5. Ace "Space Ace" Frehley (Kiss)I've really been digging on Kiss lately, particularly their early stuff from before Frehley and drummer Peter Criss left the group. The stuff those four guys did together is unbelievable... and Ace held his own against the theatrics of Simmons. (Of course, when you're shooting fireworks out of your Les Paul, how can you not?) For a taste of what makes Frehley truly great, check out "2000 Man" from the Dynasty album. Classic!
4. Angus Young (AC/DC)
And speaking of showmanship, few guitarists can measure up to AC/DC's Angus Young! Decked out in a complete Catholic schoolboy uniform, Young prances across the stage as he plays, bringing adrenaline and charisma with him. And, while I've heard the guy's as dumb as a post, he can play guitar like few others in the rock world. Just check out the opening licks on "Thunderstruck" if you don't believe me. One of the classic guitar riffs that I always count among my favorite rock guitar intros ever.
3. Jimmy Page (Yardbirds, Led Zepplin)I've only recently become interested in Zepplin, which many rock fans would undoubtedly consider a heresy. Oh, sure, I'd heard "Stairway to Heaven" before. Who hadn't? And Page's guitar in that song is unparalleled. And then I started getting into more of their stuff and finding out more about the artist known as Jimmy Page. What I learned, I loved! One of my particular favorites would have to be his solo toward the end of "Immigrant Song". Combined with lead singer Robert Plant's captivating vocals, Page's guitar packs a much more solid wallop!
2. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)Say what you will about the politics of the band as a whole - Van Halen's guitar is solid! And while I'm a fan of a lot of Van Halen's stuff - from "Panama" to their cover of Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" - it's not hard to admit that the best part of listening to the band as a whole is listening to Eddie's electrifying guitar. "Eruption" is called one of the greatest rock guitar solos of all time... and for good reason. Eddie wails on that thing and leaves his audiences screaming for more. Truly brilliant at what he does!
1. Jimi Hendrix (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)As if anyone else really could be number one! Hendrix was a brilliant showman and completely revolutionized the way the guitar was perceived by the rock crowd. Most would point to his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" from Woodstock as the perfect example of this... and I think they'd be right to an extent. However, being the Dylan fan that I am, I think I'd be remiss if I didn't mention his version of "All Along the Watchtower" - a brilliant song made even more so when given that Hendrix touch. Amazing!
Honorable mentions: Slash (Guns N' Roses), Carlos Santana (Santana), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Eric Clapton (Yardbirds, Cream, solo), Brian May (Queen)
Who are some of your favorite rock guitarists?
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