Have you ever wondered who the true wizards of the six strings are? Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard rock ‘n’ roll fan, you’ll want to meet these 10 guitar legends whose riffs and solos have shaped the music world.
Jimi Hendrix
The Psychedelic Virtuoso
Jimi Hendrix, the trailblazer of psychedelic rock, knew how to make his guitar sing, scream, and cry. His expressive use of string bends and vibrato, coupled with lighter gauge strings, enabled his legendary performances.
Hendrix’s string choice provided the flexibility for his soul-stirring solos and trademark sound. Rolling Stone famously praised his album “Are You Experienced” for its groundbreaking guitar work. Whether smashing his guitar or setting it aflame, Hendrix’s string-slinging was revolutionary.
David Gilmour
The Melodic Genius of Pink Floyd
David Gilmour, the mastermind behind Pink Floyd’s most soul-stirring tunes, blends ethereal melodies with deep, emotional expression. His solos in “Comfortably Numb” don’t just play; they speak to the listener’s soul.
Influenced by blues and prog rock, Gilmour’s style is distinctive and remarkably influential. His fluid use of the guitar, especially during live Pink Floyd shows, created atmospheric soundscapes that are still admired today. David’s touch on the six-string is truly the spellbinding essence of Pink Floyd’s iconic sound.
Keith Richards
The Human Riff Machine
Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is a titan of rock and roll. His riff in “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is one of the most famous in rock history. Known for his raw, bluesy style, Keith’s playing is instantly recognizable.
He often uses open G tuning, giving his riffs a unique and powerful edge. Richards’ ability to create memorable riffs is unmatched, earning him the nickname “The Human Riff Machine.”
Steve Vai
From Stunt Guitarist
to Frontman
Steve Vai is a true guitar wizard known for his stunt guitar techniques and genre-blending mastery. Emerging as a prodigy under Frank Zappa, Vai quickly moved to a solo career showcasing his uncanny ability to fuse metal with jazz, funk, and even classical elements.
His work with Whitesnake and David Lee Roth proved he could rock out with the best, but his solo albums, Passion and Warfare, demonstrate his versatility. Vai’s ability to combine blistering speed with intricate melodies has earned him a reputation as a guitar hero whose technical skills and creativity know no bounds.
Mark Knopfler
The Sultan of Swing
Mark Knopfler, known as the Sultan of Swing, is the magic behind Dire Straits. His fingerstyle technique, often compared to Chet Atkins, allowed him to produce a clear, intricate sound without a pick.
Knopfler’s solo on “Sultans of Swing” is the stuff of legends, combining melodic prowess with a smooth, unforced style. Guitar World praises him for making complex play look effortless. Knopfler has cemented himself as a household name in Guitar Land by writing timeless hits and influential guitar lessons.
Ritchie Blackmore
The Man in Black
of Deep Purple
Ritchie Blackmore stands out for his distinct blend of classical and hard rock styles. As a founding member of Deep Purple, he helped craft some of the band’s most iconic riffs.
Blackmore’s playing on tracks like “Smoke on the Water” is instantly recognizable. He blends intricate scales with powerful, melodic solos that set the stage for countless rock guitarists who followed. The cool part is that he created the guitar riff by taking inspiration from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.
Jimmy Page
The Wizard of Zeppelin
For Jimmy Page, the guitar was a magic wand. Armed with his double-neck guitar and heavy gauge strings, Page conjured the thunderous riffs and mystical melodies that defined Led Zeppelin. Incorporating everything from blues to hard rock, Page’s technique was impeccable.
His work on “Stairway to Heaven” remains a masterclass in dynamic expression and intricate fingerwork. Both a studio genius and live performer, Page’s sorcery on the strings transformed Zeppelin into a rock legend.
George Harrison
The Silent Beatle with a Loud Guitar
George Harrison of The Beatles may have been the quietest Beatle, but his guitar spoke volumes. The riff in “Day Tripper” is among the most iconic in rock. Harrison’s precise and melodic style added depth to The Beatles’ sound.
His solo in “Something” is praised for its lyrical beauty. George’s influence extends beyond The Beatles, impacting many genres and generations of musicians.
Eddie Van Halen
Shredding Like No Other
Eddie Van Halen burst onto the scene with frenzied, mind-bending guitar solos that redefined rock music. Armed with blinding speed, tapping techniques, and roaring power chords, Eddie didn’t just play the electric guitar – he commanded it.
His work with Van Halen gifted tracks like “Eruption,” showcasing his brilliant fretwork. Eddie’s ability to blend melody with pyrotechnic skill cemented his place in the pantheon of guitar legends. No rock song could ever sound quite complete without a touch of Eddie’s magic.
Tony Iommi
The Iron Man of
Heavy Metal
Tony Iommi is revered as the godfather of heavy metal guitar. As the lead guitarist of Black Sabbath, his down-tuned, heavy riffs created the blueprint for metal music.
Iommi’s ability to play despite losing fingertips on his fretting hand is legendary. Tracks like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid” demonstrate his skill at merging dark, brooding riffs with blistering solos that resonate with power.
The Six-String Legends
As we play the final note on this musical journey, it’s clear that these guitarists are the real deal. With lightning-fast fingers and earth-shaking riffs, they’ve painted the musical landscape in their unique colors.
Not only have they conquered their instruments, but they’ve also inspired countless others to pick up a guitar and start jamming. Their influence spans genres and generations, proving that the power of a killer riff or a soulful solo is timeless.
From humble beginnings to rock legends, their stories showcase the passion and dedication it takes to reach the top. Their music has connected millions, shattered barriers, and set the bar high for aspiring guitarists.
Whether it’s the genius behind iconic bands or the soulful depth of a solo artist, each has left an indelible mark on music history.
So the next time you hear a riff that makes you want to air guitar along, remember the maestros behind those magical moments, proving that true talent and passion never go out of style.
Electric Guitars We Love
Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Single-Cut with Bigsby, Airline Silver
FEATURES:
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They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
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from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender Player Stratocaster MN, Tidepool
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Alder body with classic Stratocaster shape
OTHER INFO: 2-point Synchronised Tremolo bridge for increased tuning stability
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When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha SG1802, Gold Top
FEATURES: Scale Length: 24.75''
OTHER INFO: Maple/Mahogany Body
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- Higher price point compared to some other guitars in its class
- Limited color options
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When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
all these guitarists but none of them can hit a drum solo like me lol
Eddie Van Halen’s mention is spot on. Would love to see more on how these artists influenced modern genres. It’s incredible how their legacy lives on in music today.
Absolutely adore seeing George Harrison’s name among these giants. Often overshadowed by Lennon/McCartney in popular narratives, George was a quiet genius with a guitar. His solo on ‘Something’ and the intricate work on ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ are timeless, showing that virtuosity isn’t just about speed but emotion and melody. It’s heartwarming to see recognition of his talent in articles like these, reminding us of the diverse ways one can leave a mark on music history. Hats off to you, Lewis Turner, for compiling such a diverse and compelling list.
Lewis Turner, I appreciate the homage to these guitar legends. However, I’m curious about your criteria for selection. For instance, why was Les Paul, not only a great player but also a pioneering guitar innovator, omitted from this list? His contributions to the music and actual hardware we use today cannot be overstated.
surprised to see steve vai without mentioning his groundbreaking work with the ibanez jem. those innovations changed electric guitars forever. also, while i respect the legends, there are new gen guitarists who deserve a spot. music’s evolving, and our lists should too. not a knock, just something to think about
I noticed you mentioned Tony Iommi in the list, and rightly so. His work with Black Sabbath essentially birthed heavy metal. But it’s interesting how his playing style evolved after his factory accident. Using lighter strings and detuning his guitar became his signature move because of the injury to his fingertips, not something he did for its sound initially. It’s little things like this that make the legends even more fascinating.
Never knew that about Iommi. Makes me respect him even more.
keith richards is a legend, no doubt. his riff on satisfaction, iconic.
His playing is great, but don’t you think Page or Hendrix had more influence on guitar technique?
Absolutely, and not to forget his open-G tuning that defined the Stones’ sound for decades.
Hey, Lewis Turner, great list, but how come there’s no mention of Malmsteen? Thought he was considered a god among guitarists in the 80s. Would love to see an update with him and maybe some more underrated shredders!
Interesting list! I was wondering, how do you think the playing style of David Gilmour has influenced modern rock bands? Would love to get your insights, Lewis Turner.
Really excited to see Ritchie Blackmore getting some recognition. His riffs with Deep Purple were iconic. Rock on, Lewis Turner for highlighting these legends!
Blackmore’s a beast! His solos are out of this world.
Agreed, but I wish there was more on his Rainbow era. That’s where he really shined.