I be if I did not include Jerry?
9 Jorma Kaukonen – Jerry Garcia said that Jorma was the best guitarist he has ever seen and after seeing him in person myself, I have to agree!
10 Steve Howe – Just unreal. A blend of classical mastery and rock sensibility.
11 Brian Setzer. I don’t know that I’d put him in the top 10, but at the same time could not leave him off my list.
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