Guitar Legends

[ledzepcoda7]

hey guys, I am new here but i was wondering who are your guitar gods? who inspired you to pick up the guitar?

For me......Jimmy page, Jimi hendrix, and stevie ray.

there are many other greats, but i love that type of rock/blues music, so they are it for me.

[jmaibauer]

For me it was Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Slash from GNR

[EShirazi]

John Frusciante =]

[KoenigKaktus]

for me it was Jimi H. also, Queens o.t.s.age, Primus, Violent Femmes, Refused, Foo Fighters, Kayess, and so on with realy cool sounds...
I play my guitar since two years yet...

[Ttask]

Eric Johnson! His 'Cliffs of Dover' (video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Sm-14F7cI)) is simply amazing. I probably wouldn't have touched a guitar if I hadn't known him.

I also love Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani and Joey Santiago (from the Pixies).

[NapoLoso]

For me, the one rock n roll man that inspired me to grab
the guitar is Sek Loso. I'm sure that most of you have
not ever heard of him. He's Thailand's top selling artist
and a Rock n Roll legend. Rolling Stones magazine once
said he was the next Jimi Hendrix, at least to the writter
of the article.

He is currently about to release his first English album
priced by Owen Morris who's worked with Oasis before
and in this album Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs is the rhytim
guitarrist, i heard he's an Ex-Oasis. If anyone in the UK
has heard of the Glastonbury music festival, Sek Loso
was invited by the organizer to play there back in '05.

So because of Sek Loso, I was inspired to grab the guitar.

[Whiskey]

Angus Young, Slash, Mike Campbell, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, George Harrison

[ES335]

i love almost everyone mentioned above. i was probably most influenced by the british invasion guys like harrison, beck, page, clapton, etc. they are the ones who really got me into it. although when i was in my late teens and growing up outside Detroit i had the opportunity to see a ton of local bands when they were starting out and playing in small clubs such as bob seeger and ted nugent. ted just blew me away! when you walked into a club and he was playing you didnt even have to ask who it was. that big byrdland he played just filled up a room like you cant imagine. we had some mutual friends and i had the chance to chat with him a few times he was/is an awesome dude and i have to say he probably pumped me up more for the guitar habit than anyone.

[ES335]

oooops i almost left out my all time favorite, Mr Hendrix. there is a famous picture of Jimi (which i have hanging in my guitar room) in the 5th Dimension club in ann arbor, michigan. that club was one of my favorite hang outs back in the day. i was there one weekend seeing some local bands and they passed out a little flyer saying Jimi Hendrix was going to be there the following week on like a middle of the week deal as i recall (circa july 1967, i think). anyhow i see the picture, assume it to be a motown performer and decide i will pass because that really wasnt my kind of music at the time. a few days later i hear foxy lady on the radio and just love it, then i learn it was done by Mr Hendrix. i almost ran off the road i was so pissed. the opportunity of a lifetime missed. let that be a lesson to you.

[Paranoid]

Jimmy Page inspired me the most, I just love his style. Others include Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Clapton, and Angus Young to name a few.

[zachfrazier]

the people that inspired me is eddie vanhalen,jimi hendrix, jimi page, eric clapton, slash, angus young

[knoxville]

well i'm a big metallica fan so i'd say the big three that made me want to pick up a guitar and learn to play would be kirk hammett, james hetfield, and dave mustaine.. and of course the usual ones too.. hendrix, slash, clapton, angus young, george harrison ect. ect.

[Blewbyou]

I hang my head in shame as(except for ledzepcoda7) no one has mentioned the great Stevie Ray Vaughan, tisk,tisk and Albert king come on people Johnny winter some of the greats here

[sweatytim]

Being a generation Xer I gotta go with Eddie Van Halen. VH1 was the first album I ever bought. David Gilmour has alot of passion. I never leave the house without Zeppelin's "How the west was won."

[Paul]

I was inspired by David Taub !!!



ps: Dave promised me a discount if I said it.

[Gonka]

I decided to start playing the guitar when i once saw an interview with John Frusciante for the Guitar Magazine I think, where he was playing some stuff.

And of course Jimi Hendrix, and all the other LEGENDS!

[Doug]

Early days - Chuck Berry, CSN&Y, Keith Richards, John Lennon

[Masterchiken]

Kirk hammet, Slash, Evh, jimmi hendrix, Steve vai. But almost every song with a guitar in it makes me wanna grab my guitar and start playin it.:D

[NapoLoso]

Like many of us here...another inspiration for me is Jimi Hendrix,
I just forgot to mention him on my first post :)
but yes, not to mention that my guitar hero's guitar hero is
Jimi Hendrix too. ^_^

[funky4eyes]

Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly in Back to the Future!! Not really a legend.... i'm not even sure if he plays - but I remember being 5yrs old and 'air guitaring' for days afterwards!!

[Whiskey]

That Back to the Future solo was done by Tim May - a Jazz guitarist who played for Whiteny Houston, Juice Newton, Amy Grant and more.

[Blewbyou]

Whiskey you are a wealth of information. Thanks for that bit of info;)

[Arlo]

All the Rock Gods are good choices guys, but you all should take a listen to some Chet Atkins, Roy Clark or even Brian Setzer...it will open your world up in whole new direction. I've always believed there is something to be gleaned from all types of music. You'd be surprised where some of the great rock guitarists got their inspirations.:)

[Whiskey]

Well, we're listing influences that caused us to pick up the axe in the first place. If you want to talk current influences... well thats a different book altogether... Jesse Cook, Robben Ford, Prince, Paul Simon, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Beck, George Thorogood, Bo Diddley, Carlos Santana, Ry Cooder, Joe Perry, Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Bill Haley, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Roger McGuinn, Elvis Presley, Bonnie Raitt

Few caused me to pick up the axe.
Many keep me from putting it down.

[AceFrehleyGuitarGod]

My 2 influeces to pick up the guitar are of course the Guitar God himself Ace Frehley and the one and only Randy Rhodes.

http://www.nextlevelguitar.com/aforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=16&stc=1&d=1170293315

http://www.nextlevelguitar.com/aforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=17&stc=1&d=1170293444

[golfboyryan]

One person that has inspired me to rock out everyday would be Van Halen.

The other Rockers that inspired me was Jimmi Hendrix, Slash, and everyone from Def Leppard. They all rock like CRAZY! :D

[WilliamHubbard]

Satriani , Lifeson, Pertucci

[FretWarrior]

Buckethead, Steve Vai, Slash, Tony Iommi & Dave Mustaine here...

[ledzepcoda7]

all great names mentioned, but there is a guy who is always underrated and has been in the game forever. this person gave my idol, jimmy page his les paul that he wrote a lot of zeppelin stuff with..........and that is joe walsh

[Jstickley]

I dunno.. My all time favorate guitarist has got to be Dimebag Darrell. Ironically enough, i never perform anything that hes done, only play that stuff at home when im jammin alone ;)

Jesse

[Doug]

Early days - Chuck Berry, CSN&Y, Keith Richards, John Lennon

OK Now taht I've dwelled on this a little... Roy Buchanan - SRV - Santana - Localy Louie Brumbaugh of Rainbow City Rock.

[mybeercansempty]

my all time fave is Bradley Nowell, he was the one who inspired me to pick up the guitar, its just the many different styles he could come out with, like one minute he would be playing regae style then out of no where you'd get this fast punk style. the thing was though it all sounded amazing, if any of yous dont know sublimes music check out the solo in santeria, pure genius.

Also my other idols are Hendrix and jimmy page, zeppelin rock!!!

[Miika]

I was inspired by many great guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, B. B. King and Jimmy Page.

[Matthew]

Its gotta be John Frusciante of RHCP for me, probably since I'm too young to remember a lot of older guitar legends. He's probably my biggest inspiration.

[flathead]

Vito Bratta of White Lion was my original inspiration to start playing

[Slewfooted]

Joe Walsh and the james gang . Song pics would be "The Bomber"

[Orphan John]

Hmm Brian May was my idol when i was in my teens. But for many years now my numero uno has to be Pink Floyds David Gilmour and Alex Liefson from Rush. There are so many brilliant guitar Gods out there that have inspired me but those are the two that i love their style and tone the most.

[ES335]

Hmm Brian May was my idol when i was in my teens. But for many years now my numero uno has to be Pink Floyds David Gilmour and Alex Liefson from Rush. There are so many brilliant guitar Gods out there that have inspired me but those are the two that i love their style and tone the most.

oh yeah those are good choices too, those long, slow melodic solo's that Gilmour does are outstanding. those bends are so smooth and clean it makes me drool when i watch him at work. also a couple of people mentioned joe walsh who is also great. he took the eagles from an excellent group to major star power. but his early stuff with the james gang was some of his best. i would also have to throw in keith richards as the all time, hands down, greatest rhythm player ever.

[tyler]

i took guitar in school but the person that made me want to stick with it was Atreyu's Dan Jacobs and Travis Migule
Not exactly famous but great none the less

[brianwalker]

bob dylan,pete townsend, dave gilmoure.

[ES335]

here goes something that me tick some off and i dont mean to offend anyone by this buuuuuuut.........if im not mistaken NO BODY listed the U2 guy, the edge. now i have seen this guy in interviews and he is a super guy. if he was my cousin he would probably be my favorite cousin, if he were a neighbor he would probably be the best neighbor on the street. he is a nice guy and i really dont mean to be critical but... i HAVE to say he has GOT to be THE lamest guitar player ever. especially considering they are such a major band. i mean i give them credit for their success, they may be the most popular band world wide there has ever been, but what the H is up with those 1 or 2 note riffs? one time i saw him in an interview and he had his guitar and i thought okay, here we go, i bet we see what this guy can really do on his own...but no way.... he couldnt hit a lick that would wake you up to save his life. am i the only one who sees it this way? and if you are a fan of his, God bless, far be it from me to find fault or insult your hero, but man this guy is unbelievably boring as an axeman.

[Whiskey]

Lol... I wasn't going to say anything but...

Just get a little echo effect on your guitar and you too can be The Edge!

[Jobo]

In case you hadn't already guessed, brian May is my idol and the reason I first picked up the guitar. I also love Dave Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, Slash and so many others.

[Marshall Stax uk]

David Gilmour, Gary Moore, Dave Murray, Dime and all the usual suspects like Satch, Vai, Hendrix etc.

[Rachael]

Umm... Brian May, Slash, Jimi Hendrix, Kirk Hammett, Matt Bellamy...

[Bigsnake]

John Frusciante =]

:cool: I came in here to put his name.

I also like the standards like Clapton and Hendrix.

John Mayer is also another. Ever since I saw the video of him at the Crossroads Guitar Festival I've been a fan.

[Blewbyou]

I've got the crossroads DVD also and not long after I went out and bought one of John Mayer's CDs very talented young man

[Rachael]

There are so many, great guitarists'...

[Bigsnake]

I've got the crossroads DVD also and not long after I went out and bought one of John Mayer's CDs very talented young man

I kind of did the same thing but I got a John Mayer DVD. lol

Also, started listening to Doyle Bramhall II after seeing him on the Crossroads DVD. Never heard of him before. It's definately an awesome DVD. I think it's my favorite with the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Slane Castle being my 2nd.

[luckestryke]

After sifting through this thread i was very surprised not to have seen a mention for my favorite. JERRY CANTRELL.. he's not only written some great music but wrote most of Alice in Chains lyrics as well, to be sung by non other than the legend layne staley!! Jerry Rocks, hope to see him if they tour again this year.

[moto-X]

Slash, Vito Bratta was the first inspirations then came Jimi Hendrix, EVH, Randy Rhoads and later Zakk Wylde!

Rock ON!
Vito Bratta of White Lion was my original inspiration to start playing

[ruby_II]

Keith Richards!! The main reason why I play the guitar.
I also love Bruce Springsteen (maybe you know his guitarpart on Roy Orbisons "Pretty Woman" back there at Black and White night, just great http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF1S9fyJdVQ )
Okay this will start some controverse but I like the Edge of U2 too... Maybe not the best technique but he knows damn well how to use his effects...
End offcourse M. Knopfler! I just love the dire straits.. Btothers in arms is such an emotional song...
TOP

[valanx]

For me it was without a doubt Glenn Tipton and KK from Judas Priest, i was simply blown away by them and i knew i had to learn the guitar.

I would also consider Angus Young of great influence too.

Bon scott is also a big influence of mine....but in other ways ;)

[Daspub]

Okay this will start some controverse but I like the Edge of U2 too... Maybe not the best technique but he knows damn well how to use his effects...


No controversy here. The Edge gets dissed a lot, usually by people who think that technique is everything. And yet, his guitar lines stick in your head, because they're melodic and they fit the song and enhance it. I'll take that over flash and technique any day. The three ringing chords at the beginning of Pride (In the Name of Love)...easy, anyone can play them. But not everyone can write them.

I remember someone--a BeeGee, I think--insulting the Beatles for the mistakes they made in their playing. I always smile when I think about that.

[ledzepcoda7]

Ok, when I started this thread I named three awesome guitar players, I even posted again naming another legend, but I have got to say I am shocked, and dumbfounded that not one of you guys even took the time to mention Nancy Wilson from "Heart". All Time cool riffs!!!! But even then I can forgive all of your oversight, but come on, Nobody thought of Peter Frampton? The live version of "do you feel like I do" ROCKS!!!!!!!
So I ask of all you good people......... Do you feel like I do?

[calmlikeabomb]

i do agree frampton is crazy with the talk box, love the live version of that song

but for me its gotta be DUANE ALLMAN and dickey betts man. i heard Allman Bros. Band's eat a peach and just had a good feeling about wanting to play guitar.
allman brothers are rockin now with DEREK TRUCKS completely amazing slide guitarist, went on tour w. clapton at 9......and w. warren haynes who is also great. Love AllmanBrothersBand can't get enough of it!

[KingOfNynex2003]

For me it would definitely be KISS Ozzy Osbourne Stevie Ray Vaughn Led Zepplin Lynyrd Skynyrd and Sum 41 the music they all make is the type of music that I want to play some day on my own guitar.

[bad_penny]

Rory Gallagher , Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton

[SoulShiner]

Warren Haynes, Warren Haynes & Warren Haynes






Oops....forgot to mention Warren Haynes :D

[FunkyFisch]

For me it's Jimi Hendrix and my all time favourite Tony Iommi,in my opinion the most underrated guitarist ever(did you know he lost his fretting hand tips due to an accident?)

[TyMac]

...Tony Iommi,in my opinion the most underrated guitarist ever
/agrees

Tony Iommi is the bomb. Not only is he an amazing guitarist, but he composed the sickest riffs and solos ever. He's also the coolest looking dude on the planet. (I want his goddamn coat)

[fatblade]

I am surprised no-one has mentioned either Steve Howe or Steve Hackett
both are superb nay brilliant guitarists, especially to an old Prog lovin saddo like me. So no surprise I also loved the sound of Andy Powell and Ted Turner.

But Steve Howe's playing was what inspired me to start last year.

[Jackmac178]

Matt Bellamy, from Muse, inspired me, to stand infront of him when he was playing guitar, singing or even playing piano, was awe inspiring.

And to play to his standard whilst singing and jumping around with his passion is awesome.

[SLASHistheBEST]

i've only got 1 inspiration and it's slash of guns n' roses.

i'm always getting goosbumbs when i hear him play.

[Rachael]

...Santana, Matt Bellamy, Slash, there are so many...

[Guitar2Masta101]

Anyone here know of a guy called Jimi Hendrix?

[Rock Monster]

Well, i found my guitar heroes after i had been playing 8 months... but anyways, Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold and Slash of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver. i like thier style, and their freakin' insane.

[sheepster]

Pete Townshend. I've always wanted to do that windmill-style thing...

[fvrtim]

Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend

[Blewbyou]

I agree with most of the choices before me but they are to obvious so I'm going to say Larry Carlton
http://www.larrycarlton.net/lc_room335intro.mp3
He has some melt in your mouth tasty chops

[Bounty]

Jeff Beck is a KING in his own world. The guy doesn't use a pick. Makes his axe do things that are truely amazing. He is rarely copied.

ANGUS IS RIGHT UP THERE TOO!!!!!!!
Hendrix
SRV
Slash
buddy guy

All greats. The best thing about these guys is they seem to be just having fun. I know it was work to get there but wow.

[rocknroll19]

I think Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton are excellent guitar players. There is another guy who played for Alice Cooper and I think Lou Reed who is also excellent but I cannot think of his name. They inspired me the most to start playing guitar again.

[ez-one]

Johnny WInter, Clapton, Alvin Lee, Jeff Beck

[MattG]

In no particlular order: Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, Brian May, Brian Setzer, Steve Vai, Brad Paisley, Ace Frehly, Richie Sambora, Roy Clark, Slash, Johnny Cash, and Izzy Stradlin (wife's distant cousin).

[hrblocked]

My biggest influence would have to be my father. When he was my age he played in several bands. It's too bad he hasn't picked up a guitar in a while. Hopefully me learning will make him want to play again. As far as "guitar gods" I would have to say Slash, Elvis Costello, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, Stevie Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen.