Dean Tainio's Five Great Guitarists

Any list of great guitarists is bound to be subjective, because there are many, many guitarists who have made significant contributions to the instrument and the world of music. In this list I have had to leave out many of my own favourites, including Jimmy Page, Mark Knopfler, Steve Hackett, Martin Simpson, Chet Atkins, Gary Moore, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Lindsay Buckingham ....(add your own choice here 😄) .... However, here are five guitarists that I think everyone should hear, as they have made a lasting impact on me with their unique styles and innovative approaches to the instrument.

John Martyn was a British singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his unique blend of folk, blues, and jazz. His early folk-influenced albums showed his fluent fingerstyle technique, but it was his early 1970s albums 'Bless the Weather', 'Sunday's Child' and his late-night masterpiece 'Solid Air' which revealed his new distinctive sound. This often combined fingerstyle guitar with heavy use of effects, especially echo and reverb, giving his performances a dreamy, atmospheric quality. His pioneering use of the Echoplex delay effects unit helped him create layered soundscapes that were years ahead of their time.

Click the video links below to hear some of his best work.

Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian virtuoso guitarist revered among the guitar-paying community for his ability to play in almost any style at the highest level. He has mastered the art of playing melody, bass, and rhythm simultaneously better than pretty much anyone else, and that's in a crowded field. His performances are a blend of superb technique and heartfelt emotion, often incorporating dazzling speed and complex harmonics. His signature songs, such as “Classical Gas” and “Angelina”, highlight his extraordinary control as well as his melodic creativity. His technical brilliance, energy and charisma makes him, in my opinion, the best acoustic guitarist in the world alive today.

Dougie MacLean (OBE - for 'services to Scottish music') is a Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist best known for his folk songs. His songs blend traditional Scottish folk with contemporary influences making him popular with audiences worldwide. His music often features themes of nature, love, and Scottish culture, revealing his deep connection to his roots. Dougie's melodic singing and intricate guitar work have made him a much-loved figure in the folk music scene.

His best-known tune, “Caledonia,” has become the unofficial 2nd Scottish National Anthem, referring to his love of his homeland, and is a song which has been covered by almost every contemporary Scottish artist. Dougie's guitar style is not flashy or fancy, but his delicate fingerpicking patterns and open tunings create a rich, resonant sound. Apart from “Caledonia,” tunes like “The Gael,” which was used in The Last of the Mohicans film soundtrack, demonstrate his ability to craft beautiful melodies. The links below are the original album versions of a couple of his songs, but I recommend checking out his live performances as well, as they are often better than the originals.

Segovia was a Spanish classical guitarist and composer, and is generally regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He is credited as being the first musician to establish the guitar as a respected concert instrument. His technique, tone, and musicality set a standard for generations of classical guitarists. He became known for his ability to convey deep emotion through his playing, and his interpretations of classical pieces are still considered among the best ever. His contributions to the guitar repertoire include transcriptions of works by composers such as Bach, Albeniz, and Granados, as well as some of his own original compositions. His recordings remain essential listening for anyone who wants to hear the classical guitar in the hands of a genius.

Dave Gilmour, the lead guitarist and vocalist of Pink Floyd, is my all-time favourite electric guitarist. He may not be the most technically brilliant rock guitarist, but he creates soulful, expressive solos which are far more about feel than speed, and his tone is unsurpassed. His use of bends, vibrato, and sustain create a signature sound that is instantly recognizable. His guitar solos in tracks like 'Money' and 'Time' from Floyd's masterpiece 'Dark Side of the Moon', 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' from the album 'Wish You Were Here', and 'Comfortably Numb' from 'The Wall' have established him a place among the guitar greats. And what guitarist hasn't tried to play the acoustic classic 'Wish You Were Here' at some point?

Well, that's it for now. I feel bad about leaving out so many deserving players, some of whom I haven't even mentioned here, but maybe I'll extend the list at some point. Who are your favourite guitarists? Let me know by email below.