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players that I have discussed above. He was inspired to take up the guitar after seeing a news report on the death of Jimi Hendrix. In fact, he began playing on the very day that Hendrix died. He was seven years old.

Just like Randy Rhoads, Malmsteen is a classically trained guitarist, who incorporates those techniques into his music. What Randy Rhoads had begun, Yngwie Malmsteen brought to fruition. His first solo recording, released in 1983 and titled "Rising Force," was a mostly instrumental recording. It raised the bar for guitar excellence by several impressive notches, setting the standard by which all other players of the genre were measured.

4)Joe Satriani

The level of this man's talent is simply staggering! Born in New York on July 15, 1956, Joe picked up the guitar at 14. He began by studying jazz and music theory in 1974, and quickly became a very proficient player. By 1978 he had moved to Berkeley, California to pursue a professional career. In a very short time he was teaching guitar. Many of his students went on to become well known players themselves. Some of Joe's students included Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Steve Vai, Alex Skolnick (Testament), Kevin Cadogan (Third Eye Blind), and David Bryson (Counting Crows).

5)Steve Vai

Steve Vai came into the world on June 6, 1960. After taking lessons from Joe Satriani, Vai attended The Berkeley College Of Music. He began his professional career as a music transcriptionist for Frank Zappa. By 1980, however, he had graduated to touring and recording with the music legend. He began his solo career in 1984, and went on to release 13 solo albums. Along the way, he has also performed with many other bands, including Alcatrazz, Whitesnake, and David Lee Roth.

For me, Vai's masterpiece would have to be his 1990 album entitled "Passion And Warfare." The album is filled with complex musical statements, and lush guitar harmonies. In my opinion, it is nothing short of brilliant!

Well, there they are, my picks for the greatest guitar player. I would highly recommend their music to anyone interested in the guitar.

Learn more about this author, Randy Duckworth.
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