21 of the greatest guitarists of all time

barry werner

Sat, Sep 23, 2023, 4:15 PM·5 min read

Let the axes do the talking

Rock has seen its share of great axmen. You know, the guys who make the guitars sing and ring out with the greatest riffs known to everyone. We’re taking a look at 21 of the best of the best—the legends you can hear playing when you see their name and image…

Nils Lofgren

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Beautiful Day Media)

There is nothing sweeter than Nils Lofgren at lead guitar, whether on his own or playing with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Lofgren has a unique style and absolutely brings out the best in his instruments. A remarkable talent and one that has spanned many generations. Get a chance to see him solo if you can.

Joe Perry

Another guitarist who has to be seen and heard is Joe “Freaking” Perry of Aerosmith fame. One-half of the Toxic Twins with Steven Tyler, Perry knows how to make rock roll and is a marvel to watch with his incredible look and stage presence. You can’t try to be as cool as Joe Perry is; you either are, or you should just give it up.

Mike Campbell

One half of the brotherhood in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with the late band leader, Mike Campbell puts the music into overdrive. Whether it is searing licks on songs like “Refugee” and “Running Down a Dream” or providing the setting on slower tunes, Campbell is legendary and brilliant.

Hubert Sumlin

If you have listened to the great Howlin’ Wolf, you have been privileged to hear Hubert Sumlin at his finest. Sumlin played with Wolf for 23 years and made some of the best music of any and all genres.

Ronnie Wood

Al Paglione /North Jersey Media Group via USA TODAY NETWORK

Another rocker with a unique and eclectic look, Ronnie Wood is a true artist—whether with a paintbrush or a guitar. The longtime Rolling Stones has played in other great bands and is absolutely stellar…

Keith Richards

… while we are on the Rolling Stones, what would the band be without the combination of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The incomparable Richards has lived a remarkable — stunning? — life and continues to be a joy to watch when on tour.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee Hooker was best known for his “driving-rhythm boogie” style. And he could play—if you listened, you were most likely riveted. An influence on many other future star guitars, Hooker was a solo artist, unlike many others. But, he did it his way, and no one was going to get in the way of some of the greatest licks.

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters earned the title of “the father of modern Chicago blues.” Talk about good fortune; imagine anyone who got the chance to sit and enjoy Waters playing with the legendary Little Walter, among others in his band. This legend heavily influenced Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Johnny Winter.

Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy is in the Rock Hall of Fame and has won eight Grammys. While the honors are nice, his music and ability to entertain continue to wow crowds. In fact, if you would like to get a first-hand listen, PBS is premiering a special July 27 called Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase The Blues Away.” Anyone who loves the man and his music will be locked and loaded for an entertaining evening. Guy continues to tour and will on the road starting in late August in Marion, Il. Get out there and see a great at his craft.

Mick Ronson

Gone long before his time, Mick Ronson was one of the best to come out of England. He played with the likes of David Bowie, Ian Hunter, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan. Ronson died at the age of 46. You can click here to savor and appreciate Ronson as he plays with Bowie on “Heroes” at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.

Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page is one of the members of the iconic Led Zeppelin and so much more. Rolling Stone magazine has described Page as “the pontiff of power riffing” and ranked him number three in their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. A two-time member of the Rock Hall with the Yardbirds and Zeppelin. He continues to innovate and influence.

Albert King

“The Velvet Bulldozer” Albert King is another guitarist who proved to be influential on many players. Per Allmusic.com: Many young white guitarists — especially rock & rollers — have been influenced by King’s playing, and many players who emulate his style may never have heard of Albert King, let alone heard his music. His style is immediately distinguishable from all other blues guitarists, and he’s one of the most important blues guitarists to ever pick up the electric guitar.

Eric Clapton

Simply a legend and magician with the guitar.

Mick Taylor

He left the Rolling Stones but not before leaving his mark. Mick Taylor still makes appearances on tours for occasional songs, and his brilliance is always instantly recalled—a tremendous talent that continues to deliver the licks.