As reported yesterday, Eddie Van Halen topped a reader’s poll of Guitar World magazine to determine the greatest guitarist all time. It was set up like a knockout round type of contest with 132 guitarists up for the Top 50.  I'd like to see the Top 132, that would be more interesting to me. 

The full Top 50 list is:

1. Eddie Van Halen

2. Brian May (Queen)

3. Alex Lifeson (Rush)

4. Jimi Hendrix

5. Joe Satriani

6. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

7. Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)

8. Steve Ray Vaughan

9. Dimebag Darrell Abbott (Pantera)

10. Steve Vai

11. Randy Rhoads

12. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

14. Les Paul

15. Duane Allman (Allman Bros Band)

15. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

16. Robert Johnson

17. John Petrucci (Dream Theater)

18. Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne)

19. James Hetfield (Metallica)

20. Ritchie Blackmore

21. Angus Young (AC/DC)

22. Slash

23. Paul Gilbert (Racer X/Mr. Big)

24. Buddy Guy

25. George Harrison

26. Vernon Reid (Living Color)

27. Frank Zappa

28. Eric Clapton

29. Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

30. Chet Atkins

31. Dickey Betts (Allman Bros Band)

32. Django Reinhardt

33. Mark Morton (Lamb of God)

34. Mark Tremonti (Creed/Alter Bridge)

35. Warren Haynes (Allman Bros Band/Gov’t Mule)

36. Kirk Hammett (Metallica)

37. Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains)

38. Buckethead (GN’R/Solo)

39. Jeff Beck

40. Keith Richards

41. Michael Schenker (UFO/Solo)

42. Carlos Santana

43. Yngwie Malmsteen

44. Chuck Berry

45. John Frusciante (RHCP)

46. Jason Becker

47. Eric Johnson

48. Joe Bonamassa

49. Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom)

50. Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)