Guitarists have always been at the forefront of musical innovation, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their skill and artistry. As we look at the current music landscape, it’s clear that the guitar continues to evolve, driven by a new generation of virtuosos and seasoned masters alike. Inspired by a recent Guitar World poll that celebrated the best guitarists of the 2010s, we’ve updated our list to reflect the most impactful and Best Guitar Players Today. These are the artists who are not only technically brilliant but are also shaping the sound of modern music, influencing countless others, and keeping the spirit of guitar alive and thriving.
1. Mark Tremonti
Mark Tremonti remains a force in modern heavy music. Known for his songwriting prowess in Alter Bridge and Creed, Tremonti, often dubbed “Captain Riff,” has sold over 50 million records. Beyond his anthem-writing capabilities, Tremonti’s exceptional shredding skills are undeniable. His prolific nature extends to his thrash metal side project, Tremonti, and his highly sought-after guitar clinics. As Total Guitar’s Rob Laing noted, Tremonti is “a player who works at his craft tirelessly, and constantly listens and learns from others to enhance his own approach.” Even today, Tremonti continues to tour and release music with both Alter Bridge and his solo project, solidifying his place as one of the best guitar players today, seamlessly blending songwriting with virtuosity.
2. Tosin Abasi
Tosin Abasi continues to redefine what’s possible on the guitar. Since his emergence with Animals as Leaders, Abasi has become synonymous with innovation on the eight-string guitar. His groundbreaking techniques, including tapping, sweeping, “thumping,” and fingerpicking, combined with his creation of complex and genre-bending music, set him apart. Abasi’s influence extends beyond his playing; his gear company, Abasi Concepts, pushes instrument design forward. His participation in tours like Generation Axe alongside guitar legends further cements his status as a leading figure. As former GW editor-in-chief Brad Tolinski stated, “For dexterity, originality and innovation, nobody comes close.” Abasi’s dedication to pushing boundaries keeps him firmly among the best guitar players today, inspiring a new wave of experimental guitarists.
3. Gary Clark Jr.
Gary Clark Jr. continues to be a vital voice in modern music, transcending the “new face of blues” label he initially received. While rooted in blues tradition, Clark’s music is a dynamic fusion of blues, R&B, soul, rock, hip-hop, funk, and reggae. His incendiary and fuzz-toned guitar playing remains captivating, earning him accolades from legends like Clapton and the admiration of contemporary artists. Clark’s collaborations across genres and his consistent evolution as an artist demonstrate his refusal to be confined. As Clark himself asserts, “The guitar is an instrument you can do anything on, so why would I stay in one place if there are so many options?” His ongoing exploration and genre-bending approach make him one of the most relevant and best guitar players today.
4. Nita Strauss
Nita Strauss is a powerhouse who has redefined the role of the female guitarist in rock and metal. Known for her electrifying stage presence with Alice Cooper and her successful solo career, Strauss embodies showmanship and virtuosic shredding. Inspired by instrumental guitar heroes like Vai and Satriani, she has carved her own path, releasing her instrumental album “Controlled Chaos” and captivating audiences worldwide with her clinics and workshops. Strauss’ signature Ibanez JIVA10 and DiMarzio Pandemonium pickups highlight her influence in the gear world. Alice Cooper himself recognized her impact, stating, “That girl is going to have a long career… Nita is an incredible guitarist and a solid person.” Strauss’s passion and skill make her a leading figure and one of the best guitar players today, inspiring countless aspiring musicians.
5. John Petrucci
John Petrucci remains a progressive metal icon and one of the most respected guitarists globally. For over three decades, the Dream Theater virtuoso has been celebrated for his unparalleled versatility, melodic sensibility, and alternate picking technique. Petrucci’s influence extends to gear innovation, with signature amps, pickups, and his Ernie Ball Music Man JP series guitar, one of the best-selling signature models ever. His dedication to his craft and continuous pursuit of improvement keep him at the top. As Petrucci explains, “It comes from a very humble place where you’re just trying to do things that makes sense to you… I’m just a student of the guitar. There’s still that sense of wonder, and that’s what keeps it fresh.” Petrucci’s enduring career and unwavering commitment to excellence solidify his place among the best guitar players today.
6. Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa is a blues-rock titan who has arguably done more to keep the blues alive in the 21st century than any other guitarist. Beyond his masterful playing, which blends blues tradition with high-energy exuberance, Bonamassa is a gearhead icon. His Instagram is a go-to destination for guitar enthusiasts, and his vast collection of vintage guitars is legendary. Bonamassa’s influence extends to collaborations with Fender and other brands, producing signature gear and making high-quality instruments accessible. Guitar World editor-in-chief Damian Fanelli aptly notes his impact: “He’s immensely popular and has a new piece of signature gear every 3.6666667 hours. That’s the dream of every guitarist.” Bonamassa’s prolific output, dedication to blues, and gear influence make him one of the best guitar players today and a key figure in the guitar world.
7. Guthrie Govan
Guthrie Govan, often referred to as “Professor Shred,” is a guitarist’s guitarist, revered for his mind-blowing versatility and technical mastery. His playing seamlessly traverses prog-rock, shred, jazz-fusion, blues, funk, and more, all executed with incredible fluidity and speed. Whether performing with The Aristocrats, as a solo artist, or conducting masterclasses, Govan’s unique blend of technical brilliance and musical whimsy is captivating. His unparalleled skill and broad musical vocabulary make him a standout. Govan’s status as one of the best guitar players today is undisputed among musicians and serious guitar enthusiasts, who marvel at his seemingly limitless abilities.
8. Polyphia
Polyphia represents the cutting edge of modern guitar music, pushing boundaries and dividing opinions in the process. Their blend of virtuosic guitar playing with elements of EDM, funk, hip-hop, and pop has created a unique and controversial sound. Guitarists Tim Henson and Scott LePage, using their signature Ibanez guitars, are at the forefront of this genre-bending approach. Polyphia’s willingness to challenge conventions and incorporate diverse musical styles has made them highly influential in the modern guitar scene. As Scott LePage explained, “The only way to keep shred alive was to kill it and bring it back to life our own way.” Their innovative approach and technical prowess make Polyphia key figures among the best guitar players today, shaping the future of guitar music.
9. Mateus Asato
Mateus Asato has become a phenomenon in the guitar world, largely through his mastery of social media. His short, captivating Instagram videos showcasing his dazzling technique across various styles have garnered him a massive following. Despite not having officially released a solo album yet, Asato’s influence is undeniable. His playing is characterized by incredible feel, technique, and musicality, attracting attention from established artists like John Mayer, who famously said, “he’s one of the best guitar players around and his stage is Instagram.” Asato’s Suhr signature guitar further underscores his impact. His ability to connect with a global audience online and his exceptional talent make Mateus Asato one of the most watched and best guitar players today.
10. John Mayer
John Mayer has successfully transitioned from pop star to respected guitarist, particularly through his work with Dead & Company. His role in carrying on the legacy of Jerry Garcia has showcased his impressive improvisational skills and blues-rock chops. Beyond his performance career, Mayer is a significant figure in the gear world, most notably with his PRS Silver Sky signature guitar, a subject of much discussion and admiration. Mayer’s deep understanding of guitar tone and his willingness to engage in gear debates highlight his passion for the instrument. As he stated, “my path is straight – bone straight. I’m not going to worry if my ‘radio transmission’ gets misinterpreted as much as I need to worry about my path being correct.” Mayer’s continued evolution as a guitarist and his influence on popular music solidify his place as one of the best guitar players today.
11. Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson represents the new breed of shred guitarists who are equally comfortable online and onstage. Known for his technical proficiency on seven and eight-string guitars and his popular YouTube videos, Richardson embodies the modern, genre-fluid guitarist. His precision, speed, and musicality set him apart, and his Ernie Ball Music Man Cutlass signature seven-string guitar is a testament to his influence. GW tech editor Paul Riario praises his musicality even at blistering speeds: “he’s actually musical when playing at breakneck speeds. For a young gun, and for those who dig instrumental guitar, he’s the guy to aspire to.” Richardson’s ability to bridge online and traditional guitar worlds makes him a leading figure and one of the best guitar players today for the next generation.
12. St. Vincent
St. Vincent, the moniker of Annie Clark, is a true innovator who pushes the sonic boundaries of the guitar. Her experimental approach to the instrument, often creating sounds that are barely recognizable as guitar, has made her a unique and influential artist. Her unconventional Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent Signature guitar reflects her distinctive style. St. Vincent’s fusion of pop sensibilities with avant-garde experimentation has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. As she told Guitar World, “I think we’re wide-open for art right now. Things are wide-open for players, too.” Her fearless approach to sound and guitar makes St. Vincent one of the most creatively significant and best guitar players today.
13. Synyster Gates
Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold is a modern metal icon known for his blistering speed and technical prowess. Despite his metal image and virtuosity, Gates’ deep knowledge and love for jazz and fusion styles inform his playing, adding depth and complexity to his shredding. His adventurous approach to guitar is evident in Avenged Sevenfold’s diverse discography and his ongoing pursuit of new techniques, like rasgueado. Gates’ commitment to pushing his boundaries keeps his playing fresh and exciting. As he stated, “Pushing the guitar envelope is literally everything to me now. If I’ve done it before, it doesn’t interest me.” Synyster Gates’ blend of metal shredding with jazz influences and constant innovation makes him one of the best guitar players today in the metal genre.
14. Kiko Loureiro
Kiko Loureiro brought a renewed energy to Megadeth when he joined the band, contributing significantly to their acclaimed album “Dystopia.” His technically brilliant and fluid playing, incorporating exotic scales and unusual phrasing, revitalized Megadeth’s sound. Loureiro’s background in Brazilian metal with Angra and his versatility across acoustic and nylon-string guitars, as well as jazz and bossa nova, bring a unique dimension to his metal shredding. Dave Mustaine recognized Loureiro’s impact, stating his playing “is the kind of stuff that makes guitar players weep.” Kiko Loureiro’s exceptional skill and diverse musical background make him one of the best guitar players today in the thrash metal world and beyond.
15. Misha Mansoor
Misha Mansoor of Periphery is a central figure in modern progressive metal and the “djent” sound. As a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and gear innovator, Mansoor’s influence is far-reaching. Periphery’s debut album a decade ago marked a turning point in progressive metal, and Mansoor’s signature sound, characterized by technical, heavily processed, and genre-bending guitar work, has defined a generation. While he may not have coined the term “djent,” Mansoor is undeniably a key architect of the genre. His continued innovation with Periphery and his gear company, Horizon Devices, solidify his position as one of the most influential and best guitar players today in modern metal.
16. Derek Trucks
Derek Trucks is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar players alive, praised for his peerless slide guitar playing and improvisational skills. His unique style, rooted in blues and rock but incorporating elements of jazz, soul, Indian classical, and more, is instantly recognizable. Trey Anastasio called Trucks “the best guitar player on earth right now,” a sentiment echoed by many. Trucks’ work with the Allman Brothers Band and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, alongside his wife Susan Tedeschi, has showcased his stylistic adventurousness and deep musicality. As Trucks explains, “People want to hear guitarists just going for it, dedicating their lives to their art and trying to do something great.” Derek Trucks’ virtuosity and commitment to musical exploration make him one of the best guitar players today, carrying the torch of guitar mastery into the future.
17. Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani remains a consistent and influential force in the rock guitar world. For over 35 years, Satriani’s innovative playing, melodic sensibilities, and willingness to push boundaries have kept him at the forefront. His solo albums, the G3 tours, and the G4 Experience camps continue to inspire and challenge guitarists. Satriani’s signature Ibanez guitars and DiMarzio pickups are staples for many players. Despite his legendary status, Satriani remains humble and forward-looking. As he told Guitar World, “I’m astonished at the brilliance coming from the new generation of guitarists all around the world. Even so, I’m still going to push that envelope every day!” Joe Satriani’s enduring career and continuous innovation cement his legacy as one of the best guitar players today and of all time.
18. Eric Gales
Eric Gales has experienced a remarkable resurgence, solidifying his place as one of the most electrifying blues-rock guitarists today. After facing personal and professional challenges, Gales returned with renewed vigor, earning praise from artists like Dave Navarro and Joe Bonamassa, who have called him “the best guitarist in blues rock” and “the ultimate head-cutter.” Gales’ impassioned and raw style blends blues, rock, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and funk, creating a powerful and unique sound. As Gales describes his playing, “When I’m playing, it’s a vast emotion of everything – of shit that I’ve been through, of shit I’ve overcome. It’s power that’s coming through me.” Eric Gales’s powerful performances and raw emotionality make him one of the most compelling and best guitar players today.
19. Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio of Phish is a jam band icon whose legend has only grown over the past decade. Since Phish’s reunion, Anastasio has continued to push the boundaries of improvisational guitar, captivating audiences with his inventive and elastic playing. His work extends beyond Phish to his Trey Anastasio Band, solo projects, and collaborations, including the Grateful Dead’s 50th-anniversary shows. Anastasio’s relentless creativity and dedication to playing are key to his enduring success. As he told Guitar World, “The more you play, the better you are… The best players play all the time, because it goes away so fast.” Trey Anastasio’s constant exploration and improvisational genius make him one of the best guitar players today, inspiring generations of musicians.
20. Steve Vai
Steve Vai remains a dominant and innovative force in the guitar world. Even with fewer studio album releases in recent years, Vai’s impact is undeniable through his live performances, Vai Academy camps, educational materials like Vaideology, and the Generation Axe tour, which brought together guitar legends on one stage. Vai’s signature Ibanez Jem guitars and his constant pursuit of new sounds and techniques continue to inspire. His commitment to both technical mastery and creative expression sets him apart. As Vai explained, “I’m serious about what I do. But believe me, I love to have fun, except I do it a little differently than most people.” Steve Vai’s unique vision and unwavering dedication to the guitar make him one of the most influential and best guitar players today, constantly pushing the instrument to new limits.
These twenty guitarists represent a diverse range of styles and approaches, but they share a common thread: exceptional talent and a dedication to their craft. They are the best guitar players today, shaping the current music scene and inspiring future generations to pick up the instrument and explore their own musical paths. The world of guitar continues to be vibrant and exciting, thanks to these incredible artists.
