Welcome to Beginnerguitar Pro! In this article we are stepping into the world of the best rock guitarists!
These incredible musicians have rocked the stage with their powerful tunes and unforgettable guitar riffs.
From heart-pounding solos to soulful melodies, let’s journey through their lives, discovering how they’ve shaped the sound of rock music for generations to come.
Who is your favorite?
1. Jimi Hendrix
| From: | Seattle, USA |
| Born: | 1942 |
| Age: | Passed away in 1970 at the age of 27 |
| Genre: | Rock, Blues |
| Band: | The Jimi Hendrix Experience |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender, Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Renowned for his innovative playing and iconic Woodstock performance. |
Jimi Hendrix’s innovative guitar playing, mesmerizing stage presence, and influential music made him one of the most celebrated and influential musicians in rock history.
2. Eric Clapton
| From: | Ripley, England |
| Born: | 1945 |
| Age: | 76 years old |
| Genre: | Rock, Blues |
| Band: | Cream, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender, Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his distinctive “woman tone” and multiple induction into Hall of Fame. |
Eric Clapton’s mastery of the guitar, soulful playing, and unforgettable hits have solidified him as a guitar legend with a remarkable career spanning decades.
3. Jimmy Page
| From: | Heston, England |
| Born: | 1944 |
| Age: | 77 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | Led Zeppelin |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Led Zeppelin’s creative guitarist, producer, and iconic riffs. |
Jimmy Page’s innovative guitar techniques, mastery of the Les Paul, and influential role in Led Zeppelin contributed to shaping the very essence of rock music.
4. Eddie Van Halen
| From: | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Born: | 1955 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2020 at the age of 65 |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | Van Halen |
| Favorite guitar brand: | EVH, Charvel |
| Interesting Fact: | Revolutionized guitar playing with tapping technique and innovative solos. |
Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar techniques, including two-handed tapping, redefined rock guitar and propelled Van Halen to the forefront of the genre.
5. Stevie Ray Vaughan
| From: | Dallas, USA |
| Born: | 1954 |
| Age: | Passed away in 1990 at the age of 35 |
| Genre: | Blues, Rock |
| Band: | Double Trouble, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender |
| Interesting Fact: | Revived blues rock with fiery solos and profound impact. |
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s extraordinary guitar skills and revival of blues rock showcased his emotional playing and influence, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
6. Slash
| From: | London, England |
| Born: | 1965 |
| Age: | 58 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | Guns N’ Roses, Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Recognizable top hat and legendary riffs. |
Slash’s iconic top hat and distinctive guitar playing have been instrumental in shaping the sound of Guns N’ Roses and his solo career, cementing his place as a rock guitar legend.
7. David Gilmour
| From: | Cambridge, England |
| Born: | 1946 |
| Age: | 75 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | Pink Floyd, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender, Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for emotive solos and ethereal soundscapes. |
David Gilmour’s emotive guitar solos and atmospheric soundscapes have defined Pink Floyd’s progressive rock sound.
His iconic playing style and tone continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
8. Angus Young
| From: | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Born: | 1955 |
| Age: | 68 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | AC/DC |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for schoolboy outfit and electrifying stage presence. |
Angus Young’s electrifying stage presence, distinctive Gibson SG, and timeless riffs have played a pivotal role in AC/DC’s status as one of the greatest rock bands in history.
9. Keith Richards
| From: | Dartford, England |
| Born: | 1943 |
| Age: | 78 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | The Rolling Stones |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Various |
| Interesting Fact: | Defined rock ‘n’ roll rhythm and songwriting. |
Keith Richards’ iconic riffs, rhythm guitar, and songwriting contributions have made him an enduring figure in rock ‘n’ roll.
His partnership with The Rolling Stones has produced timeless classics and rock anthems.
10. Jeff Beck
| From: | Wallington, England |
| Born: | 1944 |
| Age: | 77 years old |
| Genre: | Rock, Blues |
| Band: | The Yardbirds, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender, Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Renowned for his innovative playing and experimental sound. |
Jeff Beck’s innovative and experimental approach to the guitar has led to groundbreaking rock and blues music.
His masterful technique, combined with his sonic exploration, have made him a pioneer in rock guitar history.
11. Carlos Santana
| From: | Autlán, Mexico |
| Born: | 1947 |
| Age: | 74 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | Santana, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | PRS |
| Interesting Fact: | Famed for his Latin-infused rock and “Black Magic Woman.” |
Carlos Santana’s distinctive Latin-inspired rock sound, combined with his soulful playing and memorable hits, have made him a true guitar icon with a career spanning several decades.
12. Joe Satriani
| From: | Westbury, USA |
| Born: | 1956 |
| Age: | 65 years old |
| Genre: | Rock, Instrumental |
| Band: | Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Ibanez |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his virtuosity and teaching numerous guitar greats. |
Joe Satriani’s exceptional technical prowess and teaching prowess have made him a highly influential guitarist, with his instrumental rock albums showcasing his mastery of the guitar.
13. Brian May
| From: | Hampton, England |
| Born: | 1947 |
| Age: | 74 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | Queen, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Red Special |
| Interesting Fact: | Famous for his homemade guitar and iconic Queen anthems. |
Brian May’s homemade “Red Special” guitar and orchestral rock style have made him an integral part of Queen’s legacy.
His innovative playing and timeless hits continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
14. Tony Iommi
| From: | Birmingham, England |
| Born: | 1948 |
| Age: | 73 years old |
| Genre: | Rock, Metal |
| Band: | Black Sabbath |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson, Jaydee |
| Interesting Fact: | Pioneered heavy metal with iconic riffs and downtuned sound. |
Tony Iommi’s pioneering guitar work with Black Sabbath played a defining role in shaping heavy metal.
His powerful riffs, distinctive tone, and influence on metal music are legendary.
15. Ritchie Blackmore
| From: | Weston-super-Mare, England |
| Born: | 1945 |
| Age: | 76 years old |
| Genre: | Rock, Metal |
| Band: | Deep Purple, Rainbow |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender, Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his neoclassical influences and intricate solos. |
Ritchie Blackmore’s unique fusion of rock and classical influences, as well as his masterful solos with Deep Purple and Rainbow, have solidified his reputation as a guitar virtuoso.
16. Mark Knopfler
| From: | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Born: | 1949 |
| Age: | 74 years old |
| Genre: | Rock, Blues |
| Band: | Dire Straits, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Schecter, Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Renowned for his fingerpicking style and storytelling lyrics. |
Mark Knopfler’s distinctive fingerpicking style and heartfelt songwriting have shaped Dire Straits’ sound and his successful solo career, earning him acclaim for his technical skill and emotive playing.
17. Pete Townshend
| From: | London, England |
| Born: | 1945 |
| Age: | 76 years old |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | The Who |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his explosive stage presence and windmill guitar style. |
Pete Townshend’s energetic stage antics and pioneering use of power chords helped define The Who’s sound.
His innovative guitar work and songwriting have made a lasting impact on rock music.
18. Duane Allman
| From: | Nashville, USA |
| Born: | 1946 |
| Age: | Passed away in 1971 at the age of 24 |
| Genre: | Rock, Blues |
| Band: | The Allman Brothers Band |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gibson |
| Interesting Fact: | Renowned slide guitarist with unmatched slide technique. |
Duane Allman’s exceptional slide guitar technique and contributions to The Allman Brothers Band have left a significant mark on Southern rock and blues, despite his tragically short career.
19. Johnny Marr
| From: | Manchester, England |
| Born: | 1963 |
| Age: | 60 years old |
| Genre: | Rock, Alternative |
| Band: | The Smiths, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Fender |
| Interesting Fact: | Known for his intricate arpeggios and influential indie sound. |
Johnny Marr’s intricate arpeggios and innovative guitar work helped shape The Smiths’ distinctive indie sound.
His contributions continue to influence generations of alternative and indie rock musicians.
20. George Harrison
| From: | Liverpool, England |
| Born: | 1943 |
| Age: | Passed away in 2001 at the age of 58 |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Band: | The Beatles, Solo artist |
| Favorite guitar brand: | Gretsch |
| Interesting Fact: | Notable for his contributions to The Beatles’ groundbreaking sound. |
George Harrison’s melodic guitar playing and songwriting prowess were integral to The Beatles’ success.
His distinct guitar tones and Eastern influences added layers to the band’s iconic music.