I did research, watched videos, and talked with my friends who have played guitar their whole lives, so I came up with this list for you.

Most of the best guitarists’ lists are subjective and picked by personal taste. I tried my best to be objective.

Here are the guitarists:

#1 – Jimi Hendrix
#2 – Steve Vai
#3 – Jimmy Page
#4 – Eddie Van Halen
#5 – John Petrucci
#6 – B.B. King
#7 – David Gilmour
#8 Eric Clapton
#9 – Chuck Berry
#10 – Keith Richards
#11 – Tony Iommi
#12 – Slash
#13 – Duane Allman

Keep reading to find out what makes them the best of the best.

#1 – Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix shaped the guitar world. 

He wrapped his thumb around the instrument’s neck and played the bass notes while freeing up his fingers to move between the treble strings. 

Also, as a left-handed guitarist, he played the guitar the “wrong way,” which changed the notes’ sounds.

After a while, this technique became a standard. Additionally, Jimi was the first to abundantly use some effects, such as the wah-wah, and more.

Unfortunately, the legends died with only three albums at age 27.

#2 – Steve Vai 

Steve’s ability to express himself with the guitar is unlike that of any other player. His accuracy and consistency of tone are admirable.

His advanced technique separates him from the others, like sweep picking, legato, joint shifting, and more. 

He is an innovator of many effects and had an insane amount of sounds he could make from the instrument.

#3 – Jimmy Page

As the founder of the famous band Led Zeppelin, he was an unparalleled part of their sound. 

He always sought new guitar tones.

His influences were broad, as he studied a lot of genres.

It’s not about how fast or clean he could play, but how he delivered the music with emotions.

#4 – Eddie Van Halen

As absurd as it sounds, Van Halen never learned to read music, he improvised instead. 

He achieved some of the most special guitar riffs in history.

He was innovative in the tapping method. And he was one of the best with technical ability.

#5 – John Petrucci 

Petrucci is a fantastic guitarist with fantastic technique.

His unreal chops, excellent tone, and note selection have given him a worldwide following.

He composes incredible music. And with such innovative material, he doesn’t have to focus on a particular style.

#6 – B.B. King

He made the sounds of actual humans singing with his guitar, Lucille. 

With his skills, such as a great vibrato, he became an inspiration for prominent guitarists after him.

#7 – David Gilmour

Gilmour’s case shows that fast doesn’t mean better, one of the best slow rock guitarists, if not the best. 

His solos were unforgettable, as he poured so much passion into them. 

He was the best string bender, although he played kind of straight-forward.

#8 Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton was among those who helped define how rock guitar should sound.

His solos have developed so well, like a story.

He was also an innovator who replaced the G string and made it standard.

#9 – Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry was excellent for his time.

When there weren’t effects and the notes ended up quick, he filled the sound with techniques.

Moreover, he was original since there wasn’t anyone to copy during his time.

#10 – Keith Richards

Mainly focused on working with another guitarist for a two-guitar sound.

He also understood how to make a song memorable and what worked.

#11 – Tony Iommi

Although he lost the tips of the middle and ring fingers of his right hand, Iommi managed to learn to play the guitar again.

Since he couldn’t play certain chords, he focused on and mastered phrasing and tone.

#12 – Slash

Slash doesn’t use extreme guitar techniques. Yet his solos are charming to the ear, and his melodies can lift a song.

#13 – Duane Allman

Duane had an outstandingly wide range of tones he produced from his hands, even without effects.

Throughout his career, he got better all the time. Unfortunately, he died young, at age 24.

What next?

Those are the best guitarists of all time.

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