The most underrated rock guitarists of all time

Sadly, Pearl Jam hasn't really been consistently praised for its musicianship. The Hall of Famers are stellar songwriters, and the band's music offers the perfect mix of raw classic rock, emotion and a healthy dose of underground punk. However, when talking about the memorable individual standout moments from the band's catalog and famous live sets, McCready corners the market by meshing that token arena-rock bravado with the dirtiness of alternative distortion. His solo work does not get nearly enough credit. Just give a listen to McCready's presence on "Alive" or "Yellow Ledbetter."

It's no surprise that the Haim sisters are extremely talented and versatile musicians. They were part of a true family band with their parents growing up, and all three are brimming with elite musicianship. That said, Danielle, who handles most of the band's lead vocals, subtly stands out from siblings Este and Alana. She has the ability to melt faces with her guitar playing — a rather underappreciated aspect of the trio. Danielle was also part of Jenny Lewis' touring band, and played guitar and percussion in The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas' solo outfit.

Clarke was most often overshadowed by his more prominent bandmates — legendary bassist Lemmy Kilmister and the godfather of speed/thrash metal drumming Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor — while making up the classic Motorhead lineup. However, some of the band's best musical moments are fueled by Clarke's sizzling guitar work. His ability to not only drive a song, but deliver heavy bluesy riffs, tended to be underappreciated within the metal community during the 1970s. "Bomber," from the 1979 album of the same name, is one of Clarke's shining moments.

Schon was a teenager when he joined up with the legendary Santana in 1971 to play guitar. That was quite the accomplishment, and Schon enjoyed even more mainstream success with Journey, which he and fellow Santana organist/keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie went on to form. There has always been a bluesy, soulful vibe to Schon's playing. Then again, he should be considered one of the great arena-rock guitarists of the 1970 and '80s. All of that greatness is for taking on Journey classics like "Don't Stop Believin'," "Lights," "Any Way You Want It".

A great technical performer within the confines of heavy metal guitarists, Testament's Skolnick was taught by the legendary Joe Satriani. Testament might not have had the consistent mainstream success like other thrash and metal bands of the 1980s and '90s, but Skolnick's guitar work is supremely impeccable. Incorporating the intricacies of thrash metal, Skolnick makes it look quite easy. His time and finger work are superior, and it's simply mind-blowing how he handles those blistering chord progressions. 

Jim Morrison was a larger-than-life figure, and usually overshadowed his bandmates from The Doors. Sure, keyboardist Ray Manzarek has long been praised as the true musical backbone of the group, but Krieger's talent should not be denied. Known for his exceptional finger work, Krieger was responsible for bringing different musical styles into the band, such as an element of jazz. In fact Krieger, one of the band's principal songwriters, enjoyed post-Doors success as jazz-fusion guitarist. Over the years, he has also worked with the likes of Blue Oyster Cult, Gov't Mule and members of the Black Crowes.

Despite his often stoic demeanor, on stage and off, Young might have been the backbone of the AC/DC lineup throughout its storied existence until his death in 2017. While brother Angus Young was renowned for his stellar lead-guitar talent and entertaining stage presence, Young was vital as both a strong songwriter and consistently stable rhythm-guitar player. The latter included some of the band's most memorable riffs, which can be heard on iconic gems such as "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" and "Back in Black."

When it comes to the great female guitarists of all time, Wilson nears the top of said list. She made a name for herself while teaming with sister Ann to lead arena-rock favorites Heart. However, when compared to her male counterparts, Nancy Wilson tends to get lost in the shuffle. She can rock out via heavy riffs, or bring things down and lead the charge with her exceptional melodic talents on the acoustic guitar. All while incorporating her classical and flamenco background, Wilson has proven herself time and time again to rightfully earn iconic status through her guitar playing. 

John 5 (aka John Lowery) has been one of the most in-demand rock guitarists on the planet over the last two decades. In addition to several acclaimed solo projects, John 5 made a name for himself in the late 1990s when he was part of David Lee Roth's band, then became a member of Marilyn Manson. John's versatility is his strength. Metal, alternative, industrial, even bluegrass — John 5 is no stranger to mixing it up. Whether laying down ear-splitting tracks or strumming something more melodic, John comes through. He's also worked with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and k.d. Lang, and was named Mötley Crüe's touring guitarist in 2022.

The late REO Speedwagon lead guitarist did most of his signature work during the 1970s, back when REO was a true rock band. In the 1980s, however, the band delved into Air Supply territory, thanks to singer Kevin Cronin’s penchant for commercially successful ballads. Still, Richrath's immense talent is on full display from arena-rock classics like "Golden Country" and "Ridin' the Storm Out." Then even on poppier albums like 1980’s Hi Infidelity, Richrath delivered the goods. His presence on popular tracks such as "Take It on the Run," "Follow My Heart" and "Tough Guys" is pure rock-guitar gold.

Better known as St. Vincent, the three-time Grammy Award winner can play several instruments quite well. However, it's her ability on the electric guitar that really deserves more credit beyond her devoted fan base. Clark's solo performances tend to be the highlight of her spectacular live shows. She masters the guitar with ease, putting out an almost space-age sound that features controlled, distorted emotions, coming off with a modern Hendrix vibe or that purple-clad legend from the Twin Cities (more about him later).

For roughly a decade spanning the late 1960s and '70s, Chicago made a living as a highly talented rock band that fused jazz, blues, and R&B. It was most notably known for its innovative brass section. However, Kath's guitar talent never seemed to earn widespread acclaim with the masses. Kath was influenced by the blues, but was the undisputed rocker in the band. Legend has it that Kath had a big fan in Jimi Hendrix. Tunes like "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" and "25 or 6 to 4" truly showcase Kath's guitar brilliance. Sadly, after his from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1978, Chicago became a soft-rock hitmaker.

Post-punk and alternative music fans are aware of Mould’s talent on the guitar. It started during the 1980s with Twin Cities rockers Hüsker Dü. Mould was, and still is, quite capable of mastering that “dirty” guitar sound, and adds some structure to the process. "Sorry Somehow,” from the band’s 1986 effort Candy Apple Red, is a solid example of Mould’s ability to mix straight-forward punk with a rhythmic tinge of pop. He followed with more brilliant guitar work while fronting Sugar during the 1990s. Its debut Copper Blue is one of the greatest alternative records around. Mould continues to shred as a popular solo artist.

In a band with the multi-instrumentally talented Dave Grohl and ageless veteran Pat Smear, Shiflett just might be the best guitarist in the Foo Fighters' lineup. However, he is often overshadowed by the former's overall presence on stage and off. We talk much on this list about versatility — well, Shiflett literally can do it all. Prior to his time with the Foos, Shiflett played in a pair of punk/post-punk bands, but he's also dabbled in country music, a direction some of the his more recent solo gigs have leaned.

A black man playing metal? Well, that's just one area where Reid has shined over the years. An eclectic performer, Reid gained mainstream notoriety during the late 1980s as guitarist for avant-garde, progressively alternative, funk-metal favorites Living Colour. Over the decades, Reid's body of guitar work has also incorporated elements of modern jazz and R&B, while still keeping things heavy. Reid and Living Colour continue to make music, but it still might be hard to top his performance on the band's debut hit "Cult of Personality." 

Regardless what the real story is when it comes to Mars' departure from Mötley Crüe, he will go down as one of great musicians of the hair/glam metal genre. Largely overshadowed by the drama involving his former bandmates, Mars could very well be the best musician in the group. What he delivered on the guitar was a main reason Mötley stood out from a musical standpoint amid other groups of the same ilk. The small-statured Mars delivered a monster sound, raw and loud, almost like a broken siren that was juiced up to blow out some windows. The best of Mick Mars includes "Looks That Kill," "Kickstart My Heart" and "Wild Side."

Often overshadowed by Metallica frontman, stellar rhythm guitarist and band leader James Hetfield, Hammett might be one of the most underrated guitarists in metal history. Maybe it's because Hammett doesn't draw too much attention to himself, whether on stage or off. He's laid back and cool, and rarely gets caught up in band drama. However, when it comes to playing his instrument, Hammett delivers at a blistering pace. Listen to Metallica classics "For Whom the Bell Tolls (1985)," "Master of Puppets" (1986) and "One" (1988) for the undeniable proof.

Blind since the age of 1, Canada's Healey never allowed his disability get in the way of a brilliant, but all too brief, music career. Steeped in the blues and known for his frenetic, yet clean solos, Healey played the guitar on his lap. His manipulation of the instrument in that form was quite impressive, and earned him international praise (and a stellar role in the Patrick Swayze classic Road House). Healey, who passed away from cancer in 2008 at age 41, earned a top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States with 1988's "Angel Eyes." 

Rock, pop, blues, doo-wop, classical, jazz fusion, orchestral. You name it, Zappa could both compose it and play it on his guitar. However, for all that Zappa accomplished during his iconic music career, his seemingly effortless guitar work never seemed to be held to the same regards as other rock greats, especially during the 1970s. His versatility and penchant for musical experimentation made Zappa one of the most innovative and creative artists of all time. His work, especially on the guitar, remains highly influential to this day. 

Corgan has always been the driving force of Smashing Pumpkins, as well as a brief run with side project Zwan. Or just about any project he's been part of, for that matter. Now, personal control has always consumed Corgan, especially within the confines of the band. However, he's a stellar guitarist. Whether talking about his screeching, metal vibe or down-tuned grunge-laden approach, not to mention those more melodic, Pink Floyd-esque musings that seem to mesh well with the harder side that remains an underrated aspect of his guitar ability.

Back in the late 1980s and into the '90s, some music critics dubbed Extreme's Bettencourt the next Eddie Van Halen. Sure, that's pretty unfair, and also some undue pressure. Even though Bettencourt is an amazing technical rock guitarists. His finger and fret work can compete with anybody, from any genre. However, it's Bettencourt's blistering solo performances, like that from "Mutha (Don't Wanna Go to School Today)," that drew serious acclaim. That said, to casual music fans of a certain age, he's probably best known for his acoustic picking on the Extreme hit "More Than Words." In addition to his work with his main band, Bettencourt has worked with the likes of Robert Palmer, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson and Nickelback. He's also quite renowned as a producer. 

It can certainly be argued that Lifeson is the most underrated member of the legendary Rush trio. His guitar ability was certainly on display for all rock fans to enjoy, even amid Geddy Lee's unforgettable vocal range and the brilliance of Neil Peart's drumming. While Lifeson's work during the 1970s is strong, he truly found his form in the next decade. From "The Spirit of Radio" to "Limelight” to “Red Sector A," Lifeson came through on some of the best guitar work of the 1980s — and within the entire Rush catalog, for that matter. 

Whether rolling to the rockabilly vibes of the Stray Cats from to the 1980s or making swing cool again during the 1990s through the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Setzer has shown that top-notch musicianship can span more than one genre and earn success in the process. Still going strong as a prominent solo artist, Setzer is a multiple Grammy Award winner, who has also played alongside the likes of Robert Plant (with the Honeydrippers), Warren Zevon, Glen Campbell, Los Lobos and even Twisted Sister — just to name a few. 

George Clinton and iconic bassist Bootsy Collins might have garnered the most attention during those Parliament-Funkadelic days. Yet, when it comes to the great funk guitarists of all time, Hazel's work and career should be more celebrated beyond that specific genre of music. All one must hear to truly appreciate Hazel's overall guitar-playing greatness is his ridiculous, seemingly ever-lasting solo on the legendary Funkadelic track "Maggot Brain." Sadly, Hazel's career and life was all too brief, with liver failure as partial cause to his 1992 death at age 42.

The late legend was at the height of his fame during the 1980s, though he didn’t always showcase his guitar ability prior to the dawn of that decade. When he did, it was usually pretty mind-blowing, and none more so than on 1984’s smash Purple Rain. It’s most evident on album gems “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy” and, of course, the emotionally epic title cut. However, Prince’s guitar greatness was not limited to that record. On 1987’s Sign o’ the Times, the underrated magnitude of the jazzy “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man" offers some truly unforgettable Prince guitar work.