With their flashy costumes, dramatic make up, crazy hairstyles and overall theatrical performances, glam rock is insistent on bringing us an over the top rock experience.  However, the drama wasn’t only confined to their looks.  Glam rock has brought us some of the greatest guitar players to date, and we will now count down the top five greatest glam rock guitarists.
 
5. Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) – A native of Brooklyn, New York, Steve Stevens’ began playing the guitar at the age of seven years old.  Stevens’ influences include musicians like Beck, Page, and Clapton.  He is most well known for playing alongside Billy Idol, but also was hired to play for both Michael Jackson and Robert Palmer on recordings.  He has also had an extensive solo career with a wide range of musical styles from rock to Spanish style guitar playing.  His arsenal of guitars includes Gibson Les Paul, Washburn Frankenstein, and Martin D28.  For a glimpse into what made Stevens’ famous, listen to Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.”
 
4. Glen Buxton (Alice Cooper) – Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Glen Buxton and formed The Earwigs while in high school.  After several name changes the band came to be known as Alice Cooper.  He had been playing guitar since the age of eleven, and was influenced by rock and roll music.  While playing his SG Custom, he had an edgy style that brought out his rebel spirit.  Listen to Buxton in action in Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.”
 
3. Ace Frehley (KISS) – Another guitarist hailing from New York, Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley grew up in a family of musicians.  He received an electric guitar at age 13, and began teaching himself to play.  Included in his list of musical influences are Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.  Frehley had played in a band or two before answering an advertisement for a lead guitarist.  He was accepted into the band which later became known as KISS.  As a result of the face painting that he chose, Frehley soon had the nicknames of “Spaceman” and “Space Ace.”  Frehley is known for having a frantic and atmospheric playing style, and his use of the Gibson Les Paul.  Check out KISS’ “Shock Me” for an example of Frehley’s solo style.
 
2. Mick Ronson (David Bowie) – English guitarist, Michael “Mick” Ronson was immersed in music from a young age.  He had been trained to play piano, recorder, and violin.  He originally wished to play cello, but upon hearing Duane Eddy play guitar he decided to play that instead.  While he played in several bands during his career, he was primarily a session musician for a variety of artists.  However, he is best known for his playing with David Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars period.  Later he also played with Ian Hunter and Bob Dylan.  While he played a variety of guitars in his career, he is known for playing a Gibson Les Paul Custom, “Black Beauty,” a Gibson SG Type 2, and a Fender Telecaster.  An example of Ronson’s amazing technique and style listen to “Moonage Daydream” from album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
 
1. Brian May (Queen) – Often considered a guitar virtuoso, Brian May began playing guitar at a young age growing up in London.  While he played in Smile for several years, it was the formation of Queen that brought him to light.  May, in addition to his guitar prowess, is also an accomplished songwriter and singer.  He has a melodic soloing style that expertly adds to the overall feel of the song.  His unique tone is in part credited to his guitar, Red Special.  Unlike many guitarists who are given their first guitar as a gift, May and his father built Red Special from the ground up.  Musical influences include Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page.  Outside of Queen, May has continued to have a successful music career.  To hear the master in action, listen to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
 
We’ve reached the pinnacle of our top glam rock guitarists, and are curious to know what you think.  Share your picks for the top five with us, we’d love to hear them.

Keep Rockin’!!!
Steve Stevens by musifota taken on July 18, 2012
Glen Buxton by Jan Kjellin taken on August 25, 2006
Ace Frehley by Affendaddy taken on August 5, 2009
Mick Ronson by mickeydb taken on June 9, 2007
Brian May by StuBramley taken on September 5, 2006