There are so many great guitar players …
… from blues to jazz and rock, flamenco to classical, great guitar players have defined music as we know it. Some even have their own genre! Whatever the style, guitar has been fertile ground for great talent everywhere.
I’ve been adding articles each week, so make sure you come back regularly. In the meanwhile, check out the complete list or search using the box below.
Thanks for your visit and enjoy!
(Last updated: June 17th, 2009)
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Check out the latest page on Buddy Guy, and see why he is one of the great guitar players who’ve had the most impact on guitar music as we know it today...
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See your favourite great guitar players’ influences on The Guitar Family Tree a very cool part of www.great-guitar-players.com |
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Fernando Sor
One can say Fernando Sor is the father of classical guitar. Back in the early 1800’s guitar was a new instrument and none of the great composers or performers would pay any attention to it. Fernando Sor became the first famous guitar performer and composer in history. On top of that, he was the first to document a learning method for the instrument. We all owe so much to what could be the first great guitar player of all. If it wasn’t for him, maybe we wouldn’t be playing guitar today!
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Django Reinhardt
One of the most original great guitar players of all times, Django Reinhardt invented gypsy jazz back in the 1930’s. His improvisation skills are unmatched, while his technique has been studied by many experts. Above all, he had plain musical good taste and a natural finesse. One of the most outstanding guitar talents in history.
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Robert Johnson
Without doubt, the most sophisticated blues guitar player of his time. The title King of the Delta Blues Singers couldn’t be more accurate to describe him. From songs like Crossroads Blues to Walking Blues, his music is pure passion that surfaces with an aura of mystery. It is impossible to understand the blues without knowing Robert Johnson’s music.
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BB King
Rightfully earning the title King of the Blues, he is the ambassador of the blues worldwide. With unmatched finesse, BB King has reached the soul of millions and became an inspiration for thousands of great guitar players everywhere.
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Wes Montgomery
Wes Montgomery is probably the most gifted jazz guitar player ever. He is also the most influential of all jazz guitarists. His sound is unmistakeable and thousands of guitar players still try to emulate it, more than 40 years after his passing. Be prepared to hear the most tasteful jazz guitar there is.
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Albert King
While some say he should bear the title "King of the Blues", no one can deny the deep impact Albert King had on the sound of modern blues as we know it. His legendary Gibson Flying V, "Lucy", is the perfect vehicle for him to deliver his expressive and masterful blues.
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Albert Collins
"There ain't nothin' in the world, that a Collins shuffle won't cure". Need I say more? One of the most original and energetic bluesmen, his performances were an authentic tour de force. Pure music enjoyment.
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John Williams
John Williams was spotted as a child guitar prodigy and brought to the great master Andres Segovia in 1952. After he heard the 11-year old play, Segovia’s words were: "God has laid a finger on his brow, and it will not be long before his name becomes a byword in England and abroad". And he was right; it didn’t take long for John Williams to become an international classical guitar icon. Listening to him is a great pleasure and to this day, he is the most acclaimed classical guitar player alive.
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Jimi Hendrix
The most influential great guitar player of all times, Jimi Hendrix changed the face of guitar music with his psychedelic blues-rock style. A master guitar player and a contemporary icon. Almost 40 years since his death, Jimi Hendrix’s sound is still alive.
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Eric Clapton
There is no better way to understand classic rock than looking at Eric Clapton. Like rock itself, there’s no Clapton without the blues. Unlike rock music, he has remained faithful to tradition and has gone back to the roots. Needless to say, Eric Clapton has left a deep footprint in music as we know it today.
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Paco de Lucia
Although Spain has seen its fair share of flamenco guitar masters, there’s only been one Paco de Lucia. His innovation, technique and passion are yet to find a match in the world of flamenco. And probably they never will.
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Stevie Ray Vaughan
Talents like Stevie Ray Vaughan appear only once in a generation. A guitar genius from Texas, his exceptional playing earned the admiration of all the blues legends. Even the pickiest guitar critics cannot help but admire SRV. He had it all: soul, technique, innovation, identity and an unprecedented improvisation voice.
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Lenny Breau
Some guitarists are respected by other guitar legends, others are admired by them. Lenny Breau belongs to the latter. One of those great guitar players who never knew any boundaries, he explored the limits of jazz finger style guitar and the ability to get the most out of a single instrument. Lenny Breau has his own category as a guitar player. Don’t feel bad if you’re not familiar with his music. Most people aren’t, but be prepared to get your perspective of guitar changed forever!
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John Scofield
One of the most respected names in jazz, John Scofield is a reference for countless great guitar players. Some time ago, playing with Miles Davis changed his career. Few years later, he became a legend on his own right. One of the most original and coolest jazz guitarists, he’s an authority and reference for guitar players everywhere.
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Mike Stern
Jazz fusion, modern jazz, rock jazz, however you want to call it; many great guitar players have tried it. Only few have succeeded the way Mike Stern has with his unique, great style. Although modern and original, it shows respect to the jazz roots. After more than 30 years, Mike Stern’s sound is still a breath of fresh air and he has earned his reputation as one of the greatest jazz guitar players ever.
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Joe Satriani
The 1980’s were great years for guitar music. But being a guitar player back then and shining in the middle of so much talent was no easy feat. Joe Satriani not only shined, but he also led a big wave of guitar music back then. One of the most original voices, his talent and legacy are undisputable in modern guitar music.
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Bireli Lagrene
If there is one guitar player who can claim to be the heir of Django Reinhardt, that is Bireli Lagrene. Grown up surrounded by gypsy music, he took guitar from a very early age and recorded his first tribute to Django at age 13. Ever since, his musical career has been admired by thousands of guitar fans around the globe. Before going back to his roots, he has explored the vast oceans of jazz and shown the world his adaptability, exquisite taste and virtuosity. Without doubt, he is one of the greatest guitar players alive.
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Derek Trucks
It only takes a few notes to realize there’s something special about Derek Trucks. Even though he got started in the southern musical tradition, he has evolved into his own great style. Together with The Derek Trucks Band, they have crafted a blend of sounds of their own; always pleasant and always showing respect to the roots. Without doubt, a rising guitar legend.
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