Shredding the crowd’s faces of with ear splitting brilliance, these rock stars pioneered the rock and roll lifestyle, while playing some of the best guitar ever. Their footprint in music history will continue to influence musicians to come, and their infectious music will live on forever. As the years have passed, the style of music has evolved greatly and can be seen today in the shift towards the more electronically produced sound. The electric guitar has had an immense effect on the evolution of musical style, and the men who created these tones live on infamously.

At number 5 sits the blues-oriented player, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though the spotlight shined on Vaughan for only seven years, his deep, blues-rock tone helped bring back popularity to the blues in the 80’s. Along with his band Double Trouble, Vaughan created some of the most recognizable blues-rock songs from the 80’s, including “Pride and Joy” and “Cold Shot.” Sadly, a helicopter crash took Vaughan’s life, ultimately ending Double Trouble. Though his time in the spotlight was short-lived, it was filled with some of the strongest, deepest, tonal guitar playings of all time.

In stark contrast to the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen’s heavy metal playing and revolutionary technique put him at number 4. Being one of two brothers in the band Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen’s tapping technique and use of distortion created some of the most intense solos and riffs of all time. With songs like “Hot for Teacher,” “Panama,” and “Little Guitars,” it’s hard to deny that this guitarist’s ability revolutionized guitar playing for the future. Van Halen would become one of the most important bands in the birth of the heavy metal genre, thanks in part to the skill of Eddie Van Halen.

In third, otherwise known as “Slowhand,” sits Eric Clapton. First heard in the mid 60’s, this guitarist has the largest body of work of any other person on this list with a stunning 27 studio albums. This serves as a testimony to his songwriting ability, as Clapton has created some of the most recognizable rock love songs of all time. “Layla,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and other Clapton favorites have become trademarks of the 70’s rock scene, and showcase his diversity and variety. Though he ran into serious addiction problems, the Englishman’s writing ability was never compromised. His talents stretched over to the acoustic style, with albums such as “Unplugged.” Clapton could do no wrong with a 6-string in his hands.

Although there has always been debate over the number one and two spots for best guitarist, Jimi Hendrix has been put at second on this list. Ripping open the possibilities of guitar playing through his fuzz distortions and unorthodox techniques, Jimi Hendrix’s style had never been seen before, and has not been replicated since his death. Seen in tunes such as “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady,” the distortion pedal was a key part of the unique sound Hendrix emitted, and led to the creation of some of the greatest solos of all time. Though his talents were taken from the world when he was at the young age of 27, Jimi Hendrix has continued to inspire musicians to create styles and sounds that have never been heard before.

Last, but definitely not least, the greatest guitarist of all time, Jimmy Page. As the lead guitarist for the most critically acclaimed and loved band of the 70’s, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page’s contributions to the rock world are untouchable. Called the “Riff King” for a reason, Jimmy Page’s songwriting ability was second to none. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Black Dog” and others showcase his ability to shred, while “Going to California” and “The Rain Song” reveal a softer, folk-inspired sound that creates the variety that defined his music. Without his influence, genres like heavy metal, indie rock, and alternative rock could have never existed. Page’s technical ability is still unbeatable, and he has created some of the most memorable and technically difficult solos in the history of rock and roll.

Time has seen the electric guitar slowly fade from the forefront in the music industry, nevertheless, its influence has greatly impacted the music of following generations. Without these five men, and the help of many more, the music of today would have never been the same.