Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

[JayTheClown]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-guitarists-20111123/lindsey-buckingham-19691231

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
11.George Harrison
12.Stevie Ray Vaughan
13.Albert King
14.David Gilmour
15.Freddy King
16.Derek Trucks
17.Neil Young
18.Les Paul
19.James Burton
20.Carlos Santana
21.Chet Atkins
22.Frank Zappa
23.Buddy Guy
24.Angus Young
25.Tony Iommi
26.Brian May
27.Bo Diddley
28.Johnny Ramone
29.Scotty Moore
30.Elmore James
31.Ry Cooder
32.Billy Gibbons
33.Prince
34.Curtis Mayfield
35.John Lee Hooker
36.Randy Rhoads
37.Mick Taylor
38.The Edge
39.Steve Cropper
40.Tom Morello
41.Mick Ronson
42.Mike Bloomfield
43.Hubert Sumlin
44.Mark Knopfler
45.Link Wray
46.Jerry Garcia
47.Stephen Stills
48.Jonny Greenwood
49.Muddy Waters
50.Ritchie Blackmore
51.Johnny Marr
52.Clarence White
53.Otis Rush
54.Joe Walsh
55.John Lennon
56.Albert Collins
57.Rory Gallagher
58.Peter Green
59.Robbie Robertson
60.Ron Asheton
61.Dickey Betts
62.Robert Fripp
63.Johnny Winter
64.Duane Eddy
65.Slash
66.Leslie West
67.T-Bone Walker
68.John McLoughlin
69.Richard Thompson
70.Jack White
71.Robert Johnson
72.John Frusciante
73.Kurt Cobain
74.Dick Dale
75.Joni Mitchell
76.Robby Krieger
77.Willie Nelson
78.John Fahey
79.Mike Campbell
80.Buddy Holly
81.Lou Reed
82.Nels Cline
83.Eddie Hazel
84.Joe Perry
85.Andy Summers
86.J Mascis
87.James Hetfield
88.Carl Perkins
89.Bonnie Raitt
90.Tom Verlaine
91.Dave Davies
92.Dimebag Darrell
93.Paul Simon
94.Peter Buck
95.Roger McGuinn
96.Bruce Springsteen
97.Steve Jones
98.Alex Lifeson
99.Thurston Moore
100.Lindsey Buckingham

[DeadlyDynasty]

Nice to see Johnny Marr on that list. :tu

[benefactor]

Keith Richards in the top 5 is bad enough, but I stopped reading the list when I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn at 12.

[CuckingFunt]

I like Nirvana, and generally think quite highly of Kurt Cobain, but he's on a list of greatest guitar players and Brian Setzer isn't? I call shenanigans.

[JayTheClown]

I like Nirvana, and generally think quite highly of Kurt Cobain, but he's on a list of greatest guitar players and Brian Setzer isn't? I call shenanigans.

Yeah, I never really thought of Curt Cobain being a great guitarist. The same goes with John Lennon. I mean, I guess they did play the guitar.:lol

[spursncowboys]

Ted Nugent didn't even make the list, let alone number 1!?

[JMarkJohns]

The list doesn't have Di Meola, Satriani, Vai, Malmsteen, Mustaine, Nugent, Keaggy or Kath.

It's a pretty crappy top-100.

[leemajors]

lol no Shawn Lane

[JMarkJohns]

You have to read their criteria to understand their rationalization/justification of rankings as they say "influence" factors in, so that makes the rankings a bit more understandable from time to time, but they clearly place too much to too many at random while reducing or discrediting on a significant number of legends, even to their absence like the names I listed above. I'm sure there are others, but those exclusions jumped out to me.

[scott]

Though any list is debatable, and this one is definitely no exception, it's pretty amazing that 3 of the 5 top 5 grew up a few miles from each other and were all each in the Yardbirds at some point.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

I stopped reading the list when I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn at 12.

I stopped when I saw Lindsey at 100.


Greatest. All time. :lol

[badfish22]

"Greatest" is different from "best" in this context.

I'm glad faggots like Malmsteen aren't on it. Decent list.

[JMarkJohns]

"Greatest" is different from "best" in this context.

I'm glad faggots like Malmsteen aren't on it. Decent list.

I'm not a big fan of Malmsteen, but he's clearly better than dozens on that list.

Lists are impossible, so I understand that not every great guitarist is going to get on, but some exclusions are absolute jokes.

I mean, I always joke that any list that goes beyond a top-10 is worthless, but this list even managed to screw up significant parts of the top-10, opinion, and many opinions. I'm sure it was intentional to generate buzz, like how Van Halen jumped from the 70-range in their 2003 rankings into the top-10 in this ranking despite both being all-time lists and he not "improving" or becoming greater in that time. I think Cobain, in their 2003 list, was ranked 12th, which is a complete farce, and I'm a huge Cobain fan. Now he's 70ish. They are just messing with us.

[BRHornet45]

LOL Joe Perry at #84? Dude should at least be in the top 25-35 ... what a joke of a list.

[Koolaid_Man]

Let's get Ice Cube / one of Koolaid fan boys on that fucking list:

c-eaXxkbNUc

[Viva Las Espuelas]

it's pretty amazing that 3 of the 5 top 5 grew up a few miles from each other and were all each in the Yardbirds at some point.
What's even more amazinger is RS practically shat on every LZ release



I haven't read the actual article, but usually they don't list the criteria that they're basing any of these "best" lists. If it's by popular vote than who knows how bad it'll be. Oh well. They gotta sell their rag.

[Koolaid_Man]

this n|gaa should be on that fucking list as # 1

kO8p9Xvi_90

[Huey Freeman]

this n|gaa should be on that fucking list as # 1

kO8p9Xvi_90

You piece of shit, why would you post a video of this dude not play a guitar?:lol

[IronMexican]

:lol Only number 62.

Top 5 tbh.

[4>0rings]

I like Nirvana, and generally think quite highly of Kurt Cobain, but he's on a list of greatest guitar players and Brian Setzer isn't? I call shenanigans.


Yeah, I never really thought of Curt Cobain being a great guitarist. The same goes with John Lennon. I mean, I guess they did play the guitar.:lol

Cause really, Cobain wasn't. He played really sloppy all the time and nothing to extravagant.

So, this list isn't going to be the most talented in technical skill, cause there are thousands of insanely good guitarists that are much much better than lots of those artists on the list.

To me(and the list) it's not about being technical unless that is what you are trying to do. Talent includes making good music, and love him or hate him, Cobain has some of the catchiest tunes around.

[Koolaid_Man]

hey ho's...my n|gga can play guitar and drums too... lol

vlvNcCty11E 6xn1TKLXSvM

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Whoops....

[CuckingFunt]

Cause really, Cobain wasn't. He played really sloppy all the time and nothing to extravagant.

So, this list isn't going to be the most talented in technical skill, cause there are thousands of insanely good guitarists that are much much better than lots of those artists on the list.

To me(and the list) it's not about being technical unless that is what you are trying to do. Talent includes making good music, and love him or hate him, Cobain has some of the catchiest tunes around.

Then Rolling Stone should call it a list of the 100 most influential guitar players. Or the most important guitar players. Or their favorite guitar players. Or whatever. Because if you call it a list of the 100 greatest guitar players, that implies you're looking at technical ability.

[tlongII]

Horrible list. Almost from top to bottom. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion though.

[LnGrrrR]

No Buckethead? :lol You'd think he'd at least be in the top 100...

[Trill Clinton]

this n|gaa should be on that fucking list as # 1

kO8p9Xvi_90


Gotta say I agree but it's hard to overlook Jimi. Either way it was good to see a brotha at the #1 spot:toast

[4>0rings]

this n|gaa should be on that fucking list as # 1

kO8p9Xvi_90

It's not enough that this homo is a talented singer, bangs millions of dimes, wears flame suits... this luck the faker can also play guitar.

QMjB6S45-cI

[JayTheClown]

^ That is some good sounding shit right there

[CubanSucks]

I'm in the "no Nugent? Bullshit" category

[CubanSucks]

also, how the fuck is Jonny Greenwood on the list when everything Radiohead plays is completely slow as fuck novice speed? The very few times they even use a noticable guitar it's only for like 5 seconds at a time

[Viva Las Espuelas]

I'm in the "no Nugent? Bullshit" category

I don't think his musicianship was the deciding factor tbh.

[silverblk mystix]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-guitarists-20111123/lindsey-buckingham-19691231

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
11.George Harrison
12.Stevie Ray Vaughan
13.Albert King
14.David Gilmour
15.Freddy King
16.Derek Trucks
17.Neil Young
18.Les Paul
19.James Burton
20.Carlos Santana
21.Chet Atkins
22.Frank Zappa
23.Buddy Guy
24.Angus Young
25.Tony Iommi
26.Brian May
27.Bo Diddley
28.Johnny Ramone
29.Scotty Moore
30.Elmore James
31.Ry Cooder
32.Billy Gibbons
33.Prince
34.Curtis Mayfield
35.John Lee Hooker
36.Randy Rhoads
37.Mick Taylor
38.The Edge
39.Steve Cropper
40.Tom Morello
41.Mick Ronson
42.Mike Bloomfield
43.Hubert Sumlin
44.Mark Knopfler
45.Link Wray
46.Jerry Garcia
47.Stephen Stills
48.Jonny Greenwood
49.Muddy Waters
50.Ritchie Blackmore
51.Johnny Marr
52.Clarence White
53.Otis Rush
54.Joe Walsh
55.John Lennon
56.Albert Collins
57.Rory Gallagher
58.Peter Green
59.Robbie Robertson
60.Ron Asheton
61.Dickey Betts
62.Robert Fripp
63.Johnny Winter
64.Duane Eddy
65.Slash
66.Leslie West
67.T-Bone Walker
68.John McLoughlin
69.Richard Thompson
70.Jack White
71.Robert Johnson
72.John Frusciante
73.Kurt Cobain
74.Dick Dale
75.Joni Mitchell
76.Robby Krieger
77.Willie Nelson
78.John Fahey
79.Mike Campbell
80.Buddy Holly
81.Lou Reed
82.Nels Cline
83.Eddie Hazel
84.Joe Perry
85.Andy Summers
86.J Mascis
87.James Hetfield
88.Carl Perkins
89.Bonnie Raitt
90.Tom Verlaine
91.Dave Davies
92.Dimebag Darrell
93.Paul Simon
94.Peter Buck
95.Roger McGuinn
96.Bruce Springsteen
97.Steve Jones
98.Alex Lifeson
99.Thurston Moore
100.Lindsey Buckingham


Can't argue too much with Hendrix at #1...but Clapton has sucked balls since 1972....I would absolutely place Van Halen higher...

Jeff Beck is better that most everyone but maybe hendrix...randy rhoads burned brighter in a short time than the long careers of most of those on this list....

LOL @ Neil Young, Cobain, Lou Reed

The fact that Johnny Ramone, Prince & Springsteen are even on this list and Andres Segovia is not...tells you all you need to know about the validity of this list.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Beck can pretty much squeeze any emotion he wants out of his guitar, at will. He killed when he was inducted into the the rock and roll hall of fame.

[silverblk mystix]

...umm...

anyone heard of these guys:

Julian Bream
Wes Montgomery
Danny Gatton
Roy Buchanan
Django Reinhardt
Gary Moore


Even some of today's guitarists are better than half those lamesters on this list...
like...

Brad Paisley
Vince Gill
Tommy Emmanuel
etc.,

[silverblk mystix]

...umm...

anyone heard of these guys:

Julian Bream
Wes Montgomery
Danny Gatton
Roy Buchanan
Django Reinhardt
Gary Moore


Even some of today's guitarists are better than half those lamesters on this list...
like...

Brad Paisley
Vince Gill
Tommy Emmanuel
etc.,

[silverblk mystix]

sorry for the double post...

[The Reckoning]

McCready should be up there for the grunge scene...especially before fucking cobain. what a joke.

[mojorizen7]

As long as Hendrix is at the top where he belongs i'm cool with these kinds of lists.

[JayTheClown]

http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/rolling-stone-greatest-guitarists-list-too-high-too-181042395.html

[Viva Las Espuelas]

http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/rolling-stone-greatest-guitarists-list-too-high-too-181042395.html

"We've never met anyone who picked up a guitar because they loved I Shot the Sheriff." :lol

[Viva Las Espuelas]

and damn........After reading the comments in that article, what about Les Paul? Robin Trower? Hell, now that I think about it, Ty Tabor should be in there. Ah, well.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Damn, and Eric Johnson and Joe Bonamassa!!

and The Edge?!?!?!?! The Edge made it????? He owes his whole fortune, and the rest of that band's fortune, on a frickin' delay pedal. And that dude did not belong in It Might Get Loud. Jimmy and Jack look so damn bored playing his tune. That scene always makes me laugh.

[Barfunk]

Some of my favorites are: (Need to catchup up on new guitarists and music in general though)

After a while these are in no particular order, just listed as I remembered them....

1. Eric Johnson
2. Guthrie Govan
3. Kurt Cobain
4. Eric Gales
5. Brad Paisley
6. John Petrucci
7. Chris Duarte
8. Monte Montgomery
9. Steve Vai
10. Dave Weiner
11. Greg Howe
12. Jimi Hendrix
13. Merle Travis
14. Wes Montgomery
15. George Benson
16. Grant Green
17. Redd Volkaert
18. Alan Haynes
19. Eric Tessmer
20. Gary Clark Jr.
21. Noel Gallagher
22. Chet Atkins
23. Mitch Watkins
24. Allan Holdsworth
25. Yngwie Malmsteen
26. Joe Bonamassa
27. John Mayer
28. Scott Henderson
29. Dimebag Darrell
30. Danny Gatton
31. Stevie Ray Vaughan

A lot of them to remember right now....

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Johnny Marr should be top 20 all time.


And Prince is a wicked guitar player.

Seeing him tomorrow live!

[quentin_compson]

Kurt Cobain would have been the first to laugh at him being on such a list. He used to refer to himself as a shitty guitar player.
When it comes to Grunge, the names Mike McCready and Jerry Cantrell should be mentioned, maybe Kim Thayil as well.

[z0sa]

terrible list tbh

[leemajors]

"Greatest" is different from "best" in this context.

I'm glad faggots like Malmsteen aren't on it. Decent list.

Malmsteen is an ass of epic proportions, but the man was born to shred. They should have at least called this Rock guitarists or made some distinction.

[cantthinkofanything]

It's not enough that this homo is a talented singer, bangs millions of dimes, wears flame suits... this luck the faker can also play guitar.

QMjB6S45-cI

Jesse Johnson > Prince

[Winehole23]

Then Rolling Stone should call it a list of the 100 most influential guitar players. Or the most important guitar players. Or their favorite guitar players. Or whatever. Because if you call it a list of the 100 greatest guitar players, that implies you're looking at technical ability.I was trying to figure out how Lou Reed made it. I like the guy, but he has no business being on a list of great guitarists.

[Leetonidas]

Gilmour not in top 10 = fail list

[TDMVPDPOY]

no lenny kravitz? most of his song has him playing the tar...

[BacktoBasics]

No Buckethead? :lol You'd think he'd at least be in the top 100...
Absolute horseshit list. He's at least in the top 10 if anything based solely on his extensive range.

[cantthinkofanything]

Rik Emmett from Triumph should be on the list.

[DMC]

I was unaware that the Rolling Stones had that many guitarists, because I was going to say Keith Richards.

[DMC]

Then Rolling Stone should call it a list of the 100 most influential guitar players. Or the most important guitar players. Or their favorite guitar players. Or whatever. Because if you call it a list of the 100 greatest guitar players, that implies you're looking at technical ability.
Not necessarily. MJ is considered the greatest player of all time, but that doesn't mean he had the best technical skills. He was just the most effective at using the ones he had.

[JayTheClown]

Not necessarily. MJ is considered the greatest player of all time, but that doesn't mean he had the best technical skills. He was just the most effective at using the ones he had.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[JayTheClown]

Damn, I wont to end this too.

[dirk4mvp]

lol paying attention to rolling stone

That magazine is made for the judyntx's of the world.

[DMC]

lol paying attention to rolling stone

That magazine is made for the judyntx's of the world.
There's more than one?

[Spurminator]

Eventually, every Rolling Stone issue is going to be a top 100 list because it's the only way they're going to stay afloat.

[Huey Freeman]

^I didn't know what they hell Rolling Stone was before clicking in the thread.