The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

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Jimi Hendrix ranked #1 and appeared on the cover

The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time was the cover story of a special issue of Rolling Stone magazine, published in August 2003. The guitarists included come mostly from the rock and roll era, with notable exceptions from other genres like blues and jazz, and then usually artists who had been major influences on the rock guitarists. The list has been the subject of much discussion and debate among musicians and fans. Much criticism comes from the relatively low placing of legendary rock guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen (#70) and Ritchie Blackmore (#55), as well as the absence of guitar virtuosos Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, among many others.

Another issue often raised about the list was the shortage of women appearing on it, as only Joan Jett (#87) and Joni Mitchell (#72) were included. Critic David Segal defended this with the comment, "The grand total of pantheon-worthy female rock guitarists is zero." He argued that for whatever reason, women generally had not been pioneers or true virtuosos in this area. Camille Paglia explained it in terms of rock machismo, saying, "The guitar for a boy speaks to an aggressive sexual impulse and suppressed emotionality."Segal, David (2004). ["No Girls Allowed?"] The Washington Post (accessed May 10, 2006)

It was noted that the guitarists were not purely judged by their playing skills, but sometimes by their overall artistic ability, including knowledge of multiple instruments, innovations, song-writing and influence on pop culture. Such criteria would explain Kurt Cobain's position at 12th place and presence of Radiohead's guitarists on the list. Another interesting note is Kirk Hammett's 11th position (it's been known, up to the recordings on St. Anger, that Kirk had little participation in Metallica's overall song-writing process).

Bands with Multiple Guitarists on the List

• The Allman Brothers - Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks

• John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - Eric Clapton and Peter Green

• Buffalo Springfield - Stephen Stills and Neil Young

• Derek and the Dominoes - Eric Clapton and Duane Allman

• Elvis Presley (band) - Scotty Moore and James Burton

• The Honeydrippers - Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page

• The Magic Band -Ry Cooder (in 1967 only) and Zoot Horn Rollo (Bill Harkleroad)

• MC5 - Wayne Kramer and Fred Smith

• Radiohead - Ed O'Brien and Jonny Greenwood

• Sonic Youth - Lee Ranaldo and Thurston Moore

• The Yardbirds - Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, although Beck and Page were the only ones who recorded together.

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