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. (41–50)
MeltdownVinnie Moore
Vinnie Moore is a guitarist from the United States, born in 1964, and he is well-known in the hard rock scene.
He is classified as a neoclassical-style guitarist.
In Japan, he played the solo part on SMAP’s song “Natsu ga Kuru.” His 1986 album Mind’s Eye is famous, and he is known for his skill with sweep arpeggios.
Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who have etched their names in history. (51–60)
Honey HushAlbert Collins
Albert Collins, slinging his trademark Telecaster over his shoulder and letting razor-sharp guitar lines ring out.
Collins, who had performed in Japan, was especially memorable for using an absurdly long guitar cable and shredding away from the back of the audience.
I’ll Play The BLues For YouAlbert King
A classic by Albert King, one of the three Kings of the blues.
It epitomizes the blues: while there are parts where he sings the melody, the sections delivered in a spoken, sermon-like style—reminiscent of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches—create a uniquely undulating groove.
It’s an outstanding track.
Out of SightBuddy Guy
Buddy Guy gives the impression of being a superbly psychedelic man who lives within the blues genre and plays around inside the blues category.
He’s also a specialist in musical “ma,” stopping his hands mid-guitar solo to stare off into the distance, only to suddenly start playing again.
Yakety AxeChet Atkins
This is a comical and fun song in which Chet Atkins, the master of country and galloping guitar, covers Boots Randolph’s “Yakety Sax.” It’s a lively number packed with the charm of Chet’s guitar playing.
You can’t help but be captivated by his flowing fingerwork.
Stand In LineChris Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri, a shred guitarist who could be said to be famous primarily for his speed, lives up to his claim that he cares most about speed—his playing is strikingly fast.
While he seems committed to fast playing with essentially full picking, he actually possesses very strong legato techniques as well.
The End of the BeginningJason Becker
Jason Becker, the tragic genius guitarist who rose to prominence with his band Cacophony alongside Marty Friedman, possesses a broad knowledge of musical genres, and his technique is both innovative and highly sophisticated.
It is very unfortunate that illness has kept him away from the spotlight for so long, making a return difficult.