Every list of the greatest guitar players of all time is subject to debate. A good list however is not based upon personal taste and it includes clearly defined criteria for its choices. For this list: to be considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time the person must have had an overwhelming impact on music, the instrument, other players and should have explored new territory. Here are the top ten.

1.) Les Paul. He invented the solid body electric guitar, and is responsible for both the Gibson SG and Les Paul models. He was also the first to use multi-tracking for guitar parts.

2.) Chuck Berry. Considered by many to be the inventor of rock and roll he combined jazz, country, blues and over the top performance antics into one unique style.

3.) Robert Johnson. Legend has it that in the 1930's he sold his soul to the devil for guitar playing skill, whether true or not he went on to become one of the most influential blues artists of all time with songs such as "Crossroads" and "Dust my broom."

4.) Jimi Hendrix. On its own, his performance of the national anthem at Woodstock puts him on any list of the greatest guitar players of all time. Jimi took a standard right handed Fender Stratocaster, strung it upside down and played it left handed. He lit guitars on fire and brought overdriven distortion, feedback and wah-wah pedals into the mainstream.

5.) Eric Clapton. As a member of the Yardbirds, the Bluesbreakers, legendary rock trio Cream and throughout his monstrously successful solo career Clapton redefined rock and blues guitar with his inventive riffs and solos. He was even responsible for the leads on "My guitar gently weeps" by the Beatles. More recently his Crossroads guitar festival in 2004 and 2007 helped to showcase a variety of new guitar talent.

6.) Jimmy Page. Inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame twice, once as a member of the Yardbirds and once with Led Zeppelin. Page combined blues, acoustic and hard edged rock and inspired nearly every young guitarist in the late 60's and early 70's. He is also responsible for one of the most famous guitar songs ever written, Stairway to Heaven.

7.) Elvis Presley. Elvis was not a great guitar player but he personified rock and roll, he was the first rockstar, he made the guitar cool and inspired many of the greats to pick up the instrument in the first place.

8.) Eddie Van Halen. His signature two handed tapping technique and lighting fast playing ushered in a new era of shredders. On first listen many did not believe that his solo guitar piece "Eruption" was done without effects or on a single track. Eddie's guitar tone has also been something of legend, his use of distortion and custom built Kramer guitars have been much imitated and studied.

9.) Slash. Lead guitarist of Guns and Roses, Slash is one of the most widely recognizable figures in music with his top hat, black leather, signature Les Paul guitar and cigarette dangling. His fretboard mastery helped the band sell millions upon millions of concert tickets in the 80's. He has become even more popular in recent years being featured in the popular video game "Guitar Hero"

10.) James Hetfield. Iconic singer songwriter for the best selling heavy metal act of all time, his riffs and style have been imitated by nearly every guitarist since the early 80's debut of Metallica.

Learn more about this author, Kody Hackbusch.
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