It is rare for a guitarist alone to play on the strings of the heart, to produce a jam, melody or lick that just melts through, making you gasp in awe as you slowly lose yourself in another world. For some guitarists, this has been quite easy, as they have undoubtedly produced some of the best solos and guitar pieces that you might have ever heard. Yes, there are plenty of skilled and lightning-fast guitarists out there – but to have that right sense of rhythm, notes and of course the emotion to connect millions together – that is what results in pure magic.
And so, here we talk about some of the best guitarists we have ever come across. This is not a ranking list, not a result of our cote, but a few of the many guitarists we have always idolized.
Jimmy Paige (Led Zepplin) – ‘You shook me’ with a ‘HeartBreaker’
One of the most versatile and important Rock guitarists of all time, Jimmy Paige knew how to make people go crazy with his licks and style. Even though he is not a heavy metal guitarist, he experimented well with Led Zeplin and ended up producing some of the best masterpieces that remain as all-time favourites. Some of his best solos include You shook me, HeartBreaker and of course, the melting STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN.
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) – ‘Comfortably Numb’ with ‘High Hopes’
One of the greatest players of all time, he was the perfect addition to the band Pink Floyd- the highest-selling music group of all time. Where Roger Waters was a music genius, David had his own knack of producing brain-melting solos that could make you lose your mind and have an effect on you that you would have never known or experienced. Some of his best works include High Hopes, Comfortably Numb, Time and Wish you were here.
Eric Clapton – ‘Knockin’ on heaven’s door’ with ‘Tears in haven’
Master of melodies, Eric Clapton got his break with Yardbirds and went on to play a beautiful guitar solo for the band Beatles (While my guitar gently weeps). After associating himself with different bands throughout the years, he kickstarted his own solo journey which then made him one of the most popular and loved musicians. His best works include Knockin on heaven’s door, Tears in heaven, Cocaine and Layla.
Joe Satriani -’Always with me, Always with you’ under the ‘Starry night’
Bringing technique and melody into one, Joe Satriani is one of the most talented guitarists who has established his mantle as the ‘Alien’ – his melodies are so good that they are hardly human and what he can do with his accessories like the whammy bar and of course the WAH pedal, is beyond comprehension. Some of his best songs include Always with me, Always with you, Starry Night, Surfing with the Alien and Golden Room.
FACT – Did you know? Joe Satriani taught one of the most respected and loved guitarists of today’s time – Steve Vai!
Steve Vai – ‘Tender Surrender’ ‘For the Love of God’
For the love of God, we have got to stop listening to his melodies that keep us hooked and enchanted. Just Kidding – you could never have enough of this great guitarist. You might know him from his beautiful melodies like Tender Surrender, For the love of God or the highly technical pieces like Bad Horsie and Building the Church – but we have been his fan ever since we got the chance to see him play at the G3 concert. A true musician with a passion to explore and learn more even now, his solos and compositions are unbelievably good – you have got to listen to believe!
And we know there are more – many more. Eric Johnson, John Petrucci, Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen the list goes on. Our next part of the series will include more guitar legends – guitarists who changed the way we perceive music and brought some of the most amazing guitar solos to cherish!