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)
DystopiaKiko Loureiro
A guitarist from Brazil who has recently drawn attention for joining Megadeth.
He comes across as a highly adaptable and versatile player, showcasing a wealth of technical skills.
His fluid fingerwork and tapping always exhibit great taste and brim with originality.
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…
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.
Bark At The Moon LiveJake E Lee
An American guitarist born to a Japanese mother, best known for his work with the Ozzy Osbourne band and Badlands.
His signature is a tricky style often dubbed “Jake Fake,” and his visually striking techniques—such as two-handed tapping—captivated not only fans of shred guitar but a wide audience.
Influenced by the piano lessons he took in childhood, he is also highly skilled at composition and is known for writing many especially catchy songs.
Since launching his solo career, he has been highly active, contributing to numerous tribute albums for various musicians.
If you’re curious, seek out Jake E.
Lee’s recordings to hear his guitar playing across songs from a variety of bands.
Looking GlassAllan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth, a guitarist known for his work with UK and other projects, originally comes from a jazz background, but his true essence lies in his unfamiliar, peculiar rapid playing.
He seems to favor phrasing based more on legato than picking, making him quite a distinctive presence among the guitarists introduced here.
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.