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)
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.
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.
Theme of reconciliationKitsutaka Fumihiko
A guitarist for King-Show (Kinniku Shōjo-tai), who are known by that nickname and resumed activities in 2006.
While the band’s vocalist, Kenji Otsuki, often draws the spotlight, listening to their music makes it clear that the songs wouldn’t exist without Fumihiko Kitsutaka’s guitar; he’s the musical brain of the band.
He’s been heavily influenced by hard rock and metal, and during the 1980s and 1990s he was so admired by guitar kids of the time that he was frequently compared with his contemporary, former Gargoyle guitarist She-Ja, earning the phrase “Kitsutaka in the East, She-Ja in the West.” Known for his fluent, technical shred playing and his emotive “weeping” guitar style, he’s a quintessentially orthodox guitarist among Japanese speed-picking players.
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.