Music

Guitar Gods Who Made History in Music and Culture

Beyond mere musicianship, some guitarists transcend their instruments to become cultural touchstones, wielding their axes like magical wands that reshape the soundscape of generations.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 04: Brian May of Queen performs during the Platinum Party At The Palace at Buckingham Palace on June 4, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.  (Photo by Alberto Pezzali – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
© Getty ImagesLONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 04: Brian May of Queen performs during the Platinum Party At The Palace at Buckingham Palace on June 4, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

From the raw blues power that ignited rock and roll to the psychedelic explorations that defined a counterculture, the guitar has always been at the heart of music’s biggest shifts. But it’s the hands that wielded it who truly made history.

George Harrison

A member of The Beatles, known for his melodic and innovative guitar work, Harrison was also an exceptional songwriter and artists in his own right overshadowed by his two more famous lead band members.

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Brian May

May created his guitar, “Red Special,” and is known for his intricate guitar harmonies. Queen’s guitarist is celebrated for his unique sound and songwriting abilities.

Joe Satriani

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A virtuoso guitarist and instrumental rock pioneer, known for his technical proficiency. Satriani is known for his instrumental compositions and teaching many prominent guitarists.

Jeff Beck

An influential rock and blues guitarist with a distinctive and experimental approach. Beck experimented with different genres, from blues and rock to jazz fusion, displaying his versatility.

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Stevie Ray Vaughan

Revered for his exceptional blues guitar skills and emotive playing, Vaughan overcame personal struggles to become a blues icon, known for his exceptional guitar skills and showmanship.

Carolina is a bilingual entertainment and sports writer fluent in English and Spanish. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales (UCES) in Buenos Aires and has a solid background in media and public affairs. In 2020, she won first place in journalistic feature writing at the EXPOCOM-FADECCOS competition, which brings together student work from universities across Argentina. She also completed a year-and-a-half internship in the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, where she worked closely with journalists and media operations. Carolina specializes in entertainment writing, with a focus on celebrity news, as well as romantic and drama films.

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