Welcome to Beginnerguitar Pro! In this list, we’ve collected the best guitarists of the 1950s.
Check out their brief biographies, interesting facts from their life and more!
Who’s your favorite?
1. Chuck Berry
| From: | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Born: | 1926 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2017 at the age of 90 |
| Genre: | Rock and Roll |
| Band: | Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson ES-350 |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his duck-walk on stage, a signature move |
Chuck Berry was a legendary American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who played a crucial role in the development of rock and roll music. His iconic guitar riffs and energetic stage performances made him a rock and roll icon. Hits like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene” are timeless classics that continue to influence generations of musicians.
2. Bo Diddley
| From: | McComb, Mississippi, USA |
| Born: | 1928 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2008 at the age of 79 |
| Genre: | Rock and Roll |
| Band: | Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gretsch Jupiter Thunderbird |
| Interesting Fact: | Pioneer of rhythm and blues and rock and roll |
Bo Diddley was a pioneer of rhythm and blues and rock and roll, known for his signature rectangular guitar and distinctive rhythm. His songs like “Bo Diddley” and “Who Do You Love?” left an indelible mark on rock music.
3. Scotty Moore
| From: | Gadsden, Tennessee, USA |
| Born: | 1931 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2016 at the age of 84 |
| Genre: | Rock and Roll |
| Band: | Elvis Presley’s guitarist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson ES-295 |
| Interesting Fact: | Played alongside Elvis Presley in his early career |
Scotty Moore was the guitarist who backed Elvis Presley during his early years, contributing to the birth of rock and roll. His innovative guitar work on classics like “That’s Alright Mama” helped shape the genre.
4. Link Wray
| From: | Dunn, North Carolina, USA |
| Born: | 1929 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2005 at the age of 76 |
| Genre: | Rock and Roll |
| Band: | Link Wray and the Wraymen |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Various |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for pioneering the power chord and distortion |
Link Wray was a pioneering guitarist who introduced the power chord and distortion to rock music. His instrumental track “Rumble” is considered one of the earliest examples of heavy rock and inspired countless musicians.
5. Les Paul
| From: | Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA |
| Born: | 1915 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2009 at the age of 94 |
| Genre: | Jazz, Country, Pop |
| Band: | Les Paul and Mary Ford |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson Les Paul |
| Interesting Fact: | Inventor of the solid-body electric guitar |
Les Paul was not only a virtuoso guitarist and performer but also an inventor. He created the iconic Gibson Les Paul guitar and pioneered multi-track recording techniques, revolutionizing music production.
6. James Burton
| From: | Dubberly, Louisiana, USA |
| Born: | 1939 |
| Age: | Still Alive |
| Genre: | Rock, Country |
| Band: | Various, Elvis Presley’s guitarist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender Telecaster |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his chicken pickin’ guitar style |
James Burton is a highly influential guitarist known for his chicken pickin’ technique. He played with Elvis Presley and numerous other artists, leaving a lasting impact on rock and country music.
7. T-Bone Walker
| From: | Linden, Texas, USA |
| Born: | 1910 |
| Age: | Passed away in 1975 at the age of 64 |
| Genre: | Blues |
| Band: | Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson ES-335 |
| Interesting Fact: | Considered one of the pioneers of electric blues guitar |
T-Bone Walker was a trailblazing blues guitarist known for his electrifying performances and innovative guitar techniques. His song “Call It Stormy Monday” is a blues classic.
8. Wes Montgomery
| From: | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| Born: | 1923 |
| Age: | Passed away in 1968 at the age of 45 |
| Genre: | Jazz |
| Band: | Wes Montgomery Trio |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson L-5 CES |
| Interesting Fact: | Renowned for his thumb-picking technique |
Wes Montgomery was a jazz guitar virtuoso known for his unique thumb-picking style. He made significant contributions to jazz guitar and recorded many influential albums.
9. Johnny Cash (with Luther Perkins)
| From: | Kingsland, Arkansas, USA |
| Born: | 1932 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2003 at the age of 71 |
| Genre: | Country, Rock |
| Band: | Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson J-200 |
| Interesting Fact: | Luther Perkins played guitar for Johnny Cash’s early hits |
Johnny Cash, with Luther Perkins on guitar, created the “boom-chicka-boom” sound, influencing the country and rock genres. Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” is a legendary song.
10. Eddie Cochran
| From: | Albert Lea, Minnesota, USA |
| Born: | 1938 |
| Age: | Passed away in 1960 at the age of 21 |
| Genre: | Rock and Roll |
| Band: | Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his energetic rock and roll performances |
Eddie Cochran was a rock and roll sensation known for his catchy songs and energetic stage presence. His hit “Summertime Blues” remains an iconic rock anthem.
