Country Guitar Styles and greatest players list 20
Country guitar is a broad term that can encompass many different styles and techniques. Some common characteristics of country guitar include a focus on single-note melodies, the use of fingerpicking and hybrid picking techniques, and the incorporation of elements from blues and bluegrass music. Here are 20 of the greatest country guitar players of all time, in no particular order:
- Chet Atkins
- James Burton
- Albert Lee
- Brent Mason
- Brad Paisley
- Jerry Reed
- Merle Travis
- Roy Nichols
- Johnny Hiland
- Pete Anderson
- Vince Gill
- Dwight Yoakam
- Don Rich
- Danny Gatton
- Brent Rowan
- Marty Stuart
- Grady Martin
- George Jones
- Hank Williams
- Earl Scruggs
This is just a small sampling of the many talented guitarists who have made their mark on the world of country music. There are countless other players who have contributed to the development of this genre and continue to influence musicians today.
Country Guitar top 4 albums
- “Guitar Town” by Steve Earle (1986)
“Guitar Town” is the debut album from Steve Earle, and it helped to establish him as one of the leading lights of the new traditionalist movement in country music. The album features a mix of rock, folk, and country influences, and Earle’s songwriting and guitar playing are both top-notch. One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, which features a catchy, upbeat melody and some impressive guitar work.
What makes “Guitar Town” unique is its combination of traditional and modern elements. While the album is firmly rooted in the country tradition, it also incorporates elements of rock and folk, making it a refreshingly diverse and contemporary take on the genre. Earle’s songwriting is also noteworthy, as he tackles a range of themes and issues with depth and honesty.
- “Stratosphere Boogie: The Songs of Merle Travis” by Tony Rice (1995)
“Stratosphere Boogie” is a tribute album featuring guitar virtuoso Tony Rice performing a selection of songs written by Merle Travis, one of the most influential and innovative guitarists in country music history. The album showcases Rice’s impressive fingerpicking skills, as well as his ability to capture the spirit and feel of Travis’s music.
One of the highlights of the album is Rice’s interpretation of “Sixteen Tons,” a song that was made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford but was originally written by Travis. Rice’s version is a masterful blend of technical proficiency and emotional depth, and it serves as a testament to both his skills as a guitar player and his respect for the legacy of Travis.
What makes “Stratosphere Boogie” unique is its focus on the music of a single artist. By highlighting the songs of Merle Travis, the album pays tribute to a pioneer of the country guitar style and showcases the enduring influence of his music. It also provides an opportunity for a new generation of guitarists to discover and appreciate the work of Travis, and for seasoned players to appreciate the skills of Tony Rice.
- “Beacon Street Collection” by Brent Mason (1995)
“Beacon Street Collection” is a solo album from Brent Mason, a Nashville-based session musician and one of the most respected and sought-after guitarists in the industry. The album features a mix of original compositions and covers, and showcases Mason’s impressive versatility as a player.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Hot Wired,” which features a driving, blues-infused riff and some impressive soloing. Another highlight is Mason’s cover of “Voodoo Chile,” which demonstrates his ability to adapt the music of another artist to his own style while maintaining the integrity of the original.
What makes “Beacon Street Collection” unique is its focus on showcasing the skills of a single guitar player. While many country albums feature a variety of musicians and instruments, this album puts the spotlight on Mason’s guitar work and allows him to demonstrate his range and proficiency. It also highlights his ability to adapt the music of other artists to his own style, making it an essential album for any fan of guitar-driven music.
- “Lonely Street” by Ray Scott (2009)
“Lonely Street” is the debut album from Ray Scott, a rising star in the world of country music. The album features a mix of traditional and modern influences, and Scott’s songwriting and guitar playing are both top-notch. One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, which features a catchy, upbeat melody and some very impressive guitar work.
