Greatest Guitarists

Day 2,911, 23:40 • Published in India Albania • by Ruler of The New World

For those of you who know me (which in actual fact is none of you), you would realise that I love three material things:

-Skiing (Alpine)
-Reading
-Rock

And by rock, I mean not the study of geology but the true and honest to god rock and roll and roll that "sticks it to the man" like nothing else.

My peers say I am middle aged man in a youth's body, maybe that's right. I love '70s and '80s music, I like to read and I drive a shitbox car, when my Dad has time to give me lessons.

Anyhoo, I'm starting a series on popculture, ranging from books to movies and today will be the definitive (in my eyes) "Top 5 Greatest Guitarists" list of all time.


1.

Mark Knopfler



I know he doesn't normally appear on the mainstream lists, but I think his solos and contributions to the band Dire Straits puts him up here. For sheer beauty and fingerpicking skill in his masterpiece Sultans of Swing, he is my personal favourite.

Often playing gently, and with grace he has definitely got guitar class.

Not to mention he composed the music for The Princess Bride, an movie classic...

2.

Angus Young



Ok... he might not be the most technically proficient... but his rip-roaring power chords and the sheer awesomeness of his hammer-ons and pull-offs in Thunderstruck makes his playing uniquely catchy and blinds the audience with sheer power. Not to mention his rock 'n' roll classics like T.N.T, Highway to Hell, You Shook Me all Night Long amongst many, many others.

Not only does his music sound great on record, but live he is spectacular. I was privileged enough to watch ACDC's Rock or Bust World Tour: Sydney Concert last Wednesday, and his on stage antics do not go to waste...

3.

Jimmy Page



Most of you would know of him as ex-Yardbirds cum Led Zepplin magician, Page is most famous for his improvised solo at the end of Stairway to Heaven, but his axe's coarse tones in Communication Breakdown leaves nothing to the imagination, in regards to mussical beauty and skill.

4.

Slash



If you are going to make a Top Five Guitarists list, one annot forget Slash from Guns 'n' Roses. Famous for his Sweet child o' mine symphony, his piercing notes and technical proficiency up and down the neck make for a good listen.

5.

Eric Clapton



A pioneer of psychedelic rock, in the Yardbirds with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, moved into his blues movements. A three time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame he is one of my favourites due to the sheer emotion he puts he puts into his music, as seen in Tears in Heaven, written after his four year old son's death.



So there you have it. I know you may be thinking Where's Hendrix? Or Jimmie Vaughan? But this is my list. If you have a different opinion or disagree share below in the comments --> I'm still trying for that 25 comment mission!



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