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
Also I’ve seen the Fender “Tom DeLonge” branded strats. Have no idea who he is until I saw this list. I know exactly ONE Blink-182 song.
Named by who? Miss Fran’s kindergarten class?
Stevie Ray Vaughan?
Who put this list together, 21 year old girls?
Fripp clearly had a specific musical idea in his head that began with Larks Tongues in Aspic Part 2, then went to Red, then to LTIA III and IV. A couple of others like Elektra in there as well. It was as if he just couldn't find exactly what he was looking for.
I think he finally found what he'd been trying to to find with Level V, which was a great song, especially live. Red, though, was the worst song at that album.
Singers, show girl, but she is not worthy of the title guitarist.
Where the hell are Eric Johnson (Cliffs of Dover), Mark Knopfler (Sultans of Swing) Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) I’m Goin’ Home, James Burton (Master of the Telecaster).
Glenn Campbell. There you go. There aren’t too many records he didn’t play on when he was alive. The leader of the Wrecking Crew.
“She does write all of those popular songs. She wrote a song about it. Like to hear it? Here it go...”
😂 “In Living Color”
Taylor Swift cannot sing, she lipsyncs or uses autotune or dance. Elaine Benes from Seinfeld dances way better or play musical instruments well. I seen her on a country award show years ago onstage strumming a banjo and hopping around the stage and she was not hitting the strings.
In one concert the piano she was “playing” shorted and kept playing the same loop.
#26 she is a poseur.
Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the greatest for sure.
What? No Slash?
This is reminiscent of how Danny Bonaduce regularly placed on lists of “Best Bass Players” in the ‘70s, topping the likes of Carol Kaye and James Jamerson.
‘Last 20 years’ is what makes this a joke. Yes, many greats above this list. Clapton, Joe Walsh, Hagar, etc
Past two decades? Swifties 🤦
“To be fair, the list is supposed to be of contemporary, newer guitarists.”
It is still wrong. Swift had to have bought this rating.
Just one of many ... Tina S:
Agree.
I agree !
I didn’t know how incredibly talented he was playing the guitar (or any other instruments) until a few years ago, when I saw a YT video. Wow !!!
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