I started playing the guitar when I was in fourth standard! I played Ba Ba Black Sheep and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! :( Then God Knows what happened! I just didn’t have enough commitment – Oh Trust me, I just can’t get chord changes right even today – But surely if I'm still given a choice between my girl and the guitar – I’ll still pick the guitar! (Disclaimer – I moved to western/English/Rock music much later so the review may have it’s flaws)
And here’s my list of the best Guitarist’s and of the best Songs with the best Guitar Riffs/Solos
1. Jimmy Page – Dare I say Led Zeppelin wouldn’t have been the most popular band in the world if it wasn’t for him – He Made the band with his music and most of Led Zeppelin's Music is clearly a result/influence of Page's Ability with the Guitar! Period. Take away Page then this Blues Rock band wouldnt have been half as good as they were. If there’s a list of guitarists without him in the top ten – Well ignore it! :)
Best songs/solos – Whole lotta love, Kashmir, That’s the way, Heartbreaker and the best lead ever – Stairway to Heaven
2. Eric Clapton – For most Eric Clapton is synonymous with “Tears in Heaven” which Should be amongst the most soulfoul soft/slow songs ever written. But obviously his prowess with the six string was established with Blues/Hard rock and not soft rock, with bands likes Derek and Dominoes and Cream that he was part of. Obviously there’s Duane Allman and Jeff Beck who have to be given credit for the Yardbirds phase but Eric was again brilliant not just with the Guitar but his song writing skills in which the Guitar was “Instrumental” in his success!
Best Songs/solos -Layla, Crossroads, Sunshine of your love, Wonderful tonight, Cocaine, While my Guitar Gently Weeps -With Geroge Harrison
3. Mark knopfler – I haven’t met many who do'nt consider Sultans of swing as amongst their top 20 greatest Rock Songs or at least in the genre of Rock. The song and its riff has a universal and timeless appeal. And it’s just again not the Guitar out here but the individual and his ability to Songwriting etc that’s made him and Dire Straits a part of Rock History
Best Songs –Romeo and Juliet, Money for nothing, Brothers in Arms
4. Santana – You think Guitar, Santana surely comes up right? I won’t pick Black Magic woman or even Smooth as his best songs – I’ve loved the lead of “Game of Love” with Michelle Branch – The lead in this one is – Okay I don’t have a way with words so let me use a very modest one – Outstanding
5. Jimi Hendrix – “What???? You put Jimi Hendrix as no. 5??? You have the audacity to review a list of great guitarists???” Chill!!! I know he should have been on Top – When it came to Guitarist's atleast!!! Well I have not chosen the list based on "ability" or how well the instrument was played but which song connected with me as well! Oh Yes No denying here – He’s an Icon with a capital "I" when it comes to the Guitar.
Best songs –Purple Haze, All along the Watchtower and Vodoo Child
6. Kurt Cobain – I don’t wanna waste time here – Cobain was and is a LEGEND as a figure and probably the greatest frontman Ever! He defined a generation with the riff of Smells like Teen spirit. Lyrics weren’t a strong point with him though. Oh but it’s not those Riff that created him. The guy was great with the Acoustic Guitar – Check out the album MTV unplugged in New York – Should be amongst the best Albums when it comes to the Acoustic Guitar. The only problem with him is the use of Bar Chords! :(
Best Songs -Lake of Fire, Polly, Come as you are, Rape me
7. Kirk Hammett – Do you know that he was a student of Joe satriani? :( The guy who took the job of another great guitarist – Dave Mustaine and must say that there couldn’t have been a better replacement! Kirk may not be the first to come to one’s mind as Metallica is just so big as a band with only their bassists not remaining every loyal.
Best Songs - Tough choice to pick between Fade to black and One. So let's go with a easier one - Nothing Ese matters :)
8. Slash (Gun N Roses) – When it comes to Heavy Metal/Rock – I don’t know of many who literally had the most “electrifying” leads. Sweet Child of Mine has been the epitomy of opening Guitar Solos– Again a Riff that’s been sort of "Iconic". November Rain is also opined by many to have one of the best leads. I guess I'd agree :)
9. Dave murray / Adrian smith (Iron maiden) - Again what would Iron Maiden be without this duo.....Iron Maiden was about impressive guitar Solos and Melodic Riffs that were so essential to their song structure.
Best Songs - Oh way too long a list so just go with the Album "Death on the Road."
10 Darrell Abott - Pantera-You Can't leave out Pantera when the've brought about a different sound with the Guitar in the genre of metal and that's so identifiable with the band! It's clearly the Guitar and their Riffs that stand out and make the band!
11. Dave Mustaine – I’ve never been a hardcore fan of Thrash Metal and Megadeth. But there’s no denying the prowess of this ex-Metallica lead, six string genius. Dave as DoomsDayM says – He was too good to be part of a band. His riff’s in songs like Holy Wars, Hangar 18 and Symphony of Destruction” are again - Outstanding!
12. Ehsaan Noorani - Okay - I included him cus you can't deny that the've created some memorable songs/Riff's with the Guitar. Be it Phir Milenge, Rockford, Lakshya and Rock On!! Maybe if they were an International Band - Shayad zyaada focus mil jata!
Mention - I missed out David Glimour, Van Halen and Ritchie. Well I'm not a huge fan of psychedelic Rock or Deep Purple.
Essential Listening -To the most Memorable Guitar Riffs/Solos (Not mentioned above)
1. Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison - Timeless Riff
2. Iron Man – Black Sabbath - The riff again here is " _____"
3. Summer of 69 - Okay this one did have one of the most recognisable Riffs!
4. You Really Got me – The Kinks - Classy Riff!!! Ekdum Rapchik!
5. Eruption - I'd be killed if I don't this song by .
8. Hotel California- Eagles - Praise the Lord!
Acoustic Guitar
10. Two Steps Behind - Def Leppard Acoustic Version is scintillating!
12. Kholo Kholo- TZP - Not the whole song but the solo/lead in this one is stunning!
13. American Pie – Don McLean- Just relax with the song played using the acoustic guitar
14. You're Beautiful - James Blunt
15. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Finito!
