Rolling Stone’s 250 Greatest Guitarist of All Time: The Consensus
In the world of music, few things generate as much excitement and debate as a list of the greatest guitarists of all time. This year, Rolling Stone magazine created a buzz when they released their "250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list. The internet erupted with opinions and critiques, and guitar enthusiasts worldwide had a lot to say. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the general consensus of opinion on the internet regarding Rolling Stone's list and explore the responses from notable figures in the music industry, including Rick Beato, Guitar World, Premier Guitar, and Music Is Win.
The Rolling Stone 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time List
Rolling Stone's "250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list is a comprehensive compilation of guitar virtuosos, spanning multiple generations and genres. The list encompasses legendary players such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, while also recognizing contemporary guitarists like St. Vincent and John Mayer. It's an ambitious undertaking, and it's no surprise that the internet had a lot to say about it.
Internet's Consensus
The general consensus of opinion on the internet was a mixed bag, as expected with any list of this magnitude. While some applauded Rolling Stone for their diverse and inclusive approach, others were quick to express their discontent with the rankings and omissions.
Diverse and Inclusive: Many users appreciated the list's inclusivity, as it recognised not only classic rock and blues legends but also artists from various musical genres. This approach resonated with a younger generation of music lovers who value diversity in their guitar heroes.
Ranking Controversy: Like with any list, ranking is subjective, and there was considerable debate about who deserved higher or lower placements. Some users were pleased with the top spots, which featured iconic figures like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, while others were surprised by the rankings and felt that certain guitarists should have been higher.
Omissions and Snubs: An area where internet opinion was particularly fervent was the omission of some prominent guitarists. Internet users were quick to point out the absence of certain artists, like Rory Gallagher and Michael Schenker, who many believe should have made the list.
Rick Beato's Perspective
Rick Beato, a music producer, educator, and YouTube personality with a dedicated following, shared his thoughts on the Rolling Stone list in a YouTube video. Beato praised the magazine's efforts to recognise guitarists from diverse genres but pointed out that any such list would inherently be contentious.
Beato also highlighted the challenges in ranking guitarists, given the evolving nature of music and the many factors that come into play when evaluating their impact. He suggested that instead of focusing solely on rankings, it's essential to appreciate the unique contributions each guitarist has made to the art of playing the instrument.
Guitar World's Take
Guitar World, a respected publication in the guitar community, responded to the list by offering additional insight and context. They emphasised that while the rankings are subjective, the Rolling Stone list serves as an excellent starting point for those looking to explore the world of guitar music.
Guitar World acknowledged that there are always going to be disputes about rankings, but ultimately, what matters most is celebrating the guitar and the immense talent that has graced its strings over the years.
Premier Guitar's Viewpoint
Premier Guitar, another prominent guitar-centric publication, joined the conversation by applauding Rolling Stone for its comprehensive approach to the list. They commended the magazine for including guitarists from various genres and for recognizing both established legends and up-and-coming artists.
Premier Guitar also acknowledged that rankings can never fully capture the essence of a guitarist's impact on music. They encouraged readers to use the list as a stepping stone to explore and appreciate the work of these remarkable musicians.
Music Is Win's Reaction
Music Is Win, a popular YouTube channel run by guitarist and educator Tyler Larson, offered a unique perspective on the Rolling Stone list. Larson celebrated the inclusion of contemporary guitarists, noting that it's essential to recognize those who are pushing the boundaries of the instrument in the modern era.
Larson encouraged his audience to view the list not as a definitive ranking but as an opportunity to discover new guitarists and explore their contributions to the world of music.
Conclusion
In the wake of Rolling Stone's "250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list, the internet erupted with opinions, criticisms, and praises. The consensus was mixed, as the subjectivity of rankings and the inevitable omissions sparked spirited discussions. However, experts and influencers in the music industry, including Rick Beato, Guitar World, Premier Guitar, and Music Is Win, generally acknowledged the value of the list in celebrating the guitar and its profound influence on the world of music.
Ultimately, lists like these are not meant to have the final word on the greatness of guitarists but rather to ignite conversations, inspire exploration, and encourage a deeper appreciation for the artistry of these remarkable musicians. Whether you agree with the rankings or not, the Rolling Stone list has undoubtedly succeeded in achieving these objectives and keeping the passion for guitar music alive.
