Rolling Stone Magazine Reveals Expanded List of Greatest Guitarists of All Time
In a recent article published by Rolling Stone, the magazine has revealed its expanded list of the 250 greatest guitarists of all time. While the original list, published in 2011, featured 100 guitarists, this new and improved list aims to showcase the scope of the guitar’s evolution and the incredible talent that exists across various genres.
Guitarists are often seen as iconic figures, and this list highlights the impact they have had both as solo artists and as part of bands. The panel responsible for compiling the original list consisted mostly of classic rock musicians. However, this time around, the editors and writers of Rolling Stone took charge, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive representation of guitarists.
The list spans a wide range of musical genres, including rock, jazz, reggae, country, folk, blues, punk, metal, disco, funk, bossa nova, bachata, Congolese rumba, flamenco, and more. From the earliest entrant, folk music icon Elizabeth Cotten, born in 1893, to indie-rock prodigy Lindsey Jordan, born in 1999, the list showcases the vast timeline of guitarists who have left their mark on music history.
Notable virtuosos such as Pat Metheny, Yvette Young, and Steve Vai are featured alongside primitivists like Johnny Ramone and Poison Ivy of the Cramps. The list also recognizes both influential guitarists who have achieved mainstream fame, such as Prince, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young, and lesser-known masters like Memphis soul great Teenie Hodges and smooth-rock assassin Larry Carlton.
Recognizing the power of artistic collaborations, the list includes duos such as Kim and Kelley Deal of the Breeders, Adrian Smith and Dave Murray of Iron Maiden, and other symbiotic pairs who have made significant contributions to the world of guitar-playing.
When compiling the list, Rolling Stone prioritized factors such as heaviness over tastiness, feel over polish, invention over refinement, and risk-taking and originality over technical ability. The magazine also considered artists who channeled their gifts into creating great songs and game-changing albums rather than solely focusing on impressive playing.
The guitar has always been more than just an instrument to many musicians, as Joan Jett famously stated, “It is an extension of myself. It is who I am.” For guitarists like modern blues visionary Gary Clark Jr., the guitar allows them to venture beyond the expected and explore new territories while still maintaining their musical identity.
Rolling Stone’s expanded list of the greatest guitarists serves as a celebration of the instrument’s versatility and the incredible talent that exists within the realm of guitar-playing. Whether you’re a fan of rock, jazz, blues, or any other genre, this list provides a comprehensive overview of artists who have mastered the six-string and left an indelible mark on the world of music.