In the current issue of Classic Rock magazine, the British publication pays its respects to the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." Unlike other similar lists of musicians, which are too often subjective at best, the good folks at Classic Rock went one step further and had their list created by a special panel of the 100 greatest living guitarists. No stumblebum staffers, no drug-addled rockcrits, this list represents what the players themselves think of their peers and forebears.
As one might guess, blues-rock fretburners like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, and Jimi Hendrix are included, but it's good to see a number of old-school blues guitarists featured among the "100 greatest." Clutch's Neil Fallon points out Bentonia bluesman Skip James' often overlooked talents, while another country bluesman, Bukka White, was picked for the list by a guitarist named "Rock Freebase" from the band Alabama 3. Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top - a man who also knows his way around a fretboard - makes his claim for B.B. King being the best of all time. Gibbons himself was chosen for the list by Buckcherry's Keith Nelson.
A number of future legends and late, albeit underrated artists are also featured among the hot 100. Blues-rock fave Joe Bonamassa was chosen by Mountain's Leslie West, who in turn was picked for the list by Jethro Tull's Martin Barre, while Queensryche's Mike Wilton picks the amazing Derek Trucks as his favorite. Of course, it's no surprise that talents like Jeff Healey, Roy Buchanan, Duane Allman, Michael Bloomfield, Rory Gallagher, and Paul Kossoff were all chosen by their peers as among the best guitarists of all time.
Look for Classic Rock issue #136 on your local newsstand, or check out the magazine's website for up-to-date content and free daily mp3 downloads.
Related Content: Five Essential Blues-Rock Guitarists
Photo courtesy Classic Rock magazine
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