The BBC has just published its list of the best rock guitarists of all time. It names 31 top guitar players, and there is no doubt about it. I’m not sure why 31 names made it. It’s not your typical list number. Perhaps they couldn't work out who to leave out to keep it to a neat 30.
That’s the tricky part with a list. Who to include, who to omit. There will always be arguments and disagreements. People have their own favorites, just as much as they have musicians they don't rate or can't take to.
I’m not going to list all 31 from the BBC article here. That would undermine their story; you can look it up easily enough and see what you think. I’m not going to dispute any of those listed either. They've done a great job, and they are all worthy of inclusion.
The five essential rock guitarists missing from the BBC’s list
Instead, I’m going for the easy way out. Here are five more essential rock guitarists that should have been included, even if it meant extending the list to 36.
Alex Lifeson
Surely the Rush virtuoso is worthy of a place? Lifeson has just reminded us all of his superb artistry on guitar as he and the band featured at the recent Juno Awards. He’s certainly still got it.
But even if Lifeson’s talents had waned, his catalog of work with Rush is more than enough. He’s not the in-your-face scene hogging soloist type of player. But his intricate and hugely technical style demands respect. Lifeson creates such lush and dramatic soundscapes as one cornerstone of the Rush trio that he cannot be ignored.
Tom Morello
Should there be a place for Tom Morello, too? His time with Rage Against the Machine speaks for itself. But there is so much more to Morello’s work, too. His style of play is unique too; he favours a range of effects and has made a DJ-style, on/off pickup very much his own.
Like Lifeson, we have a very current reminder of him at work. He is back playing live with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. He features heavily in many of the clips of the boss and his band in concert this week in Minneapolis.
Morello is in particularly powerful form there. He and the Rage guys are in the Rock Hall of Fame, as is Lifeson above with Rush. Let's not deny him his place on the top guitarist list.
Nils Lofgren
While Morello has been more on and off with Bruce and the band, Nils Lofgren is much more of a long-term member. He, too, is seen and very much heard in the recent gig. He also has the Hall of Fame members badge, via the E Street band in his case.
Lofgren was well established in his own right before joining up with the boss. He also spent time with Neil Young and Crazy Horse, pretty good credentials for the CV. With a preference for rock and blues, he uses his finger-picking style effectively, offering lead playing, solos, and song infill. He is an immaculate guitarist and is often referred to as a musician’s musician.
If it’s not too much to claim a place for two from the E Street band, then Loffren gets a place with Morello in my book. Having said that I cause myself a slight issue. What about Stevie Van Zandt is the question?
Well, I think three guitarists from one band is pushing my luck too far. But I will concede that Van Zandt could easily have made my five in place of Morello or Lofgren, but I stand by my final five.
John Frusciante
Some readers may have to set aside their views on John Frusciante's band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They and he also made it to Rock Hall of Fame status and deservedly so. But they are perhaps a band that many love to hate.
Frusciante, though, should be recognised for his work. His style, like others here, is influential and unique. He brings punk and funk together and has an aggressive and driving style. You can definitely hear him stand out from a song and recognise his style just from listening to it. Put aside any wavering or dismissive thoughts about his band, and Frusciante deserves a listing.
Peter Frampton
Obviously, Peter Frampton is best known for his live album. And no wonder, it was huge commercially. Some listeners don't take to the live aspect of it, but undeniably, it showcases him in top guitar-playing form.
Of course, he brought earlier versions of his guitar playing to life with the Herd and Humble Pie. He’s also continued his guitar work at an exceptionally high standard as a solo artist since that live album. Despite his ongoing illness and difficulties it brings, the guy is still a top, top guitar player right now. And if it helps the case, he, too, is a member of the Rock Hall of Fame.