Yep how did I know Alex Lifeson would be ommited, Thee most underrated creative guitarist in the history of rock, Rush usually are the ones not talked about, wonder why eh?
I love Lifeson and Rush. He may be underrated today (like a lot of rock musicians) but 42 years ago he was on the top of everyone's maestro guitarists lists. Rush were considered at that time to be the best musicians in Rock music. And I agree with that opinion.
Funny you mention Terry. Hendrix has said Rory Gallagher was the best guitarist in the world, Billy Gibbons was the best and finally Terry Kath was the best. I think Hendrix had one point right, they’re all the greatest! Anyone is the greatest on any given day.
You have one of the best music related channels on RUclips. Great choices! 3 very underrated guitarists for me are Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult, Zal Cleminson of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and the late Manny Charlton of Nazareth.
Buck is still my favorite guitarist. He can solo with the best of them, but his strength is in his melodic playing. And he NEVER gets any love on any of these lists, similar to the treatment of BÖC on band lists…
I saw Rory Gallagher back in 1980, and he was incredible. He played for 3 hours - never playing the same set twice - and encored with Souped Up Ford. Phenomenal.
Would love to see an appreciation of Rod Price and Dave Peverett from Foghat. Highly underrated guitar players and Rod took slide to places no one else ever imagined musically and in terms of being very exciting.
Good list - all excellent guitarists. A couple more I would like to mention are the late, great Tommy Bolin (Zephyr, Energy, James Gang, Billy Cobham's Spectrum album, Alphonse Mouzon's Mind Transplant album, Deep Purple, etc.); and the late, great Terry Kath of Chicago.
@@bobbykubichko7632 Yes I just saw a recent interview of bassist Leland Sklar who stated that Jeff Beck told him the Spectrum album and particularly the Stratus track were a big influence on him.
George Harrison's slide guitar on John Lennon's song Gimme Some Truth will always give me give me goosebumps. In my opinion both him and John are criminally underrated guitar players.
From Australia , totally agree on Rory Gallagher, I would also include Alvin Lee for such a great guitar player he did not get the qudos he deserved once TYA split in mid 70s he faded into obscurity but he was one of the greats , I'll throw in Gary Moore as well , Peace from down under
Johnny Winter and Live was my first exposure and I was blown away. I still say to this day the Winterland concert with Rick Deringer and Egar with him along with Foghat and Peter Framton was the best I've ever seen, and I've been too a lot Rock on!!!
Another great video Michael !! A couple i'd put on my list are Mick Box from Uriah Heep - a rock solid guitarist, with amazing use of the wah wah pedal. The other one is Rod Price from Foghat - find me a better slide guitarist in the blues / boogie rock genre!!
Hypnotized. Bob welch. Great song. I saw Lindsey play Oh Well on a Mosrite at a big Mac show in Houston. Solo for ten minutes. Almost. He wore a white suit that changed colors every time the light show did. Cool effect I used after that.
For the last 50 years I have been telling friends of rock and everyone else my 2 favorite guitar players were Rory Gallagher and Johnny Winter. Whenever they toured through the SF bay area in the 70's i was there and in the front of the stage. One more would be Alvin Lee.
Robert Fripp should be mentioned. Fracture by King Crimson is one of the hardest songs for a guitar player to play. Since we're on the subject Adrian Belew.
Bewitched and I Advance Masked with Andy Summers are great listens. I've seen Robert live not just with KC, but Peter Gabriel and his Crafty Guitar Guild. He has certainly created a style that stands out. Make Weird Music did a whole series trying to replicate Fractured (he finally pulled it off).
Yeah Rush's Alex Lifeson wasn't like Hendrix or one of the British hotshots that came out of the 60's like Beck, Page and Clapton, nor one of the 80's shredders that emerged from Eddie Van Halen, he just did his own thing and was an amazing all-around guitarist. If you're not convinced listen to pretty much any Rush album!
Steely Dan. That's some high level stuff in anybody's book of rock. Frank Marino and Trower are those unsung heroes that don't get enough credit. Here in spain I know a few die hard Rory Gallegher fans. He was quite special.
I saw Rory Gallagher open for Supertramp on their Crime of the Century tour, absolutely killed it. Agree about Montrose, his Open Fire is my favorite record although I got most his catalog. Winters cover of Jumpin Jack Flash is blistering to this day 50 years later. I would add Michael Bruce, Ken Hensley and Terry Kath to the underrated list.
David Gilmour is my absolute favorite guitarist. The goosebumps that I get when he plays are second to none. I am not afraid to admit this either, his playing has brought me to tears on occasion .
What's your thoughts on Angus Young? I think live Angus is smooth as butter especially that he uses nothing more than a Gibson SG and a Marshall. Not saying Angus is better than...however, I've seen the likes of Jimmy Page and Joe Perry live and Angus also had the edge live in my opinion.
Great list Mike! What do you think about Alvin Lee? He is another one that to me is brutally underrated and to my knowledge never makes any lists. His performance of I go home at Woodstock is pure early shredding that nearly nobody was doing at that time.
Robin Trower for tone and feel is my top choice. It is the notes he omits just as much as the notes played that make this guitarist so unique. Also a special mention for Ed Wynne (Ozric Tentacles). A virtuoso with feel and a great sense of melody. Finally the Hendrix influenced Frank Marino is a staggering guitarist and so underrated.
Mahogony Rush was the first rock group I ever heard live back in the 70s so Frank Marino is a sentimental favorite of mine. His playing is great, it's just a pity he didn't have better, more radio friendly original songs.
Bar none. Bridge of sighs comes straight from the gods of rock. Frank Marino is another one. Got lucky saw Frank at the L.A. stadium 'bout 45 years ago. Incedible.
Trower’s phrasing is completely unique and soaked with feeling. Such a master musician! Along with Jimmy Dewar, they didn’t make music, they made magic!!
Completely agree about George Harrison. His sound he developed late in the life of the Beatles is so distinct. You can always pick him out on any track where he lent his skill. One guitarist that needs more love and attention is the Moody Blues' Justin Hayward. Even when the Moodies changed their sound he kept his distinct style. I've always enjoyed how he develops a song.
Agree ! Justin Hayward ! I have seen The Moody Blues live. Justin Hayward is a great guitar player. Does not strut around the stage like a just plucked turkey, he just plays the guitar ! Check this out ! ruclips.net/video/02T8zY1btMc/видео.html&ab_channel=BobotZerimar
Hi Micheal! Great content, as usual. I wanted to show some love to a great guitarist that always seems to be overlooked: Elliot Easton of the Cars. The guitar sound of The Cars was diverse and powerful, and they are often cited by other bands as being a source of inspiration. Somehow, Elliot is almost always lost in the discussion of great guitarists. Take care. E
Bobby Cochran from Steppenwolf, Chris Hayes from Huey Lewis and the News, and Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad, and every guitarist who has worked for the Allman Brothers Band are my picks. Ahhh, and my poor Steve Gaines from Lynyrd Skynyrd deserves a huge praise as well. How about Kerry Livgren of Kansas ?
You make me a happy man as I was thinking of Chris Hayes but thought I would be laughed at and derided. But whatever people think of HLN Chris Hayes was a dam fine rock guitarist. He later moved into more jazz territory but the highlights of any HLN concert for me were the guitar solos from Chris. What passion. He lifted every song to a higher level with his solos which often were so melodic and yet unique.
Michael Schenker (Scorpions, UFO, etc.) is highly underrated. His melodic riffs can be best heard on the UFO album "Strangers in the Night". Also, Uli Jon Roth ex-Scorpions guitarist is underrated.
I've sort of been rediscovering Steely Dan with Acoustic Sounds UHQR LP's being released. Hard to believe just how long ago that was now, and what an incredible catalog they put together in just 8 years. One great guitarist who actually shunned the commercial guitar god title is Bill Nelson. He's really always been an artist first, which I have to admire. And people always giggle when I mention Glenn Campbell.
I get you on Campbell, brother. People forget he was part of "The Wrecking Crew" and his solo work (especially Witchita Lineman) is some of the most thought-provoking music of any genre to date
I agree with others that mentioned Alex Lifeson. His leads are truly original in my opinion. And as a couple of honorable mentions, I would say I never heard much about Pat Travers or Al Di Meola over the years. The albums Putting it Straight and Elegant Gypsy are still 2 of my favorites to this day.
Top 10 underrated guitarists: - Janick Gers ( Gillan, Iron Maiden) - Reb Beach ( Winger, Whitesnake) - Ronni Le Tekro (T'N'T) - Wes Borland ( Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson) - Graham Coxon (Blur) - John Narum (Europe) - Andy Scott (Sweet) - Andy Taylor (Duran Duran, Power Station) - Prince - Vicki Peterson (The Bangles)
It was Bob Welch on Hypnotized. Welch era Mac didn't get enough credit. Him leaving prompted bringing in Buckingham, Nick's. Completely agree, Buckingham is amazingly underrated. Good choices today. George Harrison vastly underrated.
@@mitchconnerandsometimesjlotoo I agree. Fleetwood said there was graffiti around town, “Clapton is god”, which was answered by Graffiti that said, “Peter Green is better than god”.
The Hendrix story about Rory was true. .I saw Rory several times in the 70s and he never disappointed. His live appearances were always on point (check out his Live in Europe album, first track "Messing with the Kid"), and on meeting him he was a genuinely nice, humble guy. He was taken from us way too early and he is sorely missed by many many people. RIP Rory, you were a true original. Thank you. You are so correct about George Harrison, just listen to all those great Beatles recordings and the hooky riffs, great chords and solo's he came up with !. And when you talk of vocabulary, Steely Dan are probably at the pinnacle of my list, they cover all genres and influences in their music and they do it with phenomenal taste and flair. Larry Carlton plays probably one of the best solos ever performed in "Kid Charlemagne".
Same as me, I remember him being on in my town ( Liverpool) and I knew of him, but I didn’t know really any of his songs. What have I missed..I’d go as far as to say..who is better than him?
Excellent list and well presented. Some compelling choices. 1000% with you in Johnny Winter. Saw him in Central Park in 1980. It was the most amazing, almost supernatural guitar performance I've ever witnessed. My own list would include Roy Buchanan and Brian Setzer.
How about the late Alvin Lee from Ten Years After? Fastest Fingers In The West. His "I'm Going Home" at Woodstock. His song "Bluest Blue." Even his middle of the song riff on "I'd Love To Change The World." Very under rated and not so well known.
Lonnie Mack always comes to mind when I think of underappreciated guitar players. Not just for skill but for being a pioneer in the evolution of blues rock guitar. His instrumental records in the early 60s raised the bar for technique, precision and speed. The British invasion happened just as his career was taking off and it would be a couple years before blues rock guitar playing finally caught up.
My pick would be Gary Moore. He has two yt tunes, Parisienne Walkways and Still Got the Blues with 150m views, more than most in the RS 's lists he doesn't make. Moore was where the bar was at when I was a kid in the 80s and it was a very high bar.
Gary is one third of my Holy Trinity of Guitar, along with Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth. Gary Moore could play any style of music. He was one of the true masters and is sorely missed.
Yes along with Rory Gallagher, unfortunately I never got to see. As for Gary my first ever concert I got to see him with Thin Lizzy, then on his own at Donnington in the 1980’s.
I wold throw in Mike Campbell from the Heartbreakers. Also, I know he's not rock, but I've seen Junior Brown twice in concert and he absolutely rips it up with just him and his guit-steel, rhythm guitarist, and percussion.
I don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but the man's name is Elliott Randall, not Randall Elliott. He plays the unforgettable solos on "Kings" and "Reelin' in the Years" on Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy a Thrill.
Love the commentary on tone chasing vs vocabulary. Tone is like how loud you can shout, but with the right vocabulary you could whisper the most powerful emotion wrenching lines. Guitar is a wonderful thing and were just scratching the surface of the instruments potential for years to come. 🎸
Phil Keaggy, John Sykes, Reb Beach, Phil Collin, Billy Gibbons, Junior Brown, Andy McKee and David Flett...and you are right about Jerry Cantrell also tending to be underrated. Really good musician and guitarist.
@@Angela-co6oj , I read somewhere once that when asked how it felt to be the best guitar player, Eric Clapton replied, I don't know, go ask Phil Keaggy. Some people may feel it is a minor inconvenience, but to be a finger stylist, while missing a middle finger is amazing to me personally.
Agreed all great players! I started playing drums in 1964 but have always liked guitarists and one of my favorites is Tommy Bolin! James Gang Bang, Teaser, Come Taste the band and Private Eyes 👀 all great guitar 🎸 albums!
Leslie West. Loved by many more famous/ better rated guitar players. Incredible “ tone” and economy of notes. Check out any album by Mountain or his so album “ Still Climbing”.
Listen to Phil Keaggy's album "Crimson And Blue". A classic with many different styles from Hendrix to the Beatles to Joe Walsh, etc. Phil is also killer on the acoustic. Many great performances of Phil on RUclips as well. The same goes for Frank Marino. Back in the early seventies I was told by a couple of older friends that you could go to Kent, Ohio and hear Glass Harp playing one venue and The James Gang playing another venue on the same night. How cool would that be?
@@216trixie I have seen him 7/8 times. With Glass Harp 3 times. Glass Harp was playing in the Kent, Ohio area on a fairly regular basis before the pandemic. John Sferra, the drummer was having some very serious health issues. I haven't heard how he is doing. I would love to see Glass Harp again.
You are so spot on with Mr. Buckingham, took the wife to see Fleetwood Mac some years ago and he put on a show, a great guitarist and was a pleasure to watch him put on a amazing show
Brian May is probably my favorite, and I like most of your list. There are a couple of guitarists that play other kinds of music that I would have to put on my list: Roy Clark and BB King. And, although he's not mainstream, or really famous, Junior Brown puts on a hell on an entertaining show (seen him twice).
@@proudman6598 - It’s Gorham. He was really good; melodic and tasteful, but Gary was in another universe than Gorham and many players being mentioned in this comment section. The guy could play literally any style. His rock, blues and fusion records feature some of the most intense, thrilling, high-octane guitar ever recorded!
Also wanted to add that listening and watching your videos is not only a learning experience but motivates me to listen to other artists that I haven’t followed that closely, including Queen and Warren Zevon.
You get a lot of love just for being so rad. This kind of topic is so hard to talk about because of how everyone interprets guitar playing and inculcates the craft but good points none the less. The only thing I’ll chirp on here is that Johnny winters slide guitar is grotesquely underrated and I prefer it much more to Harrison. I love Harrison’s sitar esque slide but when I’m in the mood for that sort of thing, I grab Buchanan, Winter or Bloomfield for that extreme vocal aesthetic. Thank you for the fun and titillating content, maestro!
There`s no end to this list really, plenty of incredible players that haven`t attained as much credit as they deserved, with such names as Richard Thompson, Alvin Lee, Roy Buchanan, Jeff Healy, Stephen Stills, and loads more I`m sure, so keep them coming. 😎🎸
Buckingham is so underrated. My all time favourite live guitar solo is I’m So Afraid from the FM Live album. It still sends shivers down my spine after all these years
Steely Dan took mastery of music theory, mastery of their instruments, and made popular music out of it. That is harder to do than it seems. David Gilmour is not under rated in the guitar world, kind of like Jake e lee, not necessarily a household name but highly respected and well known amongst musicians and music industry. Most guitarists consider David to be the master of note selection, space and phrasing.
Michael, Man, I love your vids. I agree with you about Jimmy Page. He was also a master arranger. A brilliant musician! I also agree with you on George Harrison. Great taste and creativity. And although I love Duane (and the Allman Brothers), George is my favorite slide player, ever. Soulful and melodic with that melancholy thing. That's goosebump stuff!
Great list Michael, it is an almost never-ending list when you think about it. Some honorable mentions are: Jeff Healy, Colin James, Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush), Ric Emmet (Triumph), Mike Campbell (T.P. & the Heartbreakers), Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar) & Kirk Hammet (Metallica)
My top 10 guitarist (underrated or not) - 1Jimmy Page 2Alex Lifeson 3Tony Iommi 4David Gilmore 5Jeff Beck 6Martin Barre' 7Ritchie Blackmore 8Angus Young 9Warren Demartini 10 Vivian Cambell 9 and 10 are more flashy, but still had good vocabulary in their playing. Runner up's - Dave Murray and Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden were tasty
You hit the nail on the head with Lindsay Buckingham.....Jerry Cantrell too...Both are exceptional players, and both are in my top 10. Greatness embodies both. Great video...
Hi Michael, what a great topic underrated guitarists. Rankings are as complicated as they are personal. There are many great guitarists in bands I never cared for. Not often, the guitar player alone pulls me in as a fan, but it does happen. I agree that George Harrison is underrated. it seems many don't or can't appreciate an entire catalog of many of rocks' most loved songs with the best opening guitar hooks and tasty playing ever. By the way, there was a humbleness to Jimi Hendrix, who sits on the guitar throne when referring to the greatest guitarist. I've heard 3 names now, Buddy Guy being the first.
Barry Bailey of Atlanta Rhythm is highly underrated and underappreciated - great phrasing and tone. And John McFee of the Doobie Brothers gets lost in that band but plays so tastefully.
Great list. So many greats that never get mentioned. It's about time Jerry Cantrell got credit! It would be great if you could do something on the the great punk & alternative guitarists that never get mentioned. Especially since you like the riff masters. Captain Sensible, John McGeoch, Dave Navarro, Jonny Greenwood, John Fruciante, Billy Corgan, Kim Thayill, Mike Mcready, etc... and what about Wayne Kramer?!!
Thanks!
Thank yOU Richard! I just saw this, so I’m so sorry about the late response! Straight to a pinned comment of course!
Alex Lifeson is incredibly underrated! His solos on “La Villa Strangiato” and “Limelight” are absolutely hypnotizing!
I'm just adding a comment we all know he is the most underrated
Yep how did I know Alex Lifeson would be ommited, Thee most underrated creative guitarist in the history of rock, Rush usually are the ones not talked about, wonder why eh?
@@neonskyline1 I'm thinking jealousy
I love Lifeson and Rush. He may be underrated today (like a lot of rock musicians) but 42 years ago he was on the top of everyone's maestro guitarists lists. Rush were considered at that time to be the best musicians in Rock music. And I agree with that opinion.
He is my #2. Such a great player
Terry Kath Definitely Is underrated.
No doubt. One of the best
Terry was a great singer as well. A very distinctive voice.
@@specter080 Oh for sure. One of my favorite singers.
Funny you mention Terry. Hendrix has said Rory Gallagher was the best guitarist in the world, Billy Gibbons was the best and finally Terry Kath was the best.
I think Hendrix had one point right, they’re all the greatest! Anyone is the greatest on any given day.
@@robiandolo That’s A Great Point. It’s Definitely Hard To Deny Anything Hendrix Says About The Guitar lol.
2 roys Roy Clark and Roy Buchanan. So underrated and undervalued their technique and picking was so amazing. Had feelings emotions soul as well
Don't sleep on Glenn Campbell, either, as part of The Wrecking Crew, and later, his solo work.
I couldn’t agree more!
@@KathySandru Totally agree with you about Glen. So good!
Glen was dazzling! Total package, brilliant musical talent!
Roy Clark for sure, he could do everything 🥇
You have one of the best music related channels on RUclips. Great choices! 3 very underrated guitarists for me are Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult, Zal Cleminson of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and the late Manny Charlton of Nazareth.
Totally agree with you on Buck Dharma from Blue Oyster Cult! Criminally underrated!
Buck is still my favorite guitarist. He can solo with the best of them, but his strength is in his melodic playing. And he NEVER gets any love on any of these lists, similar to the treatment of BÖC on band lists…
I saw Rory Gallagher back in 1980, and he was incredible. He played for 3 hours - never playing the same set twice - and encored with Souped Up Ford. Phenomenal.
I attended a Rory Gallagher concert when he toured Australia back in 1980. He was awesome!
David Gilmour gets more feeling out of a single note bend than any "shredder" gets off an entire fusion album....in my opinion...cheers Michael
True. But David Gilmour doesn't make this list, he is highly regarded.
@@216trixie agree
He’s highly regarded.
A great guitarist who rarely gets mentioned is Bill Nelson of Be Bop Deluxe.
Thought provoking list!
Great choice !!!
I just mentioned him as well.
Yes, was my comment also.
Bill Nelson is probably the greatest guitarist of all time.
Buck Dharma from Blue Oyster Cult
Yes. "Hypnotized" was Bob Welch. Great drumming. Great guitar. Great lyrics. Great song.
My favorite Fleetwood Mac member hands down
Would love to see an appreciation of Rod Price and Dave Peverett from Foghat. Highly underrated guitar players and Rod took slide to places no one else ever imagined musically and in terms of being very exciting.
Rod also played those pinch harmonics on par with Billy Gibbons!
Don't forget their former bandmate in Savoy Brown Kim Simmons .
@@clouddog2393 You're right.....I had forgotten.
Rolling Stone had the Edge at 27 and Van Halen at 86.
Frank Marino is not just underrated, but often totally overlooked. Mahogany Rush was the first band I saw live, and Frank was amazing.
Saw him at Cal Jam 2 . He was on late at night and was the best of the show imo
Criminally underrated.
Zak Wylde had him on his list.
@@walkawaycat431Yeah, I think I saw that somewhere. Good on him for that!
@@interstellardave Right.
Good list - all excellent guitarists. A couple more I would like to mention are the late, great Tommy Bolin (Zephyr, Energy, James Gang, Billy Cobham's Spectrum album, Alphonse Mouzon's Mind Transplant album, Deep Purple, etc.); and the late, great Terry Kath of Chicago.
Two of my favorites - thanks Gary H!
@@davidcameron9902 Tragically, both died way too young. Imagine the music those two would have brought to us had they lived longer.
Bolin, Kath, Gary Richrath - REO great guitarist often overlooked just like Tommy and Terry
Spectrum influenced Jeff back
@@bobbykubichko7632 Yes I just saw a recent interview of bassist Leland Sklar who stated that Jeff Beck told him the Spectrum album and particularly the Stratus track were a big influence on him.
George Harrison's slide guitar on John Lennon's song Gimme Some Truth will always give me give me goosebumps. In my opinion both him and John are criminally underrated guitar players.
Completely agree. People tend to overlook them because they were part of the Beatles.
@@linkz35 I agree with you 100%!
Lennon’s rhythm part on All My Loving 😳 rapid fire triplets 👌🏻
Not even close to the slide work from Duane on Layla.
George Harrison did not have to prove anything ! He was the lead guitarist, singer, songwriter with The Beatles !
Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter, Tommy Bolin, Terry Kath, Bill Nelson, Steve Hillage to name a few
Agreed.
Terry Kath needs to be here.
@@danielbowden6330 Agreed!
Yep, Big fan of all of these... Great call with Bill Nelson & Steve Hillage.
Mark Knopfler.Unique, unconventional and brilliant.
And his idol, Hank B. Marvin! 👌✌️✌️
From Australia , totally agree on Rory Gallagher, I would also include Alvin Lee for such a great guitar player he did not get the qudos he deserved once TYA split in mid 70s he faded into obscurity but he was one of the greats , I'll throw in Gary Moore as well , Peace from down under
Johnny Winter and Live was my first exposure and I was blown away. I still say to this day the Winterland concert with Rick Deringer and Egar with him along with Foghat and Peter Framton was the best I've ever seen, and I've been too a lot
Rock on!!!
And your ears are still ringing.
There was no other venue like Winterland, it was going through the looking glass.
@Matt Bonneville Actually Elvin Bishop hurt my hearing at the Brookdale Lodge in 1998. Never been the same since. I swear he turned it up to 11, Lol
There are 2 that should be on the top of that list. John McLaughlin - Mahavishnu Orchestra and Jan Akkerman - Focus.
Another great video Michael !! A couple i'd put on my list are Mick Box from Uriah Heep - a rock solid guitarist, with amazing use of the wah wah pedal. The other one is Rod Price from Foghat - find me a better slide guitarist in the blues / boogie rock genre!!
Michael Schenker is my favorite guitarist, I just love his work in UFO and MSG. I don't think he gets enough love.
He's a guitar legend. He influenced many, many guitar players in the 80s.
+1 for Schenker and how about Uli Jon Roth? They’re the two-headed beast of early Euro-metal! My two favorite players!
@@crusheverything4449 OMG I love Roth's playing on "Tokyo Tapes". I'm not familiar with his post-Scorpions work. Anyway, he's amazing.
Robert Cray is the best I have seen live that I never hear anyone talk about!
Hypnotized. Bob welch. Great song. I saw Lindsey play Oh Well on a Mosrite at a big Mac show in Houston. Solo for ten minutes. Almost. He wore a white suit that changed colors every time the light show did. Cool effect I used after that.
For the last 50 years I have been telling friends of rock and everyone else my 2 favorite guitar players were Rory Gallagher and Johnny Winter. Whenever they toured through the SF bay area in the 70's i was there and in the front of the stage. One more would be Alvin Lee.
Robert Fripp should be mentioned. Fracture by King Crimson is one of the hardest songs for a guitar player to play. Since we're on the subject Adrian Belew.
Woman praised by Fripp nails Fracture ruclips.net/video/RvYxSSu3cOs/видео.html
Bewitched and I Advance Masked with Andy Summers are great listens. I've seen Robert live not just with KC, but Peter Gabriel and his Crafty Guitar Guild. He has certainly created a style that stands out. Make Weird Music did a whole series trying to replicate Fractured (he finally pulled it off).
I don't think Fripp is under-rated
Yeah Rush's Alex Lifeson wasn't like Hendrix or one of the British hotshots that came out of the 60's like Beck, Page and Clapton, nor one of the 80's shredders that emerged from Eddie Van Halen, he just did his own thing and was an amazing all-around guitarist. If you're not convinced listen to pretty much any Rush album!
Steely Dan. That's some high level stuff in anybody's book of rock. Frank Marino and Trower are those unsung heroes that don't get enough credit. Here in spain I know a few die hard Rory Gallegher fans. He was quite special.
FRANK!
Rory Gallagher, unbelievable Tommy Emmanuel. Unbelievable and their catalog is amazing
I saw Rory Gallagher open for Supertramp on their Crime of the Century tour, absolutely killed it. Agree about Montrose, his Open Fire is my favorite record although I got most his catalog. Winters cover of Jumpin Jack Flash is blistering to this day 50 years later. I would add Michael Bruce, Ken Hensley and Terry Kath to the underrated list.
Rory is also a fabulous acoustic player.
David Gilmour is my absolute favorite guitarist. The goosebumps that I get when he plays are second to none. I am not afraid to admit this either, his playing has brought me to tears on occasion .
See my comment!
Those are the best moments, to be so moved by the music. What a 🎁 the 🎼 can be!
What's your thoughts on Angus Young? I think live Angus is smooth as butter especially that he uses nothing more than a Gibson SG and a Marshall. Not saying Angus is better than...however, I've seen the likes of Jimmy Page and Joe Perry live and Angus also had the edge live in my opinion.
If you’re a true human being , you’ve been brought to tears by Gilmour’s exquisite playing.
@@helenespaulding7562 As on “ Comfortably Numb “, live from “ Pulse”!
Great list Mike! What do you think about Alvin Lee? He is another one that to me is brutally underrated and to my knowledge never makes any lists. His performance of I go home at Woodstock is pure early shredding that nearly nobody was doing at that time.
Great shout mate , love that bit of WOODSTOCK.
@@briantranter4317 George Harrison had Alvin Lee on All Things Must Pass. He must've been good.
Any discussions of underrated guitarists that doesn't include Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner is... incomplete. Keep up the great work Chief!
Chris DeGarmo also should be considered for this list. Great tone, fascinating vocabulary, vastly versatile and amazing guitar storytelling.
Great back up vocals as well.
Robin Trower for tone and feel is my top choice. It is the notes he omits just as much as the notes played that make this guitarist so unique. Also a special mention for Ed Wynne (Ozric Tentacles). A virtuoso with feel and a great sense of melody. Finally the Hendrix influenced Frank Marino is a staggering guitarist and so underrated.
Choosing what to play and when to be silent is at least as important as anything else.
Mahogony Rush was the first rock group I ever heard live back in the 70s so Frank Marino is a sentimental favorite of mine. His playing is great, it's just a pity he didn't have better, more radio friendly original songs.
@@georgeedward1226 Agreed but 'Strange Dreams' i believe was a minor hit for him.
Bar none. Bridge of sighs comes straight from the gods of rock.
Frank Marino is another one. Got lucky saw Frank at the L.A. stadium 'bout 45 years ago. Incedible.
Trower’s phrasing is completely unique and soaked with feeling. Such a master musician! Along with Jimmy Dewar, they didn’t make music, they made magic!!
Completely agree about George Harrison. His sound he developed late in the life of the Beatles is so distinct. You can always pick him out on any track where he lent his skill.
One guitarist that needs more love and attention is the Moody Blues' Justin Hayward. Even when the Moodies changed their sound he kept his distinct style. I've always enjoyed how he develops a song.
Agree ! Justin Hayward ! I have seen The Moody Blues live. Justin Hayward is a great guitar player. Does not strut around the stage like a just plucked turkey, he just plays the guitar ! Check this out ! ruclips.net/video/02T8zY1btMc/видео.html&ab_channel=BobotZerimar
Justin Hayward’s awesome guitar playing was overshadowed by his incredible singing. What an artist!!
Hi Micheal! Great content, as usual. I wanted to show some love to a great guitarist that always seems to be overlooked: Elliot Easton of the Cars. The guitar sound of The Cars was diverse and powerful, and they are often cited by other bands as being a source of inspiration. Somehow, Elliot is almost always lost in the discussion of great guitarists. Take care. E
Elliot Easton always seemed to play the perfect solo for every song! Good call, man!!
Bobby Cochran from Steppenwolf, Chris Hayes from Huey Lewis and the News, and Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad, and every guitarist who has worked for the Allman Brothers Band are my picks. Ahhh, and my poor Steve Gaines from Lynyrd Skynyrd deserves a huge praise as well. How about Kerry Livgren of Kansas ?
You make me a happy man as I was thinking of Chris Hayes but thought I would be laughed at and derided. But whatever people think of HLN Chris Hayes was a dam fine rock guitarist. He later moved into more jazz territory but the highlights of any HLN concert for me were the guitar solos from Chris. What passion. He lifted every song to a higher level with his solos which often were so melodic and yet unique.
Kerry Livgren is certainly no slouch on guitar, equally adept on piano and keys and wrote some of the best music ever, IMO.
Lindsey Buckingham.
Absolutely Amazing
Michael Schenker (Scorpions, UFO, etc.) is highly underrated. His melodic riffs can be best heard on the UFO album "Strangers in the Night". Also, Uli Jon Roth ex-Scorpions guitarist is underrated.
I've sort of been rediscovering Steely Dan with Acoustic Sounds UHQR LP's being released. Hard to believe just how long ago that was now, and what an incredible catalog they put together in just 8 years. One great guitarist who actually shunned the commercial guitar god title is Bill Nelson. He's really always been an artist first, which I have to admire. And people always giggle when I mention Glenn Campbell.
I get you on Campbell, brother. People forget he was part of "The Wrecking Crew" and his solo work (especially Witchita Lineman) is some of the most thought-provoking music of any genre to date
Glen Campbell was a total badass in the body of a country gentleman. He had chops for freakin’ days!!
I agree with others that mentioned Alex Lifeson. His leads are truly original in my opinion. And as a couple of honorable mentions, I would say I never heard much about Pat Travers or Al Di Meola over the years. The albums Putting it Straight and Elegant Gypsy are still 2 of my favorites to this day.
Man, I played both of those ‘til the stylus poked through the records! Great stuff!!
Top 10 underrated guitarists:
- Janick Gers ( Gillan, Iron Maiden)
- Reb Beach ( Winger, Whitesnake)
- Ronni Le Tekro (T'N'T)
- Wes Borland ( Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson)
- Graham Coxon (Blur)
- John Narum (Europe)
- Andy Scott (Sweet)
- Andy Taylor (Duran Duran, Power Station)
- Prince
- Vicki Peterson (The Bangles)
Great choices. I totally agree with you about the Andys - Scott and Taylor. 😊
It was Bob Welch on Hypnotized. Welch era Mac didn't get enough credit. Him leaving prompted bringing in Buckingham, Nick's. Completely agree, Buckingham is amazingly underrated. Good choices today. George Harrison vastly underrated.
Green and Buckingham are epic.
@@mitchconnerandsometimesjlotoo I agree. Fleetwood said there was graffiti around town, “Clapton is god”, which was answered by Graffiti that said, “Peter Green is better than god”.
What's your take on Fripp? Leslie West ? Alvin Lee ?
The Hendrix story about Rory was true. .I saw Rory several times in the 70s and he never disappointed. His live appearances were always on point (check out his Live in Europe album, first track "Messing with the Kid"), and on meeting him he was a genuinely nice, humble guy. He was taken from us way too early and he is sorely missed by many many people. RIP Rory, you were a true original. Thank you. You are so correct about George Harrison, just listen to all those great Beatles recordings and the hooky riffs, great chords and solo's he came up with !. And when you talk of vocabulary, Steely Dan are probably at the pinnacle of my list, they cover all genres and influences in their music and they do it with phenomenal taste and flair. Larry Carlton plays probably one of the best solos ever performed in "Kid Charlemagne".
Rory was awesome I only got into his music recently and wish I would have listened to him back in high school in the 70's!
Same as me, I remember him being on in my town ( Liverpool) and I knew of him, but I didn’t know really any of his songs. What have I missed..I’d go as far as to say..who is better than him?
Excellent list and well presented. Some compelling choices. 1000% with you in Johnny Winter. Saw him in Central Park in 1980. It was the most amazing, almost supernatural guitar performance I've ever witnessed.
My own list would include Roy Buchanan and Brian Setzer.
Is that the bloke on CNN .
How did you guess?
How about the late Alvin Lee from Ten Years After? Fastest Fingers In The West. His "I'm Going Home" at Woodstock. His song "Bluest Blue." Even his middle of the song riff on "I'd Love To Change The World." Very under rated and not so well known.
Alex Lifeson Neil Schon
Lonnie Mack always comes to mind when I think of underappreciated guitar players. Not just for skill but for being a pioneer in the evolution of blues rock guitar. His instrumental records in the early 60s raised the bar for technique, precision and speed. The British invasion happened just as his career was taking off and it would be a couple years before blues rock guitar playing finally caught up.
My pick would be Gary Moore. He has two yt tunes, Parisienne Walkways and Still Got the Blues with 150m views, more than most in the RS 's lists he doesn't make. Moore was where the bar was at when I was a kid in the 80s and it was a very high bar.
Gary is one third of my Holy Trinity of Guitar, along with Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth. Gary Moore could play any style of music. He was one of the true masters and is sorely missed.
Yes along with Rory Gallagher, unfortunately I never got to see. As for Gary my first ever concert I got to see him with Thin Lizzy, then on his own at Donnington in the 1980’s.
Jimi Hendrix says that about every guitarist because he was that cool
All good choices. I would add Mike Campbell, Gary Moore, Terry Kath, Ritchie Blackmore and Michael Schenker.
I wold throw in Mike Campbell from the Heartbreakers. Also, I know he's not rock, but I've seen Junior Brown twice in concert and he absolutely rips it up with just him and his guit-steel, rhythm guitarist, and percussion.
I don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but the man's name is Elliott Randall, not Randall Elliott. He plays the unforgettable solos on "Kings" and "Reelin' in the Years" on Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy a Thrill.
I agree with you: "Hypnotized" is my favorite Fleetwood Mac song...
Love the commentary on tone chasing vs vocabulary.
Tone is like how loud you can shout, but with the right vocabulary you could whisper the most powerful emotion wrenching lines.
Guitar is a wonderful thing and were just scratching the surface of the instruments potential for years to come. 🎸
Phil Keaggy, John Sykes, Reb Beach, Phil Collin, Billy Gibbons, Junior Brown, Andy McKee and David Flett...and you are right about Jerry Cantrell also tending to be underrated. Really good musician and guitarist.
Nice, you menioned Phil Keaggy.
@@Angela-co6oj , I read somewhere once that when asked how it felt to be the best guitar player, Eric Clapton replied, I don't know, go ask Phil Keaggy.
Some people may feel it is a minor inconvenience, but to be a finger stylist, while missing a middle finger is amazing to me personally.
Agreed all great players! I started playing drums in 1964 but have always liked guitarists and one of my favorites is Tommy Bolin! James Gang Bang, Teaser, Come Taste the band and Private Eyes 👀 all great guitar 🎸 albums!
Yes, agreed! Tommy Bolin was an astonishing guitarist. HIs work on Billy Cobham's Spectrum album is incredible.
@@garyh.238 ya love Spectrum Great album!
Teaser is my favorite by him.
Leslie West. Loved by many more famous/ better rated guitar players. Incredible “ tone” and economy of notes. Check out any album by Mountain or his so album “ Still Climbing”.
Wow Michael, you mention Page, Rory, Buckingham, Cantrell, Harrison, the Fleetwood tune Hypnotized… you sure got me intrigued, love your channel…
Randy California of Spirit, a great catalogue of albums from 1967(when he was 16) to 1997. Saw him live many times, one of the finest for me!
Frank Marino from Mahogany Rush and Phil Keaggy from Glass Harp are vastly underrated in my opinion.
Agreed!!
Listen to Phil Keaggy's album "Crimson And Blue". A classic with many different styles from Hendrix to the Beatles to Joe Walsh, etc. Phil is also killer on the acoustic. Many great performances of Phil on RUclips as well. The same goes for Frank Marino. Back in the early seventies I was told by a couple of older friends that you could go to Kent, Ohio and hear Glass Harp playing one venue and The James Gang playing another venue on the same night. How cool would that be?
I've seen Phil in concert 12 or 14 times. One of my early favorites.
@@216trixie I have seen him 7/8 times. With Glass Harp 3 times. Glass Harp was playing in the Kent, Ohio area on a fairly regular basis before the pandemic. John Sferra, the drummer was having some very serious health issues. I haven't heard how he is doing. I would love to see Glass Harp again.
FRANK!!!
You are so spot on with Mr. Buckingham, took the wife to see Fleetwood Mac some years ago and he put on a show, a great guitarist and was a pleasure to watch him put on a amazing show
Johnny Winter always has been my personal Number 1, glad to see him mentioned. I need to mention the Canadian Riff-Master Frank Marino.
Frank!!!
Anyone who doesn’t rate David Gilmour should be forced to listen to “ Comfortably Numb” from “ Pulse” live 1994.
He usually makes the lists, perhaps not as high as he should be though
just listened for the first time after seeing your comment… literal tears 🙏
@@quintonrb25 you’re among many there my friend.
check out andrey kolarevs version on yt.
Buckingham and Cantrell are both great picks for me as well. Hypnotized my favorite Mac song too. They say great minds think alike, ay Michael?
Brian May is probably my favorite, and I like most of your list. There are a couple of guitarists that play other kinds of music that I would have to put on my list: Roy Clark and BB King. And, although he's not mainstream, or really famous, Junior Brown puts on a hell on an entertaining show (seen him twice).
You missed out the greatest of all time and the most underrated: Gary Moore. George Harrison said that Gary made him look like a skiffler !
Greatest of all time? No. But this is great ruclips.net/video/pvu7Y91xUKM/видео.html
Don't forget Scott Goram from Lizzy.
@@proudman6598 - It’s Gorham. He was really good; melodic and tasteful, but Gary was in another universe than Gorham and many players being mentioned in this comment section. The guy could play literally any style. His rock, blues and fusion records feature some of the most intense, thrilling, high-octane guitar ever recorded!
Frank marino is one the most underrated guitar player of all time.
Love these videos. Thank you for that and for the recognition of artists like Andy Summers and the Police, David Gilmour, YES, and Steely Dan.
Also wanted to add that listening and watching your videos is not only a learning experience but motivates me to listen to other artists that I haven’t followed that closely, including Queen and Warren Zevon.
Once again you are spot on. Thank you for a great video.
Totally agree with you on George Harrison and Andy Summers.
You get a lot of love just for being so rad. This kind of topic is so hard to talk about because of how everyone interprets guitar playing and inculcates the craft but good points none the less. The only thing I’ll chirp on here is that Johnny winters slide guitar is grotesquely underrated and I prefer it much more to Harrison. I love Harrison’s sitar esque slide but when I’m in the mood for that sort of thing, I grab Buchanan, Winter or Bloomfield for that extreme vocal aesthetic. Thank you for the fun and titillating content, maestro!
I think Ted nugent is underrated I know people don’t like his politics but his music is definitely worth checking out
Most people don't know that Frank Zappa was a badass guitar player.
Criss Oliva - Savatage (RIP)
I was pleased to see Lindsey Buckingham on this list. His name was the first that occurred to me when I read the title.
I saw Rory, at B’ginnings in Schaumburg, Illinois around 1979 or 1980. He is very underrated. Good one.
There`s no end to this list really, plenty of incredible players that haven`t attained as much credit as they deserved, with such names as
Richard Thompson, Alvin Lee, Roy Buchanan, Jeff Healy, Stephen Stills, and loads more I`m sure, so keep them coming. 😎🎸
Buckingham is so underrated. My all time favourite live guitar solo is I’m So Afraid from the FM Live album. It still sends shivers down my spine after all these years
Steely Dan took mastery of music theory, mastery of their instruments, and made popular music out of it. That is harder to do than it seems. David Gilmour is not under rated in the guitar world, kind of like Jake e lee, not necessarily a household name but highly respected and well known amongst musicians and music industry. Most guitarists consider David to be the master of note selection, space and phrasing.
Michael,
Man, I love your vids. I agree with you about Jimmy Page. He was also a master arranger. A brilliant musician!
I also agree with you on George Harrison. Great taste and creativity. And although I love Duane (and the Allman Brothers), George is my favorite slide player, ever. Soulful and melodic with that melancholy thing. That's goosebump stuff!
As always awesome content thanks Nuno Bettencourt I think he's underrated
Yes, he is under rated. All props to Paige, Gilmore, Hendrix & Clapton, but Nuno, Rory and Brian May deserve their praise also. Thnx
Great list Michael, it is an almost never-ending list when you think about it. Some honorable mentions are: Jeff Healy, Colin James, Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush), Ric Emmet (Triumph), Mike Campbell (T.P. & the Heartbreakers), Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar) & Kirk Hammet (Metallica)
Hmmm Canadian maybe? You missed Jag Tanna, Robin Trower and Lenny Breau.
Good choice with George.
My top 10 guitarist (underrated or not) -
1Jimmy Page
2Alex Lifeson
3Tony Iommi
4David Gilmore
5Jeff Beck
6Martin Barre'
7Ritchie Blackmore
8Angus Young
9Warren Demartini
10 Vivian Cambell
9 and 10 are more flashy, but still had good vocabulary in their playing.
Runner up's -
Dave Murray and Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden were tasty
Never cared much for the Police. But we all have our favorites. It would be really boring if we all liked the same bands. Good video!
Buck Dharma, Uli Jon Roth, Frank Marino, Bill Nelson, Micheal Schenker
FRANK!
Martin Barre of Jethro Tull.
You hit the nail on the head with Lindsay Buckingham.....Jerry Cantrell too...Both are exceptional players, and both are in my top 10. Greatness embodies both. Great video...
Mick Taylor isn't mentioned 🤔
Hi Michael, what a great topic underrated guitarists. Rankings are as complicated as they are personal. There are many great guitarists in bands I never cared for. Not often, the guitar player alone pulls me in as a fan, but it does happen. I agree that George Harrison is underrated. it seems many don't or can't appreciate an entire catalog of many of rocks' most loved songs with the best opening guitar hooks and tasty playing ever. By the way, there was a humbleness to Jimi Hendrix, who sits on the guitar throne when referring to the greatest guitarist. I've heard 3 names now, Buddy Guy being the first.
Michael join me tonight on Royce in the House if you can to talk about the amazing Fillmore East 68 -71.
Yes "Where's my Brother" Johnny ..........Michael I love your hard work!
Barry Bailey of Atlanta Rhythm is highly underrated and underappreciated - great phrasing and tone. And John McFee of the Doobie Brothers gets lost in that band but plays so tastefully.
Great list. So many greats that never get mentioned. It's about time Jerry Cantrell got credit! It would be great if you could do something on the the great punk & alternative guitarists that never get mentioned. Especially since you like the riff masters. Captain Sensible, John McGeoch, Dave Navarro, Jonny Greenwood, John Fruciante, Billy Corgan, Kim Thayill, Mike Mcready, etc... and what about Wayne Kramer?!!
...and LIFESON!!!
Good work and very entertaining 😄
Nobody ever seems to mention Phil Keaggy.
Well Jimi answered that question many times who the best guitarist is and maybe he did mention Rory Gallagher but he also said Terry Kath one time.