Over the years I've listened to different guitarists and being a musician myself I have nothing but respect for the guitar stars that all of us grew up trying to emulate and copy. This subjective question is not easily answered, especially without major disagreements and a few beer bottles flying. So save that beer.

Memories like watching Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the star spangled banner and memories of watching in awe as Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page ripped apart his solo really stand out for me. Which by the way, there is an article about Led Zeppelin and how they really didn't write a lot of there stuff. I still love Led. (Hat tip Raf)

Anyway, my weekends as a teenager consisted of finding tabs, learning guitar riffs, and playing in bands. I practiced and practiced. I love rock n' roll, which leads me to the subject of this blog post. Sidenote: If you want biographical info about any of these guitar legends you can find it anywhere online. In this post I am going to share my top 3 guitarists and why.

I was having a conversation with Scott and Raf. I asked them who they thought were the top 3 guitarists. We agreed to 1. Hendrix, 2. SRV, and 3. Clapton. Scott's probably going to deny this and I'm sure some guitar folks are incensed by the mere thought of Joe Satriani, Randy Rhodes, "the great Kat" or your own super heroes of rock not making our top 3 (like it's a big deal anyway). It is.

3. Eric Clapton (Slow Hand)
For me Eric's music was touching. It is the kind of rock that just makes you groove. His guitar play is smooth and precise. His voice has surprisingly good range and full. I remember getting the crossroads tablature book and being blown away. What makes him stand out is his consistency and longevity.

Favorite Clapton songs: Cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff," "Layla" and "Lay Down Sally".

2. Stevie Ray Vaughan
I remember seeing Stevie as a teenager on a TV special ripping "Mary had a little lamb". I couldn't believe this guy's intensity and raw guitar prowess. It was amazing and the best 3 or so minutes I have ever seen. It was like watching Hendrix, but the clincher for me was when I heard a rumor that Vaughan (who had large hands) played with plumbing gauge once for guitar string. His music is still as powerful as it ever was.

Favorite Vaughan songs: Cover of Hendrix's "Little Wing," "Texas Flood" and "Pride and Joy".

1. Jimi Hendrix
To this blogger and musician there is no better guitarist than Jimi. His showmanship and virtuosity would make anybody pick up the air guitar to rip right along with him. He did things like learn The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in minutes and blow away it's original song writer - Paul McCartney. The late sixties was a wild time and Hendrix was just as wild playing the guitar with his teeth or smashing then burning his guitar. Watching him perform in the rockumentary Monterey Pop was amazing. He made his guitar sing. His music (like Stevie's) still lives on.

Favorite Hendrix Songs: "Red House," "Foxy Lady" and "Voodoo Child".


Who is your favorite guitar legend?

Maybe we can have a guitar contest and who ever wins will get a free Stratocaster from the Guitar Center on Kompoz? Rock on Kompozers...