Image: A Fender Strat that Jimi Hendrix famously burned went up for auction in 2008 and again in 2012, selling for nearly $500,000 and later for $290,000, respectively.
About This Quiz
Guitarists have made it big on their own or with a band. Regardless of what genre they might be into or whatever they could play, their strokes -- or shall we stay strums -- of genius always shine through those riffs.
In many cases, musicians who can play the guitar could already pursue a solo career. It's a huge plus if they also compose their own songs. Worldwide pop culture has many examples of this kind of talent.
Another kind of talent is the guitarist who starts a band. Often, it's the one who plays lead guitar who also takes charge of the band. He or she is usually the main composer of the songs, and then the bandmates add in their own expertise or magic touch to these songs. And then, they all play beautiful music together, so to speak.
In the past decades, though, it's also not so uncommon for a guitarist to be a member of more than one band. If he or she is a guitarist in one band, he or she could also be the band leader of another band. It could play that way.
These realities are but some of what our legendary guitarists have also experienced in their lives and in their careers. You think you can identify this list of greats? Then play that funky music, legendarily!
WikiCommons via Heinrich Klaffs
Because you're so "Smooth," identify this guitarist!
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana might be more popular with the younger generation due to his collaboration with younger artists such as Rob Thomas in "Smooth" and Michelle Branch with "The Game of Love," but this legend is already solid before that. For instance, check out his big '70s hit called "Black Magic Woman."
Eddie Cochran
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Chitois Mirandaux
WikiCommons via Joni Mitchell
Who is this "Both Sides Now" legend?
Neil Young
Lou Reed
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell helped define a musical era with her folk-pop rock music. She's originally from Canada.
David Gilmour
Youtube via Keith Richards
Get some "Satisfaction" in knowing who he is!
David Gilmour
Keith Richards
Keith Richards is the legendary guitarist of the equally legendary group called the Rolling Stones. It won't be the same without this guy!
Jerry Garcia
Carlos Santana
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WikiCommons via Heinrich Klaffs
How about this one?
Eddie Cochran
Frank Zappa
B.B. King
B.B. King is the renowned blues singer-guitarist who first became popular during the late 1940s. He is one great legend.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
WikiCommons
Name this legend, now!
Jimmy Page
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan sadly had a short career, but his influence was far-reaching enough to influence generations after him. He died in a helicopter crash at the age of 35.
Neil Young
Eddie Pickens
WikiCommons via Jean-Luc Ourlin
Who is this famous and influential guitar legend?
Duane Allman
Mark Knopfler
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters was originally from Mississippi. But his move to Chicago was a great achievement in the development of the blues in that area.
The Edge
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WikiCommons via Aconcagua
Can you name this talented boo?
Tom Morello
Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley influenced a lot of musicians that came out during the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s. But later generations also discovered him, making him a real legend.
Leigh Stephens
John Lennon
Alan Light
Go ahead "Jump" and name this guy!
Kim Thayil
Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen is the guitarist of the band Van Halen. David Lee Roth used to be their vocalist. He left, then returned again lately.
Jimmy Page
David Gilmour
WikiCommons
"Got my mind set on you" in identifying who he is.
George Harrison
George Harrison was indeed legendary as part of The Beatles. But he also achieved success as a solo act and with other collaborations.
Kim Thayil
Eddie Van Halen
Lou Reed
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WikiCommons
Be good, Johnny, and tell us who he is!
Neil Young
Jimmy Page
Keith Richards
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry is one of the iconic names behind the evolution of rock and roll. Of course, that also branched out into the rhythm and blues genre, or what we call R&B today.
WikiCommons via Jac. de Nijs / Anefo
Pretty women and handsome men, name this guitarist now!
Mike Bloomfield
Paul McCartney
Roy Orbison
Perhaps Roy Orbison is best remembered for the hit "Oh Pretty Woman." That song was huge back in 1964, more so when Julia Roberts' film of the same title came out in the '90s.
Raymund Marasigan
Wiki Commons By Jean-Luc
Can you tap your brain and name this guy?
Robert Randolph
Angus Young
Robbie Robertson
Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa is one of those musical geniuses who experimented with the art of sound. His early band was called The Mothers of Invention.
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WikiCommons via Chris Hakkens
This "Layla" legend is named...?
Eric Clapton
Before Eric Clapton became a successful solo guitarist, he was with many bands. He was with The Yardbirds and Cream.
John Lennon
Carlos Santana
Jeff Beck
WikiCommons via Carl Lender
Who is this "Friend of the Devil" of a legend?
Jeff Beck
Bo Diddley
Jerry Garcia
Jerry Garcia is known as the vocalist and guitarist of The Grateful Dead. But he also released solo projects and had his own band named after him.
Frank Zappa
WikiCommons via daigooliva
Who is this "Sweet Child of Mine?"
Slash
Slash was actually born in the UK but is now based in the US. His real name is Saul Hudson, if you're curious.
Link Wray
Vernon Reid
Hubert Sumlin
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Youtube
Oh well, whatever, "Nevermind" and tell us who he is.
Jonny Greenwood
Ed O'Brien
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain and his Nirvana band helped propel grunge into the mainstream music world. Sadly, he took his own life when he was only 27.
Ritchie Blackmore
Blackheart Records
Who's this rocker with the Bad Reputation?
Mickey Ronson
Danielle Gatton
Joan Jett
Joan Jett has a great line-up of classic rocker songs. An example is "Cherry Bomb."
Zoot Horn Rollo
Youtube
Can you name this legend?
Greg Ginn
Brian May
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page is the founder of Led Zeppelin. He was a former member of The Yardbirds, too, but Led Zep was a greater rock enigma altogether!
Joni Mitchell
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WikiCommons via Plismo
Don't get sedated yet, name who this is first!
Johnny Ramone
The Ramones is the plural form of the band led by Johnny Ramone. They're very instrumental in the punk rock movement in the US.
Robert Johnson
Peter Green
John Fahey
WikiCommons via Ed Berman
Who is this legendary dude?
Freddy King
Warren Haynes
Duane Allman
Duane Allman is identified with the Allman Brothers Band, even though it's only him and another brother who is an Allman there. But his life was cut short at age 24 due to a motorcycle accident.
Ry Cooder
WikiCommons via Heinrich Klaffs
The Who is this one?
Johnny Ramone
Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend is a legendary guitarist who also had some controversial run-ins in his life. But that's the rock and roll life, perhaps...
Buhawi Meneses
Frank Zappa
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WikiCommons via .dannynorton
"Walk on the wild side" and tell us who this is.
Lou Reed
Lou Reed was the singer-songwriter of The Velvet Underground. His contribution to music is undeniable.
Kurt Cobain
Kirk Hammett
Joan Jett
Youtube via neilyoungchannel
He ain't "not old," sure, but he's a legend! Who is he?
Adam Jones
Johnny Winter
Neil Young
Neil Young had successful solo career moves as well as collaborations. In particular, he's the Young in Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
Trey Anastasio
WikiCommons via ceedub13
Can you name him?
Dickey Betts
Jorma Kaukonen
John Fogerty
John Fogerty's band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, was instrumental in contributing to the musical culture of the late '60s and early '70s. They are now included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mickey Baker
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WikiCommons via aherrero
Can you name this Sultan of Swing?
Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler gained early fame with the group Dire Straits. But when they disbanded, he also worked on other things, such as musical scores for films.
Cliff Gallup
Henry Vestine
Ali Farka Toure
WikiCommons via Carl Lender
We will, we will rock you, when you identify who he is.
Ike Turner
Joe Perry
Brian May
Brian May is the legendary guitarist of the iconic band called Queen. They're worldwide faves until now.
Pete Townshend
WikiCommons via Mandy Hall
Can you identify this legendary musician?
Kevin Shields
Bert Jansch
Fred "Sonic" Smith
Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck was also a member of the band The Yardbirds. Members of that band seem to be great, but they left...
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WikiCommons via JazzFusionMaster
Who is this one?
Roy Buchanan
Tom Verlaine
Ritchie Blackmore
Deep Purple has Ritchie Blackmore as a co-founder. He is already included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Paul Kossoff
WikiCommons via Alberto Cabello
What about this one?
Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons established the unusual-looking band called ZZ Top back in the late '60s. They're from Texas.
Scotty Moore
Eddie Hazel
Robert Fripp
WikiCommons via Marcos C.
Quick, name this legend!
Tony Iommi
Derek Trucks
Brian Setzer
The happy rockabilly '80s group Stra Cats was led by Brian Setzer. But he changed gears in the '90s and established the retro swing group called The Brian Setzer Orchestra.
Robert Quine
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WikiCommons via Carlos Varela
Can you guess who this is?
Lightnin' Hopkins
Steve Howe
Joe Perry
Joe Perry is from Aerosmith. He's such a talented guy, even if he gets overshadowed at times by the more flamboyant Steven Tyler.
Jerry Miller
WikiCommons via U2start
I feel "Numb," but tell us who he is anyway...
Dick Dale
The Edge
The Edge is with U2, and is also as recognizable as their lead singer Bono. His real name is David Howell Evans, if you're curious.
Buddy Guy
Ron Asheton
WikiCommons via Bubba73
Mean riffs aside, who is this one?
Thurston Moore
Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy is also instrumental in the Chicago blues sound. He is a huge influence among many of our known musical legends, even the ones on this quiz!
John Cipollina
Buddy Zabala
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WikiCommons via Eva Rinaldi
Can you stand not knowing who he is?
Peter Green
Robert Johnson
Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills is the S in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young that got popular during the '70s. He's still active in the music biz.
Ry Cooder
Youtube
Do you know this legendary guitarist?
Chuck Berry
Bo Diddley
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is one of those legendary musicians who died at that strange age of 27. Many other musicians went at that age. Such a mystery...
B.B. King
Columbia Records
Pluck your brains and tell us who this is.
Wayne Kramer
Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer was the identified lead of The Clash. He died at age 50 in England.
Eli Buendia
Randy Rhoads
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WikiCommons via Tommy Holl
We're off to never-neverland now, so name this rocker, quick!
Paul McCartney
Buddy Zabala
John Fahey
James Hetfield
Heavy metal with a heart and a mind, as well as great music, is how Metallica is remembered by Generation X fans of the '80s and '90s. We have James Hetfield to thank for that, as their main songwriter, singer and guitarist.
Geffen Records
Can you name this rockin' legend?
Robbie Robertson
In the late '60s, Robbie Robertson was in the group named The Band. He wrote a lot of songs.
Stephen Stills
Steve Cropper
Lee Ranaldo
WikiCommons via Eddy BERTHIER
And this one?
John McLaughlin
T-Bone Walker
James Williamson
After gaining rock and roll cred during the 1970s, James Williamson focused on earning a degree in electrical engineering. He also had a good career as a Silicon Valley tech guy.
Les Paul
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WikiCommons via Roland Godefroy
Can you name us this one?
Feargal Lawler
Mickey Baker
Mickey Baker is one legend who helped in intersecting varied musical formations back in the '50s. There's rock and roll, there's rhythm and blues, and there's Mickey Baker playing at its crossroads, which influenced many great guitarists as well.
Warren Haynes
Freddy King
You Got:
/40
A Fender Strat that Jimi Hendrix famously burned went up for auction in 2008 and again in 2012, selling for nearly $500,000 and later for $290,000, respectively.