Rolling Stone Guitarists vs. Slash
The Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time And Why Slash Missed The List
Every single “greatest” or “best” list ever made is subjective, even when Rolling Stone makes it. Although I won’t contest the first few choices, including Jimi Hendrix, I don’t overall agree with the placement of some guitarists on this list. Since I consider John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers to be an amazing guitarist, I don’t know what they think Jack White of the White Stripes has on him (and on the rest of 83 guitarists below him, including David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who made #82).
That leads to the question, where is Slash? He doesn’t appear on the list at all. Growing up and listening to Guns N’ Roses made me think Slash was among the greats. I guess the only logical answer I could come up with is that Slash is not as original or unique as these other guitarists seem.
Influence and innovation are superior to playing technique. I don’t know any other guitarists since the Guns N’ Roses era who sound or try to imitate Slash. But then again, I don’t know any who do the same for Jack White. But then again, I consider John Mayer to be a gifted musician with a unique style, but maybe he’s too new to be considered by Rolling Stone. Anyways, the sound Slash was riding on came out of the heavy metal/hard rock 70-80s era, greatly influenced by bands like AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Van Halen. It could just be that his guitar playing was borrowing from those aspects of rock and he didn’t do much to change or develop it.
However, Slash has a very defined and developed style and clarity in his technique. He is one of the unmistakable guitarists whose tone is not imitated. I’ve never mistaken a Slash solo for anyone else and could guess his tone in any song. It’s a great quality to have developed a distinct, distinguished style, but I suppose that’s not what’s most important. It’s a shame The Rolling Stone or the contributors to this list don’t respect him more because he certainly belongs on it above many others.
17 Comments, Comment or Ping
operandx
I totally agree! Where is Slash?
Today I was asking myself - who’s the greatest guitarist of all time?
Somewhere along the road I saw this Rolling Stone list and spent 10 minutes of my life (which I’ll never get back again!) searching for Slash!
Oh well…
Sep 13th, 2008
onur
fuck this list man …
Jan 28th, 2009
catherine
i think its almost laughable that Jack White made the list and slash didnt
May 7th, 2009
Nick
How can they make a list of guitarists and not include Slash?
Jun 7th, 2009
Eneasz
It’s because Rolling Stone makes lists based on a small group of people and their tastes. It’s really senseless because everyone is entitled to their favorite genre, artist, album, and song. There is no best or worst. But Slash, in my opinion, belongs on any list of great rock guitarists.
Jun 14th, 2009
HazardMan
I pretty much agree with the choice of top 20 guitarists, although I would definitely discard Jack White and Kurt Cobain out of there (they’re nowhere near John Frusciante), but the rest of the list simply sucks! David Gilmour is #82 and Mark Knopfler is #27 if I’m not mistaking. And I totally agree that Slash should have been included in the list. He is no less worth than any other guitarist on the list.
Overall… the list is a total crap =(
Jun 20th, 2009
Eneasz
If you had to make a top 10 or top 20, who would they be?
Jul 1st, 2009
Al
Slash is souch a relevant musician, particularly to the guitar world. The fact that Slash is not on the list it´s in itself more than enough argument not to take Rolling Stone too serously
Aug 17th, 2009
Eneasz
Here is another list I came across: The Rolling Stone Twenty-Five Most Underrated Guitarists. Just when I thought they would redeem themselves, this list is as useless as the previous one.
On a side note, what about all the classical and jazz guitarists out there who are not commercially successful? What about Brian Setzer? I saw a jazz show recently in a tiny club in Manhattan and was blown away by an old and unknown guitarist. This guy was truly amazing and played mostly with his eyes closed. I know these musicians perform for the love of music, not money. But they deserve the same kind of recognition for their talent.
Creating these lists, especially by a reputable music magazine, makes an even bigger gap between musical talent and commercial success. It further glorifies the commercial success of artists that have already been glorified by the other media outlets (MTV, VH1, etc.).
Aug 17th, 2009
Darth_Danny
however you put it the fact that slash is not on this top prove the list is a joke… i only agree with Jimmy Hendrix being the first.
Aug 23rd, 2009
masum
i have no doubt with first 15 guitarists of the list. but it is unbelivable than there is no one named SLASH in best 20. even in entire list.
Nov 8th, 2009
Nina S. Rose
it’s a real shame that he is not..he definately is one of the greatest and i have looked through the list approximately 5 or more times wondering where the fuck is!!!
he should be at least on the top 30!
Nov 9th, 2009
Al Quinn Alquinto
I agree with the slash thing. He is really influencial to this generation of guitar players. However I do agree with some such as Clapton, Jimmy Page( I honestly thought he should be second), Hendrix, and Jeff Beck being on there. The list is pretty messed up. I mean they even put Joan Jett there. Cmon. Kurt Cobain? Rediculous! Kay Jack White, I love the guy and probably one of my favourite musicians but i don’t think he deserves to be up that high. I know he sounds different and is very innovative but as a guitar player in comparison to many, he should be at the bottom or not be there.
Jan 12th, 2010
GibbyLesP
I thought the list was utterly useless. A lot of the musicians on there were just not as good as they seem. I mean there are a lot of good players on there too! Clapton, Page, Beck. Yes, but if your gonna put Tom Morello on the freaking list…Slash needs to be on it…They deserve an equal ranking or at least a close one!! I’m just so happy that they were at least smart enough to put Jimi as No. 1. If you agree…start your message with the word SLASH.
Jan 28th, 2010
Stan
I got to the end of the list and I was like, “What??? No Slash?” He’s top 20 for sure. His sound is unlike any other.
Jan 31st, 2010
darulor
Well you can’t make a really objective top of the best guitar players of all time even if you are “Rolling Stone” magazine. Personaly I think Slash is one of the best guitar players, and he is not on the list, and when it comes to David Gilmour, oh my God he is on 82. When we are speeking about Slash we can say that he had a pretty short career at the top, but you won’t forgett his guitar solo from “November Rain” for example, but when it comes to David Gilmour, I’m really intrigued. He has an extraordinary carieer behind him and if he wasn’t influential then who was ?
Concluding this, I’d like to say only one more thing: “Rolling Stone” magazine shouldn’t make these kind of tops because there are different opinions out there, eventually they could make articles about best guitarist without making some kind of top.
Excuse me for my bad english.
Feb 6th, 2010
bill
I dont understand how jimmy page got 9. he should be either 1 or 2
Feb 25th, 2010
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