21 Biggest Guitar Legends of the Past 60 Years
Guitar music has been shaped by some of the most influential and iconic musicians of the past six decades. Legends like Jimi Hendrix and Tony Iommi have left an undeniable mark on music history.
Their techniques, styles, and creativity have not only captivated audiences but also inspired countless musicians.
Let’s take a journey and explore the lives and legacies of the most famous guitarists who have shaped the soundscape of modern music.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is often hailed as the greatest guitarist of all time, known for his revolutionary approach to the electric guitar. His innovative use of feedback and distortion created sounds that had never been heard before, redefining what the guitar could do. Hendrix’s iconic performances at Woodstock and Monterey Pop Festival solidified his place in rock history.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, nicknamed “Slowhand,” is a three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His work with bands like Cream and Derek and the Dominos, along with his solo career, showcases his mastery of blues and rock guitar. Clapton’s soulful playing and hits like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven” have made him a living legend.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page, the driving force behind Led Zeppelin, is renowned for his intricate riffs and powerful solos. Page’s guitar work on tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love” has become the gold standard for rock guitarists. His use of alternate tunings and innovative recording techniques has influenced generations of musicians.
B.B. King
B.B. King, known as the “King of the Blues,” brought the genre to the masses with his expressive playing and emotional depth. His beloved guitar, Lucille, became an extension of his voice, delivering soulful bends and vibratos that defined the blues. King’s influence extends far beyond his own music, shaping the playing styles of countless guitarists across genres.
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana fused rock with Latin American rhythms, creating a unique sound that took the world by storm in the late 1960s. His performance at Woodstock and hits like “Black Magic Woman” showcased his fluid, melodic style. Santana’s use of sustain and feedback created a signature sound that remains instantly recognizable.
Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen revolutionized rock guitar with his blistering technique and innovative use of the “tapping” method. As the lead guitarist for Van Halen, he brought a level of virtuosity to the instrument that few could match. Songs like “Eruption” became the blueprint for countless aspiring guitarists.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan brought blues back to the forefront of popular music in the 1980s with his fiery playing and deep respect for the genre’s roots. Vaughan’s tone, characterized by heavy strings and powerful bends, became his signature. His album “Texas Flood” is a landmark in blues rock, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck’s career spans decades, with a style that continually evolves, blending rock, jazz, and electronic music. Known for his virtuosic technique and innovative use of the guitar’s whammy bar, Beck’s playing is both technically impressive and deeply emotive. Albums like “Blow by Blow” highlight his ability to push the boundaries of the guitar.
David Gilmour
David Gilmour’s soaring solos and atmospheric playing with Pink Floyd have made him one of rock’s most iconic guitarists. His work on “Comfortably Numb” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical precision. Gilmour’s use of delay and reverb has influenced the sound of modern rock guitar.
Keith Richards
Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is the embodiment of rock and roll, known for his raw, riff-driven style. His playing on tracks like “Satisfaction” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” helped define the sound of the 1960s and beyond. Richards’ open G tuning and laid-back feel have inspired countless guitarists across the globe.
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry is widely regarded as the father of rock and roll guitar, with his pioneering riffs and showmanship setting the stage for the genre. Songs like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven” are foundational to rock music, influencing everyone from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones. Berry’s blend of rhythm and lead playing created a blueprint for rock guitarists that is still followed today.
Slash
Slash, the top-hatted guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, is known for his powerful riffs and emotive solos. His work on “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain” has become iconic in rock history. Slash’s blend of bluesy licks and hard rock aggression has earned him a place among the guitar greats.
Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend of The Who is known for his aggressive playing style and pioneering use of power chords. His windmill strumming technique and explosive stage presence made him a key figure in the development of rock guitar. Townshend’s work on songs like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley” helped define the sound of the 1960s and 70s.
George Harrison
George Harrison, the “quiet Beatle,” was the understated yet brilliant guitarist behind some of The Beatles’ most memorable songs. His incorporation of Indian music and innovative slide guitar work added new dimensions to the band’s sound. Harrison’s solo career, particularly the album “All Things Must Pass,” further cemented his legacy as a master guitarist.
Brian May
Brian May of Queen is known for his distinctive tone, achieved through his homemade guitar, the “Red Special,” and a sixpence coin used as a pick. His orchestral approach to guitar playing, layering multiple tracks, gave Queen a unique and powerful sound. Songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You” showcase his technical skill and creativity.
Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler, the frontman of Dire Straits, is celebrated for his fingerpicking style and melodic phrasing. His playing on tracks like “Sultans of Swing” and “Brothers in Arms” is both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant. Knopfler’s understated yet virtuosic style has made him one of the most respected guitarists in the industry.
Angus Young
Angus Young of AC/DC is known for his high-energy performances and powerful, blues-influenced playing. His schoolboy outfit and duckwalk have become iconic, but it’s his riffs on songs like “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell” that have made him a rock legend. Young’s raw, straightforward style continues to inspire generations of guitarists.
Tony Iommi
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath is the architect of heavy metal guitar, known for his dark, detuned riffs. After losing the tips of two fingers in an industrial accident, Iommi adapted by using lighter strings and a unique playing technique. His work on songs like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid” laid the foundation for the entire genre of heavy metal.
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain of Nirvana brought a raw, unpolished sound to the forefront of the music scene in the 1990s. His playing on tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is characterized by its simplicity and power, rejecting the technicality of previous decades in favor of raw emotion. Cobain’s influence on the grunge movement and alternative rock is undeniable.
John Frusciante
John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is known for his melodic playing and use of effects to create a unique sound. His work on songs like “Under the Bridge” and “Californication” blends funk, rock, and psychedelia, making him one of the most versatile guitarists of his generation. Frusciante’s ability to balance technical skill with emotional depth has made him a standout guitarist in modern rock.
Randy Rhoads
Randy Rhoads, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, was a pioneering guitarist who blended classical music with heavy metal. His playing on tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” showcased his virtuosic technique and inventive use of harmony. Despite his untimely death, Rhoads’ influence on metal guitarists remains profound.
Gordon James
Gordon is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Morning Carpool. Gordon grew up in San Antonio, Texas and has a Bachelor's in English.