Who is/was the best rock guitarist of all time?

Question

Please limit amswers to guitarists in the rock music field. Hard rock, metal, classic rock, Top 40, dead, alive...doesn't matter.

Answer 1

Randy Rhoads

Answer 2

Jeff Beck. Aside from Brian May, no one but Beck has the talent to play 200 notes per minute or a one note guitar solo and make both work. And again, aside from Brian May, nobody has the taste and range of Jeff Beck.

Others may have more raw talent (eg. Hendrix, Van Halen) and others may have more taste in their styles (eg. Andy Summers, The Edge) but no one is or was a better all-round guitarist than Jeff Beck.

Then add in the quality of the his albums (only *one* was ever panned by the critics out of 20+ albums) and who he's performed with (Yardbirds, Rod Stewart, Beck/Bogert/Appice, Jan Hammer, Tony Hymas, et al). Beck may not be the single biggest name in history, but few have as good a library of material or sustained quality.

"It's often been said that Jeff Beck is one of the world's leading guitarists, and I'm inclined to agree with him."
- Jim McCarty, The Yardbirds


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Answer 3

Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vie, and Dimebag.

Answer 4

Here they are :
Richie blackmore - for mixing the hard rock music with classical music

Yngwie johann malmsteen - for mixing the great metal music with classical music elements.

Marty friedman - for his speed and accuracy doing his play.

Jason becker - for his speed and accuracy doing his play.

Steve vai - for his playing with such a brilliant skill mix with some cool improvization.

Joe satriani - for being as a teacher for any cool guitarist and his music that bring us such an amazing harmony. And he play in so many kind of music.

Roy buchanan - the best guitarist for blues music, he is the brilliant for blues guitar. And he always in blues.

Answer 5

Historically, most people would point to Jimi Hendrix, who was so good as an unknown that many popular rock guitarists of his day were in awe of his ability and style. More recently, it's hard to go against Eddie VanHalen. So many people copied his style.

Answer 6

Eddie Van Halen

Answer 7

Song writer wise I would have to say Jimmy Page, Technically I would say Van Halen (early days) Feeling wise I would say Duane Allman, A guy who is having soooo much fun doing it that you can hear the smile on his face that would be Jimi Hendrix

Answer 8

Jimi Hendrix.

He is the end all, be all of guitarists. Don't believe me just listen to his Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock or Voodo Child.

Answer 9

Hendrix

Answer 10

JIMI HENDRIX DEFINED WHAT GUITAR PLAYING IS. He took the guitar as if it were part of himself and used it took express the deepest depths of the human soul and psyche. His music was on a completely higher base than any other artist and his guitar solos could run chills down anyone's back. IT IS JUST SO FREAKING AMAZING. IT'S LIKE IF BEETHOVEN AND MOZART PLAYED THE GUITAR THEY ONLY BE HALF OF JIMI HENDRIX HAD BEEN. GUITAR LEGEND AND GOD.

Answer 11

Eddie Van Halen