The legends of music are iconic and inspire people to take up their musical instruments and play. For rock music, legendary musicians usually play the guitar or the drums. Although famous guitarists have a signature look which catches the public attention, it is their music and their instruments which carry them to long term adulation that they deserve. Kids in towns like Lehi would take guitar lessons because they saw a guitar performance on YouTube. This is the influence that great musicians have even after they’ve gone.
Dimebag Darell
Dimebag Darrell is the screen name of the famous American guitarist and songwriter Darrell Lance Abbott. Dimebag and his brother, Vinnie Paul, are founding members of both Pantera and Damageplan. They created Damageplan after Pantera broke up in 2003. Unfortunately, Dimebag Darell was shot dead the following year by a Pantera fan while he was playing onstage. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar techniques influenced Dimebag’s.
Tony Iommi
Anthony Frank Iommi is the lead guitarist and one of the founders of the heavy metal band ‘Black Sabbath.’ He hails from the United Kingdom and is also a prolific songwriter and producer. He lost his right middle and ring fingers to an accident when he was 17 and decided to give up music. However, someone encouraged him to keep on playing and took guitar lessons. He has since carried on with his guitar and has become one of the forerunners of heavy metal music.
Kirk Hammett
Kirk Lee Hammett is the lead guitarist for Metallica, a popular rock band of the ’90s. He joined the group in 1983. Besides playing the guitar, also wrote songs of the band. Before his rock journey with Metallica, he founded a band known as ‘Exodus.’
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Born October 3, 1954, Stevie Ray Vaughn was a great American singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist. He had a shining 7-year mainstream career and is regarded as the most influential electric guitarist of all time. Stevie passed away in 1990.
David Gilmour
David Gilmour is the guitarist of the rock band Pink Floyd. He is known as a guitarist, record producer, singer, and musician. He became the frontman and lead guitarist of Pink Floyd in 1968.
Eric Clapton
Music will never be the same without the likes of Eric Clapton. He is an English rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter who was popular in the ’80s. He was inducted three times to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was a member of the bands Derek and the Dominos, and Yardbirds and Cream before embarking on a solo career.
Saul Hudson a.k.a. Slash
Slash is known for his thick and massive hair and fantastic guitar skills. He is the lead guitarist of the 1990’s rock band Guns N’ Roses. He gained worldwide success touring with the band in the ’90s. Many 90’s kids know the guy and his unique guitar skills.
Eddie Van Halen
Eddie is the lead guitarist and keyboardist of the rock band Van Halen. Edward Lodeisjk Van Halen is a Dutch American musician, producer, and songwriter. His guitar skills are just top notch, and many people in the music industry look up to his time during the peak of his career.
Jimmy Page
The ’70s will never be the same without the rock icon James Patrick Page. Jimmy Page is an English guitarist, musician, and record producer. He gained international fame and success as the founder and lead guitarist of the rock band Led Zeppelin.
Jimi Hendrix
This list is not complete without Jimi Hendrix. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame regarded Hendrix as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.” His brief stint of four years in the rock music industry was memorable that even to date, many musicians and aspiring guitarists look up to this rock icon.
The above guitarists are great not just for their techniques and musicality but also for their passion as musicians. They are revered by fans and have inspired succeeding generations to take up the guitar.
