Brian May of Queen
"I have spent all my years in believing you, But I just can't get no relief, Lord!"

A Composer, a songwriter, an amazing guitarist and he's got the best hair on earth! What do the songs "Tie Your Mother Down," and "I Want It All" have in common? Brian May wrote them both. He made many artistic contributions to Queen and explored different styles of guitar playing. If you had to ask me 'what's my favorite band?" I would have to say Queen. The main reason being is that they span over a number of styles. There are songs you can totally rock out to, fun, care free songs, ballads, and total glam rock tunes. And Mr. May knows how to rock the crowd with sick solos. Don't believe me? Then, check out the solo to Tie Your Mother Down.



Chuck Berry
"It was a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished them well"

Everybody who is anybody in the rock and roll world has bowed down and given props to the one and only Chuck Berry. They say that imitation is a form of flattery and many musicians have adopted many attributes that Berry pioneered. The Duck Walk for instance: that funny little hop across the stage that Chuck Berry used; AC/DC fans later saw Angus Young do the same Duck Walk in his act. He defined school, girls and cars as the main staples of early rock and roll with some of his hits. I mean, who doesn't know Johnny Be Goode or Roll over Beethoven? Simply put, the man is a legend for crafting what is known as Rock and Roll today.



Joan Jett
"I think of you ev'ry night and day, you took my heart then you took my pride away"

"I Love Rock and Roll" is the anthem of generation and Joan Jett is the first lady of punk rock. Breaking the gender barrier in rock and roll, she paved the way for other female musicians such as The Donnas. From the Runaways to the Blackhearts, her attitude, presence and sick guitar styles gave women a new scene in the rock and roll punk genres. But her appeal didn't stop there. The indie, metal, radical and pop crowds all love her just the same. Her style was raw, unapologetic and pure to her craft, rocking out and strumming to eclectic and eccentric audiences. Check out one of my personal favorites, "I Hate Myself for Loving You."



Johnny Ramone of The Ramones
"They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades, And oh, I don't know why"

Fast and with a lot of energy: that was Johnny Ramone with his guitar by his side. "I Wanna Be Sedated," Blitzerkig Bop," and "Judy Was a Punk" made many regard The Ramones as the first punk rock band; therefore, having the true sound of punk rock. A rythmist on the guitar, his fast guitar style can be credited to playing from the wrist. Johnny played at and for the audience, guitar hanging low and always facing the fans. The sound of the Ramones influenced other bands such as The Dead Kennedys and Social Distortion (and Johnny also turned a few heads by being one of the few conservatives on the punk rock scene).



Don't fret. Volume 3 is coming your way very soon. Until then, rock on!

Article by Destiny Lopez
Starpulse.com contributing writer

Check out Guitarists that Time Will Never Forget Vol. 1