With its distorted guitar, thick bass and drums, and epic guitar solos, metal guitarists have been blasting ears on music scene for decades. What better way to celebrate this genre and its master musicians than to highlight five of the top metal guitarists in the world? These guitarists have made their mark on the genre through face-melting solos, and riffs that leave you wanting more. They were chosen based on their contributions to the metal scene, and their overall musicianship. Let’s begin the countdown.

5. Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) – Born in April of 1974, Mikael Akerfeldt is most well-known for his role in the Swedish progressive metal band, Opeth. Not only is he the lead singer and songwriter, he is the lead guitarist. Akerfeldt displays versatility in his playing that showcases the variety of influences on his playing style.  Influences include blues, jazz, heavy metal, and symphonic and psychedelic rock. He plays a variety of both acoustic and electric guitars including a Gibson Flying V and a Martin Acoustic. For an example of his versatility, listen to “Porcelain Heart” by Opeth.

4. Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) – Exuding an electrifying passion for music, Zakk Wylde hails from New Jersey. He is known for both his lead guitar role in Ozzy Osbourne’s band, and his guitar and lead vocal position in Black Label Society. Wylde primarily plays a Gibson Les Paul Custom that is emblazoned with a now signature black and white bulls-eye pattern. He has a wide variety of musical influences, one of which is Albert Lee. Listen to Ozzy Osbourne’s “Miracle Man” to hear Wylde in action.

3. Kirk Hammett (Metallica) – US born Kirk Hammett is famous as the lead guitarist in Metallica. He began playing on a 1978 Fender Stratocaster but now plays an ESP, pulling from influences such as UFO, Led Zepplin, and Jimi Hendrix. Hammett has an interest in continuing education, and even as a successful lead guitarist, sought to take lessons from others. This gave him the opportunity to learn from styles in the classical, blues, and jazz genres. Check out a great example of Hammett’s solo work in Metallica’s “Fade to Black.”

2. Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom) – Alexi Laiho was born in Espoo, Finland. He currently is the guitarist and lead singer for the melodic death metal band Children of Bodom, as well as guitarist for the bands Sinergy and Kylähullut. Musical influences on Laiho include Poison, Stone, Ozzy Osbourne, and Steve Vai. He first used a Tokai Stratocaster, but currently plays ESP guitars. Children of Bodom’s “If You Want Peace…Prepare For War,” is an example of Laiho’s guitar work.

1. Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) – Often credited with creating the metal sound, the native of Birmingham, England tops our list of metal guitarists. While an accident caused him to rethink his ability to play, the inspiring story of Django Reinhardt ignited his passion to continue. He played in several blues and rock bands before playing with Jethro Tull, and finally Black Sabbath.  The same accident that nearly caused him to give up on playing was what ultimately led to the detuned, signature sound he made famous. Guitars he has used include Jaydee Custom’s SG and Gibson SG. For a look at his work, listen to Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.”

There is a virtually endless number of great metal guitarists out there.  This list is only our perspective, but we would love to hear from you. Who is in your top 5 metal guitarists of all time?

Keep Rockin’
Opeth – Gods of Metal 2012 by sergione infuso taken on June 24, 2012
Black Label Society – Gods of Metal 2012 by by sergione infuso taken on June 24, 2012
Kirk Hammett by Nastassia Davis taken on June 24, 2012
Alexi Laiho by Metal Chris taken on July 15, 2011
Tony Iommi by Gustavo Vara taken on May 16, 2009