Who are your top three rock, pop, or blues guitarists of all time?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (238399)
Walnut Creek, California
February 18, 2016 10:46pm CST
I got some on-line article this morning, supposedly summarizing a Rolling Stone Magazine article about the best 100 rock guitarists of all time.
As always with on-line articles, the thing was a pain in the neck to search though, and I couldn't find where my pick for #1 was ranked. After a few minutes, I gave up, cursing.
For me, the best rock guitarist of all time is Richard Thompson, who started with Fairport Convention, sang for years with his then-wife Linda Thompson, and eventually became an incredible solo artist. I've been to several of his concerts, and they're always excellent.
He can play delicate Irish ballads, and can also rock out more passionately than anyone I've heard, other than Jimi Hendrix.
My #2 would be Jimi Hendrix (I need say no more), and my #3 would be BB King, who could coax more out of a basic blues progression than anyone else I've heard.
Who would be your top three rock/pop/blues guitarist of all time? If you can tell me where Richard Thompson is on Rolling Stone's list, I'd appreciate it. I gave up after about 10 minutes of Huffington Post hell.
RT performing 'Beeswing' in Chico, California in 2005.
14 people like this
13 responses
@celticeagle (190127)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Feb 16
Jimi would be my #1. BB King would probably hit 2 and then it's hard to say. Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray, even David Gilmour.Too many greats to find a definite #3 in my mind. I am a classic rock fan so a lot of the newer ones don't interest me or I haven't heard them. But, for the type music I like to listen to these are among the best.
4 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43685)
• Denver, Colorado
19 Feb 16
Gary Moore, Vini Reilly (The Durutti Column,) and Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers,) although your choices are indeed insanely talented.
3 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43685)
• Denver, Colorado
19 Feb 16
@TheHorse - It is if you don't mind really bizarre lyrics. "Who was in My Room Last Night" sounds like Black Sabbath on speed, "Jimi" has some great Hendrix-style guitar from Leary, and so on, while some of it is just plain weird.
Great live band, by the way. I've seen them twice, both times were a blast.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43685)
• Denver, Colorado
19 Feb 16
@TheHorse - it appears my comment didn't take. They are, but a lot of their stuff is weird and Gibby Haynes' vocals are an acquired taste, but I love Leary as a guitarist. He's great on stuff like" Who was In My Room Last Night," which is like Black Sabbath on speed.
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
19 Feb 16
Many people seem to consider pop or rock guitarists to be musicians, whereas despite enjoying some of the recordings I would never consider them as such. A true guitarist for me would be someone who plays alongside an orchestra, or maybe a flamenco guitarist.
3 people like this
@danny1971 (1747)
• Church Hill, Tennessee
19 Feb 16
I guess mine would have to be:
Kirk Hammit Metallica
James Hatfield Metallica
Randy Roads Ozzy Ozborne
3 people like this
@danny1971 (1747)
• Church Hill, Tennessee
19 Feb 16
@TheHorse yeah I am kinda I prefer Hard Rock And heavy metal but will listen to other genres too
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238399)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Feb 16
@danny1971 The Metallica guys used to hangout at a watering hole I used to frequent in Berkeley. Our waitress got all excited when they were at the next table.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54745)
• United States
5 Mar 16
My stepfather-in-law played guitar for Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and Muddy Waters to name a few. He was Calvin "Fuzz" Jones. Loved to listen to him play.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54745)
• United States
7 Mar 16
@TheHorse yes, he was awesome. His videos are on YouTube. He was also in the Legendary Blues Band and had a scene in the Blues Brothers movie.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
20 Feb 16
I have some I like but dont think I have ever really picked favorites here
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@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
20 Feb 16
@TheHorse plus best can change depending on mood, like I could some I consider in the greats, but the best of the best? not sure....
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91208)
• United States
19 Feb 16
My choice would be Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20363)
• Fairfield, Texas
19 Feb 16
Definitely Jimmy Hendrix @TheHorse and I'll be danged if I can think of the name of the Spanish guy or the Country Music guy. They were fantastic guitarists.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20363)
• Fairfield, Texas
19 Feb 16
@TheHorse You're going to love me. Richard Thompson came in #19 in Rolling Stone Magazine. The spanish guy I was trying to think of was Carlos Santana at #15. Oh and Roy Clark is the country one.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20363)
• Fairfield, Texas
22 Feb 16
@TheHorse You're welcome. lol. What was weird was that a lot of the guitarists in the top 100 I'd never heard of; ever.
