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 (41–50)
Sea of LiesMichael Romeo
As you’d expect from someone influenced by neoclassical metal, his playing is characterized by extensive use of diminished chords and the harmonic minor scale.
He also has solid mastery of techniques like sweeping, and just watching his finger movements is satisfying.
This video serves as a demonstration, making it very easy to follow and an excellent reference for studying his playing.
Welcome to BucketheadlandBuckethead
Buckethead is an American guitarist born in 1969 who performs wearing a white mask.
When he debuted, he played with a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket on his head.
Nowadays, he performs with a white bucket on his head.
Active since 1987, he plays not only guitar but also a wide range of instruments including bass and synthesizer.
RISE TO GLORY -8118-Takasaki Akira
Despite what his tough look might suggest, Akira Takasaki started out in the idol-oriented rock band Lazy and now serves as the guitarist for the metal band LOUDNESS.
When they broke into the global market in the 1980s, they achieved the rare feat for a Japanese act of entering the U.S.
Billboard Top 100, and his skill was so highly regarded that he even received an offer to join Metallica, often called the most successful metal band in the world.
His trademark is dazzlingly fast tapping using boss-hand technique.
Paul Gilbert of Mr.
Big, a world-renowned shred guitarist, has openly stated that he was influenced by Akira Takasaki; he’s a guitarist who has made a profound impact not only on Japanese players but also on guitarists overseas.
Phantom LordDave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine, born in 1961, is an American guitarist and vocalist who also writes and composes songs.
He plays a central role in Megadeth.
Active since 1978, he performs using a Flying V guitar.
He has also performed with Metallica.
Mr. ScaryGeorge Lynch
George Lynch, the guitarist known for the hard rock band Dokken.
His powerful picking and thick tone exude a rugged masculinity.
He frequently uses outside-the-scale tones to craft distinctive phrases.
His technique is solid, and his stable playing is also well regarded.
DOCTOR DOCTORMichael Schenker
A German guitarist who joined the metal band Scorpions—led by his older brother, Rudolf Schenker—at the age of 17, making his debut as a lead guitarist at a young age.
After his debut, he gained worldwide recognition through his stint with the British rock band UFO and his own Michael Schenker Group.
Known for an orthodox, pentatonic-based fast-picking style and lyrical, emotive melodies often described as “crying guitar,” his distinctive approach set him apart from mere speed players and has had a profound influence on guitarists around the world.
With melodies steeped in melancholy that become irresistibly addictive, it’s no wonder he’s revered as a guitar god.
PanteraDimebag Darrell
Dimebag Darrell, the former Pantera guitarist who tragically passed away in a shocking incident, had been sweeping prizes in numerous guitar contests since his youth, and his technique was beyond doubt.
He was known for his fast playing with a distinctive, gritty, jangly tone.