Kingmob

There's polls for this all the time. I guess in many ways its a silly question as guitarists come in all different shapes and sizes, some people rate technical ability, others go for feeling or writing killer riffs.

Here's a link to the latest Rolling Stone top 100:Rolling Stone : The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

Jimi Hendrix is a fairly common winner, few play with the fire and passion he did. It's interesting to see how trends and fashion change though. When I was a kid, Eddy Van Halen was usually the winner or at least top three. Likewise, Tom Morrelo's stock used to be a lot higher.

For me, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath has to be one of the greatest. His solo's aren't as technicaly accomplished as many, but they work, besides, Iommi is King of the Riff. Seriously, how many godlike riffs is this man responsible for? The fact he's a pathetic 86th in the Rolling Stone Poll is a joke.

At the same time I'm suprised to see another of my favourite guitarists Greg Ginn of Black Flag in there. Only 99th, but times have changed if he's getting in. His playing just feels like its on the vergew of being out of control, see the intro to rise above off damaged for a fine example.

Of the more classic rock pantheon, I think David Gilmour of pink floyd is outstanding. The 2nd solo that fades out on comfortably numb is possiby my all time favourite.

I also think the classic twin Guitars (now triplet) of Iron Maiden are under rated. That sound is so influential on all most all modern metal and they really perfected it.

So anyways, what do you think?

compl3x

Yeah it is a weird question because of the vast degree of variation between different guitarists but for me it has to be Hendrix, it really just has to be.

Also, like you Kingmob being a Sabbath fan I definitely have to say I love Iommi.

Knight_of_Nights

Well Hendrix is numero uno for sure, but Van Halen and Jimmy Page are also greats. There hasn't really been a standout guitarist from the last couple of years. Angus Young ain't that bad either.

Joel007

Hendrix is the all time favorite I think. My personal favorites are Joe Satriani, Dave Gilmour, Tom Morello, BB King, and quite a few others

Leonardo

I think I'd have to go with Pat Metheny, for his originality and overall skill. Seeing this guy play his Picasso guitar is just out of this world. Or Don Ross! Ahh, Don Ross is great.

And incase someone on this forum isn't into fingerplay guitar, I'll mention Justin King, and Antoine Dufour. (and Andy McKee)

Joel007

The problem is that there is no way to pointpoint a single artist, all have different ages, training, styles, and many more distinguishing characteristics. The greatest guitarist is probably some spanish kid busking in the streets in a small town.
I'll mention Steve Vai too, although I think his focus is more on the visual side of showmanship than the actual sound.

Leonardo

I think you could probably set criterions for best guitarist and find someone who fulfilled them all, but I also think it's a stupid thing to do. Trying to appoint someone "best" serves no purpose. Would be better if the list was unranked. Just a list over 100 awesome guitarists. Go check them out yourself.

Bucklberry

I never say anyone is the best at anything, the whole idea makes me want to punch somebody. I may have my favourites, but who the hell am I to say one person is better than another?

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tater03

My favorites would have to be Hendrix and Jimmy Page. Eddie Van Halen is also really great though also. I could probably go on and on.

trick-r-treat

Oh, I SO agree with Jimi Hendrix and I love that Jack White is on there at #17, but where's Prince????? Or did I miss something? Prince plays several instruments and he plays them well!

Bucklberry

I am the mind that people say Jimi is the best, simply due to the fact it's been said so much it must be true.

The vast majority of average music fans probably don't know that many virtuoso guitarists and therefore are in no real position to give an informed reply. Say for example they know Slash, Keef, Jimi, the usual suspects. So, when it comes to saying who's best the cannot say Pat Metheny, Django Reindhardt, Billy Graham or anybody else not in the popular rock realm, as they simply have no idea who they are.

Therefore, polls suck.

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Kingmob

It's true, I think a lot of people say Jimi Hendrix because in a lot of ways its "accepted" that he is the greatest.

Certainly the technical jazz/metal/classical areas probably produce much more technical virtuoso players, but they're probably only know to a limited audience.

I think Mick Barr of Orthrelm is an unbelivable talent, but they're never likely to become a household name. I saw them play for 30 minutes and its almost hypnotic.

At the same time, Billy Childish plays such simplistic, basic stuff. But it works so well in the context he uses it. Also he really appreciates the importance of the tone of the amp.

Bucklberry

Yeah, another good reason it's all BS. Satch could never play Teen Spirit with half the balls of Cobain, so Cobain in this case would be better surely? It's all context.

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RoxyMoron

I like Jack White and think he deserves the nomination...I kinda wish Josh Homme was on there...but that was cutting it close.

Joel007

I think that Jimi is usually chosen as the best simply because he started so much and many guitarists will name him as their inspiration. He has been surpassed since his death, but he is still such a distinctive sound and memory that he certainly jumps out in the mind of anyone whos thinking of a great guitarist.