He missed Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock'n'Roll, whom rock gods of the '50s and '60s saw live as teenagers, and used her songs to warm up in the studio.
Not trying to “where’s So and So?!” But I really think Sister Rosetta Tharp, based on how she (according to them) blew Keith, Jeff Beck, and Page’s mind at her show with Muddy in England and how she played such a role in Chicago becoming the center of elec blues, should have been on this list.
I think these are all important players but on artist you missed who was a pioneer in his playing, as well as an innovator-Roy Clark. He could do things on the guitar that was simply amazing. And to be featured on “The Odd Couple” TV show! I remember his performances. Everyone just sat back and let him do his stuff. And so funny on the guitar too!
Frank Zappa was one of the greatest Jazz guitarists and composers ever, and his music was not crude as some other people have said, that was his comical side that made his music unique and very cool stuff!
@Frank a great musician does not need to use Base lyrics to get himself noticed. That being said he may have been above average but I do not consider him great. I have known many great musicians in my day. Just because you're famous does not necessarily make you better than other trained musicians. I have often found the greatest musicians are not the ones touted by guitar magazine
@LongTrout In what way specifically was he not great? Zappa does indeed have crude lyrics in some of his tracks. When he paired that with the top-level musicianship of his band lineups, it created something completely unique and worth admiring, especially since some of his lyrics were ACTUALLY funny. People however fail to look past the crude "peepee poopoo" lyrics and see some of the other brilliant and technical orchestration and instrumentalism of a lot of his other work.
..Bob Dylan said, "There is a strong line in all our music that can be traced back directly to Scrapper Blackwell. He was a truly great musician ..." Hell, even Robert Johnson covered one of his tunes. But who remembers Scrapper Blackwell? wish he had been remembered
You know, one guitarist that seems to always miss these lists is Alvin Lee from 10 years after. Let's all be honest he's the one who brought down the house at Woodstock with the song I'm going home. Just an incredible player and a really cool guy
Was glad to see Glen Campbell get some recognition!! He was a great artist and an amazing singer as well, but also an absolutely incredible guitar picker!
I got to see Glen for his next to last performance and he was amazing. He couldn't remember his wife or daughter, or sometimes play the same song three times in a row, BUT......he didn't miss a note. As a guitarist myself, I was simply amazed by how well he could still play and remember every single note he played.
In 1974 I had the pleasure of seeing an Eric Clapton concert with Freddie King Band warming up. Clapton's encore was a jam session with Freddie and of course Eric got blown off the stage by the blues power of the King.
This is a great list of guitarists. I'm so glad you mentioned Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery. One guitarist you left out which I think should have been included is Link Wray. And someone else mentioned Sister Rosstta Tharpe should have been on your list in which I agree.
Thank you for including George Harrison, he's so underrated but to me I still rate him after all these years, He was unique and some of his chord solos were not commonly played on pop songs back then.
People get caught up rating guitarists based almost entirely on face-melting guitar solos... so much more to being a great guitarist. Any list missing George Harrison is incomplete!
@Phil Who the fuck was comparing George to those you just mentioned?? Certainly wasn't me mate 😒 My favorite guitarist of all time is Steve Howe from YES.
WHO IN THE HELL UNDERRATED GEORGE HARRISON!?!? I'd love to see the dummy that said that!! They can never say a guy whose guitar gently weeps is underrated. POINT THEM OUT TO ME NOW!!😠
The guitar is one of a very few musical instruments that allows the player to "accompany" melodies with chords. You can't do that with a saxophone or trumpet, for example.
Even though I’m a big fan of rock, blues, country and jazz. Andres Segovia played some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. The mood and space he created was incredible. You could hear the love.
I would recommend listening to the recordings he made between 1927 and 1939 (available together on a double CD - or a download I'm sure!) His incredible artistry cuts through the limited recording quality. On these albums, he plays a range of music from salon music of the 19th century (not my favourite) to the early 20th-century masters (which I love) and these are amongst my favourite recordings of anything on any genre. Of course, you may already know this ...
I am worried about it, Rick. Blind Willie Johnson influenced Zeppelin, Dylan, countless folk groups. I tried to learn some of his stuff and my teacher at corner music said some of the stuff didn’t seem possible. Dark was the night is an amazing piece of music and the vocals are beyond genius.
To me the smoothest sounding was Kenny Burrell, His music was so cool and mood setting. I can close my eyes when listening to him, and his music just takes me to another place in time.
I'm late to this but can't believe this guy left out the great Duane Eddy. Called the Titan of Twang whose 'single handedly invented the ringing, low-pitched, highly reverberant electric guitar style influenced everything from the British Invasion rock and roll to London punk and the Italian spaghetti-western soundtracks of Ennio Morricone.'
what blows my mind is players like chet atkins, glen campbell, and jerry reed. their tone is unbelievably clean and they are still absolutely rippin all over the fretboard, playing the changes mixed with cheeky licks, playing the bass line with a separate melody and you can hear absolutely every single note. Unreal.
Yes I agree & as a rocker have always had "thing" for Chets sound,vibe playing ! Maybe in part just the tone of a Gretsch guitar :) Often feels like 3,4 people playing at once :) Have a lot of his vinyl and c.d's now & have always included him in trading music on line:) put him free jammin into a rock thread and if someone says what is this cowboy b.s. you KNOW they have NO CLUE :) I love a long list of players and pickers. Johnny winter would have played for free:) jj cale same !Robin Trower is still original and his last albums are some of his best :) Billy Strings & Jamie Johnson are in my "new" favs lists :) Keep Rockin Peace. Rick
The great fact for everyone who coming up in the 60's & 70's is We lived in the greatest Renaissance of Music, Art, Science and technology in the History of Humans. So many great musicians and others.Landed on the Moon, computers & Audio Components, etc. Fusion of Jazz, Soul/R & B, and Rock. ( and some other "Brightly Colorful things as well...(chuckle chuckle.) Also don't forget Fred Tacket,
One of the most influential guitarists for me was Jimmy Bryant. I heard him on my Mom's old Country Swing 78's. That guy could shred before shredding was invented.
todos estos manes hacian hablar a la guitarra y le dieron vida propia, legando este como un instrumento clave para la música popular rock y muchos más estilos. gracias a todos los precursores su talento y creatividad 🎸
Listening to all these great players back to back and Hendrix's style really sticks out as being unique. People must have been blown away when he came on the scene.
First LP I purchased in 1967: Are You Experienced? Got destroyed at a party in 1969. Second pressing I got had different tracks that I already had on his EP.
Of Course Charlie Christian .. The Greatest Jazz Guitarist in his Day . After Him then there is Wes Montgomery , Joe Pass , and Tiny Grimes . Gotta Give JAZZ some Love Man !
Without a doubt, the Brazilian Tom Jobim (who appears in the video) is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. However, he is a pianist. He learned to play guitar only for one concert with Frank Sinatra. The most influential name in the Brazilian style of guitar playing (and who immortalized the songs of Jobim and bossa nova) is João Gilberto. Toninho Horta is another very influential Brazilian guitarist, without whom Pat Metheny's music would never be the same.
Hard to imagine you could leave out Charlie Byrd in your list of Jazz guitarists. For years there were a series of Jazz guitar trio concert tours -- at least two of them were on your list, but Charlie Byrd was always the third member of the trio. Charlie Byrd was the first American Jazz guitarist to introduce Bossa Nove to the USA. His album, Jazz Samba is still one of the best selling Jazz albums of all time -- it even crossed over into pop, something Charlie Byrd wasn't all that happy with -- except for the part about increasing his bank account!
Why does no one ever mention Duane? His mastery of blues and other styles was the basis of Southern Rock music as we know it. 🤷♂️ His playing on Boz Scaggs 'Loan Me a Dime' is transcendent.
I thought of Duane also. To me, he's at second best to Jimi. But this list wasn't in his time frame, so I didn't ask why his name wasn't mentioned. My biggest musical regret was that I never saw Jimi or Duane play in concert.
Wow, can't believe you left out the greatest guitarist in the fifties, Hank Garland. Every star from Nashville, and beyond demanded that Hank was in the studio when they were recording, such as; Elvis, Everly Brothers, Patsy Cline, Roy Oberson and so many others. They were not asking for Chet Akins, who was very good, but couldn't hold a candle to Hank Garland.
One of the most versatile and recorded guitarists of the late 50's and 60's was Tommy Tedesco. From early rock and roll to TV and movie soundtracks, Tommy played it all.
Yes, Segovia! I've heard him play things that I couldn't get out of my head. Later I sat down with guitar and learned to play some of them. Yep. Segovia was a big influence on my playing.
Great selection, well-illustrated. My only wish is that you add Charlie Byrd. He was so talented, jazz and classical, Bossa Nova and Brazilian, and productive for many years. I loved listening to Charlie Byrd.
Good to see a reference to Villa Lobos on your channel man. I would love to see you going to more word music and not limiting yourself to USA/UK music.
The critics of Harrison in this thread just want to hear themselves talk. The world, in all its infinite variety, is nevertheless unified in its total noninterest in your opinion of George Harrison's guitar playing. This list is "Guitarists You Need to Know." People interested in music need to know of George Harrison. This is not up for debate. You are being _told,_ and you are nodding your heads obediently.
George was nowhere near what you'd call a virtuoso guitarist. But he did come up with interesting guitar parts for Beatles tunes. And I would say that later on his slide playing was his forte.....his sound was always identifiable and tasty.
Rosetta Thorp is the Queen emancipation of guitar playing...I have to believe she inspired more guitarist than anyone...she set England on fire...she made it look so easy...
I made a living playing this music 🎵🎶 I'm a true fan of these Godfathers of the Blues 💙 I played Bass with Buddy Miles and he is from Omaha he played drums for Jimi Hendrix and he had some stories about that, he was my friend for years, I was in touch with Buddy Miles when he was in California and had the Rasin brand commercial. I got back to Omaha a week after Buddy Miles passed away. He has his bones buried in Omaha and California. Buddy Miles was such a great guy and he likes two sandwiches LoL 😎 private joke 🤣🎸🥁🎵🎶
I will never once, not ever, fail to do a double take in the inclusion of Glen Campbell in a list of great guitarists. Or that Ovation headstock on an electric guitar.
The way Freddie King shook those notes.. what a haunting sound he creates. Idk how else to describe that emotion, its so raw and pure. Just watch his face when he holds those notes man raw emotion. If anybody out there likes this style with bends and harmonics galore, check out Roy Buchanan!! Hes my favorite blues Telecaster guy of all time, very talented musician Roy was...
I shared a table one night in a Jazz club with an unknown guy at a sold out show. I looked at his hands and said to him: "You have to be a famous guitarist or piano player with hands that big." It turned out to be David Maxwell the famous Blues pianist from Freddy King's band. He said "My career has been well documented on KZclip." I never got to see Freddy King live he passed on in 1976.
Nice that you included Glenn Campbell. I played his show several times in Reno, at Harrah's, in the 70's and 80's. He had a killer banjo player with him. For an alleged classical violin player I have an unusual C & W influence! "We play BOTH kinds of music: Country AND Western." 🙂 What about Ricky Scaggs? And Clint Strong???
Charlie Christian got a nod - but only because he was a bridge between Swing and Bop, otherwise he'd be discarded along with Eddie Lange, Carl Kress, Dick McDonough. . . The fact that Merle Travis never got a nod in the Country section is egregious. No rockabilly guys either.
Man…. you did good! There are a lot of great guitarists but people need to separate ’guitar stars’ from ‘great guitarists’ because there’s definitely a difference. Great video Rick!
You absolutely forgot Lonnie Mack. The tremolo bar actually adapted the nickname the “whammy” bar through his breakout instrumental track “Wham!”, the first instance of the tremolo being used in rock and blues. He was a big influence on the likes of SRV and even Bootsy Collins.
Django's injury inspired both Jeff Beck and Tony Iommi to keep playing after both of their respective injuries, no Django story no Black Sabbath with Iommi. Jeff Beck is also quoted as naming Django as the greatest guitar player to ever live! Django's guitar playing even had a big influence on Synyster Gates (Brian Haner Jr.) of Avenged Sevenfold! I have fallen in love with Django Reinhardt and his guitar skills
Hello, for info, I read many years ago in a music magazine an interview with BB King, can't remember the exact words of BB, but he said something to the effect that Django was in his opinion the most amazing guitarist ever
There's a saying that for every artist or musician who makes it big, there's about 100,000 who are lost in the wilderness of disappointment. In the case of sister Rosetta Tharp, she was a big time non-conformist. It's no surprise you didn't include her among the popular guitar players. When we talk about guitar licks, one of the most popular names that tends to pop-up is Chuck Berry: one of my favorites. Sister Rosetta had already been doing those licks with her eyes close as she performed. At that time upcoming players mostly whites became aware of what she had been doing, they had made it a point to go the her church in Arkansas to see and listen to those licks. No wonder she has been called the Godmother of Rock'n'&'Roll by some.
It's a great list - the player who always gets missed out is Curtis Mayfield. I hear his influence everywhere, especially on Hendrix, yet he never gets a shout out.
My all time blues favorite is Albert King 👑 Stevie ray learned from him more than anyone else imo based on hearing the two. I also learned a lot watching this! Superb video history lesson! 👏
Rick, I am so happy you included Hank Marvin. He is one of the most underappreciated guitar players of all time. His tone was incredible and his style was completely unique. He was my first guitar hero and really deserves more credit. The influence he had on future British rock guitarists also cannot be understated.
Roy Clark was a killer guitar player pre-1969!! He was an influence that everyone was effected by. And Glen Campbell? Good lord that man was lightening
BB King was the first concert I ever saw. Blew my mind. Also actually saw Andres Segovia at Lincoln Center when he was quite old. Glad to see Charlie Christian here. His fluidity just never ceases to amaze me.
I was amazed that Albert Lee did not make the list. You put on lots of great players, but many were not as seminal as Albert who is credited by some with inventing the chikin Pickin style. I am hoping he makes the next video.
Really glad you added Charlie Christian, often overlooked. Wes Montgomery also my favorite jazz player, heavily influenced my friend from Japan, Akio Sasajima. One of my favorites missing however, CHARLIE BYRD.
*CHARLIE CHRISTIAN is the FIRST GUITAR HERO (he lived fast and died at age 27).* Jimi Hendrix was just fortunate he was young in the "electric high-fidelity" era.
Thanks for throwing Glenn Campbell in there. At age 5, he is who made me want to play. Oddly, I have never learned one of his songs, but he certainly gets the credit for planting the seed.
Rick, I was very encouraged to see you included one of my all time favorite guitarists, Frank Zappa. But, one great pioneer guitar virtuoso that you did not include is Larry Coryell, he was a amazing Jazz / Rock fusion artist who I had the honor of seeing perform live two times in the late '60's. He could play bottom and rhythm to himself and then break out with a killer solo lead rife at the same time ! ON ONE FRIGGIN' AXE ! ! !
I see that this was posted July 2018. How did I miss it? (Pause). I very much enjoyed this. I felt the connections in my heart and hands. I am very pleased you added Frank Zappa. He did most of this great guitar work live. So it often took him some time to develop his solo's. His solo on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace off Frank Zappa: Guitar is an example of Frank sitting back, getting out of the way and allowing it to flow. I have a feeling you would like to analyze FZ but can't due to restrictions. PS -There is an unedited version with 2 extra minutes floating around.
Muy bueno este video!! En sólo 16:12 minutos muestra a los guitarristas conocidos mundialmente en 40 años, hasta el año 1969. Para mí fueron los mejores años con la guitarra ya sea acústica o electrica. Diversos estilos blues, rock, jazz, dejaron realmente un legado para los guitarristas que vinieron después. Saludos cordiales desde Chile 🎸
Creating this list of guitar players "you need to know" from all of the players and styles must have been as difficult as making a list of "foods you need to know" from all of the world's cuisines! I cannot tell you my favorite food/cuisines because the one I'm eating always becomes my favorite at that moment. A few Country players are mentioned, but my favorite is Riley Puckett. Like a dessert, I'll enjoy Riley's performances with The Skillet Lickers of the 1920s and early 30s after listening to other more modern players. It was original American, raw, pure, country fiddle music of the kind my father and grandfather played back in NE Oklahoma prior to the 1st WW. ""Gid Tanner and the Skillet Lickers" sold millions of records in their time which was pre-bluegrass country.
Anyone ever heard of a JAZZ guitarist named Johnny Abercrombie?? (He was my cousin and a pretty cool dude). He gave me my first CD "Timeless" (I didn't even own a CD player yet). R.I.P JOHN
Revisiting this and wondering how Sister Rosetta Tharpe wasn't included? 10 years+ before Chuck Berry she was playing "rock" guitar in her solos, so arguably the godmother of rock n roll. A travesty to leave her out imo.
I think "Mother of Rock" is a better description. I never got the Godmother/father thing. The real issue here is sexism. Music has always been a very sexist business. Women are never given the credit they deserve. Look up Maybelline Carter and Elizabeth Cotten, as well!
@Return 2 Sender But of course - many people would not have a clue about the influencer/s behind the more famous names and work they do know. People today not knowing those original innovators is not a valid criterion for discounting them as significant influencers. That's exactly why people who do get to hear Sister RT and the very famous people she directly influenced (Chuck Berry, Elvis, anyone?) are so keen to let others know, to give her her fair recognition and secure her place in R&R history. And it's true, whether people like to hear it or not, that especially in the past, women tended to be ignored in favour of men, by the male record-keepers and writers of all kinds of history. ('His Story', as they rightly say...)
@Lucky Dave my mistake on Gatemouth, I meant Cruddup! But Tampa as legend has it, wrote that with him... apparently Tampa took him under his wing and taught him a lot of technique and that song was a result of Tampa working with him. It's documented in a few places... and usually back then just one person is credited with writing. Often the wrong one as well!
So, I am not a guitarist, but, hailing from Southside Virginia, I am really surprised not to see Roy Clark. I heard another individual suggest that part of the reason that Clark never gets his due is that his skill has been ignored because he has been perceived as an entertainer rather than a performance artist. He is stunning to watch and hear pre-1969.
Thank you for giving the credit to the pioneers of Blues, R&B, AND Rock n Roll. Without these guys you showed there would be no Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Slash, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, John Mellencamp, EVH, you get the point.
What's not mentioned here is there were tons of guitar based very popular musical genres in Latin America throughout the 20th century, such as bolero, pasillo, bambuco, trova, and tango (most people think of bandoneon and piano when they think of tango, but Carlos Gardel, the genre's greatest singer, sang to a great deal of songs that had guitars as their main instruments).
He missed Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock'n'Roll, whom rock gods of the '50s and '60s saw live as teenagers, and used her songs to warm up in the studio.
She liked the cream sg/Les Paul custom.
💯
Yes sister Rosetta had a huge influence on other musicians.. She was basically playing Rock and Roll electric guitar by the early 40s.
No guitar list is complete without Roy Clark ❤️
That was going to be my comment, exactly. Well done "ya beat me to the punch !!" lol !!
Not trying to “where’s So and So?!” But I really think Sister Rosetta Tharp, based on how she (according to them) blew Keith, Jeff Beck, and Page’s mind at her show with Muddy in England and how she played such a role in Chicago becoming the center of elec blues, should have been on this list.
He’s just displaying his ignorance
I think these are all important players but on artist you missed who was a pioneer in his playing, as well as an innovator-Roy Clark. He could do things on the guitar that was simply amazing. And to be featured on “The Odd Couple” TV show! I remember his performances. Everyone just sat back and let him do his stuff. And so funny on the guitar too!
Classical- 0:39
Blues- 1:37
Jazz- 7:54
Country and Rock and Roll- 12:11
Glad you included Grant Green in there. Green was every great jazz guitarist of the ‘60s favorite guitarist.
Thanks for including Frank Zappa.
Most people don’t know how great a guitar player he was.
@Mirko Šiško this is because of listen and see are some kind of different, I guess
@Annable Nun Underrated by whom?
@whatupinthehizzle, hard to tell from the short snippet... "The Nancy and Mary Music" would be my guess
Yeah Man , Frank could Shread !
Most people don't know what a great guitar player is.
What Robert Johnson did was supernatural. His innovation was magic and unnatural.
Frank Zappa was not only a prolific guitarist, but one of the most influential jazz/avant-garde composers
Frank Zappa was one of the greatest Jazz guitarists and composers ever, and his music was not crude as some other people have said, that was his comical side that made his music unique and very cool stuff!
@Frank a great musician does not need to use Base lyrics to get himself noticed. That being said he may have been above average but I do not consider him great. I have known many great musicians in my day. Just because you're famous does not necessarily make you better than other trained musicians. I have often found the greatest musicians are not the ones touted by guitar magazine
@LongTrout In what way specifically was he not great? Zappa does indeed have crude lyrics in some of his tracks. When he paired that with the top-level musicianship of his band lineups, it created something completely unique and worth admiring, especially since some of his lyrics were ACTUALLY funny. People however fail to look past the crude "peepee poopoo" lyrics and see some of the other brilliant and technical orchestration and instrumentalism of a lot of his other work.
@Jose Lipton I suppose you think the Dinahmo Hum is a great work of art right. It would be laughable to deny he was crude when he clearly was.
@LongTrout Ignorant comment, just saying
..Bob Dylan said, "There is a strong line in all our music that can be
traced back directly to Scrapper Blackwell. He was a truly great
musician ..."
Hell, even Robert Johnson covered one of his tunes. But who remembers Scrapper
Blackwell?
wish he had been remembered
You know, one guitarist that seems to always miss these lists is Alvin Lee from 10 years after. Let's all be honest he's the one who brought down the house at Woodstock with the song I'm going home. Just an incredible player and a really cool guy
j'aurai aimé le voir dans la liste également
One of the best Guitar, Bass jams would be Good morning little School girl with Alvin on Guitar and Leo Lyons on bass
He played it hard! The first time I heard "Goin Home" pre-woodstock.....I freaked
Slow blues in C, I'm Going Home, and Choo, Choo Mama
I love how everyone plays guitar on this video as a stringed instrument until Hendrix than it’s a tidal wave of sound
Was glad to see Glen Campbell get some recognition!! He was a great artist and an amazing singer as well, but also an absolutely incredible guitar picker!
Yes. That man. Wow.
I got to see Glen for his next to last performance and he was amazing. He couldn't remember his wife or daughter, or sometimes play the same song three times in a row, BUT......he didn't miss a note. As a guitarist myself, I was simply amazed by how well he could still play and remember every single note he played.
I had no idea he was so great until he died and I saw all those highlights.
Glen didn't session play on all those albums for no reason!
Check out the Fresh Air interview Terry Gross did with Glen Campbell. I was amused that the very sophisticated Ms. Gross was obviously a fan of Glen.
In 1974 I had the pleasure of seeing an Eric Clapton concert with Freddie King Band warming up. Clapton's encore was a jam session with Freddie and of course Eric got blown off the stage by the blues power of the King.
Of course. Freddie opening the show is a travesty. Eric not fit to carry his guitar.
Excellent guitar appreciation class ! Hats off to Rick.
Surprised to see Bloomfield here, not many ppl give him recognition.
This is a great list of guitarists. I'm so glad you mentioned Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery. One guitarist you left out which I think should have been included is Link Wray. And someone else mentioned Sister Rosstta Tharpe should have been on your list in which I agree.
I agree Sister Rosetta is a must-have!
Reinhardt was a no brainer mention.
Did he mention Melvin Sparks though :P
Love Link Wray, & his Ray-Men !
Link Wray... and iconic power chord.
Thank you for including George Harrison, he's so underrated but to me I still rate him after all these years, He was unique and some of his chord solos were not commonly played on pop songs back then.
People get caught up rating guitarists based almost entirely on face-melting guitar solos... so much more to being a great guitarist. Any list missing George Harrison is incomplete!
@Phil Who the fuck was comparing George to those you just mentioned??
Certainly wasn't me mate 😒
My favorite guitarist of all time is Steve Howe from YES.
Compared to Roy Clark, Jerry Reed or Glen Campbell, George isn’t even in the same class as they masters.
@Wade Wilson You know Eric Clapton actually played lead guitar on that track, right ;)
WHO IN THE HELL UNDERRATED GEORGE HARRISON!?!?
I'd love to see the dummy that said that!!
They can never say a guy whose guitar gently weeps is underrated.
POINT THEM OUT TO ME NOW!!😠
The guitar is one of a very few musical instruments that allows the player to "accompany" melodies with chords. You can't do that with a saxophone or trumpet, for example.
Even though I’m a big fan of rock, blues, country and jazz. Andres Segovia played some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. The mood and space he created was incredible. You could hear the love.
Agree and Julian bream and john williams
He had it sooo tough. Back then, the guitar was considered a gipsy or flamenco thing and therefore not an formal music instrument.
@Austin Hernandez Julian Bream was no slouch either
@Chris Wright I'm going to look for them. Do you know any names? I'll start with Spotify.
I would recommend listening to the recordings he made between 1927 and 1939 (available together on a double CD - or a download I'm sure!) His incredible artistry cuts through the limited recording quality. On these albums, he plays a range of music from salon music of the 19th century (not my favourite) to the early 20th-century masters (which I love) and these are amongst my favourite recordings of anything on any genre. Of course, you may already know this ...
I am worried about it, Rick. Blind Willie Johnson influenced Zeppelin, Dylan, countless folk groups. I tried to learn some of his stuff and my teacher at corner music said some of the stuff didn’t seem possible. Dark was the night is an amazing piece of music and the vocals are beyond genius.
To me the smoothest sounding was Kenny Burrell, His music was so cool and mood setting. I can close my eyes when listening to him, and his music just takes me to another place in time.
Joe Pass was as well.He did a great album with Ella Fitzgerald incredible
I'm late to this but can't believe this guy left out the great Duane Eddy. Called the Titan of Twang whose 'single handedly invented the ringing, low-pitched, highly reverberant electric guitar style influenced everything from the British Invasion rock and roll to London punk and the Italian spaghetti-western soundtracks of Ennio Morricone.'
Glad to see Mike Bloomfield getting a mention. Best guitarist I ever heard perform live.
How can you not place Sister Rosetta Tharpe on this list or other lists….worthy of a note somewhere….what an influence anyway….
what blows my mind is players like chet atkins, glen campbell, and jerry reed. their tone is unbelievably clean and they are still absolutely rippin all over the fretboard, playing the changes mixed with cheeky licks, playing the bass line with a separate melody and you can hear absolutely every single note. Unreal.
What blows my mind is that he left out Roy Clark.
Yes I agree & as a rocker have always had "thing" for Chets sound,vibe playing ! Maybe in part just the tone of a Gretsch guitar :) Often feels like 3,4 people playing at once :) Have a lot of his vinyl and c.d's now & have always included him in trading music on line:) put him free jammin into a rock thread and if someone says what is this cowboy b.s. you KNOW they have NO CLUE :) I love a long list of players and pickers. Johnny winter would have played for free:) jj cale same !Robin Trower is still original and his last albums are some of his best :) Billy Strings & Jamie Johnson are in my "new" favs lists :) Keep Rockin Peace. Rick
And Lowell George, Paul Barrere. The list is endless. As well as local musicians you and I knew that did not become famous.
The great fact for everyone who coming up in the 60's & 70's is We lived in the greatest Renaissance of Music, Art, Science and technology in the History of Humans. So many great musicians and others.Landed on the Moon, computers & Audio Components, etc.
Fusion of Jazz, Soul/R & B, and Rock. ( and some other "Brightly Colorful things as well...(chuckle chuckle.)
Also don't forget Fred Tacket,
They forgot Roy Clark!
Looking forward to part 2, make sure Steve Hillage and Huw Lloyd Langton are there please. :)
Saw George Benson a couple years ago in his 70s, the man put on one hell of a show, he still kills it!
One of the most influential guitarists for me was Jimmy Bryant. I heard him on my Mom's old Country Swing 78's. That guy could shred before shredding was invented.
The songs he did with Speedy West are wild.
Wow ! A master educationalist...thank you, Rick
todos estos manes hacian hablar a la guitarra y le dieron vida propia, legando este como un instrumento clave para la música popular rock y muchos más estilos. gracias a todos los precursores su talento y creatividad 🎸
Listening to all these great players back to back and Hendrix's style really sticks out as being unique. People must have been blown away when he came on the scene.
Was Robin Trower on any list? Long Misty Days and Bridge of Sighs are two of my favorite albums. Still have them! He was the 1970's.
First LP I purchased in 1967: Are You Experienced? Got destroyed at a party in 1969. Second pressing I got had different tracks that I already had on his EP.
Sterling, I was going to mention your very post above!, but no need to, thank you for mentioning that. (O:
parnelli jones
Agreed. Hendrix really stands out as something new for the instrument. You can hear the impact he had on those who came after him.
It's been 50+ years and he still blows me away.
Of Course Charlie Christian .. The Greatest Jazz Guitarist in his Day . After Him then there is Wes Montgomery , Joe Pass , and Tiny Grimes . Gotta Give JAZZ some Love Man !
Just those few notes from Peter Green touched me more than all the other rock guitarists shown.
Without a doubt, the Brazilian Tom Jobim (who appears in the video) is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. However, he is a pianist. He learned to play guitar only for one concert with Frank Sinatra. The most influential name in the Brazilian style of guitar playing (and who immortalized the songs of Jobim and bossa nova) is João Gilberto. Toninho Horta is another very influential Brazilian guitarist, without whom Pat Metheny's music would never be the same.
Hard to imagine you could leave out Charlie Byrd in your list of Jazz guitarists. For years there were a series of Jazz guitar trio concert tours -- at least two of them were on your list, but Charlie Byrd was always the third member of the trio. Charlie Byrd was the first American Jazz guitarist to introduce Bossa Nove to the USA. His album, Jazz Samba is still one of the best selling Jazz albums of all time -- it even crossed over into pop, something Charlie Byrd wasn't all that happy with -- except for the part about increasing his bank account!
Leadbelly. He may not have been the greatest guitar..player..per se but..I can't help but love the haunting sound he has. It's amazing.
Why does no one ever mention Duane? His mastery of blues and other styles was the basis of Southern Rock music as we know it. 🤷♂️ His playing on Boz Scaggs 'Loan Me a Dime' is transcendent.
I thought of Duane also. To me, he's at second best to Jimi. But this list wasn't in his time frame, so I didn't ask why his name wasn't mentioned. My biggest musical regret was that I never saw Jimi or Duane play in concert.
I'm sure he will be mentioned in part 2
Yeah not including Duane completely killed the validity of this list.
Didn't he also have a lot to do with the epic theme of 'Layla'? And, if I'm not mistaken, Rick named a daughter after that song!
Totally agree
Wow, can't believe you left out the greatest guitarist in the fifties, Hank Garland. Every star from Nashville, and beyond demanded that Hank was in the studio when they were recording, such as; Elvis, Everly Brothers, Patsy Cline, Roy Oberson and so many others. They were not asking for Chet Akins, who was very good, but couldn't hold a candle to Hank Garland.
All these influential guitarist can be heard in all modern music, love the guitar 🎸 ✌🏽❤
One of the most versatile and recorded guitarists of the late 50's and 60's was Tommy Tedesco. From early rock and roll to TV and movie soundtracks, Tommy played it all.
Hopefully Rory G gets spotlighted in the next video. On the Boards and Deuce are both incredible
Love Gallagher the man had a gift
Yes, Segovia! I've heard him play things that I couldn't get out of my head. Later I sat down with guitar and learned to play some of them.
Yep. Segovia was a big influence on my playing.
Yay, he included Glen Campbell, who for some reason is always overlooked on these lists and was such an unbelievable player and singer.
Amazing guitarist and singer.
Yep part of the infamous Wrecking Crew in LA, backed countless albums
@Bill Green Glen also played with The Wrecking Crew.
He could play, had the voice and looks,, he just needed people to write songs for him ,, Jimmy Webb, John Hartford
When you watch Glen he never seems to be working hard. He makes it smooth.
la elegancia y precisión, limpieza y rapidez de Wes Montgomery es un placer escuchar 🎸
How do you leave out Steve Howe A guitar virtuoso and progressive rock God!
Great selection, well-illustrated. My only wish is that you add Charlie Byrd. He was so talented, jazz and classical, Bossa Nova and Brazilian, and productive for many years. I loved listening to Charlie Byrd.
Good choice. Either him or Joao Gilberto for bossa guitar.
I've seen Buddy Guy in concert a few years ago. He is a monster
I'm not your buddy,guy!
and hes like 80
So have I and it was the best concert I've ever experienced.
i was there
Good to see a reference to Villa Lobos on your channel man. I would love to see you going to more word music and not limiting yourself to USA/UK music.
So glad you put George Harrison in there. Sometimes unrecognized Maestro of Melody. A Master.
Shepherd's Chapel Network !!!!!!! Pastor Murray is an Anointed Servant of GOD who teaches the Word of GOD with Authority!!!!!!!
The critics of Harrison in this thread just want to hear themselves talk. The world, in all its infinite variety, is nevertheless unified in its total noninterest in your opinion of George Harrison's guitar playing. This list is "Guitarists You Need to Know." People interested in music need to know of George Harrison. This is not up for debate. You are being _told,_ and you are nodding your heads obediently.
George was nowhere near what you'd call a virtuoso guitarist. But he did come up with interesting guitar parts for Beatles tunes. And I would say that later on his slide playing was his forte.....his sound was always identifiable and tasty.
And the nicest personality of all 4
@Billis Willis I stand corrected
An excellent group of talented guitar players spanning different types and styles of music !
1970 my first guitar. After 16 yrs on trumpet and 20 yrs on piano. Vocals since 1959. Love this !!!
BB King's cousin said I was the white boy that could play the blues( you have to live them to play them)
Huge shout out for including Peter Greene.. what a beast
Props for having Segovia on the list, every guitarist needs to hear him and Montgomery to see whats possible on the instrument.
Rosetta Thorp is the Queen emancipation of guitar playing...I have to believe she inspired more guitarist than anyone...she set England on fire...she made it look so easy...
Nonsense! ONE person created this ridiculous hype about Sister 's influence. Btw, I saw her in Liverpool UK 1964.
Great list Rick ! I can't wait for the Blues List Part 2 ! Thank you for all you contribute to the guitar community.:-)
@William Kiss & Charlie Byrd
Please don't forget Magic Sam, Rick!
Awesome video this one Rick...So many great players to choose from ,but I do agree with others that Sister Rosetta should have been included....
I made a living playing this music 🎵🎶
I'm a true fan of these Godfathers of the Blues 💙 I played Bass with Buddy Miles and he is from Omaha he played drums for Jimi Hendrix and he had some stories about that, he was my friend for years, I was in touch with Buddy Miles when he was in California and had the Rasin brand commercial. I got back to Omaha a week after Buddy Miles passed away. He has his bones buried in Omaha and California. Buddy Miles was such a great guy and he likes two sandwiches LoL 😎 private joke 🤣🎸🥁🎵🎶
I will never once, not ever, fail to do a double take in the inclusion of Glen Campbell in a list of great guitarists.
Or that Ovation headstock on an electric guitar.
Django Reinhardt could have a video for himself, what a genious.
You included Peter Green, Jeff Beck and Richie Blackmore. That is good!!
The way Freddie King shook those notes.. what a haunting sound he creates. Idk how else to describe that emotion, its so raw and pure. Just watch his face when he holds those notes man raw emotion. If anybody out there likes this style with bends and harmonics galore, check out Roy Buchanan!! Hes my favorite blues Telecaster guy of all time, very talented musician Roy was...
I shared a table one night in a Jazz club with an unknown guy at a sold out show. I looked at his hands and said to him: "You have to be a famous guitarist or piano player with hands that big." It turned out to be David Maxwell the famous Blues pianist from Freddy King's band. He said "My career has been well documented on KZclip." I never got to see Freddy King live he passed on in 1976.
Nice that you included Glenn Campbell. I played his show several times in Reno, at Harrah's, in the 70's and 80's. He had a killer banjo player with him. For an alleged classical violin player I have an unusual C & W influence! "We play BOTH kinds of music: Country AND Western." 🙂 What about Ricky Scaggs? And Clint Strong???
Too many great jazz guitarists for some not to get left out. Joe Pass, Charlie Christian, Pat Metheny, Grant Green come to mind.
Charlie Christian got a nod - but only because he was a bridge between Swing and Bop, otherwise he'd be discarded along with Eddie Lange, Carl Kress, Dick McDonough. . .
The fact that Merle Travis never got a nod in the Country section is egregious. No rockabilly guys either.
That clip of Glen Campbell's rendition of Back Home Again In Indiana is definitely worth checking out ✔️
Man…. you did good! There are a lot of great guitarists but people need to separate ’guitar stars’ from ‘great guitarists’ because there’s definitely a difference. Great video Rick!
You absolutely forgot Lonnie Mack.
The tremolo bar actually adapted the nickname the “whammy” bar through his breakout instrumental track “Wham!”, the first instance of the tremolo being used in rock and blues.
He was a big influence on the likes of SRV and even Bootsy Collins.
totally agree, he was the first white rock guitar hero
Django's injury inspired both Jeff Beck and Tony Iommi to keep playing after both of their respective injuries, no Django story no Black Sabbath with Iommi. Jeff Beck is also quoted as naming Django as the greatest guitar player to ever live! Django's guitar playing even had a big influence on Synyster Gates (Brian Haner Jr.) of Avenged Sevenfold! I have fallen in love with Django Reinhardt and his guitar skills
And you can hear Django all over Willie Nelson's playing
If Jeff Beck gives someone that much praise they really are badass.
Hello, for info, I read many years ago in a music magazine an interview with BB King, can't remember the exact words of BB, but he said something to the effect that Django was in his opinion the most amazing guitarist ever
@VintageGeek he didn't leave him out
:O Life without Black Sabbath??? 0:
There's a saying that for every artist or musician who makes it big, there's about 100,000 who are lost in the wilderness of disappointment. In the case of sister Rosetta Tharp, she was a big time non-conformist. It's no surprise you didn't include her among the popular guitar players. When we talk about guitar licks, one of the most popular names that tends to pop-up is Chuck Berry: one of my favorites. Sister Rosetta had already been doing those licks with her eyes close as she performed. At that time upcoming players mostly whites became aware of what she had been doing, they had made it a point to go the her church in Arkansas to see and listen to those licks. No wonder she has been called the Godmother of Rock'n'&'Roll by some.
She deserves honorable mention! Her name is Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Let's boo this video! BOO!
YUUUUUUP^ love ya rick but tharp shoulda made it!!!
You're 100% correct, she CREATED rock and roll music.
Hey man, hearing about sister Rosetta for the first time. That's an awesome story. I'll look her up. Thank you man.
It's a great list - the player who always gets missed out is Curtis Mayfield. I hear his influence everywhere, especially on Hendrix, yet he never gets a shout out.
curtis mayfield ...Legend
great work and I love Django Rienhart .With Grapaldi and his band of gypsy they made great music
Great stuff! Hope you include Jr. Brown in the next one.
My all time blues favorite is Albert King 👑 Stevie ray learned from him more than anyone else imo based on hearing the two. I also learned a lot watching this! Superb video history lesson! 👏
When I was listening, I could hear his influence on Jimmy Page...
Rick, I am so happy you included Hank Marvin. He is one of the most underappreciated guitar players of all time. His tone was incredible and his style was completely unique. He was my first guitar hero and really deserves more credit. The influence he had on future British rock guitarists also cannot be understated.
I watched a documentary about Neil Young, about 18 years ago, while in Toronto. He cited Hank Marvin (and the Shadows) as a huge influence .
Fantastic episode Rick I loved it!
So glad to see you start with Segovia. I just bought 10 albums of his on CD.
Very complete list. I can't think of anyone you might have missed!
wow..Glen Campell was amazing....and a great singer !!!....a true talent!!!
And one of the greatest session guitarists in rock and roll and country music history.
Damn, Buddy Guy is awesome, you can hear where Plant got his influence on songs like "You Shook Me" from the first Zeppelin album.
Roy Clark was a killer guitar player pre-1969!! He was an influence that everyone was effected by. And Glen Campbell? Good lord that man was lightening
Roy Clark! Yes! Does it have strings? Roy played it, virtuoso.
Many of the great ones mentioned say he was the greatest and I agree .The man was amazing
I was waiting for him to include Roy Clark. Sadly, he didn't.
I went to HS in MD with some girls who were Roy Clark's nieces. He was something!
Roy clarke the king of strings so should of been on this video.
Wes was distinguished, a musician ahead of his time.
BB King was the first concert I ever saw. Blew my mind. Also actually saw Andres Segovia at Lincoln Center when he was quite old. Glad to see Charlie Christian here. His fluidity just never ceases to amaze me.
I was amazed that Albert Lee did not make the list. You put on lots of great players, but many were not as seminal as Albert who is credited by some with inventing the chikin Pickin style. I am hoping he makes the next video.
Really glad you added Charlie Christian, often overlooked. Wes Montgomery also my favorite jazz player, heavily influenced my friend from Japan, Akio Sasajima. One of my favorites missing however, CHARLIE BYRD.
*CHARLIE CHRISTIAN is the FIRST GUITAR HERO (he lived fast and died at age 27).* Jimi Hendrix was just fortunate he was young in the "electric high-fidelity" era.
Thanks for throwing Glenn Campbell in there. At age 5, he is who made me want to play. Oddly, I have never learned one of his songs, but he certainly gets the credit for planting the seed.
@Import Antigravity Music And Flying yes for Tommy especially
what is unusual is that as a player for the Wrecking Crew he was the only one who could not read music, but his skills were such it didn't matter.
Glenn Campbell n Roy Clark are only a couple during that time period that were just so frikin good .
Also on Phil Spectors Wall of Sound .
Glenn is playing his ass off!
The things you do just gets my motor running for music and guitar!
I really love the passion you have in guiding aspirant musicians!
Rick, I was very encouraged to see you included one of my all time favorite guitarists, Frank Zappa. But, one great pioneer guitar virtuoso that you did not include is Larry Coryell, he was a amazing Jazz / Rock fusion artist who I had the honor of seeing perform live two times in the late '60's. He could play bottom and rhythm to himself and then break out with a killer solo lead rife at the same time ! ON ONE FRIGGIN' AXE ! ! !
Thank you Rick for showing Django Reinhardt. As a 55 yr old basically starting to play, this gives me hope. 😀
This is significant, Thank you! Love the 'race music' roots of Rock & Roll!
Rick, your channel is inspiring and you are a humble down to earth guy. I appreciate your take on music. Thank you for all the great content.
I'm so glad to see Peter Green on this list, him and Danny Kirwan is almost criminally overlooked when people talk about blues.
@George Buck Clearly you never heard Hound Dog Taylor..........
Early MAC were the finest British blues band of them all. ✌️❤
Loved him with the bluebreakers
@brotzmannsax And don't forget Richard Thompson...
@EmptyGlass99 Yeah, Fleetwood Mac's blues are never mentioned... a crying shame...
I see that this was posted July 2018. How did I miss it? (Pause). I very much enjoyed this. I felt the connections in my heart and hands. I am very pleased you added Frank Zappa. He did most of this great guitar work live. So it often took him some time to develop his solo's. His solo on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace off Frank Zappa: Guitar is an example of Frank sitting back, getting out of the way and allowing it to flow. I have a feeling you would like to analyze FZ but can't due to restrictions. PS -There is an unedited version with 2 extra minutes floating around.
Nice to see Hank Marvin in there. Huge influence in the UK in the early '60s and the reason a lot of guys - myself included - took up playing!
Absolutely!
Muy bueno este video!! En sólo 16:12 minutos muestra a los guitarristas conocidos mundialmente en 40 años, hasta el año 1969. Para mí fueron los mejores años con la guitarra ya sea acústica o electrica. Diversos estilos blues, rock, jazz, dejaron realmente un legado para los guitarristas que vinieron después. Saludos cordiales desde Chile 🎸
Creating this list of guitar players "you need to know" from all of the players and styles must have been as difficult as making a list of "foods you need to know" from all of the world's cuisines! I cannot tell you my favorite food/cuisines because the one I'm eating always becomes my favorite at that moment. A few Country players are mentioned, but my favorite is Riley Puckett. Like a dessert, I'll enjoy Riley's performances with The Skillet Lickers of the 1920s and early 30s after listening to other more modern players. It was original American, raw, pure, country fiddle music of the kind my father and grandfather played back in NE Oklahoma prior to the 1st WW. ""Gid Tanner and the Skillet Lickers" sold millions of records in their time which was pre-bluegrass country.
Anyone ever heard of a JAZZ guitarist named Johnny Abercrombie??
(He was my cousin and a pretty cool dude). He gave me my first CD "Timeless" (I didn't even own a CD player yet). R.I.P JOHN
Saw John at Birdland a few years ago with Joe Lavello and Adam Nussbaum
Revisiting this and wondering how Sister Rosetta Tharpe wasn't included? 10 years+ before Chuck Berry she was playing "rock" guitar in her solos, so arguably the godmother of rock n roll. A travesty to leave her out imo.
I think "Mother of Rock" is a better description. I never got the Godmother/father thing. The real issue here is sexism. Music has always been a very sexist business. Women are never given the credit they deserve. Look up Maybelline Carter and Elizabeth Cotten, as well!
DEFINITELY ON POINT!
@Return 2 Sender But of course - many people would not have a clue about the influencer/s behind the more famous names and work they do know. People today not knowing those original innovators is not a valid criterion for discounting them as significant influencers. That's exactly why people who do get to hear Sister RT and the very famous people she directly influenced (Chuck Berry, Elvis, anyone?) are so keen to let others know, to give her her fair recognition and secure her place in R&R history. And it's true, whether people like to hear it or not, that especially in the past, women tended to be ignored in favour of men, by the male record-keepers and writers of all kinds of history. ('His Story', as they rightly say...)
@Lucky Dave my mistake on Gatemouth, I meant Cruddup! But Tampa as legend has it, wrote that with him... apparently Tampa took him under his wing and taught him a lot of technique and that song was a result of Tampa working with him. It's documented in a few places... and usually back then just one person is credited with writing. Often the wrong one as well!
@Sean Sweeney That's Alright was written by Arthur Crudup not Gate or Tampa.
So, I am not a guitarist, but, hailing from Southside Virginia, I am really surprised not to see Roy Clark. I heard another individual suggest that part of the reason that Clark never gets his due is that his skill has been ignored because he has been perceived as an entertainer rather than a performance artist. He is stunning to watch and hear pre-1969.
Thank you for giving the credit to the pioneers of Blues, R&B, AND Rock n Roll. Without these guys you showed there would be no Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Slash, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, John Mellencamp, EVH, you get the point.
What's not mentioned here is there were tons of guitar based very popular musical genres in Latin America throughout the 20th century, such as bolero, pasillo, bambuco, trova, and tango (most people think of bandoneon and piano when they think of tango, but Carlos Gardel, the genre's greatest singer, sang to a great deal of songs that had guitars as their main instruments).