From stage-shaking riffs to era-defining songs, these players set the bar for unforgettable music performances.

Some names speak for themselves: Eric Clapton, Slash, and Keith Richards. Others may not be household names, but their influence runs just as deep. Whether they pioneered new genres or brought emotion to every solo, these guitarists helped shape the sound of modern music.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just starting your guitar journey, these are the legends worth knowing and watching in action.

1. Eric Clapton

Ranked second in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time, Eric Clapton is a powerhouse of contemporary guitar playing.

With a career spanning over 60 years, Clapton made his mark in The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Derek and the Dominos before cementing himself as a solo artist.

His tone, phrasing, and emotional depth have influenced generations, with solos like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven” showcasing his ability to blend technical mastery with raw, heartfelt expression. Along the way, he has collected 17 Grammy Awards, a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and four Ivor Novello Awards.

In The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions, you get a rare glimpse of Clapton stripped down, just the man, the guitar, and that timeless sound.

2. Jeff Beck

Never one to follow the rule book, Jeff Beck single-handedly carved out one of the most distinctive sounds in guitar history. From his early days with The Yardbirds to his experimental solo work, he fused blues, rock, jazz, and even electronic influences into something entirely his own.

His expressive fingerpicking, subtle vibrato, and masterful use of the whammy bar gave his playing a vocal, almost lyrical quality. A standout moment is his cover of “A Day in the Life” at Live at the Hollywood Bowl, a masterclass in phrasing and tone. Beck wasn’t just admired, he was studied. His fearless approach influenced guitarists across genres, from Brian May to Joe Satriani.

And if you haven’t seen it yet, Jeff Beck: Rock and Roll Party Honouring Les Paul offers a joyful look at his versatility and showmanship in action.

3. Tommy Iommi

If heavy metal had a blueprint, Tommy Iommi was the one who wrote it. As the guitarist for legendary band Black Sabbath, Iommi forged metal’s signature sound with low tunings, haunting progressions and thunderous (and impressive) riffs.

After losing the tips of two fingers in an industrial accident, he adapted his playing with custom thimbles and lighter strings, proving that what holds you back can also set you apart from the crowd.

Tracks like “Iron Man”, “Paranoid”, and “War Pigs” were not only household anthems, but defined an era and continue to inspire metal bands worldwide.

In Black Sabbath: The End, you can watch him do what he does best one final time, commanding the stage with the same intensity that changed rock forever.

4. Carlos Santana

No one blends rock, Latin, blues and soul quite like Carlos Santana. After forming his band under the name Santana, he most famously stormed the stage at Woodstock in 1969 with his electrifying performance of “Soul Sacrifice”. That moment announced a sound that became his core brand, fluid, melodic, and full of fire.

His expressive playing and signature style resulted in timeless tracks like “Black Magic Woman”, “Oye Como Va”, and “Smooth”, proving that technical skill and emotional depth aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.

Santana’s influence spans decades and genres, inspiring guitarists and listeners alike with his spiritual, improvisational approach to music.

Haven’t experienced it for yourself? His Live at Montreux 2011 performance offers a front-row seat to Santana in his element.

5. Slash

Top hat and wild curls - guaranteed you’re already aware of Slash’s legacy. With an image almost as iconic as his sound, the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses brought bluesy swagger back to the forefront of rock in the late 80s and early 90s.

His soaring solos and gritty tone gave songs like “Sweet Child o’ Mine”, “November Rain”, and “Paradise City” their unforgettable edge, and earned Guns N’ Roses their place in Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

Post-GNR, Slash didn’t slow down. He launched Velvet Revolver, worked with everyone from Ozzy Osbourne to Fergie, and found lasting chemistry with Myles Kennedy.

His fiery, unmistakable tone continues to influence guitarists across every genre, which you can hear in full force on Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators 'Living the Dream Tour'.

6. Gary Moore

Often described as one of the most underrated guitarists of his generation, Gary Moore brought fierceness and jaw-dropping technical skill to every note he played. Whether he was tearing through hard rock riffs with Thin Lizzy or pouring heart into blues ballads like Still Got the Blues, Moore had a rare talent that often flew under the radar.

His phrasing was nuanced, soulful and instantly recognisable. A guitarist’s guitarist, he influenced everyone from Joe Bonamassa to Kirk Hammett yet never chased the spotlight.

For a taste of what made him so admired, Blues for Jimi captures Gary Moore in full flight as he pays tribute to Jimi Hendrix with powerful renditions of classics like “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child”.

7. Keith Richards

Gritty, raw and undeniably cool are three phrases that come to mind when you think of Keith Richards. As the riff machine behind The Rolling Stones, Richards acted as a driving force in defining rock n’ roll, through both his rhythm work and iconic swagger.

He wasn’t one for flashy solos, instead, his genius lay in groove, timing, and feel. Tracks like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Start Me Up”, and “Gimme Shelter” are built on his tight riffs that have stood the test of time.

You can see that signature style in full force during Sticky Fingers Live at The Fonda, where the Stones played their classic album front to back. And for a deeper cut into Richards’ blues roots, Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones: Checkerboard Lounge captures a once-in-a-lifetime jam session in Chicago.

8. Steve Luthaker

Studio wizard and groover master, Steve Luthaker has quietly shaped the sound of modern music more than people may realise.

As the longtime guitarist for Toto, his solos on tracks like “Rosanna” and “Hold the Line” blended precision with soul, earning him global acclaim. But it’s his behind-the-scenes work that’s truly impressive, as he’s played on over 1,500 records, including hits from Michael Jackson (“Thriller”), Lionel Richie, and countless others.

Whether on stage or in the studio, his versatility and feel make him one of the most recorded, and respected, guitarists of all time. To see him live and in-action, Toto: 40 Tours Around the Sun captures Luthaker doing what he does best.

9. Albert Collins

Known as “The Master of the Telecaster,” Albert Collins brought a whole new flavour to electric blues. With his icy tone and unconventional tunings, he turned the genre on its head to create something thrilling and brand new.

Collins developed a sharp, staccato style that made every note cut through like a knife. He often played with his fingers, not a pick, giving him a biting sound that became his trademark. His famous tracks like “Frosty” and “I Ain’t Drunk” are declarations of his unique style.

Collins left a mark that still echoes through modern blues, inspiring players like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jonny Lang. Live at Montreux 1992 shows him at his sharpest, commanding the stage with grit, charm, and that signature Fender Telecaster.

10. Pat Metheny

A great guitarist to end this list on, Pat Metheny is known for superbly blending jazz, rock, classical, and world music into something completely unique and mesmerising.

Over a career spanning five decades, he’s picked up more than 20 Grammy Awards across ten different categories: more than any other guitarist. From the lyrical “Bright Size Life” to his sweeping work with the Pat Metheny Group, his playing is equal parts personality and natural talent.

Whether he’s using a synth-guitar, a fretless electric, or his wild 42-string Pikasso guitar, sound becomes Metheny’s playground. The Way Up – Live captures that spirit in full, showcasing the Pat Metheny Group at their most ambitious and expressive.

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From blues to metal, jazz to rock, these ten guitarists were true masters of their instrument.

Whether you're discovering them for the first time or revisiting old favourites, their performances on On Air offer a rare backstage pass to music history.

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