My Top 5 Guitarists of All Time

by Jose Carlos Espejo

The guitar has shaped rock music for decades, but greatness can mean more than just

technical skill. This list ranks my personal top five guitarists of all time based on influence,

creativity, and how their music has impacted me.

5. Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits live in Amsterdam 1981, at the Jaap Edenhal. (Usage: Wikimedia Commons)

Mark Knopfler is best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist of Dire Straits, famous for songs like “Sultans of Swing” and “Money for Nothing.” I feel he is the definition of “Less is More”, his playing proves that subtlety and melody can be just as powerful as speed. He is also known for his fingerstyle technique (no pick) and clean tone. If I was only going based on my taste for the sound I would have him in the top 3, but because I'm also going off of influence and impact I had to put some other guys ahead.

4. Chuck Berry

Le chanteur américain Chuck Berry en concert à Deauville (Normandie, France) en 1987. (Usage: Wikimedia Commons)

Chuck Berry is often called the father of rock and roll and is known for classic songs like “Johnny B. Goode,” which was famously featured in one of my movies Back to the Future. I chose him because his riffs helped shape modern rock music, and his influence can be heard in many of my favorite guitarists, including the next three on this list.

3. Brian May

Brian May performing at New Haven Coliseum in New Haven, CT in 1977. (Usage: Wikimedia Commons)

Brian May is the lead guitarist of Queen and is famous for his layered guitar harmonies and his homemade “Red Special” guitar, which can be heard in songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody.” I chose him because I have always been a fan of Queen, but I became a bigger fan of May after watching the 2018 documentary, which helped me appreciate his orchestral sound, emotional solos, and unique style.

2. Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix performing in 1967. (Usage: Wikimedia Commons)

Jimi Hendrix, often nicknamed “The Guitar God,” was a member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience and is known for influential songs like “Purple Haze.” I chose him because, even though I am not a huge fan of his music overall, I recognize how important his contributions were to guitar playing. I especially enjoyed watching videos of his performances at Woodstock, which showed how expressive and groundbreaking his style truly was.

1. Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page at the Cow Palace in San Francisco in 1983. (Usage: Wikimedia Commons)

Jimmy Page was the lead guitarist of Led Zeppelin and wrote iconic songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love.” I chose him as number one because, in my opinion, Led Zeppelin is the greatest band of all time, and Page’s riffs, solos, and songwriting perfectly balance power and creativity. Although I was never able to see Led Zeppelin perform live, I did see Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, featuring guitarist Jimmy Sakurai, who is an excellent representation of Page’s style. I also admire how Page famously played guitar with a bow on stage, showing his originality and willingness to experiment.

While there are countless legendary guitarists, these five stand out to me for their lasting

influence and personal impact. Their music continues to shape how I listen to and appreciate rock guitar today.