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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World’s Fastest Guitarists (31–40)
double guitarMichael Angelo Batio
Michael Angelo is an American guitarist born in 1956, and even among shred players he is extraordinarily fast.
He has also performed on a double-neck guitar that allows him to play with both hands.
He released a DVD titled “Speed Kills,” where you can see him performing on his double axe (double-neck guitar).
Black MagicReb Beach
He’s known as a member of the American band Winger, but he’s also a famous session guitarist who has worked with many top artists.
He specializes in rock-leaning jazz and fusion, and his phrasing is very distinctive.
In this track, he showcases an abundance of tapping techniques, really pulling out all the stops.
Amazing Kirk Hammett Guitar SoloKirk Hammett
Kirk Hammett is the guitarist of Metallica and an American born in 1962.
He is a disciple of Joe Satriani.
Before joining Metallica, he was active in a band called Exodus.
He’s a big manga fan and reads a lot of Japanese comics.
He is a central figure in Metallica.
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.
Welcome To The JungleSlash
Slash was born in 1965 and is from London, England.
He rose to fame with Guns N’ Roses and became known worldwide for playing while smoking.
Many guitarists imitated him, including his signature Afro hairstyle.
He prefers to play Gibson Les Paul guitars more than anyone else.
World’s Fastest Guitarists (41–50)
Solo God (and the power of a Stratocaster)Dave Murray
Dave Murray is a guitarist from the United Kingdom, born in 1956.
Even if you haven’t heard the name Dave Murray, you might recognize Iron Maiden.
Active since 1975, he is known for his distinctive use of trills.
He has favored the Stratocaster since his debut.
Sky Overture LiveUli Jon Roth
Uli Jon Roth is a German guitarist born in 1954.
He has been active since around 1970 and served as Michael Schenker’s successor in the Scorpions.
While guitars typically have six strings, Uli Jon Roth has also played a seven-string guitar.
Because he performs with long hair in a sage-like style, he is known in Japan as the “hermit guitarist.”