200 Greatest Metal Guitarists
Criteria: This list of 'Metal Guitarists' was compiled and ranked considering: originality, influence in the metal world, creativity, and technical skill.
Greatest Metal Guitarists
1. Tony Iommi
(Black Sabbath)
2. Yngwie Malmsteen
(Solo)
3. Randy Rhoads
(Ozzy, Quiet Riot)
4. Ritchie Blackmore
(Deep Purple, Rainbow)
5. Steve Vai
(Dave Lee Roth, Solo, Whitesnake)
(Black Sabbath)
2. Yngwie Malmsteen
(Solo)
3. Randy Rhoads
(Ozzy, Quiet Riot)
4. Ritchie Blackmore
(Deep Purple, Rainbow)
5. Steve Vai
(Dave Lee Roth, Solo, Whitesnake)
6. Michael Schenker
(MSG, UFO, Scorpions)
7. Marty Friedman
(Megadeth, Cacophony, Solo)
8. Uli John Roth
(Scorpions, Solo)
9. Adrian Smith
(Iron Maiden, Dickinson, Psycho Motel, A.S.A.P., Urchin)
10. Glenn Tipton
(Judas Priest, Solo)
11. Dave Murray
(Iron Maiden)
12. Dimebag Darrell
(Pantera, Damageplan)
13. Chuck Schuldiner
(Death, Control Denied)
14. Dave Mustaine
(Megadeth)
15. Kirk Hammett
(Metallica)
16. Paul Gilbert
(Mr. Big, Racer X)
17. George Lynch
(Dokken, Lynch Mob, Solo)
18. Alex Skolnick
(Testament, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage)
19. Jason Becker
(Dave Lee Roth, Cacophony)
20. John Petrucci
(Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Exp)
21. Tony MacAlpine
(Solo, Planet X, Ring of Fire)
22. Vinnie Moore
(Solo, Alice Cooper , UFO)
23. Andy LaRocque
(King Diamond, Death)
24. K.K. Downing
(Judas Priest)
25. James Hetfield
(Metallica)
26. Wolf Hoffman
(Accept, Solo)
27. Vivian Campbell
(Def leppard, Dio)
28. Michael Romeo
(Symphony X)
29. Jeff Hanneman
(Slayer)
30. Bill Steer
(Carcass)
31. Criss Oliva
(Savatage)
32. Matthias Jabs
(Scorpions)
33. James Murphy
(Testament, Death, Obituary, Disincarnate)
34. Tom Morello
(Rage Against the Machine)
35. Kai Hansen
(Helloween, Gamma Ray)
36. Chris Impelliteri (Impelliteri)
37. Eddie Clarke
(Motorhead)
38. Chris Poland
(Megadeth)
39. Kurdt Vanderhoof
(Metal Church)
40. Jake E. Lee
(Ozzy, Badlands)
41. Al Pitrelli
(Megadeth, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage)
42. Vito Bratta
(White Lion)
43. Ross Friedman
(Manowar)
44. Trey Azagthoth
(Morbid Angel)
45. Jeff Loomis
(Nevermore)
46. Jerry Cantrell
(Alice In Chains)
47. Michael Amott
(Arch Enemy, Carcass)
48. Mikael Åkerfeldt
(Opeth)
49. Timo Tolkki
(Stratovarius)
50. Chris Degarmo
(Queensryche)
51. Zakk Wylde
(Ozzy, Black Label Society)
52. Kerry King
(Slayer)
53. Michael Denner
(Mercyful Fate)
54. Akira Takasaki
(Loudness)
55. Michael Angelo Batio
(Nitro)
56. Gary Holt
(Exodus, Slayer)
57. Mantas
(Venom)
58. Warren De Martini
(Ratt)
59. Bobby Gustafson
(Overkill)
60. John 5
(Rob Zombie, Marylin Manson, solo)
61. Jeff Waters
(Annihilator)
62. Jesper Stromblad
(In Flames)
63. Kiko Loureiro
(Angra, Megadeth)
64. Ron Jarzombek
(Spastic Ink, Watchtower)
65. Roy Z
(Dickinson)
66. Scott Ian
(Anthrax)
67. Luca Turilli
(Rhapsody)
68. John Sykes
(Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy)
69. Eric Peterson
(Tetsament)
70. Brian Tatler
(Diamond Head)
71. Mille Petrozza
(Kreator)
72. Paul Masvidal
(Cynic, Death)
73. Janick Gers
(Iron Maiden, Gillan)
74. Adam Jones
(Tools)
75. Alexi Laiho
(Children OF Bodom)
76. Jon Schaffer
(Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards)
77. Anders Björler
(At The Gates, The Haunted)
78. Rudolph Schenker
(Scorpions)
79. Tom Warrior
(Celtic Frost)
80. Randall Shawver
(Iced Earth)
81. Ritchie Kotzen
(Solo, Mr. Big)
82. Rafael Bittencourt
(Angra)
83. Jim Matheos
(Fates Warning)
84. Reb Beach
(Winger, Dokken)
85. Chris Broderick
(Jag Panzer, Nevermore, Megadeth)
86. Ty Tabor
(King's X)
87. Vernon Reid
(Living Colour)
88. Karl Logan
(Manowar)
89. Fredrik Thorndendal
(Meshuggah)
90. Thomas Youngblood
(Kamelot)
91. Vincent McAllister
(Pentagram)
92. Andre Olbrich
(Blind Guardian)
93. Herman Li
(Demoniac, DragonForce)
94. Niklas Sundin
(Dark Tranquillity, HammerFall)
95. Quorthon
(Bathory)
96. Insahn
(Emporer)
97. Muhammed Suicmez
(Necrophagist)
98. Euronymous
(Mayhem)
99. Dan Spitz
(Anthrax)
100. Kelly Shaefer
(Atheist)
(MSG, UFO, Scorpions)
7. Marty Friedman
(Megadeth, Cacophony, Solo)
8. Uli John Roth
(Scorpions, Solo)
9. Adrian Smith
(Iron Maiden, Dickinson, Psycho Motel, A.S.A.P., Urchin)
10. Glenn Tipton
(Judas Priest, Solo)
11. Dave Murray
(Iron Maiden)
12. Dimebag Darrell
(Pantera, Damageplan)
13. Chuck Schuldiner
(Death, Control Denied)
14. Dave Mustaine
(Megadeth)
15. Kirk Hammett
(Metallica)
16. Paul Gilbert
(Mr. Big, Racer X)
17. George Lynch
(Dokken, Lynch Mob, Solo)
18. Alex Skolnick
(Testament, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage)
19. Jason Becker
(Dave Lee Roth, Cacophony)
20. John Petrucci
(Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Exp)
21. Tony MacAlpine
(Solo, Planet X, Ring of Fire)
22. Vinnie Moore
(Solo, Alice Cooper , UFO)
23. Andy LaRocque
(King Diamond, Death)
24. K.K. Downing
(Judas Priest)
25. James Hetfield
(Metallica)
26. Wolf Hoffman
(Accept, Solo)
27. Vivian Campbell
(Def leppard, Dio)
28. Michael Romeo
(Symphony X)
29. Jeff Hanneman
(Slayer)
30. Bill Steer
(Carcass)
31. Criss Oliva
(Savatage)
32. Matthias Jabs
(Scorpions)
33. James Murphy
(Testament, Death, Obituary, Disincarnate)
34. Tom Morello
(Rage Against the Machine)
35. Kai Hansen
(Helloween, Gamma Ray)
36. Chris Impelliteri (Impelliteri)
37. Eddie Clarke
(Motorhead)
38. Chris Poland
(Megadeth)
39. Kurdt Vanderhoof
(Metal Church)
40. Jake E. Lee
(Ozzy, Badlands)
41. Al Pitrelli
(Megadeth, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage)
42. Vito Bratta
(White Lion)
43. Ross Friedman
(Manowar)
44. Trey Azagthoth
(Morbid Angel)
45. Jeff Loomis
(Nevermore)
46. Jerry Cantrell
(Alice In Chains)
47. Michael Amott
(Arch Enemy, Carcass)
48. Mikael Åkerfeldt
(Opeth)
49. Timo Tolkki
(Stratovarius)
50. Chris Degarmo
(Queensryche)
51. Zakk Wylde
(Ozzy, Black Label Society)
52. Kerry King
(Slayer)
53. Michael Denner
(Mercyful Fate)
54. Akira Takasaki
(Loudness)
55. Michael Angelo Batio
(Nitro)
56. Gary Holt
(Exodus, Slayer)
57. Mantas
(Venom)
58. Warren De Martini
(Ratt)
59. Bobby Gustafson
(Overkill)
60. John 5
(Rob Zombie, Marylin Manson, solo)
61. Jeff Waters
(Annihilator)
62. Jesper Stromblad
(In Flames)
63. Kiko Loureiro
(Angra, Megadeth)
64. Ron Jarzombek
(Spastic Ink, Watchtower)
65. Roy Z
(Dickinson)
66. Scott Ian
(Anthrax)
67. Luca Turilli
(Rhapsody)
68. John Sykes
(Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy)
69. Eric Peterson
(Tetsament)
70. Brian Tatler
(Diamond Head)
71. Mille Petrozza
(Kreator)
72. Paul Masvidal
(Cynic, Death)
73. Janick Gers
(Iron Maiden, Gillan)
74. Adam Jones
(Tools)
75. Alexi Laiho
(Children OF Bodom)
76. Jon Schaffer
(Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards)
77. Anders Björler
(At The Gates, The Haunted)
78. Rudolph Schenker
(Scorpions)
79. Tom Warrior
(Celtic Frost)
80. Randall Shawver
(Iced Earth)
81. Ritchie Kotzen
(Solo, Mr. Big)
82. Rafael Bittencourt
(Angra)
83. Jim Matheos
(Fates Warning)
84. Reb Beach
(Winger, Dokken)
85. Chris Broderick
(Jag Panzer, Nevermore, Megadeth)
86. Ty Tabor
(King's X)
87. Vernon Reid
(Living Colour)
88. Karl Logan
(Manowar)
89. Fredrik Thorndendal
(Meshuggah)
90. Thomas Youngblood
(Kamelot)
91. Vincent McAllister
(Pentagram)
92. Andre Olbrich
(Blind Guardian)
93. Herman Li
(Demoniac, DragonForce)
94. Niklas Sundin
(Dark Tranquillity, HammerFall)
95. Quorthon
(Bathory)
96. Insahn
(Emporer)
97. Muhammed Suicmez
(Necrophagist)
98. Euronymous
(Mayhem)
99. Dan Spitz
(Anthrax)
100. Kelly Shaefer
(Atheist)
101. Stephane Forte
(Adagio)
102. Jani Liimatainen
(Sonata Arctica)
103. Karl Sanders
(Nile)
104. Carlos Cavazo
(Quiet Riot)
105. Dennis Stratton
(Iron Maiden, Praying Mantis)
106. Andreas Kisser
(Sepultura)
107. Justin Broadrick
(Godflesh, Jesu)
108. Brad Gillis
(Ozzy Osbourne, Night Ranger)
109. Nergal
(Behemoth)
110. Dino Cazares
(Fear Factory)
111. Kim Thayil
(Soundgarden)
112. Mick Mars
(Motley Crue)
113. Michael Weikath
(Helloween)
114. Mitch Harris
(Napalm Death)
115. Scott Weinrich
(The Obsessed, St. Vitus)
116. Axel Rudi Pell
117. Jari Maenpaa
(Wintersun)
118. Jeff Young
(Megadeth)
119. Gary Hoey
120. Lars Johansson
(Candlemass)
121. Nick Bowcott
(Grim Reaper)
122. Joe Stump
123. Hank Shermann
(Mercyful Fate)
124. Doug Aldrich
(Dio, Lion, Hurricane)
125. Michael Wilton
(Queensryche)
126. Chris Amott
(Arch Enemy)
127. Jack Owen
(Cannibal Corpse)
128. Craig Goldie
(Dio, Rough Cutt, Giuffria)
129. Mark Briody
(Jag Panzer)
130. Joey Tafolla
(Jag Panzer)
131. Rusty Cooley
132. Mark Morton
(Lamb of God)
133. Arie Itman
(Quo Vadis)
134. Matt Pike
(Sleep, High on Fire)
135. Glen Drover
(Eidolon, Megadeth, King Diamond)
136. Gus G
(Dream Evil, Firewind)
137. John Levasseur
(Cryptopsy)
138. Allen West
(Obituary)
139. CC Deville
(Posion, Samantha 7, solo)
140. Larry Tarnowski
(Iced Earth)
141. Terrance Hobbes
(Suffocation)
142. Matt Heafy
(Trivium)
143. Peter Wiwczarek
(Vader)
144. Jorg Fisher
(Accept)
145. Uffe Cederlund
(Entombed)
146. Frank Hannon
(Tesla)
147. Synyster Gates
(Avenged Sevenfold)
148. John Slater
(B L A Z E)
149. Klas Bergwall
(Candlemass)
150. Abbath
(Immortal)
151. Matthew Bachand
(Shadows Fall)
152. Rob Cavestany
(Death Angel)
153. Fredrick
(Unleashed)
154. Paul Waggoner
(Between the Buried & Me)
155. Ralph Santolla
(Iced Earth, Deicide)
156. Henjo Richter
(Gamma Ray)
157. Mark Reale
(Riot)
158. Rick Rozz
(Death, Massacre)
159. Marcel Coenen
(Sun Caged)
160. Tom Englund
(Evergrey)
161. Oscar Dronjak
(HammerFall)
162. Jonathon Donais
(Shadows Fall)
163. Bruce Bouillet
(Racer X)
164. Pepper Keenan
(Corrosion of Conformity, Down)
165. Fredrik Akkeson
(Arch Enemy, Opeth)
166. Stephen O'Malley
(Thor's Hammer, Sunn O))))
167. Joe Duplantier
(Gojira)
168. Don Donegan
(Disturbed)
169. James Malone
(Arsis)
170. Sam Totman
(DragonForce)
171. Gary Jenkins
(Cathedral)
172. Ola Frenning
(Soilwork)
173. Roope Latvala
(Children of Bodom)
174. Blackie Lawless
(W.A.S.P.)
175. Daron Malakian
(System of a Down)
176. Chet Thompson
(Hellion)
177. John Nodveit
(Dissection)
178. Olavi Mikkonen
(Amon Amarth)
179. Jonas
(Electric Wizard)
180. Jens Ludwig
(Edguy)
181. George Bellas
182. Bernd Aufermann
(Angel Dust)
183. Guido Wehmeyer
(Axxis)
184. Nick Hipa
(As I Lay Dying)
185. Erno Vuorinen
(Nightwish)
186. Shannon Hamm
(Death, Control Denied)
187. Gary Wehrkamp
(Shadow Gallery)
188. Peter Lake
(Theory in Practice)
189. Eric Hoffman
(Deicide)
190. Steinar Gundersen
(Spiral Architect)
191. Henrik Danhage
(Evergrey)
192. Tim Millar
(Protest the Hero)
193. Jimmy Bower
(Eyehategod)
194. Mats Bjorkman
(Candlemass)
195. Juan Garcia
(Agent Steel)
196. Alan Barlam
(Hellion)
197. Jarno Keskinen
(Kenziner)
198. Ivar Bjornson
(Enslaved)
199. Arnaud
(Gorod)
200. David Valdes
(Metal Witch)
(Adagio)
102. Jani Liimatainen
(Sonata Arctica)
103. Karl Sanders
(Nile)
104. Carlos Cavazo
(Quiet Riot)
105. Dennis Stratton
(Iron Maiden, Praying Mantis)
106. Andreas Kisser
(Sepultura)
107. Justin Broadrick
(Godflesh, Jesu)
108. Brad Gillis
(Ozzy Osbourne, Night Ranger)
109. Nergal
(Behemoth)
110. Dino Cazares
(Fear Factory)
111. Kim Thayil
(Soundgarden)
112. Mick Mars
(Motley Crue)
113. Michael Weikath
(Helloween)
114. Mitch Harris
(Napalm Death)
115. Scott Weinrich
(The Obsessed, St. Vitus)
116. Axel Rudi Pell
117. Jari Maenpaa
(Wintersun)
118. Jeff Young
(Megadeth)
119. Gary Hoey
120. Lars Johansson
(Candlemass)
121. Nick Bowcott
(Grim Reaper)
122. Joe Stump
123. Hank Shermann
(Mercyful Fate)
124. Doug Aldrich
(Dio, Lion, Hurricane)
125. Michael Wilton
(Queensryche)
126. Chris Amott
(Arch Enemy)
127. Jack Owen
(Cannibal Corpse)
128. Craig Goldie
(Dio, Rough Cutt, Giuffria)
129. Mark Briody
(Jag Panzer)
130. Joey Tafolla
(Jag Panzer)
131. Rusty Cooley
132. Mark Morton
(Lamb of God)
133. Arie Itman
(Quo Vadis)
134. Matt Pike
(Sleep, High on Fire)
135. Glen Drover
(Eidolon, Megadeth, King Diamond)
136. Gus G
(Dream Evil, Firewind)
137. John Levasseur
(Cryptopsy)
138. Allen West
(Obituary)
139. CC Deville
(Posion, Samantha 7, solo)
140. Larry Tarnowski
(Iced Earth)
141. Terrance Hobbes
(Suffocation)
142. Matt Heafy
(Trivium)
143. Peter Wiwczarek
(Vader)
144. Jorg Fisher
(Accept)
145. Uffe Cederlund
(Entombed)
146. Frank Hannon
(Tesla)
147. Synyster Gates
(Avenged Sevenfold)
148. John Slater
(B L A Z E)
149. Klas Bergwall
(Candlemass)
150. Abbath
(Immortal)
151. Matthew Bachand
(Shadows Fall)
152. Rob Cavestany
(Death Angel)
153. Fredrick
(Unleashed)
154. Paul Waggoner
(Between the Buried & Me)
155. Ralph Santolla
(Iced Earth, Deicide)
156. Henjo Richter
(Gamma Ray)
157. Mark Reale
(Riot)
158. Rick Rozz
(Death, Massacre)
159. Marcel Coenen
(Sun Caged)
160. Tom Englund
(Evergrey)
161. Oscar Dronjak
(HammerFall)
162. Jonathon Donais
(Shadows Fall)
163. Bruce Bouillet
(Racer X)
164. Pepper Keenan
(Corrosion of Conformity, Down)
165. Fredrik Akkeson
(Arch Enemy, Opeth)
166. Stephen O'Malley
(Thor's Hammer, Sunn O))))
167. Joe Duplantier
(Gojira)
168. Don Donegan
(Disturbed)
169. James Malone
(Arsis)
170. Sam Totman
(DragonForce)
171. Gary Jenkins
(Cathedral)
172. Ola Frenning
(Soilwork)
173. Roope Latvala
(Children of Bodom)
174. Blackie Lawless
(W.A.S.P.)
175. Daron Malakian
(System of a Down)
176. Chet Thompson
(Hellion)
177. John Nodveit
(Dissection)
178. Olavi Mikkonen
(Amon Amarth)
179. Jonas
(Electric Wizard)
180. Jens Ludwig
(Edguy)
181. George Bellas
182. Bernd Aufermann
(Angel Dust)
183. Guido Wehmeyer
(Axxis)
184. Nick Hipa
(As I Lay Dying)
185. Erno Vuorinen
(Nightwish)
186. Shannon Hamm
(Death, Control Denied)
187. Gary Wehrkamp
(Shadow Gallery)
188. Peter Lake
(Theory in Practice)
189. Eric Hoffman
(Deicide)
190. Steinar Gundersen
(Spiral Architect)
191. Henrik Danhage
(Evergrey)
192. Tim Millar
(Protest the Hero)
193. Jimmy Bower
(Eyehategod)
194. Mats Bjorkman
(Candlemass)
195. Juan Garcia
(Agent Steel)
196. Alan Barlam
(Hellion)
197. Jarno Keskinen
(Kenziner)
198. Ivar Bjornson
(Enslaved)
199. Arnaud
(Gorod)
200. David Valdes
(Metal Witch)
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Edited By: Nesquik, Sodacake
Last Updated: 2009-12-09