The Top Ten Guitarists of the Decade

This past week, Guitar World magazine polled its readers as to the “Guitarist of the Decade,” erroneously supposing that the current decade will end as of 31 December 2019. Although there will actually be another year before the end of this decade, the poll did get me to thinking about the most significant guitarists over the past nine years (and counting). And while I have no doubt that others would arrive at different conclusions, I’ve compiled my own list of the top ten guitarists of the decade. Aside from appreciating and enjoying what they’ve already contributed, I look forward to seeing what they’ll do yet in the tent year of the decade. 1. Joe Bonamassa 2. Mark Tremonti 3. Slash 4. George Lynch 5. Gus G 6. Michael Schenker 7. Joe Satriani 8. Tommy Emmanuel 9. Paul Gilbert 10. Jack White Note: This is not a “lifetime achievement” list, which I would approach rather differently. It is rather a list of the guitarists who, in my opinion, have contributed the most and had the most significant impact in the course of the current decade (so far).

(Un)Like the Rolling Stone: Another R.S. List of 100+ Great Guitarists of Our Time

Several months ago, I mused about the difficulty of trying to identify "the best guitarist in the world," and offered some thoughts on serving our respective vocations and stations in life to the best of our ability. We are not called to compete with one another for personal greatness, but to live by the grace of God through faith in Christ, and to love one another, each of us from within his or her particular place in the world.

Even so, when it comes to artistic ability, creative expression and skilled performance, there are obvious differences to be noted, and I suppose it is inevitable that people are going to compare and contrast, weigh and measure, sift and sort; if for no other reason than the simple fact that none of us can give our time and attention to everything that's going on in the world around us. Anyway, beyond the duties and responsibilities of our vocations, we have the freedom to pick and choose between this and that, under the basic rubrics of faith and love. Such freedom also means that we are able to debate and discuss our considerations and conclusions, even in matters of personal preference and taste.

Which is to say that, despite my caveats in August, Rolling Stone has not sinned by publishing a list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" (November 2011). Nor was it a sin the previous time (in 2003). I enjoy such lists and find them interesting, whether I agree with them or not. In this most recent case, both the list itself and the numerous reactions to it have prompted me to do some reading and research (so to speak) on "great guitarists," to see what I might discover. The process has been enlightening, especially as I have been making a list of guitarists that I will want to check out for myself, as time and opportunity permit. In the meantime, I've also been considering the place of my own favorite players within the hierarchy of the guitar universe.

I've aimed at coming up with my own list of "Great Guitarists," without presuming to say that these are the greatest guitarists of all time. My efforts have sought an intersection between my personal preferences and the acknowledged achievements of artists over the course of the past several decades. There is a sense in which music is both an art and a science; it has both objective and subjective qualities. Which suggests that "greatness" is found, not only in the fingers of the player, but also in the ears of the hearer. Beyond that, there are still such a plethora of criteria that one might take into account, there's plenty of room for gentlemanly argument and friendly debate. Even my own conclusions are subject to change, not only as I become more informed and knowledgeable and familiar with a wider ranger of guitarists, but as the circumstances of life are always unfolding and developing.

At any rate, it seems to me that a great guitarist will be inspiring and influential, but without really "trying too hard" to impress. He (or she) will make make music that is innovative and interesting, but also inviting and intelligible. A musician needs to be creative, yes, but truly good music also needs to be coherent and consistent, retaining some continuity with what has gone before. It should be entertaining and enjoyable, but also enduring in quality, and in some sense edifying (at least with respect to its artistry, beauty, and craftsmanship). Great guitar music will be mesmerizing at the moment one first hears it, but also memorable after the fact. Of course, you may or may not agree with my opinions in your own assessment and evaluation of any given guitarist, but these are the qualities and characteristics that I am considering and listening for.

So, I've arrived at the following list, and I'm mostly satisfied with my conclusions, such as they are. Some of the names will seem obvious enough, whereas others may seem oddly included. There are some "glaring" omissions, I must confess. There are some admittedly great guitarists who are just not familiar to me at this point, and others whom I simply haven't cared for that much. In other cases, I've included "the usual suspects" on my list, but at a much lower ranking than anyone might typically expect, and that, too, is due either to a lack of familiarity or a lack of interest on my part. These are examples of the subjective element kicking in. My personal biases also show up in the inclusion of guitarists that others might not even think to mention. My number one great guitarist is Joe Satriani (hands down, never a doubt), who was not even included in the top 100 on either of the Rolling Stone lists (although he is otherwise recognized and regarded as at least a "top ten" guitarist). But, along with my subjective tastes and personal preferences, I've also taken into account and weighted the informed opinions of many others, with respect to both inclusion and ranking on my list. And, with all of that in the works, here's what I've come up with:

A Gross of Great Guitarists

1. Joe Satriani (Chickenfoot)

2. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

3. Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)

4. Eric Clapton (Cream, etc.)

5. Jimi Hendrix

6. Paul Gilbert (Racer X, Mr. Big)

7. Eddie Van Halen

8. Marty Friedman (Cacophony, Megadeth)

9. Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion)

10. Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell)

11. Glen Tipton & K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)

12. Gus G (Dream Evil, Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne)

13. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

14. Jeff Beck

15. John 5

16. Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society)

17. John Petrucci (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment)

18. Brian May (Queen)

19. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow)

20. Carlos Santana

21. Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

22. George Harrison & John Lennon (The Beatles)

23. Angus & Malcolm Young (AC/DC)

24. Dave Murray & Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)

25. Chris Robertson & Ben Wells (Black Stone Cherry)

26. Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses, Velvet Revolver)

27. Steve Clark & Phil Collen (Def Leppard)

28. Brian Robertson (Thin Lizzy)

29. Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge)

30. Andy McKee

31. Yngwie Malmsteen

32. Chris Broderick (Jag Panzer, Nevermore, Megadeth)

33. Synyster Gates & Zacky Vengeance (Avenged Sevenfold)

34. Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (Metallica)

35. Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)

36. Joe Walsh (The Eagles)

37. B.B. King

38. Steve Vai

39. Eric Johnson

40. Ace Frehley & Paul Stanley (KISS)

41. Michael Schenker (Scorpions, UFO)

42. Peter Frampton (Humble Pie)

43. Stevie Ray Vaughan

44. Duane Allman

45. Joe Perry (Aerosmith)

46. Al Di Meola

47. Steve Howe (Yes, Asia, GTR)

48. Chuck Berry

49. Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi

50. The Edge (U2)

51. Chet Atkins

52. Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy)

53. Jack White (White Stripes, Raconteurs, Dead Weather)

54. Dimebag Darrell (Pantera)

55. Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley)

56. Neal Schon (Journey, Hardline)

57. Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Kansas, Deep Purple)

58. Brian Setzer (Stray Cats)

59. Rob Balducci

60. Rudolf Schenker & Matthias Jabs (Scorpions)

61. Paul Quinn & Doug Scarratt (Saxon)

62. Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains)

63. Antoine Dufour

64. Glen Drover (Megadeth)

65. Mick Jones (Foreigner)

66. Keith Urban

67. Dan Donegan (Disturbed)

68. Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions)

69. Mikael Åkerfeldt & Fredrick Åkesson (Opeth)

70. Herman Li & Sam Totman (Dragonforce)

71. Thomas Bredahl & Michael Poulsen (Volbeat)

72. Rich Eckhardt (Toby Keith)

73. John Sykes (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder)

74. Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

75. Brent Hinds & Bill Kelliher (Mastodon)

76. Alvin Lee (Ten Years After)

77. Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

78. Brad Paisley

79. Steve Lukather (Toto)

80. Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)

81. Jake E. Lee (Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands)

82. Jeff Loomis (Nevermore)

83. Orianthi (Alice Cooper, et al.)

84. Chad Taylor (Live, The Gracious Few)

85. Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)

86. Pete Townshend (The Who)

87. Buddy Holly

88. Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac)

89. Dave Davies (The Kinks)

90. Phil Keaggy

91. Tony MacAlpine

92. Alex Lifeson (Rush)

93. George Lynch (Dokken)

94. Michael Angelo Batio

95. Tommy Emmanuel

96. Andy Timmons

97. Bonnie Raitt

98. Tom Scholz (Boston)

99. Corey Beaulieu & Matt Heafy (Trivium)

100. Chris Poland (Megadeth, Ohm)

101. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

102. “Metal Mike” Chlasciak (Halford)

103. Dave Martone

104. Andy James

105. Luke Morley (Thunder, The Union)

106. Ronnie Wood (Jeff Beck, Faces, Rolling Stones)

107. Zac Brown

108. Philip Shouse (Bo Bice, et al)

109. Kenny Wayne Shepherd

110. Don Felder (The Eagles)

111. Joe Stump

112. Joanne Shaw Taylor

113. Stoney Curtis

114. Neil “Spyder” Giraldo (Pat Benatar)

115. Ben Moody (Evanesence, We Are the Fallen)

116. Matt Tuck & Michael Paget (Bullet for My Valentine)

117. Christian Muenzner (Obscura)

118. Michael Romeo (Symphony X)

119. Michael Harris

120. John Mayer

121. Lee Ritenour

122. Chris Henderson & Matt Roberts (3 Doors Down)

123. Prince

124. Tommy Shaw (Styx, Damn Yankees)

125. Gary Hoey

126. Josh Steely (Daughtry)

127. Austin Diaz & Gabriel Garcia (Black Tide)

128. Vivian Campbell (Dio, Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy)

129. Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave)

130. Tosin Abasi & Javier Reyes (Animals as Leaders)

131. André Olbrich & Marcus Siepen (Blind Guardian)

132. Olavi Mikkonen & Johan Söderberg (Amon Amarth)

133. Vinnie Moore (UFO)

134. Nancy Wilson (Heart)

135. Sammy Hagar (Montrose, Van Halen, Chickenfoot)

136. Steve Wariner

137. Eric Gales

138. Leslie West (Mountain)

139. Rory Gallagher

140. John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival)

141. Robby Krieger (The Doors)

142. Roger McGuinn (The Byrds)

143. Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills, and Nash)

144. Les Paul

Dualing Axes

Having recently listed my fifty-two favorite active-duty guitarists, focusing especially on solo artists, it seems only fair to acknowledge my favorite Guitarynamic Duos, that is to say, those pairs of guitarists who work in tandem to create a sonic landscape for their bands. These twin blades relate to each other in a variety of ways, sometimes as rhythm and lead guitarist respectively, sometimes trading off on those duties in tag-team fashion, and sometimes providing twin leads throughout. Anyway, these axes go marching two-by-two, hurrah, hurrah, and I've listed them here in the order (more-or-less) of my personal enjoyment of their efforts:

1. Chris Robertson & Ben Wells (Black Stone Cherry)

2. Thomas Bredahl & Michael Poulsen (Volbeat)

3. Dave Mustaine & Chris Broderick (Megadeth)

4. Joe Satriani & Sammy Hagar (Chickenfoot)

5. Ozzy Lister & Mark Thomas (Black Spiders)

6. Synyster Gates & Zacky Vengeance (Avenged Sevenfold)

7. Gabriel Garcia & Austin Diaz (Black Tide)

8. Gus G & Bob Katsionis (Firewind)

9. Oscar Dronjak & Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall)

10. Mark Tremonti & Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge)

11. Joe Selby & Andy Brewer (Taddy Porter)

12. Corey Beaulieu & Matt Heafy (Trivium)

13. Alex Rosamilia & Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem)

14. André Olbrich & Marcus Siepen (Blind Guardian)

15. Herman Li & Sam Totman (Dragonforce)

16. Thom Blunier & Thomas Muster (Shakra)

17. Andy Boulton & John Wiggins (Tokyo Blade)

18. Matt Roberts & Chris Henderson (3 Doors Down)

19. Matt Tuck & Mike Paget (Bullet for My Valentine)

20. Chad Taylor & Sean Hennesy (The Gracious Few)

21. Fabian Schwarz & Christof Leim (The New Black)

22. Steffen Kummerer & Christian Muenzner (Obscura)

23. Paul Quinn & Doug Scarratt (Saxon)

24. Paul Kleff & Nick Layton (Firewölfe)

25. Brent Hinds & Bill Kelliher (Mastodon)

26. Luke Morley & Peter Shoulder (The Union)

27. Nicolas van Dyk & Bernie Versailles (Redemption)

28. Keith Wallen & Robert Zakaryan (Adelita’s Way)

29. Slash & Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver)

30. Wolf Hoffmann & Herman Frank (Accept)

31. Matthew & Caleb Followill (Kings of Leon)

32. Nick Wheeler & Mike Kennerty (All American Rejects)

33. Johan Söderberg & Olavi Mikkonen (Amon Amarth)

34. Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks (Tedeschi Trucks Band)

35. Mikael Åkerfeldt & Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth)

36. Oli Herbert & Mike Martin (All That Remains)

37. Ville Friman & Markus Vanhala (Insomnium)

38. John Cobbett & Leila Abdul Rauf (Hammers of Misfortune)

39. Joakim Nilsson & Jonatan Ramm (Graveyard)

40. John Baizley & Peter Adams (Baroness)

41. Bryan Giles & David Sullivan (Red Fang)

42. Phil Sgrosso & Nick Hipa (As I Lay Dying)

43. Esa Holopainen & Tomi Koivusaari (Amorphis)

44. Ray Toro & Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance)

45. Jake Pitts & Jinxx (Black Veil Brides)

46. Leo Leoni & Freddy Scherer (Gotthard)

Honorable Mention (from days gone by):

Glenn Tipton & K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)

Dave Murray & Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)

Rudolf Schenker & Matthias Jabs (Scorpions)

Steve Clark & Phil Collen (Def Leppard)

Malcolm & Angus Young (AC/DC)

Paul Stanley & Ace Frehley (KISS)

Brian Robertson & Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy)

Gary Rossington & Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Keith Richards & Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones)

Don Felder & Joe Walsh (The Eagles)

Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (Metallica)

John Lennon & George Harrison (The Beatles)

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.

The Best Guitarist in the World?

I don't know. I'm not sure there is any one "best guitarist" in the world. Maybe Guthrie Govan, or Joe Bonamassa, or Andy McKee, or Yngwie Malmsteen; or maybe none of the above. I have my personal favorites, to be sure, but whether any of them is "the best," who am I to say?

How in the world could anyone meaningfully measure and realistically compare the ability and skill, the artistry and creativity, the versatility, virtuosity and value of Antoine Dufour and Christopher Parkening with that of Gus G and Synester Gates, with that of Brad Paisley and Keith Urban, with that of Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani, with that of Al Di Meola and Phil Keaggy, with that of Zac Brown and Zakk Wylde, with that of Jack White and the Edge, with that of Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton, with that of Slash and Mark Tremonti, with that of John Petrucci and Steve Lukather, with that of Orianthi and Steve Vai, with that of Carlos Santana and Michael Angelo Batio, with that of George Lynch and Mark Knopfler, with that of Kirk Hammet and James Hetfield, Glen Tipton and K.K. Downing?

How does one evaluate and quantify the "bestness" of living guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page, who were surely among the greatest in their heyday, but who haven't contributed much in many years, especially as compared to the likes of B.B. King and Tony Iommi? And where does one situate Jimi Hendrix and Randy Rhoads in the hierarchy of the guitar, when they've been dead these past many years, and yet their music is still being enjoyed all over the world?

If there were any one "best guitarist" in the world, I suspect that he (or she) is probably a session player in Nashville, New York, Houston or Los Angeles, inconspicuously if not anonymously making the stars in the limelight sound good. Or, maybe "the best guitarist in the world" only plays for himself, for the love of the music, and for the pleasure of his family and friends. Perhaps such personal joy and the generous entertainment of local neighbors are further aspects of "bestness" that we should be hard-pressed to calculate, or even to discern.

It occurs to me that, what is true when it comes to the guitarists of the world, is likewise applicable to the whole broad spectrum of talents and trades with which people all over the world are variously occupied. The "best of the best" are not necessarily those who manage to make a name and trunkloads of money for themselves, but are more likely those who quietly go about their tasks in faithfulness and love, simply doing what they have been given to do. In any event, life isn't a competition — those who attempt to make it so, lose. "Greatness" in the Kingdom of God, which is where the only true and real life is lived, is found in the humility of repentance and the confidence of faith; it is not "compared" from one citizen to the next, but measured solely in relation to the Cross of Christ, who pours out His "greatness" for us, and upon us, in Self-sacrificing love. Wherever such genuine greatness is poured out in love for the neighbor, whether by the playing of guitar, or by whatever task is taken up in faith, there is the sweetness of a life that is being lived well.

Young Guns II at the Dawning of a New Decade

Last year about this time, I posted a list of my favorite guitarists. Since then, as I've been working on learning to play the guitar myself, I've also been listening more carefully than ever to lots of different guitarists, and doing so more attentively and perceptively than I have in the past. I've noticed that the more time I spend practicing the instrument and getting to know it, the more attuned my ears have become to the sounds of the guitar, whether the music I'm listening to at any given time is already familiar or brand new to me. Consequently, I've discovered and developed an appreciation for players I didn't even know a year ago.

Up front, I have to say that my two favorite guitarists are Ariksander and Oly'anna Stuckwisch, my son and daughter who are learning to play the guitar along with me. Playing and practicing with them, and listening to them play, brings a level of joy to my heart that no one else can touch. With time and continued perseverance, I am sure, their skills and abilities will vastly improve, but I doubt that I will ever enjoy their playing any more than I do already now. Yet, that appreciation involves personal biases and subjective criteria that none of my readers can share, so it would be somewhat unfair to put Ariksander and Oly'anna at the top of a list I am posting for public perusal. Instead of that, I'm putting them in a category all by themselves.

While I'm at it, major mojo kudos to our instructor, Steve Krenz, of the Learn & Master Guitar curriculum (by Legacy Learning Systems). The man is not only a genius on the guitar, but an outstanding pedagogue of the instrument. Ariksander, Oly'anna and I hope to meet him in person someday, especially since we owe him such a debt of gratitude for his fine teaching, and because he comes across as such a likable gentleman. Here's to you, Steve, with our thanks!

Now then, Ariksander, Oly'anna and Steve aside, here are my 75 favorite guitarists as we have now entered upon this new decade of life on earth.

1. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

2. Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)

3. Paul Gilbert (Racer X, Mr. Big)

4. Joe Satriani

5. Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion)

6. Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

7. Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)

8. Steffen Schackinger

9. Slash (Guns 'n' Roses, Velvet Revolver)

10. Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society)

11. Gus G (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne, Dream Evil)

12. Michael Angelo Batio

13. Joe Stump

14. Gary Hoey

15. Orianthi

16. Dave Martone

17. Synyster Gates & Zacky Vengeance (Avenged Sevenfold)

18. Dan Donegan (Disturbed)

19. Malcom & Angus Young (AC/DC)

20. Steve Clark & Phil Collen (Def Leppard)

21. Glenn Tipton & K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)

22. Matt Tuck & Mike Paget (Bullet for My Valentine)

23. Chris Robertson & Ben Wells (Black Stone Cherry)

24. Rudolf & Michael Schenker (The Scorpions)

25. Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, Creed)

26. Jeff Loomis (Nevermore)

27. Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (Metallica)

28. Zac Brown

29. John 5 (quite apart from Marilyn Manson; as far apart as possible)

30. Cameron Muncey & Nic Cester (Jet)

31. Sean Hennesy (The Gracious Few)

32. Yngwie Malmsteen

33. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)

34. Joe Walsh (The Eagles)

35. Eric Clapton

36. Andy McKee

37. Keith Urban

38. Marty Friedman

39. John Petrucci (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment)

40. Thomas Bredahl & Michael Poulsen (Volbeat)

41. Vivian Campbell (Dio, Whitesnake, Def Leppard)

42. The Brothers Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38-Special, Van Zant)

43. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blackmore's Night)

44. Jimi Hendrix

45. Jeff Beck

46. Steve Vai

47. Brad Paisley

48. Andy James

49. Santana

50. Antoine Dufour

51. George Harrison (The Beatles)

52. Steve Lukathar (Toto)

53. Ray Toro & Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance)

54. Oli Herbert & Mike Martin (All That Remains)

55. Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)

56. Ethan Brosh

57. Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones, etc.)

58. Jack White (White Stripes, Dead Weather, Raconteurs)

59. Sébastien Cloutier

60. Joe Perry (Aerosmith)

61. George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob)

62. Brian May (Queen)

63. Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth)

64. Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage)

65. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

66. Jay Jesse Johnson

67. The Edge (U2)

68. Alex Rosamilia & Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem)

69. Phil Sgrosso & Nick Hipa (As I Lay Dying)

70. Jason Becker

71. B.B. King

72. Prince

73. Joe Selby & Andy Brewer (Taddy Porter)

74. John Mayer

75. Lee Ritenour