Rolling Stone Magazine Top 100 Guitarist List
August 31, 2003 | People
Rolling Stone published "The Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time". Jimmy Hendrix was voted #1. Elvis' lead guitarist James Burton is listed at #20, beating names as George Harrison and Mark Knopfler. Scotty Moore is listed at #44 beating names as Frank Zappa, Les Paul, Pete Townshed (The Who) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd).
Source:Rolling Stone
Cro@kie wrote on
August 31, 2003
I just took a look at that list and it's obvious that people didn't rank the guitarists according to their personal talent but mostly according to the group they play(ed) in. So that list reflects more favorite groups than best guitarists.
And the objectivity of the fans (ANY fans) being what it is, one can expect that list to look different in 1 or 3 years from now, thanks to trends and fashions.
I don't know all the names, but what I'm certain of is that such players as Brian May, Van Halen or Robert Fripp don't belong so low...I let you guess those who don't even DESERVE being listed...
TonyP wrote on
September 01, 2003
I think that when considering the place of a guitarist in such a poll, an important factor has to be their historical significance - more so than their technical expertise. Thought needs to be given to how innovative (or not) they were and the impact they had on those that followed. As an example, while countless modern guitarists would rate higher from a technical point of view than someone like Chuck Berry, it would be a crime if most rated above him because most aren't really bringing anything new to the guitar world. Rightly so, Chuck is in the top ten. For the same reason, James Burton and Scotty deserve their place above many of the great guitarists they are positioned in front of in the list. In the case of Scotty, for his historical contribution alone, perhaps he deserves a little higher. To take an example, did Kurt Cobain seriously contribute more to the guitar world than Scotty? Er, no. And Les Paul is way back at 46, which is frankly ludicrous given his enormous contribution. As someone has already said, these lists alter dramatically over time and shouldn't be taken too seriously.
alo wrote on
August 31, 2003
No question lists like these cause controversy all of the time. I don't know that James Burton belongs in the top 5, but certainly he belongs near where they list him, but let's think about this. they listed Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin at number 9, I don't think so, he belongs at number two. then the real kicker is they List Eddie Van Halen at number 70, are they serious?. Maybe we should be pleased that they listed James at number 20, when we see where they put some of the other greats!
gribz wrote on
August 31, 2003
Not to take away from the great guitarists on the list, but James Burton belongs in the top 5... No Doubt about that. The others may have more fame, but definitely not more talent. Ask around; I am 100% correct.