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Who are 6 best unknown guitarists of all time? Guitarists are some of the most important and influential musicians in music history. They have shaped and defined the sound of different genres, from rock and roll to blues, jazz, and classical. They have created iconic riffs and melodies and have pushed the boundaries of guitar playing.
6 best unknown guitarists we consider to be among the best of all time are Lenny Breau – John Fahey – Michael Hedges – Andy McKee – Tommy Emmanuel – Kaki King. However, not all guitarists achieve mainstream success, and many have made significant contributions to the world of music yet remain relatively unknown to the general public.
These unknown guitarists may not have had the commercial success of their more well-known counterparts. But through their unique playing styles, innovative techniques and approaches to the instrument, they have left their mark on the guitar world.
In this article, we look at six of the best unknown guitarists of all time and why they deserve recognition for their contributions. We chose these guitarists for their unique playing styles, their ability to blend different genres of music, and their influence on other guitarists. The Impact and Legacy of Guitar Revolutionary Michael Hedges is a good example.
These 6 unknown guitarists may not have achieved mainstream success like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton or BB King, but they have left a legacy and continue to inspire other guitarists and music lovers.
What makes a great guitarist
According to experts in the music industry, several factors contribute to making a great guitarist. These factors include technical proficiency – creativity and originality – musicality – stage presence – and influence.
Let’s look at these factors a little closer.
Factors that Determine a Great Guitarist – Unknown or Not
Technical proficiency
A great guitarist has a high level of technical proficiency. That includes the ability to play in different styles, use various techniques, and handle complex chord progressions and melodies.
Creativity and originality
Brilliant guitarists bring something unique and original to the table, whether it be a new playing style, a unique sound or an approach to composing. Just as Tommy Emmanuel shares his top tips for guitarists
Musicality
The best guitarists are the ones who understand music theory and have a good sense of melody, harmony, and rhythm. They can convey emotion through their playing and create memorable and engaging music.
Stage presence
The most famous guitarists command the stage and have a strong stage presence, which can include a dynamic performance, a charismatic personality, and the ability to connect with the audience.
Influence
Renowned guitarists have a significant influence on other guitarists and have inspired future generations of musicians.
It is important to note that these are not the only factors to consider when determining the greatness of a guitarist, and opinions on what makes a great guitarist may vary among musicians, critics, and fans.
If you look at our 6 best unknown guitarists of all time, the only aspect they might lack is stage presence or they may not have been in the right band for the audience of the time.
But, this did not stop them, and they influenced the guitar world in many ways.
So, Who are 6 Best Unknown Guitarists of All Time?
The best unknown guitarists include Lenny Breau, John Fahey, Michael Hedges, Andy McKee, Tommy Emmanuel and Kaki King. A list of guitarists so unknown you will have to Google them separately. Nonetheless, these all-time greats played their way to the top of the ranks – influencing many famous guitarists, including Jeff Beck and Leo Kottke.
Lenny Breau
First on our list is Lenny Breau. Lenny Breau was a Canadian jazz guitarist who blended jazz, country, and classical music to create his unique sound. He was known for his signature techniques with chordal harmonics being the standout among them.
He is considered a flawed genius and one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of the 20th century, despite not achieving mainstream success. Breau’s finger style playing was a huge influence on jazz guitarists and players such as Pat Metheny, Earl Klugh, Steve Vai, Andy Summers, and Randy Bachman.
John Fahey
The mysterious John Fahey was an American finger style guitarist and composer who blended elements of folk, blues, and Americana in his music. He was known for his unique tunings while he played all of these styles simultaneously – he is considered a pioneer of the American Primitivism movement.
He was also an important figure in the folk and folk-rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s.
Michael Hedges
Third, on our list is Michael Hedges who died at the young age of 43. Michael Hedges was an American finger style guitarist and composer who blended elements of folk, jazz, and classical music in his music. He was known for his intricate fingerpicking technique, playing his guitar with both hands and his use of alternate tunings. He was also known for his ability to create complex textures and sounds using only his guitar.
Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian fingerstyle guitarist known for his complex fingerpicking technique and his ability to play multiple parts at the same time.
He has released over 20 albums and has won multiple awards for his guitar playing. He is also a sought-after session player and has played with some of the biggest names in music.
Andy McKee
Andy McKee used alternate tunings and his ability to create complex textures and rhythms using only his guitar.
He has released several albums and has amassed a large following on YouTube.
He was also able to play in a wide range of styles, including folk, rock, and metal.
Kaki King
Finally, we have Kaki King. Kaki King is an American fingerstyle guitarist recognised for doing amazing things on her guitar. From slapping the wood to rubbing the strings, she uses her guitar as a percussion instrument. She has released several albums and has toured extensively throughout the world.
Why these Guitarists did not reach Mainstream Success
All of these guitarists are among the best unknown guitarists of all time because of their unique playing styles.
There are several reasons our 6 guitarists did not achieve mainstream success, some of which include:
Limited commercial appeal
Lenny Breau and John Fahey, played in niche genres with limited commercial appeal, making it difficult for them to reach a wider audience.
Lack of mainstream recognition
Michael Hedges and Tommy Emmanuel worked primarily within the guitar community and did not receive mainstream recognition for their work.
Timing
Andy McKee and Kaki King, were not able to reach mainstream success due to timing. They were unable to capitalise on the popularity of fingerstyle guitar playing and YouTube when they began their careers.
Personal choice
Some of them were not interested in commercial success and chose to focus on their artistry and creativity rather than on promoting themselves and building a mainstream audience.
Limited marketing
They did not have the resources or the support to market themselves and promote their music to a wider audience.
It’s important to note that just because these guitarists did not achieve mainstream success, it does not mean that they were not significant musicians. That they have influenced countless of other guitarists is testamentto their prowess.
So, Who did our 6 Unknown Guitarists Influence?
Lenny Breau
Lenny Breau has been cited as an influence by guitarists such as Pat Metheny, Earl Klugh, and Tommy Emmanuel.
John Fahey
John Fahey’s finger style playing and unique tunings have influenced guitarists such as Leo Kottke, Peter Lang, and James Blackshaw.
Michael Hedges
Michael Hedges’s playing influenced guitarists such as Andy McKee, Don Ross, and Michael Manring.
Tommy Emmanual
Tommy Emmanuel’s ability to play multiple parts at the same time has influenced guitarists such as Sungha Jung and Andy McKee.
Andy McKee
Andy McKee’s use of alternate tunings and his ability to create complex textures and rhythms with just his guitar, influenced guitarists such as Kaki King, Don Ross, and Antoine Dufour.
Kai King
Kaki King has influenced many finger style guitarists, particularly those who play in a variety of styles. Notable guitarists who have cited her as an influence include Andy McKee, Don Ross, and Antoine Dufour.
The Best Unknown Guitarists leave a Mark
The best unknown guitarists of all time have made significant contributions to the world of guitar music despite not achieving mainstream success.
Lenny Breau, John Fahey, Michael Hedges, Tommy Emmanuel, Andy McKee, and Kaki King are all known for their unique playing styles, their aptness to blend different genres of music, and their influence on other guitarists. Their innovative and distinctive guitar playing, along with their contributions to the guitar world, make them worthy of recognition and appreciation.
These guitarists are recognised as iconic among their peers in the guitar world. They may not be household names, but their music and legacy will live forever.