Fast-picking guitarists of the world
Among guitarists, isn’t fast playing often a hot topic? If you actually play guitar yourself, you’ve probably admired it at least once.
And even if you’re not a guitarist, there are likely many people who love fast guitar playing in certain genres.
In this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of guitarists famous for their speed! You’ll be blown away by their performances as showcased in real songs.
From world-renowned legends to Japan’s premier players, this is a must-read for fans of fast playing!
- [2026] Extreme Technique! A Roundup of Overseas Technical Guitarists
- Japanese shred guitarist
- Metal guitarists of the world
- Famous and Popular Songs by Yngwie Malmsteen
- [All Genres] Introducing Masterpieces of Guitar Instrumentals!
- Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who have etched their names into history.
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- [2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome guitar solos
- [Chosen by a jazz guitarist] 10 guitarists recommended by Katsuhide Wakui
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Japanese Songs with Difficult/Technical Guitar Parts [2026]
- [Western Music] A Compilation of the World’s Famous Hard Rock Guitarists
- Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs
- [J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
World’s Fastest Guitarists (61–70)
MeltdownVinnie Moore
Vinnie Moore excels at arpeggios using sweep picking.
He’s a guitarist who also drew attention for performing with Alice Cooper.
Despite his flashy stage moves, his carefully and cleanly played phrases are melodic and expressive.
His guitar tone also falls into the standard category for this genre, making it easy to listen to.
Promises feat. Todd Michael HallTimo Tolkki
Timo Tolkki is a guitarist who became world-famous as the guitarist for the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, and after leaving the band, he has continued to be active in numerous projects.
Influenced by many fast-playing guitarists who emerged in the 1980s, that influence is evident in his playing style.
In his songs, he would flawlessly perform unison fast passages together with the keyboard—an instrument whose layout yields different note patterns—demonstrating a precise, classical approach that helped shape a pillar of European symphonic metal.
In 2004, he suffered a nervous breakdown due to band member departures and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but after rehabilitation he returned and has continued to work energetically.
Tengakumachiya
Machiya is a guitarist whose name became widely known through his activities with Wagakki Band.
While he doesn’t always push flashy playing to the forefront within the band, he is a guitarist with extraordinary technique.
He has also uploaded several “I tried playing” performance videos on YouTube, where you can experience the essence of his musicianship.
insane soloFrank Gambale
Frank Gambale is an Italian guitarist born in 1958.
Active since around 1982, he is closer to jazz fusion than heavy metal.
Known for his speed picking, he astonished the public with a style in which, unlike the usual approach of picking upward when moving to higher strings, he picks downward when moving up and upward when moving down the strings.
Tornado Of SoulsChris Broderick
A guitarist who made his name with the power metal band JAG PANZER and the thrash metal band Megadeth, and is currently active in Act of Defiance.
His tapping technique is outstanding, and his eight-finger tapping is a sight to behold.
The featured track showcases his mastery of the seven-string guitar, and the fast-paced solo is another highlight.