Top twenty guitarists in the 1980's

You might not recognise the name of guitarist Earl Klugh if you are outside the Jazz sphere but in the guitar world he is a much respected guitarist. Full disclosure, I have four of his albums. He played Smooth jazz before smooth jazz, and on a Nylon stringed guitar.

Songs:

1. Brazilian Stomp
2. Across the Sand
3. Midnight in San Juan

Allan Holdsworth was a lesser-known English guitarist whose groundbreaking work in progressive rock and jazz fusion is still well worth a listen.

Songs:

1. Tokyo Dream
2. Spokes
3. Mac Man

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster
• Fender amplifier

Frank Gambale is an Australian guitarist known for his pioneering work in the field of sweep picking and jazz fusion. With his lightning-fast technique and innovative approach to harmony, Gambale has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar.

Songs:

1. Nostalgia
2. Isle of Few
3. Up in Beachwood

Joe Satriani is a guitar virtuoso known for his extraordinary technique and melodic sensibility

Songs:

1. Surfing with the alien
2. Why
3. Sisters

Andy Summers is the British guitarist in the band The Police. Never renowned for playing solos or improvising he nevertheless didn't let that stop him becoming one of the most influential British guitarists of the 80's and beyond.!

Songs:

1. Every Breath You Take
2. Message in a Bottle

Gear:

• Fender Telecaster

Gary Moore, the Irish guitar virtuoso with a soulful voice and blistering solos, left an indelible mark on the world of rock and blues. Born on April 4, 1952, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Moore's musical journey began in the 1960s when he joined the band Skid Row as a teenager, rubbing shoulders with future Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott.

Songs:

1. Red House
2. Quadrant 4

Gear:

• Gibson Les Paul
• Marshall Amplifier

Pat Metheny is a groundbreaking jazz guitarist and composer whose expansive body of work has earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.

Songs:

1. Phase Dance
2. Are you doing with me
3. From the Mountains

Mike Stern always reminds me of a jagged tone with his signature FX? He is a jazz guitarist known for his dynamic playing style and inventive approach to improvisation.

Songs:

1. Chromazone
2. Little Shoes
3. Riding Giants

Gear:

• Fender Telecaster

Bruce Springsteen, often AKA "The Boss," is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his work with the E Street Band. Born on September 23, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Springsteen's music is characterized by its poetic lyrics, working-class themes, and Americana sound. His career, spanning over five decades, has made a significant impact on rock music and American culture.

Songs:

1. Born in the USA
2. Born to Run
3. River

He of the big hat and big hair is a British-American musician and poseur who was the lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses , whose heyday was the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Songs:

1. Sweet Child o’ Mine
2. November Rain
3. Welcome to the Jungle

Gear:

• Gibson Les Paul
• Marshall Amplifier

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