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.