Top twenty guitarists in any genre who are also session guitarists

# 20

Denny Dias

skill
6
popularity
3
status
4
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As one of the founding members of Steely Dan, Denny Dias played a pivotal role in shaping the band's distinctive sound. Renowned for his innovative guitar work and versatile musicality, Dias contributed to the group's early albums, including their breakthrough hit "Reelin' In the Years."


Songs:

  1. Do it again
  2. Your Gold Teeth
  3. Bodhisattva

Gear:

Denny Dias
# 19

Dean Parks

skill
7
popularity
3
status
4
Click for Dean Parks Info

Dean Parks’ tenure as a guitarist for Steely Dan showcased his impeccable musicianship and keen ear for melody. With his soulful guitar lines and impeccable sense of timing, Parks contributed to the band's studio recordings, adding depth and richness to their meticulously crafted compositions.


Songs:

  1. Rose Darling
  2. Nightfly
  3. Haitian Divorce

Gear:

Dean Parks
# 18

Peter White

skill
7
popularity
2
status
5
Click for Peter White Info

Peter White is a smooth jazz guitarist known for his soulful playing style and infectious grooves. With his melodic sensibility and impeccable technique, White has earned a reputation as one of the genre's leading voices, delighting audiences with his captivating performances and evocative compositions.


Songs:

  1. Perfect Moment
  2. Deja Vu
  3. Time Never Sleeps
Peter White
# 17

Scott Henderson

skill
7
popularity
2
status
5
Click for Scott Henderson Info

Scott Henderson is a fusion guitarist known for his fiery playing style and adventurous approach to improvisation. With his blues-infused lines and harmonic sophistication, Henderson has earned widespread acclaim among musicians and fans alike.


Songs:

  1. Face First
  2. Dolomite

Gear:

Scott Henderson
# 16

Frank Gambale

skill
7
popularity
3
status
5
Click for Frank Gambale Info

Frank Gambale is an Australian guitarist known for his pioneering work in the field of sweep picking and jazz fusion. With his lightning-fast technique and innovative approach to harmony, Gambale has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar.


Songs:

  1. Nostalgia
  2. Isle of Few
  3. Up in Beachwood
Frank Gambale
# 15

David T. Walker

skill
7
popularity
4
status
4
Click for David T. Walker Info

You may not have heard of him, but you have most definitely heard him. He’s played on thousands of hit records, mostly timeless classic still getting radio play today. David T. Walker is an uber-renowned session guitarist known for his soulful playing style and distinctive tone.


Songs:

  1. What's Going On
  2. Lovin' You
  3. Never can say Goodbye
David T. Walker
# 14

Rick Derringer

skill
8
popularity
3
status
4
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A consummate musician and seasoned performer, Rick Derringer's tenure as a guitarist for Steely Dan marked a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

With his searing guitar solos and dynamic stage presence, Derringer brought a raw energy to the band's live performances, captivating audiences with his virtuosic talent.


Songs:

  1. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo
  2. Chain Lightning
  3. Show Biz Kids
  4. Hang on Sloopy

Gear:

Rick Derringer
# 13

Steve Cropper

skill
7
popularity
4
status
5
Click for Steve Cropper Info

Steve Cropper is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work with Booker T


Steve Cropper
# 12

Joe Satriani

skill
7
popularity
4
status
5
Click for Joe Satriani Info

Joe Satriani is a guitar virtuoso known for his extraordinary technique and melodic sensibility


Songs:

  1. Surfing with the alien
  2. Why
  3. Sisters
Joe Satriani
# 11

Tim Pierce

skill
8
popularity
4
status
5
Click for Tim Pierce Info

Tim Pierce is an American session guitarist, songwriter, and YouTuber renowned for his contributions to countless iconic songs and albums


Gear:

Tim Pierce
# 10

Jay Graydon

skill
6
popularity
6
status
6
Click for Jay Graydon Info

Jay Graydon is an American guitarist, songwriter, producer, and arranger known for his impeccable guitar skills and work in the pop, jazz, and rock genres


Jay Graydon
# 9

Pat Metheny

skill
8
popularity
5
status
5
Click for Pat Metheny Info

Pat Metheny is a groundbreaking jazz guitarist and composer whose expansive body of work has earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.


Songs:

  1. Phase Dance
  2. Are you doing with me
  3. From the Mountains
Pat Metheny
# 8

Mike Stern

skill
8
popularity
4
status
6
Click for Mike Stern Info

Mike Stern always reminds me of a jagged tone with his signature FX? He is a jazz guitarist known for his dynamic playing style and inventive approach to improvisation.


Songs:

  1. Chromazone
  2. Little Shoes
  3. Riding Giants

Gear:

Mike Stern
# 7

Steve Vai

skill
8
popularity
5
status
6
Click for Steve Vai Info

Steve Vai is a virtuoso guitarist known for his unparalleled technical skill and innovative approach to the instrument.

With his lightning-fast shredding and mind-bending compositions, Vai has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar, inspiring countless musicians around the world.


Songs:

  1. For the love of god
  2. Tender surrender

Gear:

  • Three neck guitar
Steve Vai
# 6

Tommy Tedesco

skill
8
popularity
3
status
8
Click for Tommy Tedesco Info

Tommy Tedesco was a highly sought-after session guitarist known for his incredible versatility and prolific career in the music industry. With over 10,000 recording sessions to his name, Tedesco played on countless hit records spanning multiple genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and film scores.


Songs:

  1. Be My Baby (Ronnettes)
  2. Guantanamera
  3. McArthur Park
Tommy Tedesco
# 5

Lee Ritenour

skill
9
popularity
4
status
6
Click for Lee Ritenour Info

Lee Ritenour is an acclaimed American jazz guitarist known for his versatile playing style and contributions to contemporary jazz, smooth jazz, and fusion genres. Born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Ritenour began his professional career at a young age and has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians throughout his extensive career. He is recognized for his technical skill, musicality, and prolific output, including numerous solo albums and contributions to other artists' works.


Songs:

  1. Is It You
  2. Captain Fingers
  3. Night Rhythm

Gear:

Lee Ritenour
# 4

Robben Ford

skill
8
popularity
6
status
7
Click for Robben Ford Info

Robben Ford, born on December 16, 1951, in Woodlake, California, is an acclaimed American blues, jazz, and rock guitarist. Known for his sophisticated playing style and blending of various genres, Ford has had a significant impact on contemporary guitar music and has collaborated with numerous legendary artists.


Songs:

  1. Freedom
  2. Cannonball Shuffle
  3. Talk to Your Daughter

Gear:

Robben Ford
# 3

George Benson

skill
9
popularity
7
status
9
Click for George Benson Info

George Benson's smooth jazz guitar playing, and soulful vocals have captivated audiences worldwide for decades. Renowned for his impeccable technique and innate sense of groove, Benson has achieved remarkable success both as a solo artist and as a collaborator with some of the biggest names in jazz and R&B.


Songs:

  1. Give me the night
  2. This Masquerade

Gear:

George Benson
# 2

Steve Lukather

skill
10
popularity
8
status
7
Click for Steve Lukather Info

Steve Lukather, born on October 21, 1957, in San Fernando Valley, California, is a renowned American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Best known as a founding member of the rock band Toto, Lukather's career spans over four decades and includes numerous collaborations with top artists across various genres.


Songs:

  1. Rosanna
  2. Beat It
  3. Africa

Gear:

Steve Lukather
# 1

#1
in Top twenty guitarists in any genre who are also session guitarists is
Larry Carlton

Larry Carlton
skill
10
popularity
5
status
10
Click for Larry Carlton Info

Larry Carlton, AKA "Mr 335" born on March 2, 1948, in Torrance, California, is a renowned American guitarist whose work spans a variety of genres including jazz, blues, pop, and rock


Songs:

  1. Room 335
  2. Don't Take Me Alive
  3. The Royal Scam
  4. Kid Charlemange

Gear:

Larry Carlton