Does it seem like classic rock is synonymous with great guitarists?
That’s because the genre is, indeed, filled with incredibly guitar masters.
But some stand out above the rest.
The best classic rock guitarists of all time rank among the greatest to ever play the instrument in any genre.
So who are the best ever?
Keep reading to find out. Below are my choices for the classic rock guitar players that outdo everyone else.
Greatest Classic Rock Guitarists Ever
There are so many amazing guitar players in the classic rock genre, that it was incredibly difficult to narrow the field down to a reasonably small number. I had to leave some serious talent off the list.
Brian May
Sir Brian May has a number of titles: a co-founder of Queen, a world-renowned astrophysicist with a planet named after him, a prolific songwriter & producer, and a vocal advocate for animal rights.
Brian is also known as the sound of classic rock that generations from the early 60s to today have been passionately listening to.
Brian May is a virtuoso who ranks near the top in various “top guitarists” polls and lists. Both fans and professional musicians sing his praises for his smooth, elegant guitar-playing style.
He’s among the few living legends capable of seamlessly transitioning between dirty riffs and sleek chords, powerful solos, and easy-going licks.
As evident in his possibly greatest musical achievement, the Bohemian Rhapsody, Brian is a remarkably versatile musician who excels in virtually all categories and is possibly the most complete classic rock guitarist.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page is the founder of Led Zeppelin, a proud member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and one of the most prolific guitarists in the world of classic rock. He is more than deserving of the title of one of the best in this field.
To climb his way to the top, Page began as a remarkably busy session guitarist. He played with innumerable musicians and honed his craft by diving deep into a variety of music styles, but was primarily influenced by rock and folk.
After founding Led Zeppelin, Beck unleashed his creativity, meshed big-band blues with rock, and ultimately created a sound that would inspire generations to come.
Deemed by some the grandfather of heavy metal, Page did experiment with heavier tones and riffs, but is far more recognized for his classic rock sensibilities and work. After all, his trendiest tunes are Immigrant Song, Kashmir, and Stairway to Heaven.
Eric Clapton
Even though he is widely hailed as a leading blues rock guitarist, this list would be incomplete with the formally recognized “most successful guitarist in rock music”, Eric Clapton CBE.
From The Yardbirds & The Bluesbreakers to Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek & The Dominos, Eric was a part of bands that reshaped the music landscape in their respective genres, But it wasn’t until he ventured onto a solo path that his classic rock spirit was able to break free.
Exemplary playing accuracy, a one-of-a-kind tone backed with a ridiculously powerful sustain, and the ability to retain a true rock sound wherever he played make Eric a force to be reckoned with in the field of classic rock.
Steve Hackett
Steve Hackett is best known as the guitarist and songwriter of Genesis, one of the greatest classic rock bands out there, known for their progressive, blues, and poppy idiosyncrasies.
His less-than-a-decade tenure with Genesis put him on the map and allowed him to prosper as a solo artist. He’s been writing timeless music for close to five decades, making him nearly as prolific as Keith Richards.
Soulful solos, powerful chords, and memorable licks are the lines that bind whichever branch of classic rock he wanted to explore throughout his 50-year-long career.
Beyond rock, he also dabbled in classical music and worldbeat. These influences introduced a breath of fresh air to the contemporary classic rock scene and inspired both his peers and the generations to follow to keep innovating as Steve did.
Jeff Beck
Rolling Stone dubbed Jeff Beck among the top 5 greatest guitarists of all time. He also won 8 Grammy awards between 1976 and 2010 and was nominated a total of 16 times.
Those who aren’t familiar with his career might think that these accolades come from his time with The Yardbirds, which might be partly true.
He receives praise left, right, and center as such a great musician, because he’s among the scant few people who managed to infuse classic rock with other styles, like blues rock, jazz fusion, and progressive.
He expressed in many interviews that he was hugely influenced by some of the finest instrumental acts like The Shadows, but also world-class guitarists like Django, Lonnie Mack, and Chet Atkins. Jeff drew inspiration from his idols, but ultimately shaped his unique style by constantly experimenting and innovating.
If classic rock had rules and patterns, Jeff would be the one to break them, without touching the core of the genre.
David Gilmour
David Gilmour was Pink Floyd’s lead guitar player and one of the most innovative songwriters in classic rock. He is internationally recognized for his gorgeously authentic tone, pitch-perfect soloing techniques, and deeply emotional playing style.
What makes him stand out from other greats in the classic rock scene is the fact that he excels in categories most musicians would compete in separately.
He writes songs that are both catchy and intricate in design. His solos are both technical and moving, while his charisma as a performer is undisputable.
Most guitarists are happy with a hit or two per album, while Gilmour is seemingly incapable of writing a bad song. In fact, his well of inspiration runs so deep that he wrote solo works and songs for Pink Floyd simultaneously.
Keith Richards
Keith is one of the longest-running classic rock legends of our time, as well as the embodiment of the true spirit of rock. He continues performing even in his 80s, gracing stages across all compass points with his funky style and superb music.
Keith is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a ranking member of Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Guitarists of all time, and he has a spot on my list of the greatest rhythm . He has received an avalanche of accolades, all well-deserved, by delivering robust hard rock performances for well over five decades.
His style may not be overly innovative when compared to David Gilmour or Jeff Beck, but Keith dances toe to toe with the greatest, with a unique swing and a tone that many have tried to mimic, but could never truly replicate.
When it comes to classic rock riffs and chords, Keith Richards stands at the top. Similar to Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC, and many other top-tier classic rock guitarists, he employs a style that focuses on the soul of rock, rather than on minute details that only diehard fans won’t miss.
Best Classic Rock Guitarists: Final Thoughts
As mentioned, there are a lot of incredible guitar players that did not quite make it onto my list of the best classic rock guitarists of all time. The list simply would have been far too long. I also know lists like these are always subjective.
If you feel strongly I should have included someone who is missing from this list, please feel free to let me know in a comment below. If you make a strong case, I could add a player or two in a future update. Also let me know if you feel one of my inclusions does not deserve a spot on the list.
Leave a Reply