Favourite Underrated Guitarists

Can't believe I forgot about this one:

Martin Barre



Lead Guitarist for Jethro Tull since 1968, the only other original member aside from Ian Anderson. He's laid down some of the most memorable riffs and solos in rock history. He's also continued to evolve through the years and is a much better player now than ever.

Great choice detuned but the original guitartist for Tull was Mick Abrahams who appears on their debut album 'This Was" and than quit to form Bloodwyn Pig. Tony Iommi than replaced him, he never recorded with them but he does appear with Jethro Tull on the Rolling Stones DVD " Rock n Roll Circus" , than Iommi quit to go back to Black Sabbath and Martin Barre came in and has been with them ever since.

You are correct, I should have worded my post differently...it should have said "member since 1969".

This Was is a really great album, but I think in the long run it was good that Abrahams moved on because they needed a different instrumental voice to continue their evolution.

Kind of similar to Yes switching to Steve Howe, because the original guitarist was much more of a straight-ahead jazz guy. I can't remember that guys name to save my life....

East Bay Ray from The Dead Kennedys.

manny wrote:

Zé Metal & Company wrote:

Randy Rhoads,Satriani ,Malmsteen,Blackmore,Jake E. Lee,Steve Ray Vaughan,Gary Moore,Herman li (dragonforce )Zack Wilde ,Tony Maccalpine,Tony Iommi,Vivian Campel ,Eric Clapton and the monster JIMI HENDRIX FOREVER !!!HEHEHEH!!!!

Loved all the guitartist you named but I would have to say Jimi Hendrix and Randy Rhoads are far from being under rated. As a matter a fact the only one that IMO would qualify as a under rated guitartist on your list is Vivian Campell and maybe Tony MacAlphine, other than that you have a great taste on axe slingers.

Good view friend

THANK YOU

Steve Rothery from Marillion most definatly. IMO one of the most passionate and talented guitarists ever. Anyone who has heard old school Marillion knows what I mean. He still has it but not at the same level he had when Fish was the frontman (and the first Hogarth album).

Alan Morse-Spock's Beard. How many lead guitarists do you know who never use picks.

Neal Morse-while his brother actually gets more attention, Neal can play well himself (the keyboard as well-a modern day Kerry Livgren, except Neal can also sing).

And of course Criss Oliva.

Hamer12 wrote:

Rex Carroll - Whitecross
Larry Farkas - V.R.
George Ochoa - Deliverance/Recon

Right there with ya on Rex Carroll of Whitecross. The 80's Christian Metal guys were all underrated. In that spirit:

1) Rex Carroll- WHitecross
2) Dennis Cameron- Angelica
3) Carl Johan Grimmark- Narnia
4) Vinnie Moore
5) Tony MacAlpine

I have always felt that Warren DeMartini was way underrated. I would also include Oscar Dronjak. I know he is not a lead guitarist, but he gives Hammerfall their signature sound, imo. Peace.

Criss Olivia of Savatage is under rated, listen to him on "Gutterballet" or "Streets:A Rock Opera" he played with alot of emotion and his guitar solos were mini compostions in the middle of the songs, also Al Pitrelli who played in Alice Cooper, Widowmaker, Megadeth and of course Savatage is another underrated guitartist, maybe due to his gun for hire status, but that guy is a monster.

I would also add John Gallagher of Raven, listening to " All for One" and some of his leads I am convienced that Dave Mustaine must have been influenced by this guy, I have never heard him state this, but listen to leads from "All for One" back to back with "Peace Sells but Who's Buying" album, I am not saying Mustain ripped him off but I do hear a slight Gallagher influence, anyone else share this opinion?

Al Petrelli indeed, I saw him live with TSO and he was downright mind blowing.

I forgot about Brian May. He rocks.

xyz wrote:

I forgot about Brian May. He rocks.

Indeed he does, but he's not really underrated. He gets plenty of praise.

Listening to the King Diamond classic Abigail and realized I forgot Andy LaRouque. I've seen many top guitarist lists and none of them ever mention him and he is a guitar playing machine.

DallasBlack wrote:

Listening to the King Diamond classic Abigail and realized I forgot Andy LaRouque. I've seen many top guitarist lists and none of them ever mention him and he is a guitar playing machine.

Yeah, LaRoruque was top shelf.