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Best Acoustic Guitar Players Of All Time?

Piggybacking on the unique guitar theme, I thought it might be fun to get your list of acoustic masters.

Here is my list:
1. Michael Hedges - This will more than likely be a controversial #1 choice, because I know Michael was heavily influenced by Leo Kottke, but I think Hedges took all his influences to a higher compositional level. He was a total freak on the acoustic guitar and paved the way for so many of the new fingerstyle players. He may not be the best of all time, but he gets my vote anyway.
2. Andres Segovia
3. Leo Kottke
4. Chet Atkins
5. Al DiMeola
6. John McLaughlin
7. Tommy Emmanuel
8. Duck Baker
9. Doyle Dykes
10. Don Ross
11. Antoine Dufour
12. Andy McKee
14. Preston Reed
15. Peppino D'Agostino
16. Pierre Bensusan
17. Billy McLaughlin
18. Tim Sparks
19. Mark O'Conner
20. Tony Rice

I'm sure there's many more I've missed, but I'll leave those gems up to you guys!
128x128dawgbyte
jax2
3,031 posts
 
In no particular order; Kelly Joe Phelps, Segovia, Rory Block, Joe Pass, Robert Johnson, Julian Bream, Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole (Slack Key), Carlos Paredes (Portugese Guitar), Tim Reynolds ....oh, I'm sure I can think of more, but that's all for now...

Marco
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ncarv
983 posts
 
Other than Segovia, none of these is even close to Paco de Lucia. If you haven't heard him, you haven't heard the greatest living guitar player on the planet.
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gliderguider
294 posts
 
No mention yet of Martin Simpson? Tsk, tsk.
nevillekapadia
95 posts
 
I too would have added in a living time frame Paco de Lucia, Antonio Forcione and I am surprised no one has mentioned -Martin Taylor- just amazing and available on Linn records. One wonders how there are no over dubs on his playing- as it sounds like he has four hands!
cheers!
Nev
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dawgbyte OP
325 posts
 
I was trying to remember Paco de Lucia, when I put Al DiMeola on the list. I agree, he's magic on the guitar.

If you're going to suggest Joe Pass, you might as well add Pat Martino to the list. Might as well add Jonas Helborg while we're at it. Saw him open up for John Scofield a few years ago.

PS - I highly recommend checking out video of Doyle Dykes. I true master.
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