11 November 2011

My Fifty-Two Favorite Guitarists as of 11/11/11

So, now, after a couple years of paying closer attention and listening more carefully to guitarists hither and yon, here's a highly subjective and constantly-subject-to-adjustment list of my 52 favorite guitarists. I've focused on those with solo careers, whether with or without vocals, but have also included a few well-known guitarists from key guitar-driven bands. I've also looked at those with relatively recent releases (within the last few years). The list is more or less in order of preference, beginning with my top favorite, although there's certainly a lot of fluctuation from one day to the next when it comes to the ranking of those lower down.

1. Joe Satriani (Chickenfoot)

2. Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big)

3. Marty Friedman

4. Steffen Schackinger

5. John 5

6. Tony Iommi

7. Rob Balducci

8. Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion)

9. Gus G (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne)

10. Gary Hoey

11. Michael Harris

12. Dave Martone

13. Joe Stump

14. John Petrucci (Dream Theater)

15. Andy James

16. DC Slater

17. Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society)

18. Andy McKee

19. Brian Setzer

20. Michael Angelo Batio

21. Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge)

22. Jonas Tamas

23. Fabrizio Leo

24. David T. Chastain

25. Slash

26. Orianthi

27. Michael Schenker

28. Andy Timmons

29. Antoine Dufour

30. Michael Lee Ferkins

31. Chris Broderick (Megadeth)

32. Peter Frampton

33. Yngwie Malmsteen

34. Sebastian Cloutier

35. Paul Wardingham

36. Glen Drover

37. Chris Brooks

38. Stoney Curtis

39. Eric Gales

40. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

41. Christian Muenzner (Obscura)

42. Jeff Loomis

43. Eric Johnson

44. George Lynch

45. Broderick Gray

46. Al Di Meola

47. Brad Paisley

48. Eric Clapton

49. Kenny Wayne Shepherd

50. Chris Duarte

51. Steve Lukathar

52. Keith Urban

So, y'all, feel free to let me know if I've missed anyone essential.

10 comments:

mlorfeld said...

Phil Keaggy
Alex Lifeson

Also, did you know that #31 and #40 are in the same band as an LCMS SMP student?

mlorfeld said...

Thought of some more:

Nigel Tufnel
Hendrix
Pete Townsend
Jimi Page
Chuck Berry
Chet Atkins
Herman Li & Sam Totman (Dragonforce)
Robert Johnson
BB King
Prince
Jack White
Les Paul
Johnny Mahr
Angus Young
Ed O'Brian & Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead)
Steve Jones
Dick Dale

Rev. Rick Stuckwisch said...

Wow, a fellow guitar lover! Awesome.

I was indeed aware that long-time (and again current) Megadeth bassist, Dave Ellefson, was an LCMS SMP student. It is an interesting world that we live in, isn't it? Their new album rocks, both metaphorically and actually.

I'm a fan of Phil Keaggy and have a number of his albums, in one form or another, but I've not been aware of anything terribly recent from him. Do you know if he's got anything new out and about?

The name of Alex Lifeson isn't ringing any bells at the moment, so I'll have do some searching and give him a listen. I'm always glad for new discoveries in the wonderful world of guitar ;-)

Most of the names in your longer list are familiar to me, and many of them are personal favorites, as well. But I was aiming for a list of those who are currently active in recording and releasing new material. I think Dragonforce may have something new in the works, and I'll welcome that, I'm sure.

It was good of you to include Nigel Tufnel on this auspicious 11/11/11. He would surely be proud.

I probably should have included Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge in my list, as he is certainly a current favorite. My son Zachary will probably shake his head at that omission. But, that only goes to show my fallibility.

mlorfeld said...

Alex Lifeson is on part of the "Holy Trinity"... aka Rush (no blasphemy intended).

Phil Keaggy has a new CD coming out soon (but it sounds like it will be more along the lines of his poppy CCM stuff). He's also touring. I like his guitar playing, not his American Dispensational/Zionist theology (which really comes out when he gets talking in concert). My favorite CDs and shows of his were his acoustic/instrumental ones.

Rev. Rick Stuckwisch said...

Ah, yes (or, uh, rush), I should have recognized Alex Lifeson's name. But, no offense, I've never been a huge fan of Rush, even though I do like some of their music well enough. I'm kind of hit or miss when it comes to Prog.

I concur with what you have said concerning Phil Keaggy. It's his playing I appreciate and enjoy; not his theology.

Thanks for your comments.

Rev. Rick Stuckwisch said...

Okay, I've made some adjustments, modifications, and additions; so now Mark Tremonti is included, as he should have been from the start.

X said...

Hey, where'd you go?

Rev. Rick Stuckwisch said...

Dear X,

If you're asking about where I went on Facebook, I'm taking a sabbatical for the time being, and deactivated my account. I'll probably resurface at some point, but we'll see how that goes. I just need to give it a rest and refocus myself elsewhere.

Christopher Esget said...

I agree about Alex Lifeson. Truly a master. Also Steve Howe (Yes, Asia, GTR).

It drives me batty that you aren't into prog, Rick. It makes no sense to me at all!!!

Rev. Rick Stuckwisch said...

I know it's crazy, Christopher. What can I say? I've always loved Asia. I don't mind Rush; they've just never been a favorite. Yes, on the other hand, I've simply never cared for.

I have become quite a fan of Dream Theater, and I do like some of the "prog metal" bands. So, who knows, maybe there's hope for me yet?

Thanks for your comments, my friend.