From blazing rock solos to soulful blues riffs, the electric and acoustic guitar has given voice to some of history’s most unforgettable musical moments. While opinions will always vary, certain players have transcended genres and generations, leaving indelible marks on music and inspiring millions to pick up the six-string. Here’s a look at ten of the best guitarists of all time, and what makes each of them legendary.

1. Jimi Hendrix

Genre: Psychedelic Rock / Blues
Why He’s Great:
Jimi Hendrix redefined what an electric guitar could do. With his innovative use of feedback, wah-wah, and controlled distortion, Hendrix turned the guitar into an otherworldly instrument. His performance at Woodstock (1969) remains a cultural touchstone, and tracks like “All Along the Watchtower” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” showcase his fearless creativity.

2. Eric Clapton

Genre: Blues Rock
Why He’s Great:
Known as “Slowhand,” Eric Clapton’s fluid phrasing, soulful tone, and impeccable feel have made him a pillar of blues-influenced rock. From his early work with Cream to his solo classics like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven,” Clapton’s emotive playing and tasteful solos are studied by guitarists worldwide.

3. Jimmy Page

Genre: Hard Rock / Blues Rock
Why He’s Great:
As the architect of Led Zeppelin’s thunderous riffs, Jimmy Page crafted some of rock’s most enduring guitar lines, think “Whole Lotta Love” and “Stairway to Heaven.” Page’s mastery of drop-D tuning, fingerpicking, and studio wizardry helped pioneer heavy metal and stadium rock.

4. B.B. King

Genre: Blues
Why He’s Great:
“The King of the Blues” perfected the art of expressive vibrato and economical, melodic solos. Whether playing an intimate club or a massive festival, B.B. King’s Lucille guitar sang with deep soul. His influence stretches from blues purists to rock legends who credit him as a foundational hero.

5. Eddie Van Halen

Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Why He’s Great:
Eddie Van Halen brought technical innovation to rock guitar, most notably two-handed tapping, rapid legato runs, and harmonics. His solo “Eruption” remains one of the most influential guitar showcases ever recorded, inspiring an entire generation of shredders.

6. Carlos Santana

Genre: Latin Rock
Why He’s Great:
Fusing rock, jazz, and Afro-Latin rhythms, Carlos Santana’s lyrical, sustained tone is instantly recognizable. With smooth bends and fluid phrasing on hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth,” Santana demonstrated how the guitar can evoke both fiery passion and serene beauty.

7. Stevie Ray Vaughan

Genre: Texas Blues
Why He’s Great:
A virtuoso of the Stratocaster, Stevie Ray Vaughan revived the blues in the 1980s with ferocious energy and pinpoint control. His blend of vintage blues licks, Texas swing, and rock power, heard on tracks like “Pride and Joy” and “Texas Flood” made him a modern guitar icon.

8. Jeff Beck

Genre: Rock / Jazz Fusion
Why He’s Great:
Jeff Beck’s fearless experimentation pushed the guitar into new sonic territories. Renowned for mastering feedback, whammy bar effects, and jazz-inflected harmonies, Beck’s repertoire spans from Yardbirds classics to fusion masterpieces like “Where Were You.”

9. David Gilmour

Genre: Progressive Rock
Why He’s Great:
Pink Floyd’s resident tone sculptor, David Gilmour, is celebrated for his emotive bends, soaring solos, and impeccable sense of space. On anthems such as “Comfortably Numb” and “Time,” Gilmour’s restrained yet powerful playing demonstrates that sometimes less truly is more.

10. John Mayer

Genre: Blues Rock / Pop
Why He’s Great:
Bridging the gap between modern pop sensibilities and traditional blues, John Mayer has emerged as one of the most versatile guitarists of his generation. His tasteful touch, combined with a deep understanding of blues phrasing (especially on albums like Continuum), has earned him both critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

Honorable mentions

Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne’s neoclassical flair)

Brian May (Queen’s multi-tracked harmonies)

Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath’s heavy riffs)

Duane Allman (Slide guitar virtuoso)

Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits’ fingerstyle elegance)

What makes a guitarist “The best”?

Innovation: Pioneering new techniques or sounds.

Tone & Touch: Developing a signature voice on the instrument.

Musicality: Serving the song and context, not just showcasing speed.

Influence: Inspiring other musicians across styles and eras.

While lists will always spark debate, these players share a rare combination of technical mastery, creative vision, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a beginner learning your first scale or a seasoned pro, exploring their work is a masterclass in how the guitar can capture the human spirit.

Ready to dive deeper?
Check out one of our many guitar inspired radiostations,  and study how they craft each phrase. You’ll be amazed at how their mastery can inform and inspire your own playing.