
As a Guitar World reader, you’re likely to be well-versed in the annals of guitar god history. Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Randy Rhoads… the list of players who have become household names thanks to the cultural and musical impact they’ve had on the world goes on.
There is, however, another side to the conversation, and for every guitarist widely worshipped by the masses, there are countless forgotten players who fly under the radar despite having had a hand in some equally influential music.
These underrated players form the majority of the guitar world, and quite frankly it’s a crying shame that their contributions are all-too-often overlooked by wider listeners
From Rocky Athas and Lowell George to Leo Nocentelli, Tommy Bolin and beyond, there is no shortage of under-appreciated guitarists. As such, the time has come for you to have your say: as readers, we want to know about the underrated guitar players you feel should get more attention.
This could be a more mainstream player who think doesn’t get enough credit, or a completely unknown name who you believe deserves a bit more love. Let us know who they are, their most notable guitar works, and why you think they need to be included in the discussion.
Leave us your thoughts in the comment section down below to get involved, and we’ll share your thoughts in a follow-up article soon…
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Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for almost five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.
When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.
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