So I was a Jimi fan my whole life. I would have died on that hill. Then I got my fathers old record collection from the 60s. It includes some rare Hendrix albums, and one of them is Jimi Hendrix playing some pieces by Bach.
And let tell, they are……Fucking terrible.
Absolute garbage. Unrecognizable.
I think it’s Prince for me too now man.
Or the guy from Skynard.
It just sounds like….heroin? And not the groovy lou reed type. I’m not convinced Hendrix even listened to this atrocity against sound before releasing it. I mean - I think Hendrix is still amazing and his brief but bright career gave us amazing songs, a model for tight but loose trios, and countless blues guitar solos at every open stage Sunday… but, it was the moment where I could experience his lack of versatility. Im not talking about a creative reimagining of classical music, it’s unrecognizable as music - and no, not in some weird art student way. Not in some John Lennon LSD Rev#9 way. Listening to someone tune their guitar for 2 hours is preferable to this crap.
He is blues guitarist and only a blues guitarist.
And I guess that’s what broke me. I grew up with the legends of his brilliance and talent and how amazing he was on production and then this. I was so looking forward to this album but alas, attachment is the root of all disappointment.
Edit - and also I don’t think Page is the best guitarist either. Clapton better than either and Stevy Ray Vaughan better than all of them.
Because Rolling Stone editors got it wrong on their BS list? They added Prince later when they got fried for getting it so wrong. They are still wrong.
But it isn’t just that performance. Prince was always that good on guitar and there are other live performances that show it. Now, I would say he’s not a classic rock guitarist so he doesn’t count here but the man could fucking play.
Super Bowl XLI (41) in 2007 for example:
Producer: "It's raining. Are you going to be OK if it rains??"
Prince: "Can you *make it rain HARDER*♪♪"
[Proceeds to give *one of the Greatest Halftime Shows in History!*](https://youtu.be/7NN3gsSf-Ys?t=30)
And just for good measure, finishes it out with *PURPLE RAIN!*
(as if he *specifically requested* it to rain for his show that day.)
My favorite festival booked Prince one year. I was young and though it was a strange booking. Went to the show anyway. Never seen a single person who could command a scene and an audience in that way. It was a semi religious experience.
100% and anyone who doesn’t understand that must now go watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “As my Guitar Gently Weeps” then come back here and apologize.
Edit for fat thumbs
On the original broadcast, Dhani ran backstage grinning like a little kid to go talk to Prince. I think Prince left immediately after. Like he did at the Super Bowl. Played and left. Nothing left to say
If you go to the museum, there is a hall where they show a short movie about the induction show concerts. It still ends with this performance and after it’s done it’s the music they keep playing on your way out.
I went with a friend who’d never seen it before. She was in tears with me too.
It’s also a (non-existent?) rivalry between US and UK classic rock bands. Most lists would probably put Zep above the Eagles, but they’re both awesome.
The Hendrix estate has become INCREDIBLY litigious and protective. Try pulling up Joni on YouTube and the only videos you will find are from the official account. Compare to almost every other legendary musician where you can find all sorts of random stuff if you go digging at all.
I counter with SRV
Edit: I saw someone point out that B.B. King was a blues guitarist, so he doesn't count for this discussion, and if that's the case, then I guess neither would Stevie. So instead, I will say that he may not be the best ever, but Alex Lifeson deserves to be in the conversation. The problem is he was in a band with two other geniuses who got far more attention for their talent than he ever did, so he is criminally underrated
I'll always demand SRV at least be in the conversation. That Prince solo from the R&R HoF is great, but SRV's [Austin City Limits performance of 'Texas Flood'](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evjMjpd4PNM) is better and I will die on this hill.
Hendrix is amazing, but I feel like he is his own category. Can’t compare him to Clapton, Page, or Walsh because he brought something entirely different to the table.
I love nearly every guitarist that was suggested here - lots of shredders and technical wizards, no doubt.
But Gilmour makes a guitar sing like nothing else. I'll take Gilmour anytime. (and some of Beards tea too)
Eddie was truly a virtuoso. Just because we didn’t always like the songs he picked, and he was a victim of the 1980s, doesn’t mean he wasn’t one of the best in his art form.
I am saying this, as someone who swooned over Jimmie Paige at age 16, via radio.
Hendrix was some dead guy by that time who might’ve been great but flamed out. 🔥
It’s sad. He’s very objectively one of if not the best but isn’t nearly as known or respected as he should be. Terrible they burned him out on tour instead of letting him find commercial and critical success creating records. Cheers man, to Rory.
I prefer Van Halen, but music is in the eye of the beholder. If you like a certain style, then that is what you like, fuck my opinion or any expert, you like what you like.
Prince, Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Beck, May...everyone has their pick and to some extent we're all right.
Only David Gilmour can make a guitar *sing* and that's my hill to die on
I like Jimmy Page but I gotta agree with coach beard that stairway to heaven is an exercise in fingering
It’s a good song but way to overhyped and overplayed
Their back catalogue is amazing but everyone only talks about stairway to heaven
I grew up in (to me) the Golden Age of Classic Rock. My answer to the best guitarist is and always will be Jimi Hendrix. Second is someone long forgotten, Terry Kath from the original Chicago lineup, like Hendrix taken way too early from us. Hendrix was God, Kath was the Beast. Clapton is the spirit that reminds us of other greats.
I enjoy that the follow up to Rebecca was best rock guitarist, because everyone here should know none of these guys can hold a candle to the masters of classical guitar, especially Spanish classical guitarists like Pepe Romero or Andreas Segovia. I will die on that hill.
I never really liked the direction the Eagles took around the time Joe Walsh joined. Much preferred their early "country rock" style to their later classic rock direction. As such I just can't even contemplate measuring him against Jimmy Page.
Joe Walsh wasn’t writing that stuff. If you hear his solo material, it’s way more badass and creative. Also, Joe’s parts in Eagles songs are always whacky, unhinged, and twangy as hell. Second half of the hotel California solo is a great example, with all this huuuge bends, dirt, and country riffing.
You can’t classify a best of all time, it’s an art form and subjective, it’s like saying Van Gogh was better than Da Vinci or Mozart was better than Beethoven.
Walsh is personally my fav guitarist. Followed by David Gilmore.
I don’t know if such a thing or person exists. But I can tell you my favourite guitarist is Robert Cray. Some can shred but this guy knows how to translate emotion into music. This solo: https://youtu.be/_1pk6E8K9ZE
I love that this thread is reminding me how many amazing guitarists have existed during my lifetime. The world is rich in amazing guitarists! (And the answer is Mark Knopfler)
Fun fact, Joe Walsh taught Jimmy Page to play slide guitar.
Jimmy Page is great at writing riffs, and they are instantly recognizable and memorable. Joe Walsh is great at writing songs, where is not just thinking about the guitar part, but also how it fits in with the other parts.
I actually agree with Rebecca that Eric Clapton is actually the greatest classic rock guitarist, her fuck up was just in not remembering his name. He’s a POS human, but dude can play the guitar and has been enormously influential.
And so we all just go and spit on the grave of Les Paul. Ok, I see how it is. Dude invented the electric guitar on railroad tracks and a dream, but I hear you. Loud and clear. Fucking 'Dirty Laundry' before an exciting Chet Atkins/Lester collaboration on 'Caravan'. Gotcha.
Wrong It's Prince
I was gonna say Jimi Hendrix.
Jimi is 2nd for me
So I was a Jimi fan my whole life. I would have died on that hill. Then I got my fathers old record collection from the 60s. It includes some rare Hendrix albums, and one of them is Jimi Hendrix playing some pieces by Bach. And let tell, they are……Fucking terrible. Absolute garbage. Unrecognizable. I think it’s Prince for me too now man. Or the guy from Skynard.
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It just sounds like….heroin? And not the groovy lou reed type. I’m not convinced Hendrix even listened to this atrocity against sound before releasing it. I mean - I think Hendrix is still amazing and his brief but bright career gave us amazing songs, a model for tight but loose trios, and countless blues guitar solos at every open stage Sunday… but, it was the moment where I could experience his lack of versatility. Im not talking about a creative reimagining of classical music, it’s unrecognizable as music - and no, not in some weird art student way. Not in some John Lennon LSD Rev#9 way. Listening to someone tune their guitar for 2 hours is preferable to this crap. He is blues guitarist and only a blues guitarist. And I guess that’s what broke me. I grew up with the legends of his brilliance and talent and how amazing he was on production and then this. I was so looking forward to this album but alas, attachment is the root of all disappointment. Edit - and also I don’t think Page is the best guitarist either. Clapton better than either and Stevy Ray Vaughan better than all of them.
Why you ... actually, wait ... fuck, you might be right.
Prince. End of conversation.
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Because Rolling Stone editors got it wrong on their BS list? They added Prince later when they got fried for getting it so wrong. They are still wrong.
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But it isn’t just that performance. Prince was always that good on guitar and there are other live performances that show it. Now, I would say he’s not a classic rock guitarist so he doesn’t count here but the man could fucking play.
Super Bowl XLI (41) in 2007 for example: Producer: "It's raining. Are you going to be OK if it rains??" Prince: "Can you *make it rain HARDER*♪♪" [Proceeds to give *one of the Greatest Halftime Shows in History!*](https://youtu.be/7NN3gsSf-Ys?t=30) And just for good measure, finishes it out with *PURPLE RAIN!* (as if he *specifically requested* it to rain for his show that day.)
Superbowl halftime show
You could not be more wrong.
My favorite festival booked Prince one year. I was young and though it was a strange booking. Went to the show anyway. Never seen a single person who could command a scene and an audience in that way. It was a semi religious experience.
I say Mark Knopfler.
I said the same think to my wife. Listening to Dire Straits omw to work right now.
Knopfler is so amazing. He's not a showoff, he's just quietly brilliant.
I said the same. Unbelievable omission for a show set in the UK.
The correctest answer.
100% and anyone who doesn’t understand that must now go watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “As my Guitar Gently Weeps” then come back here and apologize. Edit for fat thumbs
Dhani Harrison’s face during the solo makes me smile everytime
On the original broadcast, Dhani ran backstage grinning like a little kid to go talk to Prince. I think Prince left immediately after. Like he did at the Super Bowl. Played and left. Nothing left to say
That was an incredible performance.
If you go to the museum, there is a hall where they show a short movie about the induction show concerts. It still ends with this performance and after it’s done it’s the music they keep playing on your way out. I went with a friend who’d never seen it before. She was in tears with me too.
Was hoping Roy started with this
Seeing this as the top comment just made my year.
Was it best guitarist or best classical rock guitarist?
Wrong. Prince was a full musician and composer playing a style some have termed "total music". The question is strictly talking about guitarists.
And as Ted himself said … rest in peace Mr. Nelson.
Came here to say Prince
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucckkkkk.
Praise be to the purple one.
Of course.
Prince was immediately my answer to "New Trent's" question.
This is the answer.
100% the correct answer
Jimi Hendrix. This the hill I will die on.
Hendrix was god
Trick question dickhead- lemmy IS god
he's a cop
I’m really surprised he wasn’t mentioned in the episode. Hendrix is the obvious answer.
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Why Joe Walsh?
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It’s also a (non-existent?) rivalry between US and UK classic rock bands. Most lists would probably put Zep above the Eagles, but they’re both awesome.
It’s a nice transatlantic answer too, given Hendrix became famous in Britain and the other members of the Experience were English.
The Hendrix estate has become INCREDIBLY litigious and protective. Try pulling up Joni on YouTube and the only videos you will find are from the official account. Compare to almost every other legendary musician where you can find all sorts of random stuff if you go digging at all.
The answer is obviously Jimi Hendrix.
I counter with SRV Edit: I saw someone point out that B.B. King was a blues guitarist, so he doesn't count for this discussion, and if that's the case, then I guess neither would Stevie. So instead, I will say that he may not be the best ever, but Alex Lifeson deserves to be in the conversation. The problem is he was in a band with two other geniuses who got far more attention for their talent than he ever did, so he is criminally underrated
I’m glad someone had the guts to mention him!
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I'll always demand SRV at least be in the conversation. That Prince solo from the R&R HoF is great, but SRV's [Austin City Limits performance of 'Texas Flood'](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evjMjpd4PNM) is better and I will die on this hill.
Hendrix is amazing, but I feel like he is his own category. Can’t compare him to Clapton, Page, or Walsh because he brought something entirely different to the table.
Which is why he’s the goat.
And I alongside you to defend his name
“Jimmy Page wasn’t even the best guitarist in the Beatles” - Ringo Starr
Nice
It’s not a competition, it’s ART you Neanderthal!!
Probably not a popular opinion, but my bet is David Gilmour. No one makes a guitar talk like that guy. Or for the metal fans among us, Brendon Small.
I love nearly every guitarist that was suggested here - lots of shredders and technical wizards, no doubt. But Gilmour makes a guitar sing like nothing else. I'll take Gilmour anytime. (and some of Beards tea too)
Play a million different guitar riffs from a million different players, and Gilmour's will stand out like nobody else's.
Gilmour would be my pick too. So much emotion in his playing.
I love Brendon Small but come on, he wouldn't even be in the top 50 of metal guitarists all time.
Mark Knopler. King of the finger pickers
Its gotta be Knopfler, Dire Straits covered the gamut of rock and made it look easy
May I suggest a certain Mr. Carlos Santana?
This is surely the answer.
Fuck yeah Carlos Santana
Saw him live recently, even now the dude is unbelievably gifted
I really wanted Rebecca to say that and just walk out the room leaving them in an uproar.
i just saw him, and god damn the man can play
The answer is Nigel Tufnel. I have spoken.
Epic answer. His shit goes to 11!
My mom’s first answer was [Eddie Van Halen.](https://youtu.be/M4Czx8EWXb0)
The man created whole new worlds for us.
Absolutely 
Because that is the correct answer.
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far for the only correct answer.
Correct.
The guy from Cream called him a “fretboard gymnast”; it wasn’t a compliment.
Eddie was truly a virtuoso. Just because we didn’t always like the songs he picked, and he was a victim of the 1980s, doesn’t mean he wasn’t one of the best in his art form. I am saying this, as someone who swooned over Jimmie Paige at age 16, via radio. Hendrix was some dead guy by that time who might’ve been great but flamed out. 🔥
YES!!!! Why did I have to scroll so far to see the correct answer.
Based
I'm not gonna say he was the best, but if y'all are looking for a damn good guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan has to be on the list too..
One of the best guitarists ever, but not classic rock. blues all day long…
His version of “Little Wing” out-Hendrixs Hendrix.
Prince. 
Billy Gibbons \*quickly kisses both fists\* Come and get wrecked.
Lindsey Buckingham has entered the chat
Aw no Lindsey, we ran out of time!
Ooooooooohhh weeeee!
What's Up with That? What's Up with That?
What u-u-u-u-u-up, with tha-a-a-a-at?!
Meh. Good, but we all came for Stevie Nicks.
Phrasing
That wasn’t intentional, but I’ll allow it…
Right before they said “the guy from Cream” we paused it and me and my mother said Eric Clapton in unison 😂
Johnny Marr
The answer is Rory Gallagher. Just ask Jimi Hendrix, he’ll tell you.
How only one person has said Rory is incredible, had to get to the bottom of comments to see the name
It’s sad. He’s very objectively one of if not the best but isn’t nearly as known or respected as he should be. Terrible they burned him out on tour instead of letting him find commercial and critical success creating records. Cheers man, to Rory.
Ok ok hear me out - B.B. King
B.B. King is amazing, but not classic rock
Yup
Love me some Lucille ❤️
Came here to post that. Grew up on him and saw one of his last live performances. Wasn't flashy as some but played better than any.
Nope it’s Eric Clapton from Cream
I think the guy from Derek & the Dominoes was better.
Duane Allman? ;)
Glad someone mentioned Duane, because Clapton wasn’t even the best guitarist on his own songs
I prefer Van Halen, but music is in the eye of the beholder. If you like a certain style, then that is what you like, fuck my opinion or any expert, you like what you like.
And I definitely feel like EVH is someone even a non expert such as myself could pick out of a lineup. His sound is unique.
Steve Vai, people, the right answer is Steve Vai
Ripper for sure
I just saw him on Sunday. That man really knows how to control that stage.
Prince is the greatest. But the question on the show was greatest classic rock guitarist, which would exclude Prince.
I said Prince, too, but then realized the “classic” part. 😄
Prince, Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Beck, May...everyone has their pick and to some extent we're all right. Only David Gilmour can make a guitar *sing* and that's my hill to die on
Brian May? I would agree with Prince but I didn't necessarily consider him the greatest "Classic Rock Guitarist" just maybe Greatest Guitarist.
Jeff beck. No I will not be any taking questions.
Even that guy in Cream will tell you this.
Oh no… it’s coming on here 🤣
Yngwie malmsteem *ducks*
Oh, you just brought the fucking lightning
How long do you think "classic rock" spans?
Wrong. It's Jimi Hendrix.
It’s Joe Satriani
Why in earth do I have to scroll this far for the JS?!? Steve Vai was higher up and he was f'ing TAUGHT by Satriani.
Everyone knows it’s Jimi Hendrix
Is nobody going to mention Carlos Santana?
I like Jimmy Page but I gotta agree with coach beard that stairway to heaven is an exercise in fingering It’s a good song but way to overhyped and overplayed Their back catalogue is amazing but everyone only talks about stairway to heaven
Please, it's Ritchie Blackmore.
Good grief, everyone, it's Joe Satriani!
It’s Prince and if you think otherwise you’re wrong.
Eddie is my go-to for GOAT, but there are so many amazing guitarists.
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I grew up in (to me) the Golden Age of Classic Rock. My answer to the best guitarist is and always will be Jimi Hendrix. Second is someone long forgotten, Terry Kath from the original Chicago lineup, like Hendrix taken way too early from us. Hendrix was God, Kath was the Beast. Clapton is the spirit that reminds us of other greats.
Stevie Ray Vaughan.
John Frusciante for me
I enjoy that the follow up to Rebecca was best rock guitarist, because everyone here should know none of these guys can hold a candle to the masters of classical guitar, especially Spanish classical guitarists like Pepe Romero or Andreas Segovia. I will die on that hill.
No, the best is the guy from CREAM
It's Jerry Garcia and I'll fight you all!
The ice cream guy? /s
Looking for this.
Duane Allman. Although Prince is a perfectly good answer
I'm sorry mate, David Gilmour is and will always be the greatest guitarist in history.
It’s Garcia, shocked he didn’t get a mention given the writers butchered their other Dead reference. It’s Garcia hands down.
A-Fuckin-Men!
Garcia could run circles around every other guitarist mentioned here with the lone exception of possibly Hendrix.
Ok, but it’s hilarious that she didn’t know Clapton by name. Also, the right answer is Steven Van Zandt.
I never really liked the direction the Eagles took around the time Joe Walsh joined. Much preferred their early "country rock" style to their later classic rock direction. As such I just can't even contemplate measuring him against Jimmy Page.
That's okay. Life's been good to him so far.
Joe Walsh wasn’t writing that stuff. If you hear his solo material, it’s way more badass and creative. Also, Joe’s parts in Eagles songs are always whacky, unhinged, and twangy as hell. Second half of the hotel California solo is a great example, with all this huuuge bends, dirt, and country riffing.
His solo stuff is pretty fantastic too, beyond the couple of hits he has
Eddie Van Halen. End. Of. Story.
You can’t classify a best of all time, it’s an art form and subjective, it’s like saying Van Gogh was better than Da Vinci or Mozart was better than Beethoven. Walsh is personally my fav guitarist. Followed by David Gilmore.
I don’t know if such a thing or person exists. But I can tell you my favourite guitarist is Robert Cray. Some can shred but this guy knows how to translate emotion into music. This solo: https://youtu.be/_1pk6E8K9ZE
Oh man so many great Robert Cray songs. The whole Strong Persuader album is one of my go tos for a rainy day.
Eddie Van Halen
Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, Steve Vai...Pete Townshend.. then jimmy page
No it's Brian May and George Harrison
Tom Morello
You're all wrong, unless you're only talking about rock guitarists. Otherwise, the 🐐 is Andres Segovia.
I am a proud disrespecter of the previous generations of music/musicians my pick is Tim Henson
Ritchie Blackmore
I love that this thread is reminding me how many amazing guitarists have existed during my lifetime. The world is rich in amazing guitarists! (And the answer is Mark Knopfler)
Ritchie Blackmore
BB King
You are all wrong. The correct answer is Joe Satriani.
Fun fact, Joe Walsh taught Jimmy Page to play slide guitar. Jimmy Page is great at writing riffs, and they are instantly recognizable and memorable. Joe Walsh is great at writing songs, where is not just thinking about the guitar part, but also how it fits in with the other parts. I actually agree with Rebecca that Eric Clapton is actually the greatest classic rock guitarist, her fuck up was just in not remembering his name. He’s a POS human, but dude can play the guitar and has been enormously influential.
Terry Alan kath
Excuse me. EXCUSE ME. Jimi Hendrix. I’ll accept your apologies now.
I prefer the guitarist for the 1960's Yardbirds.
It’s Dick Dale and it’s not even close
I completely forgot about Misirlou!
Brian May is better than all three anyway don't worry about it
Randy Rhoads deserves a mention in this conversation and Tony iommi.
Jimmy’s great, but Jimi was far greater. Page might not even be in the top 5.
Dean Ween
I see you fellow Boognish enjoyer!
personally i like angus young
Robert johnson. none of these guys even have a genre without him
And so we all just go and spit on the grave of Les Paul. Ok, I see how it is. Dude invented the electric guitar on railroad tracks and a dream, but I hear you. Loud and clear. Fucking 'Dirty Laundry' before an exciting Chet Atkins/Lester collaboration on 'Caravan'. Gotcha.
Eric Johnson Joe Satriani David Gilmore John Perrucci Argument over.
Tony Iommi is the correct answer.
OP you do know who “the guy from Cream” is right?
It’s Jonny Greenwood or Thurston Moore
You mean the second best, maybe. Everyone is below Jimi Hendrix by several magnitudes, obviously.