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Most complete guitar players top list

Envision Radio Networks’ Chop Shop Guitar Show has announced The Chop Shop’s Top 100 Most Complete Guitar Players of All Time. Yes, yet another top list. You have every right to be sceptical, but this one at least makes an attempt of being quasi-objective.

Each guitarist was ranked by a five member panel of “industry insider” experts in the following categories: technical ability, soul and emotion, influence on the music and guitar industries, song writing, live experience, sales, signature sound and longevity. There are 3 video clips on Chop Shop’s website trying to explain the rating process.

Blackmore scored 72.61 points, which gave him a quite respectable place in top 20. Joe Satriani is at #24 with 69.71. Tommy Bolin and Steve Morse didn’t make to top 100. Other distant relatives of the family spotted on the list are Steve Vai (#7), Tony Iommi (#12), Yngwie Malmsteen (#55), Gary Moore (#62), Warren Haynes (#77-78), John Sykes (#89) and Vivian Campbell (#90).

Here’s the top 20 (you can see top 100 here)

  1. Jimmy Page 87.94
  2. Jimi Hendrix 84.92
  3. Eddie Van Halen 84.81
  4. David Gilmour 82.72
  5. Keith Richards 82.48
  6. Pete Townshend 80.66
  7. Steve Vai 79.74
  8. Les Paul 78.61
  9. Angus Young 78.56
  10. Jeff Beck 77.77
  11. Stevie Ray Vaughan 75.86
  12. Tony Iommi 74.67
  13. Eric Clapton 74.62
  14. James Hetfield 73.62
  15. Ritchie Blackmore 72.61
  16. Slash 71.60
  17. Frank Zappa 71.57
  18. George Harrison 71.49
  19. Randy Rhoads 70.89
  20. Ted Nugent 70.83

Thanks to Brave World for the info.



137 Comments to “Most complete guitar players top list”:

  1. 1
    stoffer says:

    Keith Richards at #5????????????????????? NO WAY!!

  2. 2
    stefan says:

    Sigh…..Yet another stupid list,why do they bother??? Can´t bring my piss to boil when no list is objective!

  3. 3
    Chip says:

    Amen Stefan…it’s a pretty silly list…..Townshend, Richards in the top 10? They must rate song writing up there pretty highly…vs. chops on the banjo.

    It’s a matter of taste…I guess we should be glad Blackers made it in the top 20.

  4. 4
    R says:

    Ritchie Blackmore is not for this kind of lists.
    He is guitar God.

  5. 5
    Crimson Ghost says:

    James Hetfield above Blackmore on any level? Get out of here… he’s not even Metallica’s primary guitar player and certainly nowhere near as good as Kirk on his best day. This is absurd.

  6. 6
    dpprpl says:

    My top 10, based on the aforementioned categories:

    Ritchie Blackmore. were there any doubts?

    a distant second:

    2. Steve Howe (only because there’s RB on top)
    3. Alex Lifeson (amazing career, catalogue, diversity, sound, technique)
    4. Jeff Beck (covers every ground, perhaps weaker in songwriting)
    5. Jimmy Page (not as clean as the one’s above)
    6. Jimi Hendrix (short career, supremely influential)
    7. David Gilmour (overachiever)
    8. Robert Fripp (master of exploration)
    9. Eric Clapton (first guitar god)
    10. Steve Morse (gifted)

    Notables: Iommi, Satriani, Vaughan, Allman, Zappa, May, Townshend, Yngwie, Santana, Van Halen

  7. 7
    dpprpl says:

    btw, the chop list is ABSURD!!!

  8. 8
    Roberto says:

    RIDICOLOUS LIST…THERE IS NOT OBJECTIVITY HERE…
    TOMMY BOLIN SHOULD SECOND ON THE LIST…

  9. 9
    Rascal says:

    Its just a list……………meaningless

    Constructed by whom ……Chop Shop???

    Hardly a gospel announcement……………..

    We all have our own top ten……………

  10. 10
    Cupcakeocaster says:

    Why is Blackmore #15??? He should be before Page!
    Oh well. I’m So Glad he’s on it!

  11. 11
    George Martin says:

    Any guitar list with Jimmy Page at #1 is a load of crap!

  12. 12
    AndreA says:

    I don’t care this list: it is stupid.
    Jimmy Page at #1?
    ahahahahahaahh…
    Stairway To What?
    S**T

  13. 13
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Considering the events on this site, I find it very funny that Steve Morse is not even in the top 100

    But on the other hand, indeed it s an ridicilous list.

  14. 14
    purplepriest1965 says:

    And why is Kurt Cobain even in there at all?!
    Maybe because Ritchie once said, or did he not, he liked Nirvana and or Kobain.

    I hated the grunge scene.
    As punk and new wave before , it replaced lots of great bands just because there had to be another fashion!

    To me Nirvana and Kobain sucked big time.
    Loads of depressive punk rock vibes and a terrible singer.
    Having all that opportunities and then kill your self, what a shame.

  15. 15
    andre sihotang says:

    Why on earth should we take care about this very funny list????

    We have our own, don’t we??

  16. 16
    purplepriest1965 says:

    What seems strange to me is that it is obviously a list made by Americains
    Led Zeppelin always gave been untouched there while Page is English he gets to nr one.
    So you should rule out the nationality factor?
    Well, I still think that factor shows itself in the list
    Where is Rory Gallagher?
    Alvin Lee?

    Sad, an Americain list and HE is not in there.

    We better take that guitarmagazine which name I forgot, sorry, which stated him as no uno for 5 years?

  17. 17
    Ted The Mechanic says:

    Rascal and others on this subject,

    I never have, and never will, pay attention to “top lists” for anything, be it musician’s, actors, athletes et al. Like our motley crue here on this board, its all individual opinion. My main man Steve not even being listed means absolutely nothing to me. I do have to say however, that Slash (I hate these pretentious one named cretins) is just an average, if not sub average, banjo player. With the luck of the stars, permeates the musical world stage that countless other players don’t for sooooo many reasons. He’s come up with some catchy riffs, cannot deny him that. But I know dozens upon dozens of banjo players just here in my NY-NJ USA area turf, that are light years away and better than the guy. Many of which who chose to follow other careers. But again, just one opinion, eh?

    Finally, I will agree with the priest here. “Nirvana and Kobain sucked big time.”

    Couldn’t agree with him more. And I don’t take any of those nasty meds noted in some of the other posts…! :>

    But again, just one opinion, eh?

    Vavoom!

    Peace,

    Ted

  18. 18
    Rascal says:

    So many are missed

    Hendrix, Vaughan, Zappa, Blackmore, Rhoads, Waters

  19. 19
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Another game?

    Waters? Roger Waters? He s a bassplayer
    Was there another Waters?

    RB is NOT missed, just listed too low
    Funny…….
    Pfffffffffffffff

    The others are indeed sadly missed on earth

  20. 20
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Brian Setzer?

    Indeed, ridicilous list and game

  21. 21
    Rascal says:

    Try………..Muddy Waters…………..

    Game-Over

  22. 22
    Stefan says:

    The world´s gone mad…..I for once totally agree with Priest (#14)!

    I cheered the day Cobain blew his head off!!!!Men like him is a offense to music in general, and I refuse to even call him a musician!!

    To all so called sensitive artistic souls…..If you don´t like the adolation and money:GET YOURSELF ANOTHER F**KIN´ JOB AND STOP WHINING!!!! ROCK ON!!!

  23. 23
    joe says:

    OK, everyone has its own top 100 list. But some artists are a MUST… cheers

  24. 24
    Victor says:

    Some players never disappoint – based on live shows my list would go:

    1. Alvin Lee
    2. Ritchie Blackmore
    3. Mick Ronson
    4. Carlos Santana
    5. Steve Howe
    6. Mark Knopfler
    7. Buddy Guy
    8. B.B. King
    9. Jeff Beck
    10. Steve Morse

    My list is comprised of people that I have witnessed live. The above ten have always impressed. I’ve seen Clapton (uninspired), Page (sloppy), Richards (sloppy), Townsend (way over-rated as guitar player) – great windmill, though. Never had the opportunity to see Hendrix, Rory Gallager, Buchanan, Gatton or Tommy Bolin.

  25. 25
    Roberto says:

    Top List

    1.Blackmore
    2.Tommy Bolin

    than

    Alvin Lee
    Rory Gallagher
    Mark Farner
    Jhon Fogerty

    I can forget the rest….

  26. 26
    Michael says:

    So Keith Richards and Pete Townsend are better guitarists than Steve Morse, Ritchie Blackmore and Tommy Bolin? What a joke!

  27. 27
    purplepriest1965 says:

    A few weeks ago I found out that I had missed out on a ALVIN LEE gig near my place
    Ouch!
    I cant keep from crying, my soul babe……
    Well, I should not complain, I saw TEN YEARS AFTER in 1989 in Paradiso, Amsterdam.

  28. 28
    T says:

    Lists such as these are usually based more on popularity and trendiness rather than skill, style, and influence as the #1 choice of Jimmy Page illustrates.

    Page is competent, but highly overrated as a guitarist. He belongs on the list due to Zeppelin’s influence–but nowhere near #1.

    The inclusion of Hendrix and Van Halen is understandable given the influence of each on modern electric guitar playing. But Keith Richards? A fine rock and roller but hardly the best ever. An earlier guitarist would have been a better representative of the genre.

    Shocking is that Morse did not make the list at all. Given his participation in Deep Purple for a relatively long duration and given the accolades he’s received in the past from guitar publications, his exclusion is more than an oversight.

    It is very fortunate that Blackmore made the grade, particularly that “high”–even ahead of Slash! I consider it lucky that Blackmore is even mentioned and will leave it at that.

  29. 29
    Rascal says:

    I guess its how you actual term the best or your favourite

    For instance you can look at it from a technical point of view, or from a inspirational and ‘foot tapping’ point of view………………

    Maybe a fine ‘rock n roller’ is what does it for some.

  30. 30
    Rascal says:

    I guess its how you actual term the best or your favourite

    For instance you can look at it from a technical point of view, or from a inspirational and ‘foot tapping’ point of view………………

    Maybe a fine ‘rock n roller’ is what does it for some.

  31. 31
    Per says:

    Why aren’t Steve Morse in top 5? That list is ridiculous

  32. 32
    AndreA says:

    to make a personal TOP list is a real stupid thing…like to say if Bach is better or not than Beethoven…if pelè is better than maradona,if Picasso is better than Van Gogh…

    why this? loosing time…

    stupid game..the important thing is feel music into the veins,into each soul,whatever it is…

    where is Leslie West? Rik Emmett? and I LIKE others forgotten guitarmen like Eric Bell,Scott Gorham,Brian Robertson,Tony McAlpine,Jake lee….

    fuck to this promoters that make stupid tops..

  33. 33
    AndreA says:

    Most Complete Guitar Players ?

    they should say/write (perhaps)

    MOST FAVOURISTEST GUITAR PLAYERS..perhaps…why Complete?

    each guitarist plays what he wishes,nothing more.

    and why they sign together Adrian Smith and Dave Murray?
    they are not Siamese twins,and between I prefer Murray..

    John lennon at #38
    ahahahahah,I never considered JL a guitarman…and before than malmsteen at #55 ahahaha
    so they consider lennon more complete than malmsteen? ahahahahhahah..stupid men they are…I like to see thei faces…they should shut up…I don’t understand what they would say with this list..

    sorry for my spamming,I stop here,I was was impossible to keep quiet here!

  34. 34
    bollokcs says:

    I’m satisfied with the top three, but think Ritchie, Slash and Clapton sholud be in the top ten, rather than Agnus Young and Keith Richards.

  35. 35
    Renzo says:

    mmmhhh!!!
    John Petrucci?
    Rory Gallagher?
    Muddy Waters?

    I suggest all the purplemates to listen to two italian guitarists: Franco Mussida (from progressive rock band P.F.M.) and the great acoustic/folk maestro Beppe Gambetta.

    Long live Purple

  36. 36
    AndreA says:

    Jeff Healey??!!! where is this man!!???
    Uli Roth?

    these poor chopy shopy men jokes us
    “Fools die laughing still”

    shame on you with your stupidity,what have you studied in your life to tell this bullshit?

  37. 37
    Ted The Mechanic says:

    Renzo,

    I first saw Franco Mussida and Premiata Forneria Marconi (Marconi’s Premier Bakery!) in the mid (“Bravo the seventies”*) ’70’s on a television show here in the US known as The Midnight Special. They were on a bill with Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf’s Italian bassist at the time, George Biondo, introduced them. From that moment on, I was hooked. But dare I digress.

    Dios bendice Italia!

    Peace,

    Ted

    *Steve Howe

  38. 38
    dpprpl says:

    Btw, more complete?????
    Tony Iommi shouldn’t even be in the list then: HE’S MISSING TWO FINGERTIPS!!

    chop shop is comprised by a bunch of donkeys, who don’t know how to name their lists, it should have been Our list of favorite guitarists, based primarily on fame, our stupidity and lack of objectivity.

  39. 39
    AndreA says:

    TONY IOMMI deserve maximum respect like Blackmore,no less no more:
    his style has always been unique and inimitable,this is the prerogative of every great guitarist.

    so this top100 ranking is insignificant.

  40. 40
    AndreA says:

    Ted (at #37)

    thank you very much for Benediction
    but about me Pope is just enough..

    :-9

  41. 41
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Again, it s concluded we get stirred up by someone or something we lack respect for.

    And still we keep getting aroused.We climb on our horses.

    There are more TOPS anyway, if we use everyone of them to create a new thread ,how much more time we can waste on things like that?

    We people are straaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnggggggggggggeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

  42. 42
    SEVEN-47 says:

    Personally: 1. Tony Iommi
    2. Ritchie Blackmore
    3. Jimmy Hendrix
    4. Angus Young
    5. Brian May
    6. Tommy Bolin
    7. Steve Morse
    8. Zakk Wylde
    9. Yngwie Malmsteen
    10. Eddie Van Halen

  43. 43
    Patrick says:

    i took one look at this list and just busted out laughing

  44. 44
    SEVEN-47 says:

    My point being, opinions vary. I’m sure any list you might submit, I’d find equally or more humorous.

  45. 45
    Rascal says:

    1) George Formby
    2) Val Doonican
    3) “Blind” Lemon Jefferson
    4) Vicente Amigo Girol
    5) “Chet” Atkins
    6) Manuel Barrueco
    7) Rama Claproth
    8) Lonnie Mack
    9) Glenn Branca
    10)Ry Cooder

  46. 46
    SEVEN-47 says:

    Rascal; George Formby Jr. or Sr.?

  47. 47
    Rascal says:

    It would have to be Jr.

    George Formby Sr. is at number 18.

    Well spotted, and thanks for pointing it out………..SEVEN-47

  48. 48
    Crimson Ghost says:

    I like Uli Jon Roth a lot myself, and he really is the primary guitar influence of people like Yngwie Malmsteen but rarely credited as such because of so many Ritchie comparisons, when Yngwie’s playing style is much more like Uli’s.
    Some find it all widdle, some aren’t put off by that sort of thing though and see through that stereotype and can enjoy the virtuosity.

    Introducing Lori Linstruth, for those who also like the mega ‘sweep’ arpeggio technique. Another guitarist heavily influenced by Roth.
    I’ve been corresponding with her and she is a charming woman with a great sense of humor, originally from Sweden but living in America.
    She has been in three bands that I know of, have a peak at her.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMejjSWStaw&feature=related

    I think we can all agree that in terms of taste there is plenty to go around for all of us if we stick our feelers out far enough.

  49. 49
    SEVEN-47 says:

    I agree Crimson Ghost; I am totally ignorant as far as Uli Jon Roth, but I am definitely going to do a little research and search him out, as well as Lori Linstruth. I have been turned on to numerous artists due to comments I have read here, and hope I enjoy this tip as much as I have the others!

  50. 50
    A Retrospective Look at Every Ozzy Osbourne Album | Metal Music Weblog says:

    […] The Highway Star — Most complete guitar players top list […]

  51. 51
    A Retrospective Look at Every Ozzy Osbourne Album | Metal Music Weblog says:

    […] The Highway Star — Most complete guitar players top list […]

  52. 52
    Daniel Todorov says:

    Jimmy Page 1? Yeah right !

  53. 53
    dpprpl says:

    hey guys, Iommi is a master guitarist and great songwriter, living legend and all. no intentions to say anything against him.
    i made a bad joke, but really alluding to the morons at chop shitshop.

    best guitarist ever (just as a player)?
    mmmmh, angel romero or goran sollscher.

  54. 54
    Renato says:

    1 – Jimi Hendrix
    2 – Ritchie Blackmore
    3 – Tony Iommi
    later one can be any …..

  55. 55
    ormandy says:

    Jimmy Page #1?

    I like Led Zeppelin (so I don’t have what Led Zeppelin fans call “Zeppelin envy,”), but this Zeppelin worship has gotten way out of control.

    Steve Morse?

    Wasn’t he voted best guitarist 5 years straight and then voted into the Guitarists Hall Of Fame? What a joke!!!

  56. 56
    Cupcakeocaster says:

    Now I’ve looked again. . .Dime’s on it!!!!!!Yay!
    Why isn’t Steve Morse there, however?. . .
    I can see not having Bolin, though.
    Most may remember how mrk4 got the bad reputation.
    STILL!!!
    Blackmore’s there!

  57. 57
    deep lavender says:

    Steve Morse and Duane Allman both omitted from the list. Yet John Lennon & Kurt Cobain both ranked.
    Chop Shop should be ashamed and apologize.

  58. 58
    Tom D (Garden Of Fire) says:

    Personally Top 10: 1 Steve Morse
    2 Michael Romeo
    3 Gus G
    4 Mathias Jabs
    5 Kai Hansen
    6 Sascha Gerstner
    7 Michael Schenker
    8 Ritchie Blackmore
    9 Adrian Smith
    10 Yngwie Malmsteen

  59. 59
    marco polo says:

    jeff back should be no 1 lsiten to what all other guitarists say including blackers he is their favourite and his albums over last 20 years are revolutionary to say page is not notw worthy is ridiculous alright he cant play like a drill like some of them but plays to the song with great passion..

  60. 60
    Rascal says:

    What about Hopkinson Smith?…….He can give Blackmore a run for his money on the lute!

  61. 61
    Roberto says:

    I love Uli Jhon Roth too…I saw him last week in my town.His last album is very good as the albums with Scorpions.His style is similar to Blackmore Malmsteen and classic music…

  62. 62
    Peter wolf says:

    Just a few lesser known guitarists??!!!!
    Robin Trower
    Eric Johnson
    Frank Marino
    Brian May
    Roy Buchanan
    Michael Schenker

  63. 63
    Rascal says:

    What about the Gypsy Kings….??????

  64. 64
    Crimson Ghost says:

    Lol, Hotel Calyfornia, blinding version!

    Looks like Peter Wolf completely forgot to list the great J. Giles. Whats up with that? lol!

  65. 65
    George Fotis says:

    This list has some issues , as has been stated . Ritchie Blackmore’s work from 68 to mid 90’s sounds faboulos. Everthing he did with Rainbow & Deep Purple , could listen to his albums all weekend long. He helped invent heavy rock his number 1. Tony Iommi should be second , his a super guitarist who helped invent hard rock too, he still plays so heavy & loud. Other’s that i enjoy are Mick Mars /Motley Crue, Carlos Santana, Steve Morse of course, Brian May, Michael Schenker of the earley 80’s, Tommy Bolin, Vivian Campbell/ Dio , guitar work from heavy rock 80’s band Warlock, Bernie Torme /Gillan.

  66. 66
    Patrick says:

    i wasent talking about your list seven-47 !

    but now that i take a look at it ….. good list but tony ahead or ritchie ??????????

    i dont think so

  67. 67
    Patrick says:

    of*

  68. 68
    Sami says:

    Whatever happened to Great Kat…??

    Now there’s a guitar player for you 😉

  69. 69
    Arik says:

    my list :

    1.ritchie the great blackmore !

    all the other guitarist’s are crap

  70. 70
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Yep, Roy Buchanan was very very good.

    Shame I never got to see him live.

  71. 71
    Crimson Ghost says:

    So IS Roy Clark and John McLaughlin, but these are rock guitarist’s being polled. Why no mention of Allman or Betts, probably not rock enough either?

  72. 72
    Ted The Mechanic says:

    Saw Roy Buchanan on a double bill with Johnny Winter about 30 years ago. Roy was amazing. Absolute shame how he took his own life….

    Rory Gallagher with Rush was the sh*t during the early ’80’s. One of the most underrated banjo players in the history of R&R. Listen to Fresh Evidence released not too long before his passing….

    Brilliant..

    Peace,

    Ted

  73. 73
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Ted

    Wow. Buchanan in concert,
    You kill me

    Well, at least I have been able to make love on some of his work.

    Yeah, yeah, I know…..Bring it on!

    BTW. Are there any good live dvd s of him around?

  74. 74
    peter wolf says:

    Purplepriest. Good news on Roy B. here is the track listing for Roy’s Rockpalast February concert 1985: Short Fuse/Green Onions/Roy’s Bluz/Walk Don’t run/Sweet dreams/Peter gunn/
    Blues shuffle/Hey joe/Foxy Lady/The Messiah will come again/Night train/Wayfaring Pilgrim.
    The official one is Austin City limits 1976
    only 32 minutes though: Woman/you must be crazy
    Roy’s Bluz/Sweet dreams/Hey joe/Foxy Lady/The messiah. Also San Antonio 1987,Horshoe tavern 1987. Last session 1988.

  75. 75
    Crimson Ghost says:

    Ted:
    Rory Gallagher was definitely one of the greats, but wasn’t the band ‘Taste’ if I remember correctly, not RUSH? And they never made it past 1970 with Rory. Or perhaps you’re talking about the 1982 tour he did opening shows for RUSH.

  76. 76
    SEVEN-47 says:

    Patrick; after I re-read your post I realized I may have have misunderstood your comment. Sorry! As far as Iommi ahead cf Blackmore, I kinda go back and forth on that one. I do however find myself listening to Sabbath more than Mark II and Rainbow, so I gave Iommi the nod at #1.

  77. 77
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Peter

    Thanx for the effort

    In the meantime lazy me already found some clues in that direction on YouTube
    Had a blas last night looking at those.
    Espescially The Messiah Will Come Again, ofcourse.
    I m agnostic but this and other , so called religious inspired music JS Bach for instance , moves me deeply.

    It still surprises me that MUSIC can give you some solace in the moment everything seems lost.

    I cant remember the titles of that Best Of 2 CD of way back but I think some special gems are NOT on the live recordings you mentioned.

    Many years ago I had a double cd which I lost sight unfortunately.

    Cant even remember if it was stolen, lost or sold in bad times.
    I do seem to remember the inside was spoiled by moisture. Probably my kitten Ian with territory behaviour, so that dates it way back to qround 1992.

    I also saw TASTE on YouTube with I Feel So Good, which I love so much.
    Dont know the connection with the band RUSH.

  78. 78
    james jay says:

    Another popularity contest. Blackmore at no.15? I thought this was a guitar rating not a beauty contest. Worst yet, where’s “T”? Saw him play in KC. Whammy bar king!

  79. 79
    Ted The Mechanic says:

    Crimson Ghost and purplepriest1965,

    Rory did in fact open up for Rush back then. The magic all of those years ago of seeing warm-ups that were great enough to be headliners in their own right…

    But dare I digress.

    By the way, The Steve Morse Band opened up for Rush for a portion of one of their ’80’s tours. Alex Lifeson was asked about his practicing regiment in a Guitar Player magazine article not long after to which he replied, and I paraphrase, ” After watching Steve Morse for three months, I am practicing more…!’

    And what do the two of them share in common besides being banjo players?

    Yep. Both licensed pilots. But my main man Steve gets the bigger nod. He flew as a professional airline pilot when he took his sabbatical from the muzak biz. If he didn’t venture into his passion of music, one of his career choices was becoming a PHD (medical doctor)!!!! When I asked Rod Morgentstein (brilliant colleague drummer of Steve’s,) if Steve is a genius in Webster’s dictionary definition, he replied,) “He’s Michealangelo!!!”

    And when I touched base with Roger at Ian’s NYC Gillan’s Inn gig in NYC and asked the same question, his reply with loud exuberance? “HE’S MAD!!!!”

    But dare I digress again….

    Wondrous flesh and snooker are beckoning me over to the joint….

    Peace,

    Ted

  80. 80
    Bill The Wizard Pierce says:

    Hey lad and ladies, don’t slack all of us (yanks), Page at #1 is absurd, Blackmore at #15? absurd these so called lists are a joke, Where is Brian Robbo Robertson, Scott Gorham? No mention of Steve Morse? John Sykes that far down, lord have mercy I could go on and on Hetfield above Blackmore? Off with these guys heads!!! Wheres Michael Schenker, Matthias Jabs? People have such short memories, Uli Jon Roth? I guess we should all do our own list! I think this site and everyone on here seem to pretty objective!! They can stick that in their pipe and smoke that One!!! Wizard

  81. 81
    james jay says:

    Might as well add the axemen from the Bay City Rollers and the Archie’s
    to this list too. When was the last time a radio station or music mag ask you for your favorite group, song, or musician. I am 48 years old and purchased music products for years. As of yet, not one survey came my way. Typical snub Blackmore and DP receive when the best of the best are mentioned.

  82. 82
    Rascal says:

    Lets not forget ‘Vladimir Vysotsky’ Russian songwriter, poet and noteable guitarist….. Dont you just love the ‘seven string’ gypsy tuned soviet ‘blues’…………….

    I would probably put him between Bouzouki player ‘Giorgos Zampetas’ and experimental guitar player (Springtime II) Mauro Antonio Pawlowski..

    But then again…………

  83. 83
    Rascal says:

    guitarist Jeff ‘Mantas’ Dunn from British Death Metal band ‘Venom’……….

    His guitar solo on ‘You´re All Gonna Die’…..justifies his place in the top 5

  84. 84
    Rascal says:

    Chris Exall from the anti-nowhere league.

    For his work on the ‘Scum’ album and in particular the track ‘Fucked up and Wasted’…..without doubt a guitar virtuoso

  85. 85
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Living in a madhouse

  86. 86
    Rascal says:

    Never heard of them……who is their guitarist??

  87. 87
    George says:

    OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

    hahahhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

    This is the most stupid poll I’ve ever seen….

    Ritchie Blackmore #15
    Steve Morse is NOT in the TOP 100

    and……..

    and………

    hahahahaaaaaaaaaa

    JOHN LENON IN THE LIST OF THE BEST GUITARISTS???????????

    :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

    I BET IT’S JUST THE XMASS JOKE…
    Otherwise I can’t just believe that Jon Lenon is included in the GUITARISTS POLL,,,,

    and While talking about influence and popularity, do not forget the man, who wote the MOST POPULAR GUITAR RIFF OF ALL TIME…..

    What the hell this poll is? :))))))))

  88. 88
    Sami says:

    Vinnie Vincent ?!!?

  89. 89
    TheZohan says:

    My personal top 10:

    1.Ritchie Blackmore
    2.Tommy Bolin
    3.Frank Zappa
    4.Uli Jon Roth
    5.Leslie West
    6.Robin Trower
    7.Brian May
    8.Tony Iommi
    9.Jeff Beck
    10.Rory Gallagher

    And going on;

    11.David Gilmour
    12.Calros Santana
    13.Eric Clapton
    14.Jimi Hendrix
    15.Robert Fripp
    16.Alvin Lee
    17.Jan Akkerman
    18.Duane Allman
    19.Frank Marino
    20.Steve Howe

    Honorable mentions; Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, Michael Schekner, Mark Knopfler, Johnny Winter…I probably forgot a few.

    My list is the best yey yey yey :))))

  90. 90
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Harry Sacksioni

  91. 91
    Crimson Ghost says:

    The list goes on…

    @Ted:

    Morse has also flown Lifeson’s plane, they get on well.

  92. 92
    Frans says:

    What about Jan Akkerman ???

  93. 93
    Roberto says:

    Me…
    oh sorry, I play drums…ehehehe

  94. 94
    gégé 62 says:

    c’est vraiment du n’importe quoi !!!!!!!!!!!
    Et pourquoi pas Johnny Hallyday ou Mireille Matthieu ou C…. B…. S……

  95. 95
    AndreA says:

    last night I played “No Bull” AC/DC DVD..
    well…

    I reassessed for the umpteenth time Angus Young .. but it’s a crazy! 2 hours of racing along the stage … a guitar rock n roll blues that scares ….

    AY has not stopped to run ever taken by a hysterical hypnosis throughout the concert ….. but by using drugs? He has the lungs more strong than a powerful athlete …

    very impressive

    Brian Johnsonn instead has a flat voice ..

    cheers

  96. 96
    marcopolo says:

    tony iommi is a great riff meister but his solos are crap and all he plays are block power chords hardly a great guitarist in the jeff beck /blackmore/page idiodom….

  97. 97
    Roberto says:

    tony iommi is a great riff meister but his solos are crap…I agree

  98. 98
    Crimson Ghost says:

    The heartfelt solo in Born Again is crap?
    Tony is a gentleman too, something many could learn from.

  99. 99
    AndreA says:

    marco polo and Roberto: what?!

    I have no words,so I go to listen Heaven&Hell song (don’t you like his solo?)

    cheers

  100. 100
    marco polo says:

    Andrea..have you ever hear an iommi solo like weiss heim wasted sunsets /any of jeff becks songs from his last few albums or pages numerous blues solos….iommi has done none!!!! take it from me ive been playing for nearlyl 30 years and can play a little…

  101. 101
    AndreA says:

    marco polo what does it mean what you write?

    sure that I know weiss heim wasted sunsets and all the other stuff..
    I could answer like you with a question,
    for example
    have you never heard the solos from the 7th star? for example nO STRANGER tO LOVE?..
    BUT TO BE HONEST I don’t wait your answer because to say the solo’s Iommi are not good does not belong to me…

    How can you compare Blackmore to Iommi or viceversa?

    I find this very stupid…You can say that you don’t like iommi’s solo (everybody is free to think and to speak) but to write that iommi’s soo are craps I don’t like.

    it is like to listen children issue, childhood discussion…
    Discussions between spoiled children “I like thiiiiss…” “no no I find better this than your…” “bla bla” “noooo!!!ble ble ble..”

    boring

  102. 102
    Roberto says:

    Iommi will always be remembered for his dark heavy riff and for his good but not exceptional solos…

  103. 103
    marco polo says:

    Andrea, sorry to upset you i like tony iommi..his riffs are great and his songs..we are just talking about his solos in general which are all chromatic blues riffs rehashed and are not generally that good…thats all im saying…as you say we all have our opinions…merry xmas and new year…

  104. 104
    james jay says:

    A/C A. Y. is just a doper on hi-octane. so what if he runs up and down the stage. i am no musician, however he plays with two fingers and strums on one string. he would not make any list in my book. as far as the singer, didn’t he flunk the R-Bow audition? I will give both kudos for pulling off their radio popularity. something DP or R-bow lacked.

  105. 105
    Crimson Ghost says:

    Many a good melodic ditty in the Iommi catalog, try Nightwing for instance, and that’s just one brilliant example.

  106. 106
    Annemie says:

    Agree completely with you AndreA!

    btw For you and Anna an intens happy and music sparkling 2009 !!! xx

    ps and lots of stouts, wine ,fun, cigarillo’s ,love and all that precious stuff 8)

  107. 107
    purplepriest1965 says:

    Many years ago I read a very funny remark about Iommi and RB

    Comparing them is like comparing Rembrandt with a colourbook for children…..

    Burst out laughing at once….

    But I have to admit, I love loads of Iommi stuff

    Including the Tony Martin line up

    Ever heard his solo album Back Where I Belong…..?

    Its a classic

  108. 108
    FRANK MILLER says:

    IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHO THE TOP 10 GREATEST GUITAR PLAYERS OF ALL TIME ARE THEN READ THIS. RITCHIE BLACKMORE, DONALD ROESER, ERIC CLAPTON, DAVID GILMOUR, JOHN MCFEE, TOM JOHNSTON, PAT SIMMONS. STEVE MORSE, AND MARK FARNER. GET INTO A GOOD STATE OF MIND WITH A GOOD SYSTEM TO LISTEN TO BY YOURSELF AND LISTEN TO EACH OF THESE GUYS THEM I WILL LISTEN TO YOUR OPINION AS TO MY LIST. DEEP PURPLE FAN SINCE 1968. FRANK MILLER.

  109. 109
    Roberto says:

    Frank,
    are you American?

  110. 110
    Brandon says:

    BEST GUITARIST
    DIMEBAG DARRELL

  111. 111
    FRANK MILLER says:

    TO ROBERTO, I HOPE THAT YOU OR ANYONE ELSE DOES NOT TAKE MY COMMENTS OR OPINIONS PERSONALLY BECAUSE I RESPONDED TO LET PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE MUSICIANS ON MY LIST BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE, MAINLY YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THEM OR AT LEAST HAVE NOT HEARD THEM PLAY. SO TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION YES I AM AN AMERICAN BUT IF YOU WILL NOTICE 3 ON MY LIST ARE BRITISH AND AS YOU CAN SEE BLACKMORE IS THE FIRST AND BEST AND HE IS BRITISH SO YOU MAY NOT AGREE WITH ME BUT I DO NOT SEE WHAT BEING AN AMERICAN HAS TO DO WITH IT. FRIEND AND FAN OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968.P.S. I DO APPRECIATE THE RESPONSE AND I RESPECT IT. THANK YOU.

  112. 112
    SEVEN-47 says:

    FRANK MILLER; I like the inclusion of Mark Farner. I have had many discussions where I have included Mark Farner as one of my favorites, and always been berated for it. Nice to see I am not the only one who appreciates his talent.

  113. 113
    AndreA says:

    # 110 Brandon

    yes (RIP)

    He was Great!

    I love Him and PanterA

  114. 114
    AndreA says:

    #106 Annemie

    Oh My Fairy

    I was far from pc in these past days so
    only this morning I’ve come back from my grandMother (Middle of Italy):

    thank you very much for your best wishes to us,
    I wish the best to You (of course also to all the purple people here).

    Wishin’Well Annemie
    :-X X X X X X
    cheers

  115. 115
    Scott says:

    Gee what a shock that Jimmy Page is Number #1. PISS OFF. Blackmore is Number 1. Jimmy Page would be last on my list.

  116. 116
    FRANK MILLER says:

    I WISH PEOPLE WOULD STOP PUTTING THINGS LIKE DIMEBAG DARRELL, AC-DC ETC. COMMENTS ON THE HIGHWAY STAR WEBSITE BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY INSULTING THE GREATEST BAND OF ALL TIME. IF THEY HONESTLY FEEL THAT WAY THEN THEY SHOULD GO TO THEIR WEBSITE SO WE (DEEP PURPLE FANS) DO NOT HAVE TO SEE THIS GARBAGE ON THE HIGHWAY STAR. FRANK MILLER, FAN AND FRIEND OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968.

  117. 117
    FRANK MILLER says:

    TO SEVEN-47. IT IS REALLY NICE TO READ THAT SOMEONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE AS I AM. YOU ADD COMMENTS WITHOUT CUTTING ANYONE.THAT IS IMMPRESSIVE. YOU MUST KNOW A LOT ABOUT MUSIC. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. FRIEND AND FAN OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968. FRANK MILLER.

  118. 118
    FRANK MILLER says:

    TO SEVEN-47, HAVE YOU EVER LISTENED TO PRETTY WOMAN BY GARY MORE? IAN PAICE HAS JAMMED WITH HIM. I SURE WOULD LIKE TO BE AT ON OF THEIR RECORDINGS. DEEP PURPLE FAN AND FRIEND SINCE 1968.

  119. 119
    AndreA says:

    # 116 FRANK MILLER

    I do not understand why people are often angry for so little

    I,WE speak about all them mainly because THESE NAMES appear in this top.

    and it was not made by us!

    is it forbidden to speak?
    to communicate?

    mainly about music?

    how strange kind all we are…

    sigh

  120. 120
    FRANK MILLER says:

    TO ANDREA, YOU APPARENTLY DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I SAID. I DID NOT SAY NO ONE SHOULD BRING UP SOME OTHER MUSICIANS NAME ON THE HIGHWAY STAR BUT LIKE AN IDIOT ABOVE SAYS DIMEBAG DARREL IS THE BEST IS STUPID. I AM NOT SAYING HE IS NO GOOD BUT TO SAY HE IS THE BEST THEN THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF GUITAR PLAYERS THAT ARE BETTER THAN HIM. AND IF YOU WILL NOTICE I HAVE MENTIONED OTHER MUSICIANS ON THE HIGHWAY STAR, NOT ONCE HAVE I SAID ANY OF THEM ARE AS GOOD AS DEEP PURPLE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT. I DO NOT GO TO OTHER WEBSITES AND CRITICISE OTHER MUSICIANS. I RESPECT THE WEBSITES AND THEIR FANS. THEREFORE THE NEXT TIME YOU DECICE TO GIVE ME A MESSAGE READ WHAT I SAID AND UNDERSTAND IT BEFORE YOU RESPOND. HOWEVER I DO APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONCE. FAN AND FRIEND OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968. FRANK MILLER.

  121. 121
    AndreA says:

    ?

    sorry
    perhaps I could be a dunce

    but I read

    I WISH PEOPLE WOULD STOP PUTTING THINGS LIKE DIMEBAG DARRELL, AC-DC ETC. COMMENTS ON THE HIGHWAY STAR WEBSITE

    so… 😮 !

    peace peace
    ciao ciao

  122. 122
    purplepriest1965 says:

    PLEASE STOP CAPITAL WRITING
    IS ANNOYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  123. 123
    FRANK MILLER says:

    TO ANDREA, ALL I SAY IS TO SAY FROM HEREOUT IS IF YOU HERE NOTHING THEN SAY NOTHING SO I TEND TO THINK THAT THE OTHER PERSON IS SIMPLY NOT ON THE SAME PAGE AS I AM SORRY AND PLEASE FORGIVE ME BECAUSE I SAID SOMETHING YOU COULD NOT COMPREHEND OR IN MORE SIMPLE TERMS DID NOT OR MISS UNDERSTOOD WHAT I SAID. YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND MY AGE AND EXPERIANCE WITH NOT ONLY THE MUSIC THAT DEEP PURPLE BRINGS BUT ALSO THE MESSAGES THE LYRICS BRING TO THE LISTENER. I HAD A TEACHER IN HIGH SCHOOL THAT HAD A SIGN SAYING LEARN TO LISTEN THEN LISTEN TO LEARN , HONESTLY NO DISRESPECT INTENDED. FAN AND FRIEND OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968. FRANK MILLER

  124. 124
    FRANK MILLER says:

    TO PURPLE PRIEST 1965 I HAVE NEVER DEGRADED YOU SO WHY DO YOU DEGRADE ME FOR SOMETHING SO SILLY? FOR YOUR IN -FORMATION MY EYES DO NOT SEE AS GOOD AS MOST PEOPLE DO OR AT LEAST I PRAY THEY DO.I WOULD NOT WANT ANYONE NOT TO BE ABLE TO SEE. FAN AND FRIEND OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968. FRANK MILLER. I LOST MY DAD TO PARKINSONS DISEASE AND I THANK GOD FOR DEEP PURPLE FOR HELPING ME GET THROUGH THIS .

  125. 125
    SEVEN-47 says:

    FRANK MILLER; I have not listened to “Pretty Woman” by Gary Moore, but will search it out. My exposure to Gary Moore is limited, but I have really enjoyed the three CD’s I have of his.

  126. 126
    FRANK MILLER says:

    I LOVE BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THANK GOD FOR DEEP PURPLE. FAN AND FRIEND OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968. FRANK MILLER.

  127. 127
    FRANK MILLER says:

    TO SEVEN47, I THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME OF MY MISSPELLINGS BUT I AM USUALLY RIPPED WHEN I MAKE A STATEMENT OR RESPOND TO ONE BUT I AM A MUSICIAN AND I KNOW MUSIC WHEN I LISTEN TO IT, NOT HEAR IT. THIS IS NOT AN INSULT TO YOU BUT TO ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY KNOW MORE THAN ANYONE WHEN THEY DO NOT KNOW THEMSELVES ANY THING AT ALL, ESPCIALY WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC BECAUSE 99% COULD NOT CARRY A TUNE IF THEY HAD TO. I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW I CAN SING AND PLAY YOU GOOD MUSIC AND THAT IS WHY I TAKE IT NOT RIGHT WHEN SOMEONE DOWNS ANYTHING OF DEEP PURPLE. THANK GOD FOR DEEP PURPLE. FRIEND AND FAN OF DEEP PURPLE SINCE 1968. FRANK MILLER.

  128. 128
    Mitchell says:

    stop bashing jimmy page u jealous fools read the heading, its the most complete guitarist which is jimmy page hes sure as hell the best song writer there i challenge anyone to prove me wrong and like it or not his influence reaches far beyond every guitarist there hmm maybe not hendrix but there close richie blackmore ur damn right hes good but hes not in jimmy or jimis league he can have smoke on the water ill have a whole lotta love any day of the week

  129. 129
    Trusty says:

    one of the guitar players should be on at least 10 or 5. thay are guitar legends!

  130. 130
    Trusty says:

    i mean from dragonforce

  131. 131
    tim says:

    What a stupid list that does not include The Edge.I guess selling 150 million records and being one of the most innovative guitar players of all time mean nothing.

  132. 132
    urgrannyisdead says:

    hertfield is there but no hammet -_-

  133. 133
    Leigh Ivin says:

    Not a bad list… all the whingers need to remember the criteria. you could write the book on rock n roll guitar with the top 10 on this list alone. It’s not about how mind-numbingly awesome their chops are! It’s the whole package. On those grounds anybody who wants to deny the likes of Page and Townshend are morons. Blackmore stole much of his pastiche from Townshend. Richards is textbook rock and roll and a major survivor/innovator. Page… a wizard with great songs and great sounds.

    Good list. Completely fair.

  134. 134
    celestino rodrigues says:

    what about John mclaughlin,,paco lucia,al demiola, larry corryel. etc

  135. 135
    celestino rodrigues says:

    same of those guitar players are better on long way on execution and songwriting. kind regards Tino

  136. 136
    john says:

    the biased idiot who made this list above

  137. 137
    Bodie says:

    Richie Blackmore must No 1
    Genius and Talented; Played Guitar Electric and acustic. for music and songwriter.
    Unfortunately a lot of people doesn’t know about him, ranked him very low.

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