Welcome to our first-ever Greatest Guitarist poll, where 128 guitarists go head to head, round by round, in a bracketed format, all to crown your choice for the Greatest Guitarist of All Time.
We filled 124 of 128 slots with the names of a host of incredible guitarists (dead and living) — players chosen for their technical ability as well as their importance and creativity, not to mention how influential they've been. We asked you to vote in the final four names, which you did. Now the 128 slots are filled, and we're already well into Round 2.
You might come across one or two interesting style matchups in this poll, which may lead some of you to wonder, "How do you compare a shred guitarist to a blues guitarist?" Aside from how good a player is at his or her given style, here are some things to take into consideration:
• Influence: Who inspired more kids to beg their parents for a guitar for Christmas? Who inspired a wave of copycats?
• Chops/Versatility: Is the guitarist in question a one-trick pony or a master of many styles?
• Body of Work: Who had the more consistent career? Who has played on more classic albums?
• Creativity: Who pioneered new techniques? Who sounds the most radically different from what came before them?
You can check out full results via our regularly updated bracket here.
Today, two legends from opposite ends of the jazz spectrum go head-to-head as the legendary Les Paul takes on the incomparable John McLaughlin. Who will move on to Round 3? Vote now!
Readers Poll: The Greatest Guitarist of All Time — Paul Vs. McLaughlinThursday's matchup saw Joe Satriani (82.24%) defeat Steve Lukather (17.76%). View the full bracket.
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Zakk Wylde Talks Les Paul, Iridium and Auditioning for Ozzy: "It's Like Being a Yankees Fan and Playing in the Same Stadium" (6/10/2013) Tonight, Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde will pay tribute to a six-string innovator — Les Paul — at New York City's Iridium Jazz Club, aka "The Home of Les Paul." Wylde, who is known for his six-string skill, serious work ethic and cust... |
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John McLaughlin Announces US Tour in Support of New Album, 'Now Here This' (6/4/2013) Guitarist John McLaughlin is set to begin his first US tour in three years. The tour kicks off June 11 in Durham, North Carolina, and will hit Asheville, DC, Bethlehem and Boston. It also will include a three-night stand in New York City at the... |
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IN PRAISE OF: Gibson Les Paul Junior (5/27/2013) Read more about IN PRAISE OF: Gibson Les Paul Junior at MusicRadar.com There's no way Gibson Guitars could have known it was creating future classics in the 1950s. It was just catering to an increasing demand for solid-bodied electric guitars wi... |
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Gibson unleashes Sully Erna Les Paul Studio (5/22/2013) Read more about Gibson unleashes Sully Erna Les Paul Studio at MusicRadar.com Gibson has unleashed the Sully Erna Les Paul Studio, an eye-catching signature guitar for the Godsmack frontman. Featuring an eye-catching pearlescent white Godsmack s... |
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Gibson announces 20th Anniversary 1957 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty (5/16/2013) Read more about Gibson announces 20th Anniversary 1957 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty at MusicRadar.com Gibson has announced the limited edition 20th Anniversary 1957 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty, in order to commemorate two decades of its Histori... |
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Gibson announces Joe Walsh 1960 Les Paul (5/8/2013) Read more about Gibson announces Joe Walsh 1960 Les Paul at MusicRadar.com Gibson has announced the Joe Walsh 1960 Les Paul, a limited run of 250 signature guitars for the Eagles lead guitarist. The replica 1960 Les Pauls have been built by Gibs... |
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Gibson announces Gary Moore Les Paul Standard (4/24/2013) Read more about Gibson announces Gary Moore Les Paul Standard at MusicRadar.com Gibson has |
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Interview: Guitarist Dave Amato Talks Les Pauls, Touring and REO Speedwagon (4/12/2013) If you’re a child of the '80s and '90s, chances are you’ve heard the work of guitarist Dave Amato. Amato's six-string prowess is a major part of songs by REO Speedwagon, and his impressive resume includes stints with Ted Nugent, Richie Sambora,... |
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Gibson announces Tom Scholz Collector's Choice Les Paul (4/2/2013) Read more about Gibson announces Tom Scholz Collector's Choice Les Paul at MusicRadar.com Gibson Custom has announced that the next model in its Collector's Choice series will be based on Boston guitarist Tom Scholz's prized 1968 Les Paul.The id... |
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Gibson Custom Introduces Joe Perry 1959 Les Paul (3/27/2013) Of all the great original 1959 Standards out there — a pretty small number to begin with — Joe Perry’s Les Paul has long been acclaimed as one of the finest. The rich, road-worn character of this guitar, serial number 9-0663, is utterly moving,... |
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John McLaughlin: my top 5 not-so-guilty pleasures of all time (3/25/2013) Read more about John McLaughlin: my top 5 not-so-guilty pleasures of all time at MusicRadar.com |
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Guitarist Ricky Byrd on Joan Jett, Les Pauls and new album, Lifer (3/18/2013) Read more about Guitarist Ricky Byrd on Joan Jett, Les Pauls and new album, Lifer at MusicRadar.com "I'm a really good, well-rounded guitar player," says Ricky Byrd. "I'm good at playing for the artist I'm playing with, whether it's Joan Jett, R... |
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Gibson unveils Les Paul Custom Lite (3/14/2013) Read more about Gibson unveils Les Paul Custom Lite at MusicRadar.com Gibson has unveiled the Les Paul Custom Lite, a reduced weight version of the classic design. The Custom Lite features a thinner body than the original, an alteration which sh... |
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Gibson Introduces George Harrison-Eric Clapton "Lucy" Les Paul (2/5/2013) Gibson has introduced the George Harrison-Eric Clapton "Lucy" Les Paul. The guitar is part of Guitar Center's Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Collection. The limited-edition collection features five Clapton tribute, replica and signature guitars,... |
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Gibson honours Les Paul with limited edition Tribute guitar (2/4/2013) Read more about Gibson honours Les Paul with limited edition Tribute guitar at MusicRadar.com Gibson has crowned 2013 "The Year Of Les Paul", and is honouring the man responsible for one of the most ubiquitous electric guitars of all time with a... |
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NAMM 2013: Gibson introduces Joe Perry 1959 Les Paul (1/25/2013) Read more about NAMM 2013: Gibson introduces Joe Perry 1959 Les Paul at MusicRadar.com NAMM 2013: Gibson has unveiled the Joe perry 1959 Les Paul, a stunning recreation of the Aerosmith guitarist's fabled Les Paul. Available in Faded Tobacco Bur... |
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