Psychedelic music developed in both folk and blues rock bands during the 1960s.  The music style was inspired by the effects and impact that psychedelic substances had on someone’s mind. This lead to more musical experimentation, complex song structures, and surreal lyrics.  Out of this style many great guitarists were born.  We will now count down the top great psychedelic guitarists.

5. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) – A London native, Jimmy Page began playing guitar at a young age.  His first guitar was one he found at age 12 when his family moved into their new home.  No one knew where it came from or who left it, but Page soon picked it up and began playing.  He taught himself, for the most part, and his style was influenced by blues and rock.  Early guitar influences included Scotty Moore and James Burton.  He began his career as a session musician.  Page then joined The Yardbirds in the mid-60s, which soon became Led Zeppelin.  Page has played several guitars during his career, including the Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson EDS-1275, and a Martin D28.  To hear Page in action, listen to Led Zepplin’s “Dazed and Confused.”
 
4. Jeff Beck (The Yardbirds, The Jeff Beck Group) – Hailing from England, Jeff Beck was immersed in music at a young age.  He could often be found sneaking into the living room to listen to jazz on the radio.  The first electric guitar player that impressed Beck was Les Paul.  Beck’s other early musical influences included Cliff Gallup, B.B. King, Steve Cropper, and Chet Atkins. He began playing in bands in the early 1960s, and by the mid-60s was playing with The Yardbirds.  After The Yardbirds, Beck formed The Jeff Beck Group.  He has also released several solo albums through the years showcasing various influences such as blues rock, heavy metal and jazz fusion.  Beck has played several different guitars, including the Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, and Fender Esquire.  Check out Jeff Beck’s “’Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” to hear why he’s one of the greats.
 
3. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) – Another great from England, David Gilmour was born in Cambridge.  His brother was also a guitar player, and his parents were supportive of their musical talents.  He was given his first guitar by a neighbor, and used a book and record set to learn.  While in school, Gilmour met Roger ‘Syd’ Barrett and they started playing guitar together.  Gilmour played in his band Joker’s Wild before being asked to join Pink Floyd in 1967.  His contributions to successful albums like The Dark Side of the Moon are a testament to his musical abilities.  Gilmour has also released solo albums and collaborated with other artists like Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend.  His playing style shows a blues influence and expressive nature.  While most known for his guitar playing, Gilmour can play a wide variety of instruments including banjo, mandolin, bass guitar, and keyboards.  Guitars he has played include a Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, and a Fender Esquire.  Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” is just one of many examples of Gilmour’s talent.
 
2. Jerry Garcia (The Grateful Dead) –   Born in California to a musical family, Jerry Garcia began playing instruments in his early youth.  He played piano, banjo, and at the age 15 received his first electric guitar.  One musician that inspired him is Chuck Berry.  Garcia and several others formed The Grateful Dead in 1965.  He played a variety of guitars including a Guild Starfire, Gibson SG, a Fender Stratocaster, and several Doug Irwin Custom guitars. His musical inspiration and influence included blues, jazz, folk, and reggae. To hear one of the early influencers of psychedelic music, listen to The Grateful Dead’s “Viola Lee Blues.”
 
1. Jimi Hendrix – As was mentioned in a previous top five list, Hendrix is in a category all his own.  In his short life he was able to redefine rock music as we know it.  He also made it apparent that there are endless possibilities for a guitarist and guitar could do.  He was given his first guitar at age 15 and then received his first electric guitar, a Supro Ozark 1560S.  In the UK, The Jimi Hendrix Experience found great success, and it was upon returning to the US from that trip in 1967 that they finally began to gain momentum.  Hendrix’s musical influences include blues, jazz, R&B, and rock.  His primary guitar was a Fender Stratocaster.  Experience what a legend can do when listening to “Little Wing.”

This brings us to the conclusion of our psychedelic countdown.  We’ve revealed our picks for top five greatest psychedelic guitarists.  What are yours?
 
Keep Rockin’!!!