Top Ten Greatest Guitar Players

When learning another language, experts recommend that you immerse yourself in the language. The same principle applies when learning to play guitar. Listening to great guitar players can be a source of inspiration, can encourage you to keep practicing, and give you a goal to work toward. The following are the top ten greatest guitar players, listed in no particular order:

1. Jimi Hendrix - At one point, Hendrix couldn't get a break in Nashville, and he ended his backup days with Little Richard in a contract dispute. He quickly realized, however, the value of innovation in playing, as well as in putting on a stage show that fans would remember. It is his innovation, and his ability to play his guitar in any position with any body part, that consistently places him as one of the top rated guitarists ever.

2. Eric Clapton - Clapton can not only brag that he's considered one of the greatest rock guitarists and one of the greatest blues guitarists, but also that he has drawn huge crowds for his classical guitar concerts. His playing style is smooth, yet precise, and chords almost seem to flow from his fingertips.

3. Robert Johnson - Although modern guitar players will often complain that Robert Johnson was out of time, out of tune, and you cannot understand his vocals, style of playing was unlike anything else at the time, and set the pace for future generations of blues players. Johnson is also the guitar player often accused of having made the deal at the crossroads, selling his soul to the devil in order to be able to play.

4. Eddie Van Halen - The lightning speed and innovative sounds of Eddie Van Halen's guitar are easily recognizable. They are even more impressive when taking into consideration that he is completely self-taught, having never had any type of lesson. It has often been said, that it is easy for Eddie to be creative in his playing techniques because he was never told how he could or could not play.