Not every hobby that appears in our life is capable of becoming the work of our whole life in the future, a way good earnings and the opportunity to become famous all over the world. The people we are going to talk about today are extraordinary and very talented personalities who loved music very much and she, subsequently, endowed them with popularity and love of fans.

Today we will talk about the most famous guitarists in the world, in their field they have long been recognized as real pros, you want to listen to their compositions more and more, they do not get boring, they are distinguished by the depth and beauty of thought.

Some of them even became the founders of some new musical trends, these are people that every beginner and even a professional guitarist who has a desire to achieve something more in the world of music should look up to. I would like to separately note that our top 10 is made in an arbitrary sequence, because how can you compare the best of the world this?

• Jimi Hendrix ... Is it possible to briefly describe this man, who has long earned the title of "legend"? Guitar virtuoso, whose work was admired by such famous musicians like Paul McCartney and Freddie Mercury, was able to provide a huge impact on the history and formation of rock music. And the point is not at all that he just skillfully handled the guitar and knew how to play it with almost any part of his body, but that he brought a lot of innovative ideas into music, expanded the vocabulary electric guitar and its range, mastered the unique technique of playing and managed to become a living personification of his own music.
• Bb king... He is better known to the world as the "King of the Blues", who plunged into his element almost from the cradle. From an early age he sang in the choir, and at the age of 12 he already bought his first guitar, from where the story of a talented guitarist, musician, songwriter and singer began. During his long career, King has managed to strongly develop one of the most recognizable musical styles and many famous performers borrowed and continue to borrow King's unique techniques.
• Eric Clapton... He is called one of the most influential musicians in the era of rock, and in the list of the most talented guitarists in the world according to the cult magazine Rolling Stone, Clapton is confidently ranked 4th. Received the nickname "slow hand" for the smoothness and softness of the sound that he masterfully extracts from the instrument. Recognized as one of the best rock and blues guitarists, he is also the undisputed master of classical style.
• Chuck Berry... He is called one of the most influential early guitarists of rock and roll, according to many experts, some of his compositions have become a real source of inspiration for musicians of such great bands as The Beatles, The Kinks, The rolling The Stones and others who did cover versions of his compositions.
• Robert Johnson... It is noteworthy that all articles about this great musician, bluesman and guitarist are always accompanied by a single cult snapshot, because in history there are only two portraits of this talented person. Most his creative career, he spent outside of commerce, entertaining people in cafes and squares, inventing and recording his own songs. As a result, he is called one of the best blues musicians of the last century, because he managed to create the basis for the creativity of subsequent generations.
• Keith Richards... There are many reasons why this British guitarist as well as songwriter ranks among the best and most famous. Of course, now he is no longer at the peak of his form, however, it was he who created a real sea of ​​various guitar parts and melodies, and his guitar playing is always distinguished by some zest, he always tries to change and bring something new into his work. Together with his friend Mick Jagger, he is the unchanging "heart" legendary band The Rolling Stones and is also known for its unique collection guitars, the number of which is about 3 thousand pieces!
• Eddie Van Halen... It is noteworthy, but this man in his entire life did not take a single lesson from a professional, nevertheless, he managed to master and hone to complete mastery the most difficult technique of the game is tapping. Together with his brother, he founded the band of the same name, Van Halen, and is also one of the first guitarists to use the tremolo system.
• Jimmy Page... At a very young age, Jimmy gained fame as a gifted guitarist, at that time he was already performing as a session guitarist for serious bands. In the late 60s, he founded his, today known as Led Zeppelin, and from that very moment it began its rapid ascent up the walk of fame. As a result, Jimmy became one of the most famous composers, songwriters and music producers, producers in legendary world rock.
• Paradise Cooder... He is called the most expressive and extraordinary performer of compositions on slide guitar. Its popularity fell at the end of the last century, however, the meaning of the above words has not been lost from this. Rai is known for his masterful performance of the glissando technique, is the most famous blues collector, folk singer, and composer in the world of cinema.
• Brian May ... He began to develop his hobby at the age of seven, but for lack of funds he trained on a homemade guitar, which he made with his father from oak. Later he organized a student group, and after another 20 years he became a guitarist Queen groups, where he took part in her most popular hits.

In order to achieve certain success in any business, you need to plunge into it completely, so to speak, "headlong". Then the result is guaranteed, and what a result! If you take up the guitar, regularly listen to the recordings of professionals, because using someone as an example can be much easier to achieve success. In my top, I will tell you who you can safely look up to, who could get the most out of the instrument, who could fascinate with their sound. I would like to note that all members of the hit parade were selected based solely on my preferences, so, perhaps, my and your choice may not coincide.

10. Kurt Cobain

MTV Live and Loud

Uncomplicated riffs, maximum distortion and aggression - all this is Kurt. At one time, the leader of the cult band “Nirvana» was able to open up new ways for alternative rock, and he himself became a cult grunge musician. Left-handed, he made simple riffs in fifths, but damn, how aggressive that sounded! In general, it deservedly opens the top.

9. Johnny Ramone

Shot from the film "School of Rock and Roll"

One of the founders of the first and iconic punk band "Ramones" became an exemplary punk guitarist - bright, energetic and with a "zest". Together with Joey Ramon, a long and hard way groups from start to finish. At the age of 20, he buys his first electric guitar for $ 54, on which almost all of the band's songs were played. In 2003, The Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 16th in the list of the best rock guitarists of all time.

8. Tony Iommi

During a performance in Hyde Park

The undisputed guitarist of "Black Sabbath" is considered by many to be the first metal guitarist. His music is full of overdrive, which the musician never regretted, but always kept under control. The brightness and stunningness of his game never ceases to amaze, although he is left-handed, who, moreover, lacks the pads of two fingers. Nothing will interfere with the master.

7. Robert Johnson

1930 year

The first member of the "Club 27", blues virtuoso. He began his career in the 30s, but, unfortunately, did not become famous until his death. Little is known about his life, as I have already said about it: one mysticism and riddles. Modern professional musicians harshly criticize his work, explaining this by the lack of rhythm, hearing and good diction. But, whatever one may say, it was his work that became the basis for the next generation of bluesmen.

6. Les Paul

Les Paul in New York, 2008

Guitar virtuoso, inventor and innovator, creator of the legendary Gibson Les Paul guitar. He is credited with a host of music innovations such as delay effects, chorus, multi-channel recording, and more. He had an inimitable style of playing, constantly experimenting with methods of sound production directly on the guitar. but real glory he was brought by the dream of every guitarist - the legendary Gibson Les Paul guitar, which is still one of the most popular and most expensive. Les Paul is one of the few musicians who have permanent exhibition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

At a concert in Hannover, 2006

Co-founder of the legendary Rolling Stones has come a long way to fame and excellence with Jagger. Keith Richards possessed the most beautiful women planet and violated all laws, including biological ones. His memories have survived to this day, smelling of sex, drugs and rock and roll.

4. Chuck Berry

John Lennon and Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry is called the father of rock and roll - he studied with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Roy Orbinson and Elvis Presley. “If you try to find another name for rock and roll, then let it be Chuck Berry,” - this quote from John Lennon speaks for itself. He is one of the genre's most influential performers, composing Johnny B. Good, the most re-chanted song in music history.

3. Jimmy Page

Guitar, guitar and guitar again!

A living legend, a restless experimenter, the "brain" of the legendary hard rock band "Led Zeppelin" - all this is Jimmy. Popularizer of the previously little-known double-neck electric guitar, Page was at the origin hard rock, he is rightfully considered one of the "parents" of heavy metal, but one way or another he managed to influence almost all the music that is now being created and recorded. Honored bronze.

Eric Clapton in concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff

Perhaps the only one, or at least one of the few who could make a real competition to the # 1 guitarist of all time. Eric is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The first instrument in a musician's career was a cheap one acoustic guitar with steel strings, a gift from his grandmother. It was a pain to play, and it took a lot of perseverance from Eric to master the instrument. In love with the blues, he quickly won the love of the public at first as Street musician and later as a member and lead guitarist of the legendary bands The Yardbirds and Cream.

1. Jimmy Hendrix

At the Miami Pop Festival, 1968.

He was the absolute First, one hundred percent Pioneer, but today for some reason they forgot about it. Jimi Hendrix is ​​a legendary man who was called a genius musician during his lifetime. He opened up many possibilities for new sounding in the electric guitar, becoming the most inventive and daring virtuoso in the history of rock music. His work has influenced almost everyone contemporary musicians, becoming an endless role model.

This guitarist is known for his tapping technique - a very complex style of playing that is not immediately given to every musician. In all his life, he did not take a single lesson from a professional. At 55, he still delights the audience with virtuoso performances.

9. David Gilmour

Who does not remember the world famous guitarist and one of the leaders of the group Pink floyd... His dreamy and melodic solos of steel business card collective. If you don't know who is the author of the solo in Comfortably Numb or Time and Money, then you should know - this is David Gilmour.

8. Slash

This is the guitarist of the band Guns N 'Roses. His real name is Saul Hudson. He is known for his solo compositions Sweet Child o 'Mine, November Rain, Paradise City, etc. With Slash, the band reached their prime.

7. Brian May

6. Jimmy Page

One of the most famous producers and composers of rock. "Musical brain" of the group Led Zeppelin, its creator unique style... Known for his guitar solo on the song Stairway to heaven.

5. Chuck Berry

Blues virtuoso and creator of formative rhythms. Known for his hits Roll Over Beethoven, Johnny B. Goode, etc., covered by the Rolling Stones, Beatles, The Animals, etc. Considered one of the most influential early rock and roll musicians.

4. Dimebag Darrell

Guitar virtuoso, vocalist, one of the founders of the metal bands Pantera and Damageplan. Known for its brutal reefs and harmonics. His guitar was called Dean From Hell

3. Keith Richards

This guitarist is his virtuoso playing the Rolling Stones has gained a lot of fans all over the world. He created a large number of a wide variety of melodies, in addition, he is known for his huge collection consisting of 3000 guitars. Together with Mick Jagger, he was the heart of the Rolling Stones.

2. Jeff Beck

We decided to give the second place in our unofficial rating to Jeff Beck, the guitarist who formed the backbone of The Yardbirds for a long time. His work has greatly influenced blues, hard rock and fusion. Despite the fact that he changed the direction of his activities, he achieved success everywhere.

1. Jimi Hendrix

And, finally, the first place is taken by the guitar virtuoso, who by himself personified the music he performed. Many critics point out that Jimi Hendrix expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar and also had a huge impact on rock music. His talent was admired by such recognized musicians as Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain, etc.

Not every hobby that appears in our life is capable of becoming the work of our whole life in the future, a way of making good money and an opportunity to become famous all over the world. The people we are going to talk about today are extraordinary and very talented individuals who loved music very much and she, subsequently, endowed them with popularity and love of fans.

Today we will talk about the most famous guitarists in the world, in their field they have long been recognized as real pros, you want to listen to their compositions more and more, they do not get boring, they are distinguished by the depth and beauty of thought.

Some of them even became the founders of some new musical trends, these are people that every beginner and even a professional guitarist who has a desire to achieve something more in the world of music should look up to. I would like to separately note that our top 10 is made in a random order, because how can you compare the best of this world?

• Jimi Hendrix... Is it possible to briefly describe this man, who has long earned the title of "legend"? The virtuoso guitarist, whose work was admired by such famous musicians as Paul McCartney and Freddie Mercury, managed to have a huge impact on the history and formation of rock music. And the point is not at all that he just skillfully handled the guitar and knew how to play it with almost any part of his body, but that he brought a lot of innovative ideas to music, expanded the vocabulary of the electric guitar and its range, mastered a unique playing technique and managed to become a living personification of his own music.
• Bb king... He is better known to the world as the "King of the Blues", who plunged into his element almost from the cradle. From an early age he sang in the choir, and at the age of 12 he already bought his first guitar, from where the story of a talented guitarist, musician, songwriter and singer began. During his long career, King has managed to strongly develop one of the most recognizable musical styles, and many famous performers have borrowed and continue to borrow King's unique techniques.
• Eric Clapton... He is called one of the most influential musicians in the era of rock, and in the list of the most talented guitarists in the world according to the cult magazine Rolling Stone, Clapton is confidently ranked 4th. Received the nickname "slow hand" for the smoothness and softness of the sound that he masterfully extracts from the instrument. Recognized as one of the best rock and blues guitarists, he is also the undisputed master of classical style.
• Chuck Berry... He is called one of the most influential early guitarists of rock and roll, according to many experts, some of his compositions became a real source of inspiration for musicians of such great bands as The Beatles, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones and others, who at one time did cover versions of his compositions.
• Robert Johnson... It is noteworthy that all articles about this great musician, bluesman and guitarist are always accompanied by a single cult snapshot, because only two portraits of this talented person have survived in history. Most of his creative career, he has spent outside of commerce, entertaining people in cafes and squares, inventing and recording his own songs. As a result, he is called one of the best blues musicians of the last century, because he managed to create the basis for the creativity of subsequent generations.
• Keith Richards... There are many reasons why this British guitarist as well as songwriter ranks among the best and most famous. Of course, now he is no longer at the peak of his form, however, it was he who created a real sea of ​​various guitar parts and melodies, and his guitar playing is always distinguished by some zest, he always tries to change and bring something new into his work. Together with his friend Mick Jagger, he is the unchanging "heart" of the legendary group The Rolling Stones, and is also known for his unique collection of guitars, which total about 3 thousand pieces!
• Eddie Van Halen... It is noteworthy that this man in his entire life did not take a single lesson from a professional, nevertheless, he managed to master and hone to full mastery the most complex technique of the game - tapping. Together with his brother, he founded the band of the same name, Van Halen, and is also one of the first guitarists to use the tremolo system.
• Jimmy Page... Even at a very young age, Jimmy gained fame as a gifted guitarist, at that time he was already performing as a session guitarist for serious bands. In the late 60s, he founded his, today known as Led Zeppelin, and from that very moment it began its rapid ascent up the walk of fame. As a result, Jimmy has become one of the most famous composers, songwriters and music producers in the legendary world of rock.
• Paradise Cooder... He is called the most expressive and extraordinary performer of compositions on slide guitar. Its popularity fell at the end of the last century, however, the meaning of the above words has not been lost from this. Rai is known for his masterful performance of the glissando technique, is the most famous blues collector, folk singer, and composer in the world of cinema.
• Brian May... He began to develop his hobby at the age of seven, but for lack of funds he trained on a homemade guitar, which he made with his father from oak. Later he organized a student group, and after another 20 years he became the guitarist of Queen, where he took part in its most popular hits.

Rock and roll is about 70 years old, jazz and blues - a little over a hundred each. During this time, it has changed great amount musical eras, idols and groups. Hundreds of genre branches appeared in each direction, new styles, sound, presentation, character of music. And in every genre there have always been and are those who, thanks to hard work and talent, stood out from the mass of musicians and left their mark in history. Today we will talk about the best guitarists of all time, according to the most influential and authoritative publications and musicians.

Top 10 Best Rock Guitarists

10th place

Photos from the site: guitarplanet.eu

Joe Satriani closes the top 10. He is one of Classic Rock's Greatest Guitar Virtuosos. Having started to study and give concerts, while still at school, Joe quickly developed his virtuoso abilities. After school, he taught this business for almost 10 years. Such world-class stars as Kirk Hammett and Steve Vai studied with him. In 1984 Joe founded the group "Squares", which, however, could not achieve any success, and the master himself began to develop solo career... On his account there are 23 albums of only solo work. Since 1993 Joe has been the band's musician Deep purple, replacing Ritchie Blackmore on tour, however, despite a warm welcome and an offer to stay, he left the band, not wanting to take Ritchie's place. During his career, he became a Grammy nominee 15 times, but he never won it. To date, Joe is 62 years old, not so long ago his next album Shockwave Supernova (2015) was released

9th place

Photo from the site: dazzledreams.com.ua

Jimmy Page is located here (which would have happened if Tsoi had not shot down Ikarus). The British musician also began to develop his skills at school. At the age of 14, he already performed on the BBC with his country covers. During my life I played in such collectives The The Yardbirds, The Kinks and of course Led Zeppelin, which has become one of the most successful rock bands in history. They actually laid the foundations for heavy metal. After the group disbanded in 1980, Jimmy was actively involved in solo career, constantly performing at all kinds of concerts, both charity and not so much. Was awarded the Order British Empire and the ECHO award. Today Jimmy is 72 years old and he is preparing for another world tour with Chris Cornell.

8th place

American Ryland "Paradise" Peter Cooder became the most famous guitarist thanks in large part to his masterly use of the slide. His most successful project is Buena Vista. Social Club... Rai himself masterly owns not only the guitar, but also the mandolin and saz, and in his piggy bank there are as many as 5 Grammys and 37 (!) Albums.

7th place

Stephen (Stevie) Ray Vaughn lived a short and bright life, having managed to become one of the most famous and influential guitarists in the world in the allotted 35 years (according to Rolling Stone and Classic Rock magazines). Despite the fact that he is considered a rock guitarist, it was Stevie who, with his unique "thin" style, initiated the revival of the popularity of blues in the 80s.

6th place

The next position in the top is occupied by living legend rock and roll chuck berry. By his example, the Grammy winner and author of 20 albums and 51 singles personifies the real american dream... Chuck grew up dysfunctional a large family in one of the black areas of St. Louis. Complex relationships with the authorities, poverty, disrespect for African Americans, two terms in jail - all this more than once unsettled Chuck, but each new page life gave a charge for a new unknown round of development of his music search... While Berry was serving his second term in prison, his hits were covered by such gurus as The Beatles and Yardbirds, so Chuck's fame did not fade away. On October 18, 2016, in his 90th birthday, Chuck announced the release of his first album in 38 years in 2017. So the world will still get a portion of killer rock and roll!

5th place

In the middle of our top is Robert Johnson, the bluesman, thanks to whom we know the blues today as it is. V musical circles there was a legend that Robert sold his soul to the devil for his guitar talent, and he himself sang about it in his songs. Despite the fact that he cannot be called a rock guitarist in pure form, it cannot be denied his contribution to the creation of rock and roll. And as is often the case with great people, the fate of the guitarist ended abruptly and suddenly for everyone - according to rumors, he was killed jealous husband his next passion. For his short life(27 years old) Johnson wrote 29 songs and three recording sessions.

4th place

Photos from the site:
boltimeter.livejournal.com

In front of you famous guitarist 20th century, Commander of the Order of the British Empire Eric Patrick Clapton. On account of his 23 solo and 38 albums as part of different groups, of which there were many: Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse, The Yardbirds, The Immediate All-Stars, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Delaney & Bonnie, Vivian Stanshall and the Sean Head Showband, Derek and the Dominos. Clapton performed solo on the legendary "While my guitar gently weeps" the Beatles, and in 1993 he was awarded the Grammy in all major nominations "Album of the Year", "Song of the Year", "Record of the Year".

3rd place

The three leaders are opened by the mastodon of blues and rock 'n' roll BB King. Actually, it was this man who was rightly named the King of the Blues. His technique is based on beautiful bending and chic vibrato, which inevitably influenced the entire development of blues, rhythm and blues and rock and roll in history. The King's piggy bank has 15 Grammys, more than 40 albums and dozens of various awards. Unfortunately, in 2015, BB King died of diabetes at the age of 89.

2nd place

According to Rolling Stone magazine, the second place in the list of the greatest guitarists of all time and peoples is worthy of Dwayne Olman, nicknamed Skydog. Like all real rock 'n' rollers, Dwayne lived in this world for only 24 years, but managed to capture himself in history with a loud and bright step in the development of rock. The musician has competently intertwined blues, country and rock in one genre. Duane and his brother founded group The Allman Brothers Band and they managed to release only one album. However, in 1995 the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which confirms the notion that the number of albums does not always matter. The guitarist's life ended in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24.

1st place

How nice it is to see your own Russian face at the top of our list! Meet Yuri Loza, the idol of the generation and the author of the song "Raft", one of the greatest compositions in the world. In any case, Yuri himself said so on the air of "Russian Radio" in Voronezh. No one could give a more objective assessment of the world rock scene than Lohse: “80% of what Led Zeppelin sung is impossible to listen to, simply because it was sung badly. The Rolling Stones - they have never tuned a guitar in their entire life. Mitya Jagger didn't hit a single note. "

But seriously, the name of the real leader of the Top 10 Best Rock Guitarists will not be a surprise to anyone.

Present 1st place

Jimi Hendrix became a guitar rock legend during his lifetime. He became famous for his virtuoso mastery of the instrument, courage in experiments. Jimi completely changed the face of rock music as such, opening up hundreds of new ways to sound the instrument. The young guitarist played in bands such as The Blue Flames, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, Band of Gypsys. Hendrix was an exceptional idealist and could rewrite the part, both guitar and vocal, 40 times in search of better sounding... Unfortunately, Hendrix joined Club 27, dying under strange circumstances: according to experts, he either himself or forcibly took 9 sleeping pills and died in his hotel room in England. The world inherited 350 of his recordings and hundreds of live performances, recorded on all media existing at that time.

These were the 10 best guitarists according to the most authoritative world publications and musicians. After each of these people, the very appearance of rock music changed and never returned to its previous state. These people moved and are moving music forward, paving new unknown paths of development for it!