In a time of extravagant personalities and over-the-top theatrics on the music scene, bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana paired distorted guitar riffs and apathetic lyrics to shake up the status quo. Grunge music with its mix of hardcore punk, heavy metal, and indie rock influences, brought a different perspective to the music scene. Many great guitarists helped create the sound that defined a generation. Join us as we countdown the top five greats of grunge.

5. Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) – A native of Illinois, Billy Corgan was raised by his father. As a high schooler, he began teaching himself guitar on an off-brand Les Paul. Despite being a blues guitarist, his father only gave Corgan the guidance of listening to Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix to gain stylistic insight. Corgan started a band in 1985, but it was the formation of The Smashing Pumpkins in 1989 that brought him to his current fame. Corgan