Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Top Ten Greatest Guitar Players


   When learning another language, experts recommend that you immerse yourself in the language. The same principle applies when learning how to play guitar. Listening to great guitar players can be a source of inspiration, can encourage you to keep practicing, and give you a goal to work toward. The following are the top ten greatest guitar players, listed in no particular order:
1. Jimi Hendrix - At one point, Hendrix couldn't get a break in Nashville, and he ended his backup days with Little Richard in a contract dispute. He quickly realized, however, the value of innovation in playing, as well as in putting on a stage show that fans would remember. Many fans claim he was the greatest guitarist ever to pick up the instrument. At the very least his creative drive, technical ability and such effects as wah-wah and distortion forever transformed the sound of rock and roll. It was his innovation, and his ability to play his guitar in any position with any body part, that consistently places him as one of the top rated guitarists ever.
2. Eric Clapton - Clapton can not only brag that he's considered one of the greatest rock guitarists and one of the greatest blues guitarists, but also that he has drawn huge crowds for his classical guitar concerts. His playing style is smooth, yet precise, and chords almost seem to flow from his fingertips.
3. Robert Johnson - Recorded his songs for the first time on November 23, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas. Although modern guitar players will often complain that Robert Johnson was out of time, out of tune, and you cannot understand his vocals, style of playing was unlike anything else at the time, and set the pace for future generations of blues players. Johnson is also the guitar player often accused of having made the deal at the crossroads, selling his soul to the devil in order to be able to play.
4. Eddie Van Halen - The lightning speed and innovative sounds of Eddie Van Halen's guitar are easily recognizable. They are even more impressive when taking into consideration that he is completely self-taught, having never had any type of lesson. It has often been said, that it is easy for Eddie to be creative in his playing techniques because he was never told how he could or could not play.
5. Stevie Ray Vaughan - Born on October 3 1954 , in the Oak Cliff Section of Dallas Texas. Easily one of the most well known modern blues guitarists, Vaughan's music seemed to be pulled from the depths of his soul at times. While his playing was smooth, it was the sheer amount of emotion in every note that drew people to his music.
6. Tony Iommi - For many people, Iommi is considered the first real metal guitar player, using a lot of distortion but keeping it completely controlled. His fiery style is even more impressive because his fingering hand is missing the tips of two fingers, requiring him to use rubber prosthetics when playing.
7. Jeff Beck - Many guitar players consider Jeff Beck to be one of the most well rounded guitarists in the world, able to produce incredible tones with what appears to be very little effort. Despite his ability to create amazing sounds with a great depth of feeling, he is rarely given the credit he deserves.
8. Jimmy Page - Formerly one of the hottest studio players in England, Page not only has the ability to write incredible guitar riffs, but he also has the ability to play them perfectly.
9. Randy Rhoads - Was an American heavy metal guitarist who is best known for playing with Ozzy Osbourne. Rhoads was perfect and precise in every note, but did so with a great depth of feeling. Not only could he play the music, but he could write it also.
10. Joe Satriani - Satriani may well be the next stage in the evolution of guitarists. He has the ability to play music when he is goofing off that many guitar players will never be able match, even after years of practice.
While this is by no means the definitive list of the greatest guitar players, and some would disagree with the names on the list, it is an excellent starting point. By listening to accomplished players, those who are learning to play guitar can find their inspiration.
About The Author
My name is Derek Cockrum, and I have been an instructor and professional guitarist for the past 11 years. I established "Guitar Lesson Reviews" to help you, (the beginner and advanced guitarist), discover the top acoustic and electric guitar lessons program available that will teach you how to really take your guitar playing skills to the next level. I have personally reviewed and tested almost every advanced and beginner guitar lessons program out there and have listed my top 3 recommended programs. If you're seriously ready to learn to play guitar like your favorite guitarist, you owe it to yourself to check out "Guitar Lesson Reviews" to find an easy guitar lessons program that offers Acoustic and Electric Guitar Lessons to train you how to play guitar like it was meant to be played. Learn what these Advanced, and Beginner Guitar Lessons can do for you and your guitar playing.
                                                                    

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