Smashing guitars and overall destruction have become synonymous with the rebellious attitude of the 60s and 70s.  Drawing from foundations in other genres, such as jazz and blues, classic rock has become a well-known and beloved musical genre of its own.  There are a host of great guitarists that have catapulted to legendary status, and we have chosen the top five and listed them below.
 

5. Angus Young (AC/DC): A native of Scotland, Angus Young is known for his lead guitar and songwriting roles for AC/DC.  He was born in Scotland, but he and his family immigrated to Australia in 1963.  He began playing on a restrung banjo, but later got a Gibson SG in 1970.  He and his brother formed AC/DC when he was 18.  His guitar playing incorporates blues with hints of Scottish folk music in addition to power chords.  Young is a fiery guitarist known for putting on a good show.  Listen to him tear it up in AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock.”
 
4. Pete Townshend (The Who): An electrifying and charismatic guitarist, Pete Townshend received his first guitar at the age of 12.  He was born in London and was interested in music at an early age.  He found his first band in 1961, and within a few years they formed The Who.  He developed a signature “windmill” arm movement as he played, and also was one of the first musicians to be known for smashing his guitar.  Townshend made feedback an integral part of his style and overall sound during his career.  He has played several Fender and Gibson guitars during his career including a Fender Stratocaster and a Gibson SG model.  Hear Townshend’s style in The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”
 
3. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple): Bringing together classical music and blues, Ritchie Blackmore has had success with Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Blackmore’s Night.  A British musician, he was given a guitar by his father under the agreement that Blackmore would learn to play properly by taking guitar lessons.  While he has primarily played a Fender Stratocaster, Blackmore also played a Gibson ES-335 during his early career.  He is known for pairing dominant minor scales with blue scales and phrasing.  He is skilled in styles ranging from the progressive rock to more traditional folk rock.  Learn more about Ritchie Blackmore by listening to Deep Purple’s “Highway Star.”
 
2. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin): Considered one of the most influential guitarists, Jimmy Page has left his mark on the classic rock world.  Growing up in London, his first guitar came to him by chance at age 12.  Page did take lessons, but was mostly self-taught.  He has a variety of musical influences that include roots in rock, blues, and folk.  He began his career as a session musician, and joined The Yardbirds in the mid-60s, which became Led Zeppelin.  Guitars used by Page include the Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson EDS-1275, and a Martin D28.  With his epic riffs and technical abilities, Page will continue to be a legend of classic rock.  Experience Jimmy Page’s talent by listening to Led Zepplin’s “Kashmir” or “Stairway to Heaven.”
 
1. Jimi Hendrix: It could be argued that Hendrix transcends categorization.  In a short time, not only did he redefine rock music, he changed the perception of what a guitarist and guitar could be combined to achieve.  From humble beginnings, he received his first guitar at age 15 and then received his first electric guitar, a Supro Ozark 1560S.  The Jimi Hendrix Experience enjoyed success in the UK, and upon returning to the US in 1967 finally gained momentum.  Hendrix’s musical influences include blues, jazz, R&B, and rock.  His primary guitar was a Fender Stratocaster.  Listen to a legend in action in “All Along the Watchtower.”

This is our take on the great guitarists of classic rock.  Reading through the above list, you may have thought of your own top five list.  We’d love to hear what you think.

Keep Rockin’!!!
Rock Me! by saturn taken on February 24, 2010