The world's greatest rock guitarists

Jeff Beck (1944 - 2023)

A two-time inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jeff Beck played with all the greats throughout his lengthy and distinguished career. Dubbed the 'Six-stringed warrior' by Jimmy Page, he was revered for redefining guitar music in the 1960s. Beck rose to fame playing with the Yardbirds before forming the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart. Over the years he won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance six times and is remembered for legendary performances alongside the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and David Bowie.

Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970)

'Purple Haze,' 'Hey Joe,' 'Foxy Lady,' and his Woodstock jaw-dropper 'The Star-Spangled Banner' are all instantly recognized as the work of Jimi Hendrix, who most regard as the greatest guitarist in music history.

Eric Clapton

Listen to Eric Clapton perform 'Bell Bottom Blues' or 'Crossroads' and you'll appreciate why the ex Yardbirds and Cream guitarist is considered one of the most important and influential musicians of all time.

Brian May

Brian May's distinctive sound created through his layered guitar work led considerable weight to many Queen tracks. He also co-wrote some of the band's most memorable songs. But to really appreciate May's fine fret work, spin lesser-known classics like 'Brighton Rock' and 'Keep Yourself Alive.'

Angus Young

His energetic performances, schoolboy-uniform stage outfits, and his own version of Chuck Berry's duckwalk have made AC/DC's lead guitarist one of rock's most applauded performers. His licks and solo work are legendary: listen again to 'Thunderstruck' and 'Highway to Hell.'

Keith Richards

Co-founder and lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards has also co-written some of the band's most memorable work, tracks that include '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' and 'Gimme Shelter.'

Frank Zappa (1940–1993)

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader, Frank Zappa could conjure up some intricate and blistering solos when in charge of a guitar. One of his most influential tracks is the extraordinary 'In-a-Gadda-Stravinsky.'

Prince (1958–2016)

His emotional 'Purple Rain' features arguably the greatest power-ballad guitar solo in music history. But Prince could also perform a funky six-string groove when in the mood, as demonstrated on his smash hit 'Kiss.'

B.B. King (1925–2015)

Regarded as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, B.B. King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shortened bursts of shimmering vibrato that influenced many later blues electric guitar players. 'The Thrill is Gone' is a perfect example.

Duane Allman (1946–1971)

His contemporaries called him "one of the greatest white blues players of all time" and certainly when you listen to 'Statesboro Blues,' or 'Whipping Post,' Duane Allman is deserving of the honor. Founder and leader of the Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman's skills as a guitarist place him among the very best masters of the instrument.

David Gilmour

David Gilmour joined Pink Floyd in 1968 shortly before the departure of the doomed Syd Barrett, which led to a change of musical direction for the pioneers of psychedelic rock. His dreamy, melodic solos can be heard throughout 'Dark Side of the Moon.' But 'Comfortably Numb' from 'The Wall' and, of course, 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' also exemplify Gilmour's sprawling and elegant playing.

Stevie Ray Vaughn (1954–1990)

'Cold Shot,' 'Love Struck Baby, and 'Look at Little Sister' are considered key tracks in the career of Stevie Ray Vaughn. He combined jazz, blues, and rockabilly in a style that still influences and inspires generations of guitarists.

Hank Marvin

Best known as the lead guitarist for the Shadows, Hank Marvin is responsible for some of the most endearing instrumentals of the 1960s. His playing style is distinctive and instantly recognizable, characterized by fluid use of the tremolo arm on hits such as 'Apache.' Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and Jimmy Page are among those Marvin has influenced.

Robert Fripp

Robert Fripp's work as guitarist with progressive rock band King Crimson produced masterpieces such as 'Larks' Tongues in Aspic,' which features one of Fripp's most acclaimed guitar lines. His compositions often feature unusual time signatures, which have been influenced by classical and folk traditions, and are appreciated by the likes of David Bowie and Brian Eno.

Joe Satriani

"Satch" is the best-selling instrumental rock guitarist of all time. These days he keeps busy by touring with G3, where he invites other notable guitarists to join him in concert. One of Satriani's signature numbers, 'Summer Song,' is an often-performed number.