Guitar is an electrifying instrument that has shaped the history of music with the iconic riffs and face-melting solos played by the legends. In this post, we will dive into the all-time greats who innovated and pushed the boundaries of this amazing instrument, effectively cementing their place in music history. Devoted fans listeners and musicians alike will enjoy this journey through guitar history.
In modern music, we would be hard-pressed to find an instrument that's more expressive than the guitar. While there are many excellent players in the world, throughout history, a few have pushed the boundaries of what was thought to be possible on the guitar to create iconic riffs, melodies and solos. These legends have influenced generations of guitarists and musicians, and their music continues to do so today. This blog post will explore the legends of guitar and the songs and performances that made them iconic. We will also discuss their particular styles and techniques that gave them their own voice.
Famous Guitarists & The Songs That Made Them Famous: Quick Menu
Jimi Hendrix – "Purple Haze"
Eric Clapton – "Layla"
Jimmy Page – "Stairway to Heaven"
Eddie Van Halen – "Eruption"
Stevie Ray Vaughan – "Pride and Joy"
Carlos Santana – "Black Magic Woman"
David Gilmour – "Comfortably Numb"
Chuck Berry – "Johnny B. Goode"
B.B. King – "The Thrill Is Gone"
Slash – "Sweet Child o’ Mine"
What Makes These Guitarists Important
How To Learn Guitar From The Legends
Frequently Asked Questions About The Guitar
Conclusion
Jimi Hendrix – "Purple Haze"
The Innovator of Guitar Sound
Pictured above is a a line art silhouette image of Jimi Hendrix, who revolutionized guitar playing with his use of distorted tones, feedback, and wah-wah pedals. He was also a fantastic showman, frequently playing the guitar with his mouth, behind his head, smashing his instrument and even going so far as to light his guitar on fire! Of his diverse catalogue of music, Purple Haze stands out as one of his most celebrated songs and showcases his signature tone and style of playing with a memorable opening riff. Hendrix combines elements of blues, rock and psychedelia to create his signature guitar style that is loved by so many.
Eric Clapton – "Layla"
Master of Blues Rock
Eric Clapton is an incredibly skilled guitarist, so much so that the phrase "Clapton Is God" was spray painted in the underground train station in London, UK. His legendary track, Layla, showcases Clapton's masterful phrasing and unique ability to make even the most technical passages rich with emotion. Clapton's significant contribution to music through his bands Cream, Derek and the Dominos and as a solo artist will continue to influence aspiring guitarists for generations to come.
Jimmy Page – "Stairway to Heaven"
Architect of Rock Guitar
Jimmy Page, guitarist of the iconic rock band, Led Zeppelin. Perhaps most famous for the eight-minute long epic track Stairway To Heaven, Page is responsible for creating some of the most important rock guitar riffs in history. Stairway To Heaven features beautiful and intricate fingerpicking, shifts through various dynamic levels and culminates in a face-melting, explosive and timeless guitar solo. Throughout the eight minutes, Stairway To Heaven shows Page's ability to blend folk, blues and rock into his own signature style, cementing his place as one of all-time greats of the guitar.
Eddie Van Halen – "Eruption"
The Virtuoso of Shredding
Eddie Van Halen is a virtuosic guitarist and member of legendary rock group, Van Halen. He innovated rock guitar playing with his groundbreaking techniques and electrifying solos. Perhaps most famous for Eruption, a blistering instrumental showcase, Van Halen introduced the world to two-handed tapping, lightning-fast legato runs, and harmonics that redefined the boundaries of rock guitar. His signature brown sound—warm, aggressive, and unmistakably his—became a defining tone in rock history. Beyond Eruption, his work on Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher further cemented his status as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of all time, inspiring generations to come.
Stevie Ray Vaughan – "Pride and Joy"
The Blues Revivalist
Born in Dallas, TX, Stevie Ray Vaughan's fiery and soulful playing brought Texas blues back into the spotlight. Pride And Joy is a perfect example of Vaughan's signature playing style, which features heavy string bending, rapid-fire licks, powerful tone and a heavy swinging groove which exemplifies Blues music. He has an aggressive yet soulful touch and an effortless mastery of blues phrasing, setting him apart from others. Other fantastic performances include songs like Texas Flood, Cold Shot and Little Wing, which each showcase his incredible technical brilliance and the raw emotion in his playing.
Carlos Santana – "Black Magic Woman"
Fusion of Latin and Rock
Mexican born guitar icon Carlos Santana is known for his signature fusion of rock, blues, pop and psychedelia with Latin music. His guitar playing is extremely expressive and features smooth and melodic phrasing and a sustain-heavy tone. One word that can be used to describe Santana's sound on the guitar is lyrical. His use of long, sustained notes gives often feels more like vocal lines than guitar melodies. Some great examples of Santana's style can be heard on iconic tracks such as Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va or Samba Pa Ti.
David Gilmour – "Comfortably Numb"
Master of Emotion and Tone
David Gilmour of British rock outfit, Pink Floyd, has a unique voice, characterized by his soaring tone, sweet use of sustain and fantastic phrasing. His playing creates a deeply moving experience for the listener and resonates with fans world wide. His masterful performance in the smash hit Comfortably Numb is widely considered to be one of the best guitar solos of all time. The song actually features two solos, the first is more restrained and sets the stage for the epic solo at the peak of the song, where Gilmour unleashes without restraint. His signature brand of playing is filled with bends and vibrato and he has an impressive ability to place notes perfectly.
Chuck Berry – "Johnny B. Goode"
The Pioneer of Rock & Roll
Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode laid the foundation for rock guitar playing and remains one of the most influential songs in music history. With its electrifying opening riff, infectious rhythm, and signature double-stop licks, Berry created a blueprint that countless rock guitarists would follow. His energetic, show-stopping performances, complete with his famous duckwalk, helped shape the stage presence of future rock icons. Berry’s playing seamlessly blended blues phrasing with a faster, more aggressive attack, giving rock & roll its distinct edge. His ability to craft memorable, melodic guitar solos while maintaining a driving groove made Johnny B. Goode an enduring classic. Artists from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones have cited Berry as a major influence, cementing his legacy as one of the true pioneers of rock guitar.
B.B. King – "The Thrill Is Gone"
The King of Blues
B.B. King’s emotive vibrato and smooth phrasing on The Thrill Is Gone exemplify his mastery of blues guitar and emotional storytelling through music. Unlike players who relied on speed and technical flash, King had an uncanny ability to make every note count, wringing deep emotion from each bend and sustain. His signature "butterfly" vibrato, created with his delicate wrist motion, gave his guitar, affectionately named Lucille, a singing quality that was instantly recognizable. The Thrill Is Gone showcased his ability to blend traditional blues with orchestral elements, bringing the genre to a broader audience. His soulful phrasing, call-and-response style, and impeccable touch on his beloved Gibson Lucille cemented his status as a the King of Blues guitar. King’s influence extends far beyond blues, shaping the playing of rock and jazz guitarists alike and solidifying his place as one of the most important figures in modern guitar history.
The Modern Rock Icon
Slash’s soaring lead guitar work on "Sweet Child o’ Mine" is one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history. His bluesy feel, combined with his aggressive rock edge, has made him one of the most celebrated guitarists of the modern era.
Slash is best known for his work as the lead guitarist for rock 'n' roll outfit, Guns 'N' Roses. He's known for his incredible guitar work with the band and also for his signature look, long curly hair and a top hat. His playing on the smash hit Sweet Child 'f Mine is to this day, one of the most recognizable and iconic riffs in rock history. It continues to capture listeners to this day. He takes influence from blues and hard rock and combines them together to create his own unique and signature playing style. Supposedly, the legendary riff was crated almost by accident during a warmup. His solo on the track showcases his incredible technical abilities, sense of melody and dynamic control. He has bridge the gap between classic rock Gods & contemporary guitar heroes, claiming his spot as one of the best guitarists of all time.
Why These Guitarists Matter
Each and every guitarist in this list made their own unique contribution to the world of music and to the instrument. Through innovating techniques, pushing the boundaries of emotional expression or mind-blowing compositions, these guitarists have influenced countless players and have changed the way that we approach music and the guitar. Their songs will continue to inspire new generations for years to come.
How to Learn from the Legends
Like many up-and-coming guitarists, you might be feeling inspired by these guitarists and their masterful work. Here are some ways that you can learn from their legacies:
Take Private Guitar Lessons – There are plenty of options for guitar lessons, both online and in person. A simple Google search of "Guitar Lessons Near Me" or "The Best Online Guitar Lessons" should return many options. At Greater Toronto Music School, we have a team of the best guitar teachers in Toronto ready to assist you. Contact us to get started today!
Practice Famous Riffs – Learn your favourite riffs. Pay attention to more than just the notes. Try to copy the feel, dynamics and expressiveness of your favourite guitarists. You can search online for tabs or for more accurate versions, you can pick up some guitar books. Click here to find a bunch of great ones.
Invest in Gear – If you don't already have one, make sure to pick up a guitar so you can start learning. Check out our buying guide for electric guitars and for acoustic guitars for advice on the best guitars for beginners in 2025.
FAQs
Who is considered the greatest guitarist of all time?
While this question is up for debate and can vary depending on who you ask, many consider Jimi Hendrix to be the greatest guitarist due to the way that he revolutionized how the instrument was played.
Which song has the most famous guitar solo?
There are many famous guitar solos and again, it might depend on who you ask, but the solos on Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin) and Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd) are often considered to be the greatest of all time/
What is a good beginner song to learn on guitar?
For new guitarists, 7 Nation Army by the White Stripes or Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple offer great riffs to begin with. Wonderwall by Oasis is a great place to start with chords.
How can I improve my guitar playing?
Regular practice is the key to improving your playing. In addition, you can try to take guitar lessons with a qualified teacher, either online or in person, and study legendary guitarists.
Where can I find guitar lessons near me?
Greater Toronto Music School is available for both in-person guitar lessons and online guitar lessons. We have some of the best guitar teachers in Toronto who are ready to get you started. If you're looking for in-person guitar lessons but live somewhere else, simple search "Guitar Lessons Near Me" on Google and you will find what you're looking for.
Conclusion
The world of guitar is filled with legendary musicians who have shaped the way we listen to and play music. Whether you're just starting your guitar journey or looking to refine your skills, studying these famous guitarists and their iconic songs can provide endless inspiration. Pick up your guitar, explore their techniques, and keep the spirit of great music alive.
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