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Okay, I’m sure you’ve gotten in an argument with your buddies at some point, comparing who you think are the top guitar players of all time. We’ve all been there, but here’s the thing that few realize. Rock and Roll isn’t competition, it’s not about who’s better at this or that. Plus, there are so many musical genres, that to compare let’s say a metal master and a blues king doesn’t really work all that well. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.

When all is said and done, there’s still many guitarists that most people consider to be the best, and every time these types of lists come up, you will typically find their names are mentioned. These guitar players are arguably the most skilled at a specific technique, or are the most influential guitarists to other aspiring musicians, and that’s why they appear on my 15 real guitar hero list.

I’m not going to say these choices are the top 15 because that is subject to ones opinion. Instead I offer you 15 real guitar heros:

1. Jimi Hendrix

Enough said? Jimi Hendrix is usually at the top of every “top rock guitarists” list! He turned the electric guitar from a novelty into a laboratory, experimenting with sounds never even dreamed of before on the electric guitar. Hendrix’s style of raw, fuzzy, feedback-y sound is instantly recognizable, and he has been the influence for very many younger guitarists. You won’t find a more powerful and electrifying stage presence than his. “Purple Haze” and “All Along the Watchtower” set the foundation for a towering monument of rock that stands to this day.

2. Robert Fripp

Robert Fripp of King Crimson like Jimi Hendrix has taken the guitar to dimensions that one would have never thought possible.  His guitar playing is unconventional to say the least showcased in classics like the superb “Fracture” found on the Starless and Bible Black album.  Robert and Brian Eno created “Frippertronics” a tape looping system that adds tremendous depth to the electric guitar experience.

3. Jimmy Page

Another Jimmy! The Led Zeppelin guitar master has been very influential to a lot of rockers nowadays, and his guitar licks are legendary and instantly recognizable. His solo of “Heartbreaker” is legendary, and “Black Dog” and “Stairway to Heaven” are earth shattering rock classics. And no one else I know has ever had a guitar solo using a violin bow? That’s from “Dazed and Confused”,

4. BB King

When you say blues, everything all boils down to its master and ambassador: BB King. He paved the way for the newer generation of blues players, from Eric Clapton to John Mayer. BB King’s powerful bending and vibrato are classic blues techniques, still used today. Also, his guitar is also legendary – who else names their guitar Lucille?

5. Chuck Berry

You know that four-note riff that always reminds you of 50’s rock n’ roll? That came from Chuck Berry. Modern rock n’ roll wouldn’t be possible without the awesomeness that is “Johnny B. Goode”!

6. Keith Richards

Keith Richards is a member of one of the longest-lasting, most influential active rock bands The Rolling Stones. I know you are aware of that classic fuzzy three-note riff from “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”! For all the hits the Stones put out that became foundations of other hit songs, Keith Richards also deserves a spot on this guitarists list.

7. Kirk Hammett

Metal was changed forever once Metallca arrived on the scene. Kirk Hammett rewrote hard rock history with the pounding solos of “Master of Puppets” and, arguably their most popular song, “Enter Sandman”. My favorite album solo by Kirk is on the track “No Remorse” from the album Kill Em All.

8. Carlos Santana

If you’re talking of instantly recognizable tone, there’s the master of Latin-infused rock, Carlos Santana. Before he started collaborating with other musicians, he was a Latin-rhythm purist, improvising with solos that are full of passion and spiritual meaning. Before hits like “Smooth”, there were the soaring, sustained instrumental solos of “Oye Come Va”, “Black Magic Woman” and other magical hits like these.

9. Frank Zappa

A truly talented and original guitar player not afraid to play any kind of music and say what was on his mind.  He produced many memorable guitar solos on such classics as “Rat Tamago” and “Willie the Pimp.”

10.  Tony Iommi

Tony Iommi is the father of heavy metal guitar with those unforgettable monster riffs.  He essentially created a new genre and inspired so many artists to follow.  Tony deserves to be on this list even if critics attack Black Sabbath’s technical skills.

11. Kurt Cobain

The misunderstood genius, Kurt Cobain pretty much ended the era of 80’s “glam” metal in a totally unique way. He favored simple, heavy tunes instead of hair metal’s theatrical style, and it reflected better the angst of the time. His most defining contribution to society was the original anthem of misunderstood generations, the four-chord monster “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

12. Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen ushered in the era of the guitar virtouso.  He also introduced the guitar neck tapping technique that many great guitar players have adopted and integrated into their own styles since.

13. Eric Clapton

A true son of the blues, Eric Clapton had influences in rock, creating classics like “Layla” with his early band Derek and the Dominoes, and progressing to one of the most recognizable blues guitarists, from “Bell Bottom Blues” to his heartbreaking “Tears In Heaven”.

14. Mark Knopfler

The guitar player that refuses to use a pick.  Mark Knoplfer is an awesome player that I would describe as the virtuoso smooth blues rock man.

15. Rickie Blackmore

Richie Blackmore master hard blues rock extraordinaire that created the legendary “Smoke on the Water” riff for which he’s best known for.  He really can make a guitar go with his technically proficient solos that scream greatness.

There are so many great guitar players that I need to mention a few more here and please excuse me if I didn’t mention your favorite. A few more guitar heroes:

Duane Allman
Mike Bloomfield: Often forgotten, he could really play the blues.
The Edge: Many say he’s great for not overplaying.
Bo Diddley: You gotta love the way he strums.
Joe Satriani
Randy Rhodes
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Robert Johnson: Not many recording but highly influential.
T-Bone Walker
Buddy Guy
Dave Mustaine

I know for a fact that most people will have a much different list of 15 guitar real guitar hero players than mine, but that’s the effect of growing up with varying musical backgrounds. There are countless talented guitarists from many different genres to choose from. Whoever we pick says a lot about our favorite styles, criteria and our personality as guitarists. Till then, happy rocking!