Who is/was the world's greatest guitarist.?

Question

Who was/is best and why? This includes all styles of guitar.

Answer 1

Eric Clapton!

Answer 2

Of course this is a matter of opinion. Some expert lists (links below). You will notice one common consensus at #1. . .

Rolling Stone (2003):

1Jimi Hendrix
2 Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band
3 B.B. King
4 Eric Clapton
5 Robert Johnson
6 Chuck Berry
7 Stevie Ray Vaughan
8 Ry Cooder
9 Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin
10 Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones
11Kirk Hammett of Metallica

Mojo Magazine (1996) specific best works referenced:

1 Jimi Hendrix - Are you experienced, the whole album - 1967 - Fender Stratocaster
2 Steve Cropper - Green Onions - 1962 - Fender Telecaster
3 Peter Green - The supernatural (John Mayall’s Hard rain) - 1967 - Gibson Les Paul
4 Keith Richards - Jumpin’ Jack Flash - 1968 - Fender Telecaster 1950’s
5 Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode - 1958 - Gibson ES-350
6 Eric Clapton - Crossroads (Wheels of fire) 1968 - Custom Fender Stratocaster
7 Jimmy Page - In my time of dying (Physical Graffiti) - 1975 - Gibson Les Paul
8 T Bone Walker - Your my best poker hand (The Complete..) - 1946 - Gibson ES-150
9 Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (Decade) - 1977 - Gibson Les Paul
10 Richard Thompson - Can’t Win (Watching The Dark) - 1988 - 1959 Fender Stratocaster

Rankopedia "Best Rock Guitarist Ever" (self-selected internet voters, current):

1. Hendrix Jimi
2. Clapton Eric
3. Page Jmmy
4. Van Halen Eddie
5. Santana Carlos
6. Allman Duane
7. Gilmour David
8. Iommi Tony
9. Satriani Joe
10. Prince

Answer 3

So many great guitarist ... all with very different styles and backgrounds that it is hard to compare. Classical guitarists are very different than rock guitarist. Classical guitarists may be fundamentally better guitarists but the sounds they produce may not be as appealling to some. Then there are those who can play anything. Chet Atkins is an incredible quitarists. Once saw him play all parts of Stars and Stripes Forever - it was incredible.

Answer 4

Everyone has their own opinions, but Many music magazines rate JIMI HENDRIX as the best guitarist ever.
Others would be (my personal favourite)-
Slash(Guns n Roses)
Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Chuck Berry
and BB King.
I think also that John Frusciante (Red Hot Chilli Peppers) is one of the best modern day guitarists!

Answer 5

Jimi is always the popular answer
But I Will go with Eric Clapton or Santana

Eric helped out Jimi in the early days and he help to popularize bob Marley in the beginning

my vote for Santana is he has the most unique sound and he can play with any one and make them sound better which is not some thing you can say about jimi

Answer 6

Keb Mo'..just attended a concert last night...he is a multiple Grammy winner and his mastery playing the blues, whether on a steel guitar, acoutic guitar, electric guitar of any model or vintage....is amazing! He songs are infused with his love of the "history-of-blues"..admittedly, he feels he is simply a channel through which the past-Blues masters are able to continue their connection to the present! Do yourself a favor and buy all of his works...while listening you'll undoubtedly be transported to the Mississippi delta..sipping on a mint-julep!

Answer 7

i would have to say
Ray Toro and Frank Iero
because they are the guitarist for the best band in the world. My Chemical Romance.
also because they have inspired me to learn how to play the guitar.

Answer 8

Alex Lifeson of rush, not only is he a god on the electric guitar, but also he's very good on 12 string, acoustic, and classical guitar. And he is very good at writing music.

Answer 9

Dimebag Darrel Abbott!!
RIP

Answer 10

There is no best in the arts. It's all who you like. There's always plenty of room for greatness.