FINALLY, a decent ‘best all-time guitarists’ list that isn’t a joke!

[Flamencology]

Ok, I’m exaggerating slightly: John McLaughlin and Carlos Santana have no place on such a list.

But hey, at least it doesn’t have any of that yawn-worthy foolishness — SRV, EVH, Blackmore, Dimebag, Satriani, Vai, Malmsteen, Petrucci, Paul Gilbert, Eric Johnson, Johnny A, etc.

https://www.songlines.co.uk/features/50-global-guitar-greats

Well done, somebody!

 

[shoeless]

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

 

[Flamencology]

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Yes. Bad parents and teachers say that all of the time. The whole myth of subjectivity and all that nonsense.

 

[Andrew Sak]

You know what I'm not hearing?
Sizzle.

 

[jp_nyc]

At least somebody finally put Mother Maybelle on the list.

 

[dmn23]

I've seen five of the names on that list.

That's a great launchpad for checking out new music.

 

[Honkridge]

I've got thirteen outta fifty in my record collection. Not bad for a Nashville dickhead

 

[jrockbridge]

Any list of greats has excellent and worthy players. That’s certainly not some definitive list. None of them ever are an end all be all. But, it’s full of history and it’s always nice to discover some names I have not heard.

I know many of those names and have listened to much of it. But, of course, I’m most familiar with the players who’ve made noise in my lifetime. That’s only natural.

 

[PunkKitty]

Ok, I’m exaggerating slightly: John McLaughlin and Carlos Santana have no place on such a list.

I disagree. McLaughlin is incredible.

 

[jrockbridge]

I was glad to see Taj Mahal on that list. I had never seen him live until weeks ago. At 82, they had to help him on and off stage. He was only able to play and sing on stage in a seated position.

I was pleasantly surprised how great his voice sounded live. Some vocals don't age well. His voice was sublime. I don't expect to get another chance to see him. He has to be close to the end of his performing days.

Pictured below, Taj is seated on the left wearing the hat. Also, up on stage is Christone “Kingfish” Ingram from Mississippi, who’s already developed a reputation on guitar at just 25 years old. Of course, that’s old man Chris Layton on drums, but he’s just a joke because he’s famous for playing with SRV (what a hack). That’s Kevin McCormick on bass. Don’t let Kevin’s long resume of accomplishments fool you. He’s just a hack that’s written, produced and played with the likes of Melissa Ethridge. Total pretenders, hacks and jokes. You have to wonder why a legend like Taj Mahal lowered himself to play with all these unworthy players.

 

[jrockbridge]

I wish I could have seen Paco De Lucia play live before he died. RIP.

​

 

[Motorik]

Finally! Ringo Starr is getting the recognition he deserves for his guitar playing.

Peace and love.

 

[bsman]

I'll take "best guitarists most people have never heard of" for $2000, Alex.

 

[Frank Prince]

Ah, the Snooti List! Where's Richard Thompson?

J/K. I am familiar with a dozen or so, and need to check out the rest. Ry Cooder, of course, is a sublime talent.

 

[Dew Knot Humps]

No Bill Frisell on a list like that makes it invalid.

 

[jrockbridge]

I disagree. McLaughlin is incredible.

Of course, he's incredible. His name gets dropped by some of the most interviewed guitarists of all the time. His influence is far and wide.

All the players mentioned in this thread are worth a listen because it's about the music. Sometimes, a simple catchy phrase is what the song needs. Other times, technical skill and passion set the music on fire. All the greats I've ever heard are on my list.

 

[frunobulax]

A nice list of guitarists one should probably be aware of.

But it also smacks a bit of 'we're cooler than you' by listing a number of players few people have heard of and leaving off some truly innovative players (like Bill Frisell)