During my lessons as a guitar teacher i am so often asked by students 'who should i listen to and what albums should i check out'. In this post im going to outline a definitive list of the ten guitarists that had the biggest influence on me for the rock genre, and i'll also discuss the albums that i think are their most important.
1. Joe Satriani - Crystal Planet
Joe Satriani is one of the best known rock guitarists on the planet. Not only has he had a prominent career as a solo artist, but he has also been a very successful guitar teacher, with students of his like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett and Alex skolnick plus many more going on to have fame in their own bands. Crystal planet is in my opinion his most rounded album, with great songwriting, loads of chops oriented playing and some diverse genres in there to boot. Take a listen to the album on youtube here, or buy it on amazon here.
2. Steve Vai - Fire Garden
When most people think of Vai they think of the album passion and warfare. I too love that album, and i recommend anyone to check it out. For me, Firegarden just spoke to me more. I love the riffs, songwriting and scary chops. The fire garden suite is just an epic piece of music. Check it out here or buy it.
3. Yngwie Malmsteen - Unleash the Fury
Again not an album that most guitarists would expect me to say, as they would probably be thinking of Rising Force, which is ofcourse a stupendous rock album, however i grew up in a different decade, so when i was at school unleash the fury was the album for Yngwie. This album is full of his signature neo classical rock approach, but also has some of his trademark killer blues soloing on the album too. Highlights would be the ferocious 'locked and loaded' for the full shred moments and 'cherokee warrior' for the more bluesy feel. Check the album out on youtube (sorry, it wouldn't let me link to it, but it's there) or get your copy here.
4. Paul Gilbert - Fuzz Universe
Paul Gilbert has done so many great guitar albums, either with his bands Racer X and Mr Big or solo. This one came out right in the middle of my PG phase and it just had everything. Shred, melody, bluesy phrasing, neo classical pieces, the lot. I studied Paul's music pretty hard for around a year when i was about 18. His music really helped me progress technically, and i covered his track Curse of the castle dragon. Check out my version of his track here. Paul is one of the best rock guitarists that's ever lived......listen to him! get Fuzz Universe here or take a listen on Youtube.
5. Jason Becker - Perpetual Burn
Jason Becker is a talent like no other. At an unbelievably young age he possessed chops of doom, a melodic sense that was uncanny and a level of musicality that i personally feel has been unmatched. To be so adept so young boggles the mind, and then, there's his tragic story. From his early twenties Jason has suffered with Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the same condition as professor Stephen Hawking). Jason's story is well documented in guitar world, but if you don't know who he is and wish to know more about this incredible musician check out his website here. Perpetual burn is a solo album of his from back in the 80's. I think he was around 17 years old when he did it, and to this day it blows my mind. He still writes today even though he is stricken with ALS. His latest album, Triumphant Hearts is also well worth checking out. You can listen to perpetual burn here and If you like the album please do buy perpetual burn, Jason desperately needs your money for his continued health care, and this complete work of art more than deserves it.
6. Andy Timmons - That was then, this is now
I'd seen Andy Timmons pictured in Ibanez catalogs when i was a teenager, but i never paid attention to his music because i was so busy doing the Vai and Satriani thing. Years later i bought this album as its kind of a greatest hits type affair. I couldn't believe i had over looked it. Andy is a modern guitarist like no other. His playing is absolutely drowning in melody, he's an amazing blues player, has great chops and a tone to die for. Seriously one of the tastiest players around. That was then, this is now is just my favourite album of his, check it out on youtube or grab a copy here. His album Resolution is another absolute classic.
7. Nuno Bettencourt - Pornograffiti (with the band Extreme)
Nuno is a serious rock guitar player with face frying chops, riffs that will knock your head off and a sense of groove and timing that compliments his band Extreme's funk rock approach. This particular album is full to the brim of great riffs and absolutely terrifying solo's. Nuno is one Extreme guitar player that's for sure! listen to Pornograffiti here, and buy here.
8. George Lynch - Wicked Sensation
George Lynch is most famously associated with the band Dokken. Lynch sold around 10 million copies with the band in the 80's big hair rock scene, but my album of choice, Wicked Sensation, comes from his post Dokken era where he set up his own band Lynch Mob. Lynch has great tone, timing and feel, and can tear your face off with light speed licks. He's just a fabulous rock guitarist. Buy wicked sensation here and listen on youtube.
9. Vinnie Moore - Time odyssey
Vinnie Moore was one of the first virtuoso guitar players i ever got introduced to, and this was the first album i ever heard. This album had a profound effect on me technically, harmonically and melodically. Vinnie's command of genres, techniques and application in all manner of style is simply awesome. This particular album features a stunning cover of the Beatles track while my guitar gently weeps. This version had such a strong impact on me that years later i did a tip of a hat to this when i launched my website. Check out the video of me playing while my guitar gently weeps and using some of Vinnie's ideas on the track. I couldn't find an official youtube playlist for this album, but it is on some other streaming apps if you want to listen to it, alternatively you can buy the CD here.
10. Richie Kotzen - Go Faster
Richie Kotzen is one of those rare breed of guitar players that seems to be able to just play anything he wants, any style, any speed, any genre, with a pick, without a pick, he can just do it. He also has a great singing voice, and is one of the coolest performers I've ever seen live. He's done tons of solo albums, has played with Poison and Mr Big in the past and is a member of The Winery Dogs today with Billy Sheehan on Bass and Mike Portnoy on drums. Go faster is just my pick of the bunch, with songs such as the title track Go faster, Fooled again and Dust all showcasing Richie's many talents. Check out the album and definitely buy it if you like it.
Richie's album Go faster is my final pick for my recommended rock albums. I've also got definitive lists for Blues, Fusion and Metal coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for those. In the mean time if you're still hungry for other recommended listening, check out this post on Guitarists you need to hear. Also feel free to drop in some other albums and players you think could be included in a list like this in the comments below.