1.Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page was born James Patrick Page in 1944. He is an english musician, song writer and producer that is mostly known for being one of the few who created the rock band Led Zeppelin. First being in the band Yard Birds from 1966 to 1968, then later in 1968 to create Led Zeppelin and change Rock n Roll as people knew it from then on. From his twangy guitar riffs that would cut right through whomever was listening, or the intrecate folk riffs that would create a million little stories in your mind, Jimmy Page could do this. Unfortunately at the passing of Led Zeppelins drummer John Bonham, Led Zeppelin decided to not play together anymore. Luckily Jimmy Page left behind several master pieces for people to listen to for years to come.
2. Mike Mccready
Mike Mccready was born Michael David Mccready in 1966. He is mostly know by his role in the band Pearl Jam. Although he had been one of the founders of Pearl Jam, he is widely known by many to have been the best Grunge guitarist throughout the time period. His role in bands such as Temple of the Dog, and Mad Season created sounds that will never be artistically created the same again. His strong blues influence along with his mixture of Grunge rock created a heart piercing sound full of emotion. Even with all of the different bands Mccready played in, Pearl Jam still continues to make music and do what they love.
3.Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix in 1942 was an American musician, songwriter and singer. Unfortunetly passing at only 27, he left behind some of the most inspiring guitar playing known to Rock music. Born in seattle Jimi Hendrix starting playing guitar at the age of 15. Jimi served in the U.S Army being trained as a paratrooper. Soon afterward, he moved to Clarksville, Tennesse and began playing gigs on the Chitlin Circuit. After some time earning his way in the music industry, Jimi created the Jimi Hendrix Experience. His dirty Blues influence and smooth transitions between fast and smooth rythms made him very well known. Jimi Hendrix had tremendous talent to the extent where he could play with his teeth. At the time period Hendrix played left handed before a left handed guitar was even created. His solution was to just flip the guitar upside down, leaving a hilarious story to be told for years to come.
4. Dimebag Darrell
Dimebag Darrell, born Darrell Lance Abbott was born in August 1966. He was well known at a very young age for his over the top playing style. He is mostly know for his creations of the band Damage Plan and Pantera. Darrell was born in Arlington, Texas where he soon picked up the guitar at age 12. Unfortunately passing at the age of 38 Darrell left the music world with several musical masterpieces. What set him aside from several other Heavy Metal groups was his ability to combine heaviness and groove together. His playing style embodies the true meaning of shredding.
5. Jack White
Jack White, born John Anthony Gillis in Detroit on July 1975 is a very multi-talented musician. Jack is mostly known for his band, The White Stripes and considered by many to have revived garage rock. The band consisted of two people, Jack and his now ex-wife Meg. It is very inspirational to watch them play because of the unique sound they can create with limited numbers. Jack has been in several successful bands including The Raconteurs as well as several solo albums. From the catchy blues riffs to the insane energy, Jack can deliver it all. Although not the most technical and mastered, he plays the genre for what he feels and that is very respectable.
6. Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Cantrell was born Jerry Fulton Cantrell in March 1966. He is an American singer-songwriter and musician best known for his role in the band Alice in Chains. During the Grunge movement in seattle, Jerrys’ playing style truely captured the meaning of grunge. From his ability to stay heavy and transition to heavy blues from time to time. Cantrell first picked up a guitar in the 6th grade, but it was not until he was 17 when he started to fully commit himself. Along with several musicians on the following list, Jerry Cantrell was among the few that made me fall in love with the music itself.
7. David Gilmour
David Gilmour was born David Jon Gilmour in March 1946 and is an english singer-songwriter and multi-talented musician. Gilmour was mostly known for his creation of the band Pink Floyd but has created several other succesful solo albums as well. By 2012 the band had sold over 250 million records. Gilmour was well recognized for his psychedelic guitar delays and bone chattering solos. He has the ability to compose songs that were very unordinary but carried the power to make someone cry. One thing that stands out in this guitarist is that his music makes me specifically think about what is going on in my life, somehow allowing me to find a peaceful side through everything.
8. Tom Morello
Tom Morello, born Thomas Baptiste Morello May, 1964 is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and political activist. Morello is mostly known for his role in the band Rage Against the Machine where any listener would be blown away by their impact. Rage Against the Machine made songs about corrupt America and how they were sick of it. Morello was not there to make friends, he was there in that time period to make noise. Tom is known from his numerous catchy riffs as well as his unorthadox solo style. The way that his groovy riffs would mesh with the lyricist would create a sound that has not been matched to this day.
9. Tony Iommi
Tony Iommi, born Anthony Frank Iommi in February 1948 is the guitarist best known for his role in the band Black Sabbath. He is an English songwriter, musician and producer that was born and raised in Birmingham. It was his early teens where he decided to pick up the guitar only because the drums created to much of a racket for his family. At the age of 17 Iommi lost the tips of his middle and ring fingers due to an accident at his sheet metal job. He was told by several doctors that he will not be able to play the guitar anymore due to him being a left-handed guitarist. It is very inspirational because the answer was not good enough for him. He went on to create some of the most powerful riffs known to metal, from his simple yet catchy creations he is known to many as the riff god. Listening to any of his playing would define what true rock and roll is.
10. Jake Kiszka
Jake Kiszka, born in April 1996 is an aspiring new age guitarist. Born and raised in Frankenmuth Michigan, Kiszka is best known for his role in the new band Greta van Fleet. Many has criticized the band for their similarities to the band Led Zeppelin but have responded by acknowledging that the influence is there but are just doing what they love. Jake Kiszka is not the best guitarist by any means but he is on this list because he is bringing back the type of rock that used to be good. Himself along with the other band members continue to put tremendous amounts of feeling and passion to craft songs similiar to the ones they grew up listening. For myself it is an eye opener that someone from where I live and close to my age can make it in the rock industry in hopes to bring it back what once was.
Guitar's Finest 