Top ten guitarists in any genre in the 1980's

Steve Vai is a virtuoso guitarist known for his unparalleled technical skill and innovative approach to the instrument.

With his lightning-fast shredding and mind-bending compositions, Vai has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar, inspiring countless musicians around the world.

Songs:

1. For the love of god
2. Tender surrender

Gear:

• Three neck guitar

Lee Ritenour is an acclaimed American jazz guitarist known for his versatile playing style and contributions to contemporary jazz, smooth jazz, and fusion genres. Born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Ritenour began his professional career at a young age and has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians throughout his extensive career. He is recognized for his technical skill, musicality, and prolific output, including numerous solo albums and contributions to other artists' works.

Songs:

1. Is It You
2. Captain Fingers
3. Night Rhythm

Gear:

• Ibanez LGB30

Robben Ford, born on December 16, 1951, in Woodlake, California, is an acclaimed American blues, jazz, and rock guitarist. Known for his sophisticated playing style and blending of various genres, Ford has had a significant impact on contemporary guitar music and has collaborated with numerous legendary artists.

Songs:

1. Freedom
2. Cannonball Shuffle
3. Talk to Your Daughter

Gear:

• Fender Telecaster
• Dumble amplifier

Walter Becker, the unsung hero behind the smooth grooves of Steely Dan, brought a unique blend of wit and musical prowess to the forefront of rock and jazz fusion. Born in 1950, Becker formed Steely Dan with Donald Fagen in the early '70s, crafting a sound that defied categorization.

Songs:

1. Peg
2. Josie
3. Reelin' in the years

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster

Eddie Van Halen was a Dutch-American guitarist and primary songwriter of the rock band Van Halen. He popularized two handed tapping, although he did not invent the technique he was the most notable exponent. Famously sessions for Michael Jackson and played THAT solo "Beat It.". He played a guitar of his own creation, the Frankenstat.

Songs:

1. Beat It
2. Jump
3. Eruption

Gear:

• FrankenStrat
• Fender Stratocaster

George Benson's smooth jazz guitar playing, and soulful vocals have captivated audiences worldwide for decades. Renowned for his impeccable technique and innate sense of groove, Benson has achieved remarkable success both as a solo artist and as a collaborator with some of the biggest names in jazz and R&B.

Songs:

1. Give me the night
2. This Masquerade

Gear:

• Ibanez Guitar
• Fender amplifier

Stevie Ray Vaughan, Texas bluesman so revered he had his own title AKA "SRV". He blazed a trail through the music world before his untimely departure. Born on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, Vaughan's love affair with the blues began at an early age, inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Albert King.

Songs:

1. Scuttl Buttin'
2. Texas FLood

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster
• Dumble amplifier

Steve Lukather, born on October 21, 1957, in San Fernando Valley, California, is a renowned American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Best known as a founding member of the rock band Toto, Lukather's career spans over four decades and includes numerous collaborations with top artists across various genres.

Songs:

1. Rosanna
2. Beat It
3. Africa

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster

Larry Carlton, AKA "Mr 335" born on March 2, 1948, in Torrance, California, is a renowned American guitarist whose work spans a variety of genres including jazz, blues, pop, and rock

Songs:

1. Room 335
2. Don't Take Me Alive
3. The Royal Scam
4. Kid Charlemange

Gear:

• Gibson ES-335
• Fender amplifier
• Dumble amplifier

Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr., born on September 19, 1952, in New York City, is an American musician, composer, arranger, and producer. As the co-founder of Chic, Rodgers' pioneering work in the late 1970s helped shape the sound of disco, funk, and pop music. Known for his distinctive "chucking" guitar style, Rodgers has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his extensive collaborations and production work with a wide array of artists.

Songs:

1. Le Freak
2. Good Times
3. Everybody Dance

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster