Consequence is ripping right into Guitar Week with our list of the 100 Best Guitarists of All Time. We’re turning up the volume all week with additional lists, artist-driven content, and more as we celebrate the power of the six-string. Round out the band by revisiting our lists of the 100 Best Drummers of All Time and the 100 Best Bassists of All Time.
Most guitar players can trace their obsession with the instrument back to the source.
For many, it was Hendrix; maybe his rendition of the “The Star Spangled Banner,” or a video of his famous Woodstock performance. For some, it was hearing Eddie Van Halen play “Eruption.” Some guitarists fell in love with the medium upon hearing the pioneers shredding before shredding even existed: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Robert Johnson, Charlie Christian, Chuck Berry. And yes, some began their journey with the instrument via a little game called Guitar Hero, which inspired the newest generation to pick up a real guitar and start figuring it out.
Across over 90 years, the guitar has become an indispensable instrument in much of popular music. It’s led to the invention and expansion of genres. It’s made talented musicians into superstars, like Prince, who found new ways to combine stylish guitar work with sublime songcraft. Guitar riffs are worshipped and sung like a universal language; the rousing melody of Ozzy’s “Crazy Train” or Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” can make anyone from any culture want to headbang. And above all, this is an instrument with a remarkable ability to express the inexpressible. It’s a vehicle for carnage and chaos, for serenity and vulnerability.
Attempting to rank the best to ever play the instrument is a serious challenge, so we surveyed over 100 guitarists to hear their thoughts on who left the largest impact. We looked at old school pioneers and the figures that paved the way for future greats, along with newer guitar heroes who continue to inspire the next generation. So pick up your axe, plug in that quarter-inch, switch on your amp, and join us as we go through the 100 best guitarists of all time. You’ll hear from Consequence staffers, as well our guitarist survey participants like Kerry King, Nancy Wilson, FINNEAS, and many more.
Then, keep on the lookout throughout the week for more of our Guitar Week, including lists, guides, and more from your favorite guitar players.
— Paolo Ragusa
Associate Editor
Content shared from consequence.net.