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!
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Fast-Picking Guitarists of the World (21–30)
Distant ThunderOmura Takayoshi
Takayoshi Ohmura is not only active as a guitarist for the rock band C4 and the big band DC/PRG, but also serves as an instructor at MI JAPAN Osaka, a professional music school.
He performs as the “God of Guitar” in BABYMETAL’s backing band, the Kami Band, and excels in a wide range of styles—from rock and metal to jazz—reflecting the diversity of his affiliations.
Even in high-speed shredding, his precise picking and fingering make every note clearly audible, demonstrating his skill.
Combined with his vast musical background, this sets him apart from other shredding guitarists.
Black MasqueradeRitchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple left the band and formed a new group, Rainbow.
They released songs that fuse baroque music with a hard rock base, creating a distinctive atmosphere.
His guitar playing can be described as an orthodox hard rock style, but the catchy phrases are easy on the ears and captivate many fans.
This track, too, is a number where you can fully enjoy Ritchie’s excellent playing.
FivesGuthrie Govan
Guthrie Govan, a British guitarist known for his work with Asia and more, is a player with overwhelming technique, including superhuman sweeps and impeccably precise ultra-fast picking.
His skills are said to be highly praised by major guitarists such as Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani.
Tears of SaharaTony MacAlpine
Tony MacAlpine is an American guitarist known for his mastery of sweep picking and tapping.
He also handles jazz-influenced approaches, delivering richly expressive phrases.
The featured track is a medium-tempo number with a soulful, “crying” guitar that feels great to listen to.
Crazy TrainRandy Rhoads
He was the legendary guitarist who served as the original guitarist in the band led by the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne.
His playing style—fast, classically influenced runs incorporated into metal—was groundbreaking at the time and, together with his polka-dot Flying V, became his trademark.
Sadly, he passed away at the young age of 25, but his playing continues to influence countless guitarists across eras and generations.
It’s also said that shortly before his death he had developed a deepening passion for classical guitar, was planning to leave the band, and was considering switching to a career as a classical guitarist.
One can’t help but wonder what kind of guitarist Randy Rhoads would have become if he were still alive…
Amphibians Night OutMattias IA Eklundh
The ferocious guitarist Mattias IA Eklundh—often called a genius who surpasses even Steve Vai.
If you just watch a video, you’ll see what I mean: he’s a guitarist who stands apart from the rest in every sense.
You’ll be blown away by the sheer number of tones—so many you’ll wonder if they’re really coming from a guitar—and by his astonishing technique.
Race with Devil on Spanish HighwayAl Di Meola
Al Di Meola was a guitarist famous for speed long before the shred boom likely even began.
He’s a guitarist in the jazz/Spanish/fusion realm, but his speed is still overwhelming even today.
I’d say he can play comfortably faster than most run-of-the-mill shred guitarists.