Posted on 04/02/2025 7:32:35 PM PDT by DoodleBob
In a recent poll by UK-based guitar retailer guitarguitar, Taylor Swift has surprisingly been ranked as the 8th best guitarist of the past two decades. This recognition forms part of guitarguitar’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, which include the special exhibition titled ‘Playable,’ dedicated to guitarists who have made a lasting impact on the music world.
The poll, which drew considerable attention from both music lovers and industry experts, saw John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers top the rankings. Frusciante’s virtuosity and innovative approach to the guitar have long been praised, securing his place as the top guitarist on the list.
Swift’s inclusion in the top 10 may raise some eyebrows, especially since she is more commonly associated with her vocal and songwriting skills rather than her guitar playing. However, Swift has frequently showcased her guitar skills throughout her career, incorporating the instrument into live performances and studio recordings. Her use of the guitar as a key element of her musical identity highlights her versatility and deeper musicality.
Despite not being traditionally celebrated for technical prowess on the guitar, Swift’s connection with her audience through the instrument has been central to her identity as a well-rounded musician. Her ability to convey emotion through her guitar playing adds another layer to her artistic expression, cementing her place among the 20 most influential guitarists of the last two decades.
After Frusciante, the list continues with Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys in second place and John Mayer in third.
The complete list of all 20 rankings can be found below:
Julien Baker
John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys)
John Mayer
Sam Fender
Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead)
Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters)
Ed O’Brien (Radiohead)
Taylor Swift
Tom DeLonge (Blink-182)
Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro)
Jim Root (Slipknot)
Keith Urban
John 5 (Mötley Crüe)
Brad Paisley
Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens Of The Stone Age)
Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes)
H.E.R.
Adam Hann (The 1975)
Ed Sheeran
“ And NOWHERE do I see Eric Clapton. Why?”
I don’t see Jimi Hendrix either.
Jeff Beck, Dan Satriani, Les Paul..... pure unadulterated crap, aka, kissing a rat look alike butt...
I had to laugh at your post. Whoever wrote this is nuts. Absurd.
Derek Trucks
Cory Wong
Guthrie Govan
Marcus King
In the business of selling guitars. Taylor Swift has probably sold more guitars than anyone in the past 20 years has.
She does have good taste in Les Pauls though. And slings 'em low like Jimmy Page.
….the list is focused on contemporary guitarists…since 2004.
Eric turned 80 a few days ago.
Derek Trucks deserved having a place on that list, too.
Thanks, FRiend...you beat me by a few minutes on Derek Trucks.
I think they mean best guitar wearer.
She doesn’t play, does she?
Alright, but Eric Clapton is still alive, and so is Mike Campbell (TP & the Heartbreakers).
There are so many, many talented guitarists out there. Hell, how about Stephen Stills? He’s still going strong. Neil Young?
These kids don’t know much.
She doesn’t even sing, it’s 100% BS, the whole Swift persona is fake.
I know the article says “the last 20 years,” but there has never been a greater guitarist to walk the face of this earth than Roy Clark.
That man could play anything he put his hands on. And it wasn’t all just country music, either.
HA!!!!
post-modern America...
I don’t even know what a Taylor Swift is.
Some kind of bird?
Probably never heard of Mark Knopfler or Buddy Guy.
So are Roy Clark and Glenn Campbell.
Is she Eddie Van Halen? I honestly don't know. Maybe in the privacy of her bedroom she can rip out "Eruption" like nobody's business. She's been playing long enough, the better part of 25 years. She knows how to play the guitar.
What I do know is that she's written countless hit songs almost exclusively on the guitar. She has spoken of her collection of upwards of a thousand guitars. She truly loves the instrument. She has been instrumental in putting the guitar in the hands of young female players, driving sales to this demographic through the roof.
Her musical accomplishments speak for themselves. She's worthy to be included.
WTF?
This is an April Fool’s day riff isn’t it?
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