Top 10 Underrated Guitarists

Yes, we all know and love “Song 2” but that's just the tip of the iceberg... A multi-instrumentalist, Graham Coxon has had his biggest impact as guitar-slinger for Brit-rock band Blur, however he has seen success as a solo artist. Primarily a Telecaster guy, Coxon has been known to use other models like Gibson Les Pauls, ES-335s, and SGs when required. Regardless of the guitar in his hands, it is likely to be plugged into a Marshall amp delivering his signature overdriven riffs.

While hardly a member of an obscure band, in the hallowed halls of guitar heroes, the late Steve Clark is often rudely overlooked. As one half of Def Lep's “Terror Twins”, Clark maintained a weaving guitar-style with co-guitarist Phil Collen, trading riffs, lead, and rhythm with each other throughout songs with no established roles. Referred to by the band as “The Riffmaster,” Clark wasn't the technical champ that Collen is, but instead played pure, inspired, mood-driven solos and leads by avoiding speed and flash in favor of feel.

Depending on who you ask, the late great Gary Moore is probably best known for his tenure in Irish hard rock group Thin Lizzy. Picking up the guitar at age 8 and going pro at 16, Moore was actually left-handed but played the instrument right handed. Known for his aggressive vibrato and speedy alternate picking, Moore often used a middle and index finger fretting style similar to gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, although the results were worlds apart. Thin Lizzy aside, Moore played in multiple genres ranging from rock, jazz, metal, country, dance, and blues - lots of blues.

Seventh in a long line of underrated guitarists, Lindsey Buckingham's presence in Fleetwood Mac was so weighty that it actually took two guys- Rick Vito and Billy Burnette- to replace him when he quit in the late ‘80s. Unlike his predecessors in the band, Lindsey uses a unique banjo-like finger-style, despite early suggestions by the band to use a pick. Upon joining Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham played a Gibson Les Paul at Mick Fleetwood's request, but abandoned it completely when he found the Rick Turner Model 1 which has been his main guitar ever since.

With tone the size of Texas and chops from Oklahoma to Mexico, “The Reverend Willy G” is a lot more than just a bitchin' beard. Forever linked with hot rods and ‘80s Playmates, it's easy for many to miss the man that oozes the blues, which is a shame. A picker since the age of 13, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons makes frequent, tasteful use of pitch harmonics as well as thick distortion, and has the unique ability to make almost any guitar sound like his beloved 1959 Les Paul, Pearly Gates.

While no one is quite sure what's going on under the bucket, we do know there's definite madness happening on the fret board with him. Born Brian Carroll, Buckethead has recorded over 100 studio albums and has guested on at least 50 more. Dwelling largely in the shadows of his KFC headgear, Buckethead's biggest brush with the mainstream was his four year stint with Guns N' Roses. Buckethead also auditioned for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at one point and was offered a gig by Ozzy Osborne, but turned the offer down when Ozzy wanted him to ditch the bucket.

You may know the acoustic ballad “More Than Words,” but that doesn't mean you know Nuno Bettencourt. Portuguese by birth and raised in Massachusetts, Bettencourt drew influence from Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Prince, and Al Di Meola, all of which filtered into Extreme's Van Halen meets Chili Peppers sound. Nuno's talents have been recognized by the Washburn guitar company, which has produced a series of guitars designed by him that are perfectly suited to his fast, slick shred-ability and fretboard tappery. Outside of Extreme, Bettencourt has formed a number of other side projects and even toured extensively with R&B star Rihanna.

There may be other flashier, thrashier guitar heroes, but how many of them have a dinosaur named after them? Left-handed, Mr Knopfler plays right-handed, which the guitarist claims gives him a stronger, controlled vibrato. A confirmed Sultan of Swing with a Stratocaster MK becomes a whole new player with a Les Paul or a Telecaster in his hands, but he plays them all with his signature claw-like finger-style. With Dire Straits, Knopfler has sold over 120 million records. He also holds three honorary doctorates in music, which, if you ask anyone who's listened to him, he’s totally earned.

Wedged sonically between the bass of Geddy Lee, and the drum virtuosity of Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson may be the most underrated player in his own band. Largely self-taught, Lifeson's style is rich with open strings, drone notes, hammer-ons and pull-offs while coloring over the band's frequent use of odd time signatures. Lifeson is closely associated with the Gibson ES-355 guitar, but has used a wide range of guitars, amps, and equipment throughout his career, including Strats, PRSs, and Les Pauls equipped with whammy ready Floyd Rose bridges.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

- Mike McCready
Pearl Jam / Various Side Projects

- Robby Krieger
The Doors / Various Side Projects

- Robert Fripp
King Crimson

- Nick McCabe
The Verve / Various Side Projects

- Rory Gallagher
Solo / Taste

- John Mayer
Solo / John Mayer Trio

A multi-instrumentalist who recorded all 27 instruments on his debut album, Prince has guitar chops that are only over-shadowed by, well, Prince. With his huge vocal range, production skills, and songwriting capabilities, The Artist is obviously more than just a guitarist! But his funky domination of the fretboard easily puts him in the same league as Carlos Santana or Jimi Hendrix. Prince has the personality, and the talent to be an icon, but he’s an underrated guitarist and that’s why he’s on top of our list.

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favourite underrated guitarist? For more understated Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.