Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who have etched their names into history.
We’ll be introducing world-famous guitarists who have left their mark on the history of music, without limiting ourselves to any particular genre.
Let’s not only look at differences in genre, but also pay attention to different fields—such as guitarists in bands and those who shine as solo artists—and appreciate each player’s unique technique.
It’s also a great idea to start by focusing on individual players and then discover new genres from there.
Learning the names of great guitarists can become a doorway to deepening your knowledge of world music and history.
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Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who left their mark on history. (11–20)
Midnight in HarlemDerek Trucks
Derek Trucks is an American guitarist who is counted among the three greatest guitarists of the modern era.
While rooted in rock and blues, he embraces a wide range of styles, including jazz and Indian music.
He is also renowned as a master of slide guitar, and his technique of freely controlling pitch gives his music a distinctive, floating quality.
The gentle touch characteristic of fingerpicking seems to enhance both his signature slide tone and his technical phrases.
Building the ChurchSteve Vai
Steve Vai, who has played with famous bands thanks to his exceptional technique and continues to captivate fans in his solo career with energetic performances and playing.
This track, which opens with high-speed tapping, incorporates his signature, idiosyncratic scales, making it a unique and electrifying piece.
GravityJohn Mayer
John Mayer is an American singer-songwriter who is also highly regarded as a guitarist, having been selected as one of the three great modern guitarists.
He began playing guitar inspired by Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B.
Goode,” and has said he was influenced by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix.
His music carries an atmosphere steeped in the blues, with layered, depth-rich guitar phrases that enhance the mood.
The guitar solos, which resonate as if they were crying, are especially striking.
Rock This TownBrian Setzer
Brian Setzer is a guitarist from the United States, best known as a core member of the Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra.
His gear centers on Gretsch guitars, noted for their distinctive bodies and a tone that’s both warm and sharply defined.
A key point is how he has steadfastly pursued unique genres—rockabilly with the Stray Cats and his solo work, and swing with the Brian Setzer Orchestra—which is said to have helped raise the profile of each style.
He is also close friends with Tomoyasu Hotei, and their collaboration on the 2006 release “BACK STREETS OF TOKYO” drew considerable attention.
From his fashion to his playing style, he is a guitarist who conveys a strong respect for and commitment to rockabilly.
Airplane ModeCory Wong
Cory Wong is a guitarist from the United States who is also active as a songwriter and producer.
He has been described as being influenced by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus, and in addition to guitar, he has also played instruments like piano and bass.
His main gear centers on a Fender Stratocaster, and the cutting-style phrases he plays on it are striking.
These cutting parts aren’t flashy, solo-like lines; rather, they have a sharpness that evokes a jazz session while firmly tying the whole arrangement together.
Always With Me, Always With YouJoe Satriani
Joe Satriani is a guitarist renowned as Steve Vai’s mentor who has made a tremendous contribution to the guitar instrumental scene.
While in terms of sheer speed he may seem to have fallen a step behind the guitarists who followed, he remains a great guitarist—admired as a musician’s musician and still supported by many guitarists today.
Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who left their mark on history. (21–30)
Sweet Child O’ MineSlash
This is a track where you can hear some masterful playing by former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
The single-note phrase in the intro is striking, but the highlight is the guitar solo in the interlude—the wah-pedal phrases and tone are truly exciting.