by Vince Federici

Created on: June 15, 2009   Last Updated: June 18, 2009

Best rock guitar player of all time. It's funny to categorise things in such a manner because I wouldn't expect to see a question trying to figure out the best plumber that only worked on toilets their whole life and never ventured into shower drains or full installation of a bathroom. With these guys being given the time and exposure to play music every day, it baffles me that rock guitar ends up being the last thing they work out and end up playing the same way 25 years after their first album. As a paying fan, I'm often disappointed by veteran players who haven't taken the time to check anything out and develop outside of their comfort zone. It's just bad business etiquette.

I wanted to open up with that and not name any names, because I'm not into bashing people for having a great life and keeping things simple. Pushing forward, I think the actual playing for a rock guitarist is only 30% of the equation. Rock guitar needs an attitude, image, swagger, or lack of swagger that fits into the particular project he/she is involved in. I think the band choice is a big factor. A player needs to know where he/she belongs for maximum effect.

So separating things will make the decision more clear.

- Players- Those known for exceptional playing ability and technique.

There are a few ways to stab at this. I put Steve Howe head and shoulders over most rock guitar players for his virtuosity. His musical ideas and dynamic range are really phenomenal. I would say he is the most accomplished of all guitarists. Just listen to The Clap and the ideas on Long Distance Runaround. He has control of the entire neck of the guitar and crosses the genres of rock into bluegrass, jazz, classical. You name it, he's got it.

- Late 70's 80's- Together, Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen brought a major thunder to guitar playing. Very classically oriented playing and very clean. The dynamic stays very high with a little cheese to get the crowd to react. I've seen videos of Jaco Pastorius pulling the same cheesy stuff off just for a reaction. The only turnoff here is the one sideness of the style. I wouldn't call this timeless playing. It's very noticeably from a certain era.

- More than a guitarist- Jimmy Page impresses me most with his musical ideas, songwriting, and overall control over the Led Zeppelin project. Although sometimes accused of being a sloppy player, I think the balls he had to take chances is a much better way to play music. The interplay between

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