Tony Iommi named Gibsons best metal guitarist ever
 

Here's the list:

Top 10 Metal Guitarists of All Time

A lot of people will say that he wasn't even metal, a lot of people will say that he sucked. I, however, am fine with him being number one. He may not be the most technical, but the list isn't "most technical" heavy metal guitarist, it is the "greatest". And greatest to me is a combination of technical ability, creativity, innovativeness and influence. He was the pioneer of heavy metal guitar, coming up with some of the nastiest and greatest riffs and was one of a kind for his time. He was no slouch when it came to technical ability, either. You have to remember that he comes from a time when there were no Eddie Van Halens or Randy Rhoads or people of that technical ability in rock music. He was very versatile as well, that can be heard in songs like "planet caravan" and "solitude" (not to mention he played the flute on that track as well). Sure, they weren't really metal songs, but why limit yourself to one style?

I cant think of anyone who fits the criteria any better than Tony.

People that get upset about these lists don't know how to read them (imo). Theres a theme going on not implicit in the title of "best guitarist ever."

The only time I've seen a half-decent poll like this is when readers of a magazine chose, without parameters, the best guitarist of all time, living or dead. And that was a magazine about guitar playing.

That and of course they chose Kirk Hammett so I was thrilled.

I'm not supporting the list or anything, Im just talking about Tony Iommi being number one, and if anyone else thinks he's deserving of it. All the trash talking I saw about him on this Facebook link inspired me to bring it here.

There definitely needs to be more reasoning behind the choices rather than a little paragraph.

maybe not the "greatest"

but certainly the most influential and a pioneer

That comes into play when you're talking about greatest, though. He had the riffs and sufficient technical ability to combine with his innovativeness and influence to make him greatest, in my opinion.

Who would you say, Howard, is the greatest?

Good to hear Adam Jones got some credit.

Iommi deserves 1st position. His innovation of metal guitar simply made it what it is today.

Sure, pick the one metal guitarist that has played a Gibson exclusively throughout the course of his career.

I Was wondering if all these guys played Gibsons.

It's all a matter of personal opinion. Beauty/Eye/Beholder.

Here's my list (if you put a gun to my head and told me to make one):

1. Schenker

Then, I'd be dead.

He might not be as technical as Someone like Van Halen, but you have to give the guy some credit, he could still play pretty damn good. He was pretty versatile as well.

A pretty good list, but I don't think Eddie Van Halen should be on it. If there is Van Halen, there should be Blackmore. If there was Blackmore, there should've been Page. And so on, and so on. If the list is for metal guitarists, they must put only metal, not hard rock guitarists. And I am completely agree with Iommi being 1st. The influence and innovation in playing is way more important than technique, so although Hendrix and Page played hard before Iommi, he is the most influential among the metal guitarists.

As far as top 10 lists go, it's pretty fair and I was surprised to see that not everyone on the list is a devoted Gibson player (to my knowledge, Eddie Van Halen never played Gibson). George Lynch seems a bit out of place, although I can't really argue against him being on there.

Eddie plays a 1958 Wood Korina Flying V. He primarily plays Charvel and Kramer. I was also surprised. George Lynch is a very qualified quitarist but it does nothing for me, similar to Paul Gilbert.

Personally I don't find technicality makes a good guitarist.

Creativity without technical proficiency is limited, but technical proficiency without creativity is just exercise. :)

I'm a bit surprised at Buzz Osborne not being on this list. He's never really been known as a great guitarist, but the inclusions of Tony Iommi and Adam Jones show that originality was just as much a factor as the ability to shred 400 notes per second.... and the Melvins single-handedly created an entire subgenre of metal. Well, maybe with a little assistance from Black Flag. :p:

Technicality in due to creativity yes. But as an essential factor no.

not exactly "metal" but Hendrix

metal? I dunno? Keiji Haino?

What do you mean? Some would say that Sabbath were just hard Rock but I would say that Hendrix and zeppelin were hard rock, sabbath were definitely early metal.

Fun list, but kinda odd. I never would consider putting Kirk on the same field as Tony, yet the number two ranking implies they're in the same league. Randy Rhodes, yes, Yes, YES! That's your true #2.

Very under-rated player.:thumb: