Guitars, guitarists and music centred around them have been in my life since I was 17 in one way or another. Here’s a collection of great albums by some influential guitarists.
Sections
14
Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
Nuno Bettencourt
Brian May
Prince
Francis Dunnery
Joe Satriani
No serious aspiring rock guitarist won’t have heard of Joe Satriani. My favourite track “Satch Boogie” is on this album.
Surfing with the Alien - Album by Joe Satriani
This is the album I heard first when discovering Joe Satriani and the first time his fans had heard him sing on the song “Big Bad Moon”.
Flying In a Blue Dream - Album by Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
Steve Vai, taught by Joe Satriani so slight similarities in style. My favourite track is “The Animal”.
Passion and Warfare - Album by Steve Vai
Nuno Bettencourt
Nuno Bettencourt of the band Extreme is my all time favourite guitarist. And this album is when I first discovered him. Listen to it from beginning to end, its telling a story.
Extreme II: Pornograffitti - Album by EXTREME
If you’ve yet to discover the genius of Nuno Bettencourt then listen to this album in its entirety. A concept album showcasing the band’s incredible talent and Nuno’s playing.
III Sides to Every Story - Album by EXTREME
Brian May
You can choose literally any album by Queen and can’t go wrong. Brian May plays every solo perfectly to fit each song. He’s not a show off but he should be.
Queen
Prince
In my opinion Prince was never given the credit he fully deserved as a guitarist. He was absolutely incredible and the solo in Purple Rain demonstrates this perfectly.
Purple Rain - Album by Prince & The Revolution
Francis Dunnery
It Bites most famously known for their successful single “Calling all the Heroes”. But they are so much more than this pop song. They are a prog rock band and the guitarist - Francis Dunnery - is 👌🏻 I absolutely love all of this album and have list...
Eat Me In St. Louis - Album by It Bites
George Lynch
This album from 1990 showcases George Lynch’s brilliant guitar playing. Big hair galore and great rock tunes.
Wicked Sensation - Album by Lynch Mob
Jimi Hendrix
No list should exist that hasn’t got Hendrix on it. I just love “Little Wing” on this album.
Axis: Bold As Love - Album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen. Enough said, so many albums to choose from, any of them show you what a genius he was. This one is a good place to start.
1984 - Album by Van Halen
Paul Gilbert
I loved this album from the minute I heard it and the band are full of amazing musicians. The guitarist Paul Gilbert is another of my favourites. Listen to this album you’ll love it.
Lean Into It (30th Anniversary Edition) - Album by Mr. Big
Angus Young
No list should even exist without Angus Young being on it. He’s an absolute icon.
Back In Black - Album by AC/DC
Lenny Kravitz
Another brilliant guitarist who (in my opinion) has never had the full credit he deserves for his talent.
Are You Gonna Go My Way - Album by Lenny Kravitz
Django Reinhardt
This one might look out of place in this list but I just love the music I had to include it.
The Great Artistry of Django Reinhardt
Zakk Wylde
Ozzy had lots of brilliant guitarists but when this album burst onto the scene it brought with it Zakk Wylde. Completely recognisable and iconic.
No More Tears (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition) by Ozzy Osbourne ...
