Metal guitarists of the world
As people say that music is a universal language, it often becomes a tool for communication even when you don’t understand the other person’s words.
Among them, metal is popular worldwide.
We’ve gathered some of the most skilled guitarists in the metal scene!
Listen to metal and you might make friends all over the world (lol).
World’s Metal Guitarists (1–10)
Jaws of LifeJohn Petrucci
Dream Theater is the leading force in progressive metal, and the guitarist in the band is John Petrucci.
His impeccably precise guitar work is highly acclaimed, and his musicality extends well beyond the metal genre.
While it’s easy to focus on his flashy guitar solos, be sure to pay attention to his riff work that anchors the music’s foundation.
JordanBuckethead
A perverse/quirky guitarist known for his work with Guns N’ Roses.
He wears a pure white mask and a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket on his head, and will suddenly start swinging nunchucks or dancing on stage—his appearance and behavior are full of mysteries, but he’s a master of virtuosic technique.
On this track, you can enjoy his unique, bewildering sound that makes extensive use of a custom-installed kill switch and a Whammy pedal.
INFERNOMarty Friedman
Marty Friedman is a household name even in Japanese living rooms.
Originally, he was a technical guitarist from the shred-specialist label Shrapnel Records.
In recent years, he has put aside shredding and continued down a melody-focused path.
This is a fast-paced track packed with Marty’s unique charm.
Rising ForceYngwie Malmsteen
Yngwie is a genius guitarist from Sweden who is said to have changed the history of the guitar.
He was a key figure in perfecting, at a very high level, the fusion of classical music and heavy metal guitar through high-speed picking, and he had a tremendous influence on later generations.
This song is one of his signature tracks from his younger days.
It still retains a raw intensity, but it shocked listeners around the world.
Surfing with the AlienJoe Satriani
Hailing from New York State, Joe Satriani embarked on the path of guitar at age 14, spurred by the death of Jimi Hendrix.
He honed his musical foundation under jazz masters and established a unique style that centers on instrumental rock while pouring in the passion of hard rock and blues.
In 1986, he released the album Not of This Earth.
The following year’s classic, Surfing with the Alien (1987), reached No.
29 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for 75 weeks—an extraordinary feat—cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece of instrumental rock.
He has been nominated for the Grammy Awards 15 times.
Technically brilliant yet deeply expressive, his guitar playing is an ideal choice for listeners seeking sounds that stir the soul.
Lost PrayerZakk Wylde
Zakk Wylde was singled out at the young age of 20 to be Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist.
His musical foundation lies in country and blues.
While he’s often associated with a thick tone and heavy use of harmonics, matching his rugged appearance, this song is a restrained, quiet piece.
It makes you realize he also has such a delicate side.
TendinitisJason Richardson
Jason Richardson, a young guitar hero born in the United States, unleashes his virtuosic technique in genres like progressive metal and deathcore.
He began carving out his career at just 17 in 2009 as a guitarist for All Shall Perish, and he also appeared on Born of Osiris’s 2011 album “The Discovery.” As a solo artist, his July 2016 album “I,” produced via crowdfunding, impressively reached No.
1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Masterfully handling 7- and 8-string guitars, his complex yet fluid phrases—reminiscent of influences like John Petrucci—are breathtaking.
Nominated for “Guitarist of the Year,” his meticulously crafted compositions and passionate performances are sure to captivate fans of technical metal.