When it comes to rock guitarists, it’s inevitable that the names likely to roll off of people’s tongues are the ultimate guitar gods: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Eddie Van Halen. But standing directly below the Mount Olympus of six-string virtuosos are other rock guitarists who have also made a significant contribution to this genre and influenced many of today’s guitar slingers.
In earlier times, it would be a rare occurrence if the guitar wasn’t the dominant instrument in a rock band. And some of those bands sported hot-shot lead guitarists who made the difference between a band’s success or failure but failed to achieve the name recognition of superstar guitarists. Here are some members of that exclusive club.
Alvin Lee-As the vocalist and guitarist for British blues-rock band Ten Years After and a solo artist, Alvin Lee made his mark with lightning-quick runs up and down his Gibson’s fretboard. Critics, however, knocked his guitar style saying it was repetitive and lacked an emotional quality, though, years later, Lee’s playing was credited with inspiring heavy metal guitar shredding. The guitarist’s reputation reached new heights with his star-turn performance at the first Woodstock in 1969, most notably the blues-rock boogie “Goin’ Home” that was featured in a movie about the festival. A few years later, Ten Years After scored its biggest hit “I’d Love to Change the World” on the album “A Space In Time”, a compilation of rock, blues, country, and even a soft, trippy ballad. Lee, however, didn’t follow up on the album’s commercial success, and instead, opted to retreat to his blues-rock roots. Recommended Cuts: “Goin’ Home” and “I Love to Change the World”.
Mick Taylor–When Mick Taylor, fresh from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (the band’s other alum included Clapton and Fleetwood Mac guitar whiz Peter Green), joined the Rolling Stones to replace the deceased Brian Jones as the lead guitarist, he took the band to an entirely new level, one that led it to take the title of the “Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.” It was Taylor’s lead guitar work that helped create some of the Stones’ masterpieces like “Sticky Fingers” and “Exile on Main Street.” Unfortunately, a post-Stones Taylor didn’t have the same solo career trajectory as Clapton or Beck, as his marketing skills never matched his guitar prowess. After his departure from the band, Taylor briefly played in a band fronted by ex-Cream bassist Jack Bruce and later as a solo artist and guest artist on others’ albums. Recommended cuts: “Sway” and “Time Waits for No One”.
Rory Gallagher–Irish rock guitarist Rory Gallagher was the master of the bottle-neck slide. His preference was to play uptempo blues-rockers but was also well adept at slowing things down with stinging lead lines. And unlike some of his contemporaries, Gallagher eschewed the flashy rockstar image. He would often perform in an old pair of jeans and a flannel shirt. There’s a story that someone once asked Jimi Hendrix what it felt like to be the greatest rock guitarist in the world, Hendrix responded: “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask Rory Gallagher.” Recommended cuts: “Tattooed Lady” and “Bullfrog Blues”.
Ronnie Montrose — Montrose set the standard for ’70s hard rock guitarists: crunching rhythm guitar chords and lick-laden leads. Add vocalist Sammy Hagar to the mix and you’ve got a hard-rock formula that’s been repeated over and over. Some rock writers even went as far as to claim that the band was America’s answer to Led Zeppelin. Before starting his band, Montrose contributed his talents to various artists’ output including Van Morrison and the Edgar Winter Group. Montrose was indeed a versatile guitarist, one whose repertoire ranged from covering melodic ballads to extraterrestrial Beckian rockers. He also could have also formed his own bluegrass band, as he was an accomplished mandolinist and lap steel guitar player. Recommended cuts: “Rock Candy” and “Good Rockin’ Tonight”.
Elliott Randall –You’re probably thinking: “Elliott who?” One can’t be blamed for not recognizing the name of this guitarist who has deliberately shunned the spotlight to remain in the shadows as one of the best session musicians in the business. His biggest claim to fame is playing the middle lead guitar solo on one of Steely Dan’s biggest hits “Reelin’ in the Years”. Led Zep’s Jimmy Page had reportedly said Randall’s work on that song was the best guitar solo that he had ever heard. Randall, who also played cuts on other Steely Dan albums, turned down an offer to permanently join the band and did the same when Toto asked him to take on lead guitar duties which were later handed to Steve Lukather. Randall did record a few of his own solo albums but spent most of his career doing session work for a diverse group of artists ranging from Kiss frontman Gene Simmons to folkie Joan Baez. By the way, the next time you listen to the title track from the movie “Fame”, that’s Randall’s guitar solo. Recommended cuts: “Reelin’ in the Years, “Sourflower”.
Tommy Bolin: Bolin died at a young age of a drug overdose in 1977 but not before leaving a legacy that few guitarists can claim. His distinct style earned him the role of lead guitarist for the James Gang, replacing Joe Walsh. Following his two-album stint with that band, Bolin was recruited by hard rock pioneers Deep Purple to take over the job of a departed Ritchie Blackmore. On Deep Purple’s “Come Taste The Band”, Bolin gave Deep Purple a funkier sound than the Euro rock that the band was known for during the Blackmore era. Bolin also was known for stretching out his jazz-rock roots with drummers Billy Cobham and Alphonse Mouzone. Bolin’s contribution to Cobham’s jazz-rock fusion classic “Spectrum” inspired Jeff Beck to record his all-instrumental solo album “Blow by Blow” and subsequent fusion recordings. Ironically, Bolin died of a “speedball” (heroin/cocaine) overdose the same night after opening for Beck in Miami. Bolin also recorded two solo albums, with one of the songs “Teaser” which was covered by Motley Crue, while another “The Grind” was one of Eddie Van Halen’s favorites during his cover band days, Recommended Cuts: “Standing In The Rain”, “Gettin’ Tighter” and “Wild Dogs”.
Michael Schenker — Uber shredder Michael Schenker and his iconic Gibson Flying V guitar (shown in photo) played a pivotal role in the shaping of heavy metal music. The German-born Schenker was the co-founder of the Scorpions at the tender age of 16, along with his brother Rudolph, who is no slouch either in the metal guitar department. After the Scorpions, Schenker did numerous stints with UK hard rock band UFO and formed his own outfit the Michael Schenker Group. The story goes that Ozzy Osbourne once offered Schenker the job to replace guitar phenom Randy Rhoads, who died in a plane crash. Schenker claimed that he turned down the gig because it would have hurt his career, while Ozzy countered that he pulled the job offer because of Schenker’s outrageous demands which included his own private jet. The drama–gotta love it. Recommended cuts: “Lonesome Crow”, “Doctor, Doctor” and “Too Hot to Handle”.
One of rock’s true eccentrics, Todd Rundgren is mostly known for his blue-eyed Philly soul singing and soft rock hits like “Hello, It’s Me” and “I Saw The Light”. But when Rundgren straps on the guitar, it’s fireworks. Listen to “Heavy Metal Kids” or “Black Maria” and you’ll quickly understand why Rundgren is probably the most underrated rock guitarist-hands down. Besides creating his own material, Rundgren has been a prolific producer of various other artists’ recordings including The Band (“Stage Fright”), and Grand Funk Railroad (“We’re An American Band”). He was also set to produce Janis Joplin’s last album (“Pearl”) but those plans were dashed because the two artists had what they call in the industry as “creative differences.” On a personal note: Rundgren is the step-dad of actress Liv Tyler, the daughter of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. Recommended cuts: “Heavy Metal Kids” and “Black Maria”.
Wonder why John McLaughlin wasn’t included in this review? He was certainly worth putting in among the greats just like Mick Ronson and yes even David Bowie.
Hi: Thanks for reading the piece on underrated guitarists. I’m a fan of McLaughlin’s and Ronson’s work but they didn’t make the list-this time.
Gary Moore has always been one of my favorites. I always will be a fan of Rory Gallagher, so I was happy to see him on your list. All great picks. Someone who I got to know, that passed a while back, that may not make your list, but is worthy. And maybe your readers will check him out….Smokin Joe Kubek. There is and has been so much talent, let’s make sure, their music gets passed on. I’m 65, been turning people on to music (blues, rock, southern rock, alternative & metal) since I got my first turntable and will continue until I’m gone. And then hopefully, after that. It’s truly amazing how some people have zero music in their lives. I couldn’t do without t it.
Hi, George:
Thank you for your comments. This column, for whatever reason, has received a lot of feedback from music fans like yourself. When I thought about this topic, I reasoned that others would like it as well. So, it looks like I was right. On Gary Moore, I thought the late Irish guitarist was a terrific blues-rock guitarist. Many think of him as just being the guitarist for Thin Lizzy, but his talent went far beyond that band. One of his albums’ cover art shows an adolescent Moore playing a Les Paul guitar underneath a poster of Jimi Hendrix. That says it all. I’m not familiar with Joe Kubek but I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. I’m around your age and I also have a deep appreciation for much of the music you mentioned and various hybrids of rock music. It is quite sad that most of today’s younger generation is being spoon-fed music that truly lacks any depth and soul. Producers (and record labels) no longer give artists time to experiment with their music until it is fully formed. It’s like Mark Knopfler said long ago, “We got to move those refrigerators.” What we listened and saw back in decades past was the “golden age of rock ‘n roll”. Nowadays, the music charts are brimming with vapid songs from pop divas and kings and mindless rap and hip-hop music. That’s okay, though, because I know I can easily plug in my playlist featuring the likes of Rory Gallagher, Tommy Bolin, Jeff Beck and other masters of rock guitar.
What happened to Frank Marino Robin Trower when I think underated it’s those to I think about
I am familiar with both Marino’s and Trower’s work. In fact, I saw Trower play live twice. If I had to decide between both of them for another listing, I would go with Trower–simply because rather copy Hendrix’s style, he weaved his tone into his own playing style.
Couple of guys from the K.C./ Topeka area..Kerry Livgren ,of Kansas ,I thought did some monster licks ,particularly on earlier ,less-commercialized Kansas.. A more obscure guy, yet ,I feel was a helluva guitarist/ arranger , was the late Van McClain , of Shooting Star..His stuff on “Last Chance ,” really rocked and he was epically underrated ,imho.R.I.P.Van
Hi, Mark: Thanks for your comment. Not a big Kansas fan. Don’t know Van McLain but remember Shooting Star.
Mike Bloomfield
I forgot about Mike Bloomfield. He was a great player. Loved him on Super Sessions.
I appreciate your plug for Rundgren. An extremely talented artist who chose the pursuit of his art over the pursuit of fame. I will always consider his albums: “Something/ Anything,” “A Wizard/A True Star” and “Todd” as one of the finest 3 album arcs in music history.
Agreed with all, but don’t forget about some of the gems he created with Utopia.
What happened to Frank Marino Robin Trower when I think underated it’s those to I think about
Carlos Santana, Buddy guy, and you missed quite badly by not including Jerry Garcia!
Time to reassess…😎
James: Apparently you didn’t read the headline: “Rock’s Best Underrated, Unknown & Forgotten. None of the artists that you mentioned fit that description. As for Garcia, there has been a resurgence in his popularity in recent years. And, I should mention that Rolling Stone, unjustifiably, didn’t include Garcia in its latest listing of best 100 rock guitarists.
In regards to Tommy Bolin “Post Toasty” is a must listen
Agreed that “Post Toasty” is Bolin at his best. I always thought the beginning of his lead on that song was very similar to Frampton’s first notes on his lead on Humble Pie’s live “I Don’t Need No Doctor”. Don’t believe me. Listen to both and let me know what you think.
Not criticizing this piece as it is much appreciated. But I sure would like to see some love for Michael Allsup of 3 Dog Night. He had a big influence on my guitar playing. Maybe because they didn’t write their own songs but in my opinion a very under appreciated band
Hi, Wilson: Thank you for your comments. Three Dog Night, hmmm. I kind of put them in the same camp as other early 70s soft rock bands, though it did have a string of hits that covered everyone from Laura Nyro to Hoyt Axton. I never, however, thought the guitarist was a stand-out but perhaps he was better than what ended up on their albums. Kind of reminds me of pop star David Cassidy who tried to emulate Hendrix on the guitar, but his producers and showrunners wanted none of that. The story here is that there were guitarists who could burn up the fretboard but were told soft rock/pop has no place for screaming guitars. However, Bread and the Carpenters managed to sneak in some hot guitar licks in a few of their songs.
Agree with most of your picks. Bolin also played in Zephyr.
Randy California of Spirit was also a great guitarist who was underrated.
You might include Jorma Kaukonen as well, of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna .
Hi, Kenneth: Thank you for your comments. Those are some great picks but, unfortunately, I had to narrow down those guitarists who pretty much fit the description. Maybe your picks will be on the next list. Just a few comments on your selections: I knew that Bolin was a member of the Colorado band Zephyr but I decided not to include it with his band affiliations since the group was not as well known as The James Gang and Deep Purple. As for Randy California, he was never given his due. In fact, Hendrix liked him so much that he gave him his last name. California also is credited with writing the opening chords of a Spirit song that was ripped off by Jimmy Page of Led Zep for “Stairway to Heaven”. The band sued for copyright infringement but lost the court case, presumably the judge was either a Led Zep fan or tone-deaf. Spirit evokes fond memories: as a teenager I would listen to “12 Dreams of Dr. Sardonicas” with my headphones while tripping my brains out.
I was wondering where Terry Kath was? On the list. Hendrix himself said Kath was the best in a quote
For the record, Hendrix was quoted as saying a lot of guitarists were great. But, Kath was among one of the innovators–blending horn arrangements into rock songs. However, Chicago lost its way and turned into a mushy Top 40 pop act.
Love Terry Kath! One of the best and underrated.
Others who commented on the blog agree with you about Terry Kath. May he R.I.P.
Roy Buchanan Was one of my Favorites
What about guitar legend Pat Travers?
Love all the picks, especially rundgren ,been a big fan and seen utopia many times
Hi, Doug: Thanks for your feedback. Rundgren has always been one of my favorites as well. Most people associate him as just being a pop vocalist but is also an amazing guitarist (i.e, check out his lead work on “Heavy Metal Kids”). Also, just read a recent interview of Rundgren who talked about jamming with Clapton in the ’70s. Rundgren was invited to jam with Clapton at a show at Madison Square Gardens. Rundgren was so excited about the opportunity that he broke the high E string on his guitar on his first strum. Clapton handed him “Blackie” (Clapton’s favorite Strat back then) to play while Clapton used another guitar. Wish I could have seen those two trading licks.
Honorable mentions might be Roy Buchanan, Rick Derringer, Davy Johnstone & Steve Clark
Hi, Mick: Indeed, they all would have fit the HM category. I actually thought about including Rick Derringer (seen him with Edgar Winter) including on the list. As for Roy Buchannan, he certainly was an underrated guitarist. I saw him once thisclose in a small club at the time he was being considered as a replacement for the Stones’ Mick Taylor. Buchannan played “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and blew everyone’s minds.
What about Paul Warren???? His experience with Motown, Rare Earth, Nite City, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Richard Marx, Rod Stuart and most recently Carmine Appice in Cactus, just to name a few. Very underrated and overlooked!
Hi, Michael: Thanks for commenting. I never heard of Paul Warren. Is he a session musician? I’ve been getting a lot of names of other great guitarists but I had to keep the list manageable. I know of at least 100 other guitarists that should be on this list but…
Boy!!!! Did they forget one!!!! Um, HILTON VALENTINE people!!!!
Peter Frampton is an extremely under rated guitar player.
His jazzy guitar leads over blues based and non traditional rock rhythm cords is fantastic!
Everyone knows Frampton Comes Alive, give a listen to his lead guitar work on the 22 minute song I walk on guilted splinters from the Humble Pie LP Rockin the Filmore .
Peter’s guitar playing is undeniably GREAT!
Yes, it was unfortunate when the focus on Frampton as a top 40 rock crooner rather than his instrumental abilities. But, I imagine his management and record label pushed him to be more of a singer/songwriter than a guitar god. It was probably a good career move for Frampton. While Frampton loomed large as a presence on Humble Pie’s Live at the Fillmore, it was singer Steve Marriott who made that album the classic it is today.
Marc your comment “it was singer Steve Marriott who made that album the classic it is today.” is exactly my point.
Even you will disrespect Peter’s guitar playing in this thread of underated guitar player’s to point out something other than his guitar playing itself.
Shame on you.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of. While Frampton’s guitar playing and vocals contributed to the album’s success, it was more of Marriott’s vocals and guitar playing that made Humble Pie the classic rock band. The two follow-up albums –without Frampton–were huge successes for the band. That wouldn’t have been the case if Marriott was MIA.
There was a recent article, I think in “Far Out” about McLaughlin and Mahavishnu Orchestra. I don’t know if I’d call him underrated since anybody who knows anything about jazz/rock fusion knows how great he is. Perhaps Alan Holdsworth would be worth discussion. His work is phenomenal and unlike any other guitarist. I particularly love his work on Bill Bruford’s 3 solo albums.
McLaughlin has been labeled as a “guitarist’s guitarist”. His playing transcended his early days in rock and blues bands. He was one of the innovators of jazz-rock fusion that reached its prime in the ’70s. Alan Holdsworth was another guitarist who rose to fame with his work in the jazz-rock genre. I think I have one of his albums.
Terry Kath Johnny Winter
Tim:
Had many folks saying Terry Kath should be added to the list. However, Johnny Winter is neither underrated, forgotten nor unknown.
Paul Chapman (Lone Star, UFO, Waysted) could have made this list
I’m not familiar with that guitarist. But then, there’s probably a lot of guitarists who played with great bands that I’m not familiar with.
Good article. Montrose, Schenker and particularly Bolin excellent listings. I think Tommy could have reached the zenith if not for that trip he never came back from.
Thank you for your comments. When you listen to those three guitarists, they all have/had a distinct style that they could call their own. I agree with you on Bolin–he was just hitting his stride.
I saw Peter Green at #58 and Rory Gallagher at #57 in the Rolling Stone poll. Would you agree with their assessment? Also what about Kim Simmons, Henry Vestine, Harvey Mandell and John Cipollina? Thanks for sharing your years of knowledge.
I think the RS poll numbers are about right. But there were guitarists who I think are/were great but didn’t break into the RS top 100. These lists, including mine, are totally subjective. As for Kim Simmons, he was one of my guitar heroes when I was growing up. I especially liked his work on SB’s “Looking In” which was the last record for a couple of band members who formed Foghat. I”m vaguely familiar with Henry Vestine’s work with Canned Heat and Harvey Mandel’s outings with that band and John Mayall. John Cipollina was a good guitarist but not of the caliber included in my list (Sorry, QUicksilver Messenger Service)>
Agreed. Saw Thompson perform last summer. He does know his way around the fretboard.
You missed Richard Thompson, co-founder of Fairport Convention, performed with his then-wife Linda as well as long-established solo artist. Just because he didn’t appropriate the blues doesn’t mean that he can’t play the hell out of a guitar.
DUANE ALLMAN? ED KING,,?
You only got it half right. Duane Allman does not belong in this listing. As for Ed King, perhaps.
BILLY GIBBONS,STEVIE RAY AND JIMMY VONN?
Ok, you listed three guitarists that are very well-known, are not forgotten, and are definitely not underrated.
Angus young, SRV , Kath and Gibbons, Townsend, Richards, good list Todd Rundgren is legendary just for Bat out of Hell… Satriani, Vai, Rhoades, Dimebag, malmstein
All of those mentioned, except Todd and maybe Dimebag and Terry Kath, are very well known, exceptional players, and definitely not forgotten. However, Steve Vai and Malmstein are too technical for my tastes.
George Kooymans cofounder of Dutch legends Golden Earring. Excellent chops.
Steve:
Thank you for your comment. I saw Golden Earring once way back when. They were much better live than their studio material.
marc i see rick derringer certainly overlooked guitarist i see ronnie made the list rick produced ronnie for edgar winter group todd made the list rick played on his records
BJ:
Actually, it was a tough decision to not include Rick Derringer. But I thought the others who made the list were more deserving of a lack of recognition for their talent.
Forgotten ? Theres not one guitarist on the list who isn’t on every real guitar enthusiasts10 ten list ..
Perhaps, but this blog post recognizes the fact that a lot of people aren’t real guitar enthusiasts.
Frank Zappa
Hi,Ed: Thanks for your comment.
Zappa: Unknown, No. Forgotten, No. Underrated: Yes.
Simmons, Buchanan, California, Buck Dharma Kath; there’s a lot of great ones that people will never hear. Great list. Great comments from some 6 string lovers!
I’ve heard all of them. Perhaps need to expand my list next time.
Great list. These are all guys who inspire me. I really love that you put Todd Rundgren on this list. His live shows are amazing to this day and his reputation as a great guitarist is overshadowed by his other musical interests. That’s fine with me. Keep these coming. Love to read them.
Jeffrey: Thank you for your comments.
There wasn’t any question about putting Todd on this list. Let’s hope he gets inducted in the Rock ‘n Roll Hame of Fame this year.
Terry Kath might should have made this list. Gone way to soon but left quite a lasting imprint on some of us.
I was a BIG Zappa fan, not for his occasional solo but his ability to put out great LP’s from Freak Out to 200 Motels that was unique. He was always think out of the box often finding a way to ridicule America’s standards. He seemed to always have very talented quitarist to do the heavy lifting in concert. I used to go to his annual New York Halloween show and most of the show he did hot have a guitar in hand. He had Henry Vestine of Canned Heat, Lowell George of Little Feat and Steve Vai, Adrian Below of King Crimson. and Johnny Guitar Watson to do the guitar work. I still love his early LP’s but never considered him one of the best, maybe because I viewed him as a composer and director.
Ana: Appreciate your comments about Zappa but the blog wasn’t about the best guitarists; it was the underrated, unknown and forgotten. Zappa probably would have fit the underrated category.
Buckethead !!!!
Buckethead? Seriously?
Clarence White and Tony Rice
OK, Jim: I’ll give you half credit since Clarence White played with The Byrds. But Tony Rice was a bluegrass player, or at least that’s what he was known for, not rock.
Love all the picks… don’t want to argue about any of them, but I gotta push hard for Roy Buchanan and Danny Garton!
Thanks, George. Had many comments arguing that Roy Buchannan should have made the list. May he R.I.P. Don’t know Danny Garton.
Mike Pinera, of Blues Image and Iron Butterfly.
Thanks for the reply on Kim Simmons of Savoy Brown. You never mentioned if you felt if he qualifies as underrated. If you believe not try to listen to his early blues based albums. I recommend Blues Matter. Blues Matter showcase’s Kim’s playing with a ten minute ” Muddy Waters song “Louisiana Blues” . If you liked Kim’s playing on Looking In you should be equally impressed with his early blues playing. Also with the live Peter Green songs coming out on YouTube their is a case for him to jump from underated to top ten. Please let me know.
Hi, Dave: Thank you for your comments. I think I might have heard SB’s Blues Masters in my youth, but it’s hard to remember. I used to wait for SB’s albums with baited breadth but it seemed after so many personnel changes, that the band became somewhat directionless. However, SB is on tour this year and it’s coming to my neck of the woods. Hope they play “Leavin’ Again’–a song that Foghat used to play in concert but hardly anyone knew it was from their old band.
Your list is almost a six string star winner in the guitar world. But you forgot in my opinion a true “Wizard of the Ax” and that is Bill Nelson of Be Bop Deluxe. From “Ax Victim” and “Sunburst Finish” to solo material and everything else, he makes his stringed ax go through all the emotions of the listener experience. Truly a lighting fast, fingers flying, hands on fire virtuous master of the of instrument who does not disappoint the listener’s pleasures of wants and needs. Always underrated and yet never duplicate, I have been jamming to this ax burner since the 70’s and my cerebral cortex is still smoking(and it’s not likely from all the chemicals that I have encountered and ingested). If any one had not listened to his artwork, start with “Sunburst Finish” and “Ax Victim”, and check out the cover artwork. I guarantee your mind and senses will not be the same after hearing this cat and make sure the neighbors are listening also!