Top 10 Best Guitarists of All Time

        Though drums, bass, and all other instruments are extremely vital to the progression of Rock N' Roll, I would argue that the guitar is the most imperative tool when it comes to rocking out. Nothing compares to the reverb of a classic guitar riff. Though the topic is quite difficult to discuss, here are my opinions on the top ten best guitarists of all time.

10. Eric Clapton

You may be wondering why is Clapton so low on my list? The answer is simply preference. Clapton performed with flying colors in the songs White Room, Sunshine of Your Love, and Layla. He is known to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time, however more because of the way he changed the game.

9. Glenn Tipton

  

People may think I'm crazy for putting Tipton above Clapton, but there is a reason for this. I am a person who loves the underdog, and Tipton is a perfect example of one. He plays guitar in the iconic songs of Judas Priest like Breaking the Law, Living After Midnight, Electric Eye, and my personal favorite, Beyond the Realms of Death. His unique interpretation of the hair metal genre is encompassed perfectly through his use of more modern and pop-esk riffs. He also kills any guitar solo he plays.

8. Carlos Santana

I feel like this one is just a given. He is the King of Latino Rock. His passionate flare adds a pizzazz to his music on any song he performs. His quick fingers and unique tone account for an overall legendary name in the genre of rock. His most legendary feats would be his performances on songs like Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways, No One to Depend On, and Incident at Nashabur. 

7. Adrian Smith

Not everyone loves Iron Maiden, but even if you don't Smith and Dave Murray are incredibly hardcore guitarists. Though it is an argument that never ages, I firmly stand by the opinion that Adrian Smith is the better guitarist in the band. He is known for his legendary solos in songs The Prisoner, 22 Acacia Avenue, The Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, and my all-time favorite Iron Maiden song Hallowed be Thy Name. 

6. Alex Lifeson

Rush is a band that I was raised on. I've heard every album, and I must truly say it is an overall perfect band, however, the contribution of Alex Lifeson's legendary guitar solos and the overall tone is life-changing. He is most known for his talented performances in songs Tom Sawyer, The Spirit of Radio, and 2112, but I most love his talent in songs like Here Again, In the Mood, Working Man, and In the End.

5. Rory Gallagher

Many people don't even know his name. Many don't understand the influence he has had on the future of the guitar. Jimi Hendrix claimed that he was the greatest guitar player in the world. That is evidence enough to consider him within my top five. His best solo performances would be on songs like A Million Miles Away, Can't Believe It's True, Do You Read Me, and Sinner Boy.  

4. David Gilmour

Is there any argument for this one? Comfortably Numb, Another Brick in the Wall pt.II, Dogs, Pigs (Three Different Ones), Have a Cigar, Breathe, Childhood's End, must I continue? Forget the studio talent, his live performances (even to this day) are easily some of the best music you will ever hear. His talented improvisation on stage is incredible and definitely comes very close to being #3 on my list, but sadly, he doesn't beat 

3. Jimmy Page

Page doesn't play the guitar - the guitar plays him. He treats it like a limb attached to his body. He treats it tenderly, almost making love to it on stage. He and Robert Plant are responsible for the legendary sound of Led Zeppelin, often arguing on stage with their talent, trying their hardest to outperform the other. Jimmy Page is the third-greatest guitarist of all time because of his performances on songs Communication Breakdown, Ramble On, Immigrant Song, Stairway to Heaven, Over the Hills and Far Away, Kashmir, and Achilles' Last Stand. 

2. Eddie Van Halen

Ahhh, Edward Van Halen. The prince of the guitar. No one can match his talent. No one! He's known for one of the most well-known and iconic guitar Instrumentals - Eruption, however, is most well known for his sound. No matter the song he is playing, you can tell it's Eddie. The introduction to Women in Love is (in my opinion) the greatest encompassment of his vibe/sound. He is known for playing in the songs Runnin' With the Devil, You're No Good, Take Your Whiskey Home, [Oh] Pretty Woman, and many more. 

1. Jimi Hendrix

The King of the Guitar. There is absolutely no reason for me to even explain why he is the best. He spoke guitar. He made sounds with the instrument that people didn't even know were possible and was extremely humble about it. He showed the world the countless possibilities of the guitar. He could play it with his tongue... I MEAN COME ON!!! He is most well known for the songs Purple Haze, Hey Joe, All Along the Watchtower, Voodoo Child, and Little Wing. He is the most legendary guitarist of all time, and most likely will be until the fall of humankind.