Guitarists that rock (Part 2)
Eddie Van Halen
Acclaimed guitarist and innovator, Eddie Van Halen has an unmistakable and explosive sound. Credited for being one of the first guitarist in whose work speed and technique played equally strong roles, he is the idol for many a 90s band to follow. It is hard to believe the sounds this man could achieve with just a guitar. His sound is amazing to listen to, be it his solo turn on Michael Jackson’s Beat it or his work on any of his band’s own songs.
-Killer chords – Ain’t talkin ’bout love, Dreams, Right now, Humans being
Joe Perry
One half of the Toxic twins (as he and Steven Tyler were popularly known) and an extraordinary guitarist, Perry is well known for developing Aerosmith’s distinctive style. It was his musical style on songs like Janie’s got a gun and Dream On which first drew me to listen to Aerosmith. There is an urgency in the sound that pairs extremely well with Steven Tyler theatrical vocal stylings.
- Killer chords – Angel, The Other Side, Walk this Way, Living on the edge.
Neal Schon
As far as I’m concerned, the only good thing to come out of Journey was Neal Schon’s soulful guitar sound. This prodigious guitarist first joined Santana at the age of 15 and then went on to be part of Journey. He’s about the only reason I’d listen to Journey, because Steve Perry’s vocals make me want to cry (an not in a good way or I’m-so-overwhelmed way)
- Killer chords – Send her my love, Faithfully
Eric Clapton
Unarguably one of the greatest guitarists of all time, I first heard Clapton when I heard Cocaine, a cover he made his own so well that many people believe its his original (it was originally sung by J.J Kale). His bluesy guitar sound is unmistakably his and I can tell his sound on a song from a mile off, so to speak. I’ve heard very little of his original band The Yardbirds and a just a little more of Cream. But I heard a lot of Clapton in his solo career. His famous hit Layla was made doubly famous by his acoustic rendition of it on MTV unplugged. I love both versions. I also love his turn on Phil Collins’ I wish it would rain down. His music on it is what gives the song it’s wonderful melancholic feel. And he similarly leaves his imprint on the Beatles’ While my guitar gently weeps.
- Killer chords – Bad Love, Layla, Forever Man
Nuno Bettencourt
His guitar sound was the backbone of Extreme. Playing at breakneck speeds likened to Eddie Van Halen, this gifted guitarist has a unique sound. I’m fascinated by his sound on songs like Get the funk out and Hole-Hearted. His guitar has a funky sound yet unmatched by anyone.
-Killer chords- More than words, Tragicomic
Richie Sambora
Bon Jovi is a poet when it comes to lyrics, but the soul in his songs is breathed in by Sambora’s unbelievably melodic guitar style. I still remember the first time I heard Wanted Dead or Alive and a feeling akin to being all alone in the world that stayed with me (especially since I went on the hear the song at least 23 times after) through the rest of the day. Its easy to imagine that his guitar is singing. Sambora had good solo albums of which I’ve heard and loved Stranger in this town. But his combination with Bon Jovi is magic.
- Killer chords - Keep the Faith, Wanted Dead or Alive, One Light Burning
John Petrucchi
One of the creators of the sound of Dream Theater. You can hear the sheer power of his guitar in songs like Pull me under, Lifting shadows off a dream, and the crazed genius that is 6.00 (though I do know this has a lot to do with the drumming). This guitarist is the reason why this is one of my few liked prog rock bands. One of the guitar greats. Try listening to 6.00 and see if you disagree. Along with his bandmates, this guitarist is as well known for his technical proficiency as he is for his sound.
- Killer chords – Another day, Lifting shadows off a dream
Update: I left Brian May of Queen out of this list. I don’t how this happened but it did. Maybe its because when I think of Queen, the only thing I think of is Freddie Mercury. Its not right because Brian May had his genius guitar behind the group’s classic sound. He is also the inspiration to many of the guitarists on this list. And he rocks.
Very nice list…these guitarists are the basis of what makes a good band legendary. Steve Clark and Phil Collen happen to be my favorites.
Thanks for writing. I love, love, LOVE Def Leppard. Is that lame?? I don’t know but I still do.
I have to note that Clapton played with a couple of bands before the Yardbirds (which were my local garage band and then hit it big). These included the Roosters, and Casey Jones and the Engineers. Some of his very best stuff was played with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers after the Yardbirds and before Cream. Interesting write up, though! Good stuff.