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
I consider Eric Clapton a contemporary guitarist.
He’s been very busy since 2004.
And how could I forget George Benson? His album “Breezin” is a prized possession of mine. He is 82 years old now.
A list iof best guitarists that doesn’t include Tommy Emmanuel, Joe Bonnamassa or Billy Strings is not a list of the best guitarists. I haven’t heard of about 15 of the 20 on this list.
I can agree with that, but to leave off the older ones who are still playing and relevant seems wrong to me.
Actually, she does.
And she writes her own songs.
She’s a legit acoustic guitarist. But she’s not known for shredding.
I’d put Plini way ahead of her and everyone else on this list.
Looks like it to me.
I was wondering when Swift was going to do a guitar challenge versus Orianthi Panagaris . . .
Clapton hasn’t done anything memorable since 1970. He peaked at 25 years old.
That’s right. They’re dodos.
Still, the decline from “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” to “Tears on my Guitar” (and I only know the title because it was an NYT crossword solution) is kind of disheartening.
Yay Billy Strings , I had to go listen to some after reading that list.
His Crossroads Guitar Festivals are not to be missed. I saw it in Dallas in 2019, it was a two day event. I was there for the Saturday show, it went from 4 PM to after midnight. An enduring memory for me is when he provided the guitar solo during Los Lobos' "Made to Break Your Heart."
A couple of years later, I saw him in concert with Jimmie Vaughan in Fort Worth. They both killed it.
Maybe.
But he hasn’t released anything of note since the 80s.
It’s like when Richard Ashcroft said that Bittersweet Symphony was the best thing Richards and Jagger had done in decades.
Your FOS. Sorry. JMHO.
You need to get out more.
….the list is focused on contemporary guitarists…since 2004.
You have to admit that all of the musicians in this time period really suck.
Tribute to JJ Cale about 10 years ago. “The Breeze”. Look it up. A fine album.
It’s a terrible list, really.
Forget about TSwift.
I mean, John Mayer?
I’d put a few local bands with young, hungry guys who can shred and write great original songs ahead of everyone on this list (except maybe John 5).
Here’s a list of new music I complied 4 years ago. Some great unknown players are out there. https://freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/4012268/posts?page=28#28
If this is true, it only means there have been
no great guitar players in the last 20 years.
I don’t care what tine frame you use it’s preposterous
I was surprised that Bruno Mars is actually pretty decent on guitar, while he’s no Prince (who is?), he’s not bad at all.
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