Virtuoso Guitarists from Different Genres

Guitar is one of the famous and most played musical instrument.  In every decade and different genres many great guitarists emerged with various styles and techniques.  Here are some virtuoso guitarists from different genres  :


ROCK AND POP
Eric Clapton.  His popularity came after he formed the band "Cream" which was the very first rock power trio.  He was labeled as the "God of Guitar"  and his style and music was influenced by the recent guitarists.  Clapton popularity to grow on the 1990’s and to the present. Noted Albums : Disraeli Gears (with Cream - 1966)

George Harrison (Beatles).  Who could have not known about the band Beatles which includes John Lennon,Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Gerorge Harrison.  The Beatles had several albums that hit the chart and being the guitarist of the group, Harrison also played a major role on each albums.  Noted albums : Revolver (1966), The Beatles White Album (1968), Abbey Road (1969)

Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970).  He was one of the most influential on rock guitar.  His techniques are complex but would be seen when he was playing it.  His styles were innovative and used his teeth when playing, first to experiment with stereophonic and phasing effects recording.  He was popular first in Europe then in U.S and awarded various prestigious rock awards.

COUNTRY/FOLK
Chet Atkins (June 20, 1924-June 30,2001).   A guitarist who is a master of picking styles, he was popularly known as "Mr. Guitar" and made big contributions in country music which gave him  eleven Grammy awards.  He played with his own style though at first was not accepted by some radio stations.  Atkins was also a singer, record producer, and the man  behind the success of Dolly Parton’s career.
Other notable guitarist  from Country music are Lester Flatt, Richard Thompson, Nick Drake

JAZZ
Joe Pass.  Known for his technical playing, he integrated different sytles of traditional jazz bass and lead lines.
Other great jazz guitarists  are Django Reinhardt, Derek Bailey, Wes Montgomery, John McLaughlin, Eddie Lang, Pat Metheny

BLUES
Chuck Berry. He pioneered rock music with rhythm and blues in the 1950’s

B.B. King   He was known for the use of string bending as a playing device and as an alternative vibrato  technique.  The next  generations of blues and rock guitarists was greatly influenced by his playing, one of them is Jimi Hendrix.
Others are Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker,  Blind Blake, Lightnin’ Hopkins