“The guitar, at its best, represents the human voice in an almost anonymous, spiritual way, bypassing the intellect and coming straight from the heart.” -Eric Clapton.
I requested this review on MS just as'Best Guitarists' coz I knew 5 would be impossible, and frankly unjust. Music has a lot of variety, and it would be improper to compare between musicians of different genres.
It is for this very reason that I have diversified my review. But there are five best guitarists in each category. I hope you will rate the review only after reading through it in its entirety, ie after flipping through the comments section as well.
Trivia: This took me 5 hrs 30 mins to write, has 12000 words and is spread into 8 comments after this page.
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Classical/Flamenco
Francisco Tarrega(1852-1909) - Very early pioneer classical guitarist who standardized playing techniques and transcribed Bach’s music into the guitar.
Listen to: Recuerdos de la Alhambra.
Andres Segovia(1893-1987) - Greatest classical figure of the 20th century. He played J S Bach’s pieces with a dynamic touch and composed numerous flamboyant pieces in his lifetime.
Listen to: Chaconne, Second Partita in D Minor.
Julian Bream(1933-) - Great figure in the history of classical guitar, the self-taught Bream improvised on Bach, Segovia and Schuman’s works.
Listen to: The Art of Julian Bream
John Williams(1941-) - Born in Australia, Williams tried to break down the barriers between poular and classical styles. In 1979, he formed a fusin group called Sky.
Listen to: John Williams plays Spanish Music.
Paco de Lucia(1947-) - Titanic figure in the world of Flamenco guitar. He has assorted new idea from Brazilian music and jazz. He has brilliant improvisations and great emotional power in his music.
Listen to: La Barrosa and Tio Sabas.
Blues
T-Bone Walker(1910-1975) - Aaron Thibeaux “T-Bone” Walker was a brilliant soloist who had a fantastic technique, and played with a jazzy feel. His antiques and routines on stage increased his mass appeal.
Listen to: Call It Stormy Monday, Two Bones and a Pick.
Muddy Waters(1915-1983) - Born McKinley Morganfield, he played with a unique style using an electric slide producing a rhythmic, melodic feel. He was also a pioneer in trying to produce various sounds using the guitar.
Listen to: I can’t be satisfied, Rock Me.
B.B. King(1925-) - One of the most famous electric blues guitarists in the world. He plays with a sweet, soulful touch and produces a sensitive feel with delicate compostions.
Listen to: Woke up this Morning, Sweet Little Angel.
Freddie King(1934-1976) - King was an inspirational guitarist whose compostions were filled with attractive phrases, and he could shift the mood with a deft touch effortlessly.
Listen to: The Stumble, Hide Away.
Buddy Guy(1936-) - Amazing blues guitarist whose music was unusual, since he produced a wide range of tones and varied his music by not bending at obvious moments. His frenzied, emotional style made him extremely popular.
Listen to: First time I met the Blues, Stone Crazy.
Country/Folk
Chet Atkins(1924-) - The most popular country guitarist of the 20th century. He covered all types of music, though, during his life and successfully produced a smooth, sparkling tone with distinguishable notes. Atkins popularized the Gretsch model of guitars.
Listen to: Kentucky Derby, Mr. Sandman.
Bob Dylan(1941-) - A mammoth figure in popular music, Dylan’s guitaring was mostly to support his songs. However, he was extremely original and he created an energetic sound which went on to define 20th century folk music.
Listen to: Blowing in the Wind, Mr. Tambourine Man.
Paul Simon(1941-) and Art Garfunkel(1941-) - The legendary partnership between these two talented artists produced bright acoustic sounds with heavy arpeggiation and intense fingerstyle. Simon and Garfunkel were a crossover band from folk to pop, and one of the most successful musical duo ever.
Listen to: Sounds of Silence, Homeward Bound.
Leo Kottke(1945-) - One of the innovators of the guitar, Kottke was inspired by Stravinksy. He played both the 6 and 12 string guitars with aplomb. Kottke has an unusual style filled with intense energy and stupendous arpeggios.
Listen to: The Driving Of the Year Nail, Vaseline Machine Gun.
Richard Thompson - An important figure of Folk music, Thompson has been a leading musician who has written and played numerous pieces for the guitar. He produced a nervous tension in his music using distortion and processed sound effects.
Listen to: Walking On a Wire, 52 Vincent Black Lightning.
Continued in the Comments Section
