Metal guitarists of the world

Miles of MachinesJeff Loomis

Miles of Machines

Jeff Loomis, from Wisconsin, USA, is a guitarist active across a wide range of genres from progressive metal to melodic death metal.

He weaves rapid-fire picking and fluid arpeggios with precision, forging a unique style marked by technical prowess and lyrical phrasing.

He began his musical career in 1987, showcasing his talents with Nevermore on albums such as Dead Heart in a Dead World and the classic This Godless Endeavor.

His solo album Plains of Oblivion has also received high acclaim.

Having won a guitar contest at 16 and even auditioned for Megadeth in the late 1980s, his guitar work—where technique and emotion intertwine—captivates listeners who love heavy, dramatic metal.

Whiskey TrainJake E Lee

Jake E Lee Whiskey Train

After the death of Randy Rhoads, the Cinderella boy who was given a big break as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist was Jake E.

Lee.

Even within his rough guitar work, his control of sustain and noise was remarkably good, but what you hear here is rock that’s an even bluesier take on Badlands.

It shows how wide-ranging his technical toolkit is.

A Martian WinterAngel Vivaldi

ANGEL VIVALDI // A Martian Winter [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Angel Vivaldi, from New Jersey, USA, is a guitarist who has forged his own path in the worlds of instrumental rock and progressive metal.

He picked up the guitar at 15 as a self-taught player and began his solo career in 2003.

In 2008, overcoming adversity—including financial hardship and a period of homelessness—he completed his debut album, Revelations.

In 2011, a track themed around Mars exploration from his EP Universal Language drew attention on YouTube.

Although he hasn’t collected major contest wins, his technically dazzling yet lyrical playing—and innovative concepts like his 2017 album Synapse—have earned high praise, leading to the development of a signature model with Charvel the same year.

He’s an artist highly recommended for those seeking storytelling-rich, virtuosic guitar work.

ScarifiedPaul Gilbert

Paul Gilbert “Scarified”

Paul Gilbert, an American guitarist who overwhelms listeners with his astonishingly fast playing, blossomed early with a focus on hard rock and heavy metal.

A consummate talent, he even served as an instructor at the prestigious GIT at just 18 years old.

In 1986, he made a sensational debut with Racer X, a band he co-founded, on the album Street Lethal.

With Mr.

Big, the 1991 single “To Be with You” reached No.

1 in the U.

S.

, bringing him worldwide success.

In 2007, he was ranked fourth in Guitar One’s “Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time,” and his near-miraculous technique continues to be highly acclaimed around the globe.

His appeal goes beyond sheer virtuosity; his rich melodic sense, informed by blues and pop, constantly broadens his musical range.

For guitar fans seeking overwhelming technique and soul-stirring, passionate phrasing, Paul Gilbert’s guitar promises the ultimate sonic experience.

Tribute to RandyMichael Angelo Batio

Michael Angelo Batio’s “Tribute to Randy”

Perhaps because of his four-neck guitar and his signature move “Angelo Rush,” Michael Angelo often has a strong novelty act image, but his technique is absolutely top-tier.

He’s a monster who effortlessly nails ultra-high-speed picking, tapping, and continuous sweep-picked phrases.

This track, included on his solo album, is a medley of Randy Rhoads’s pieces, and he shreds them to the point that the originals are barely recognizable.

Into The ArenaMichael Schenker Group

Feels Like a Good Thing (2000 Remaster)

This song, so famous that there’s hardly a heavy metal listener who doesn’t know it, was created by Michael Schenker.

With guitar melodies that shine with a classical influence, it has been loved by many people for many years.

Tears of SaharaTony MacAlpine

Tony MacAlpine – Tears of Sahara – Official Clip (High Quality)

A Black guitarist who effortlessly plays classical-style fast phrases.

He’s also well known as a support guitarist and keyboardist for Steve Vai.

His soulful bending and vibrato are as emotional as Yngwie’s.

You can fully appreciate it in this song as well.