Posted on February 27, 2013 by Benjamin Shapiro

Dig out your hairspray and tight leather pants, it’s time to rock with the top hair metal guitarists.  These are the musicians that took the flashy nature of glam rock and hard hitting sound of metal and combined them into an exciting and entertaining genre unlike any other.  In the list to follow, we will share our picks for the top five hair metal guitarists.
 
5. Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) – Inspired to pick up the guitar after the death of Jimi Hendrix, Richie Sambora has been playing since age 12.  In addition to Hendrix, Sambora has been influenced musically by greats such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, Jimmy Page, and Joe Perry.  A deep appreciation for Spanish guitar and his love of Spanish classical music add further layers to the music he writes and plays.  Sambora is best known for his membership in Bon Jovi, as well as several solo albums.  He has played several different guitars throughout his career including a Kramer RS Signature Model, a Martin signature acoustic, and a Fender Stratocaster.  Listen to one of his killer solos in Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
 
4. Phil Collen (Def Leppard) – Phil Collen, a native of London, taught himself to play at the age of 16.  He left school to work in a factory, and he later quit to pursue his musical career.  While he played in several bands, it was his involvement in the band Girl that eventually lead to his membership in Def Leppard.  Collen has a technical and exacting playing style, and drew influence from Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, and Mick Ronson.  Guitars he has played include a variety of Jackson models, a Fender Telecaster, and an Ibanez Destroyer.  To hear Collen in action, listen to Def Leppard’s “Photograph.”
 
3. Mick Mars (Motley Crue) – Born in Indiana in 1951, Robert Deal came to be known on the music scene as Mick Mars.  At the young age of 6 he was given his first guitar, Mickey Mouse guitar.  With a love for guitar, he joined his first band by age 14 and eventually left school to make music full time.  In the early 80s, he put an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper, leading to Mars meeting Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee.  With the addition of Vince Neil, the group became known as Motley Crue.  Mars has been heavily influenced by the blues scene, and incorporates a metal slide into his soloing style.  He plays Gibson Les Paul Customs, Fender Stratocasters, and a variety of Kramer guitars.  Hear an example of his unique style in Motley Crue’s “Kickstart My Heart.”
 
2. Slash (Guns ‘N Roses, Velvet Revolver) – While starting out life living in London, Saul Hudson moved to Los Angeles during his childhood.  He was given the nickname Slash at a young age and has been known as the same throughout his musical career.  At age 14 he discovered his passion for music and spent time taking lessons on guitar.  Slash spent a large part of his early career playing with Guns ‘N Roses, and it was his time with them that cemented his stardom in the music world.  Since the breakup of Guns ‘N Roses, Slash has found success in Velvet Revolver and his solo career.  Slash owns many guitars, but his primary guitar is the Gibson Les Paul.  Other guitarists that have influenced Slash are John Lee, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Rick Nielsen, and Ted Nugent.  Listen to Slash tear it up in Guns ‘N Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
 
1. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen) – Living in Pasadena, California, Eddie Van Halen and his brother Alex grew up taking piano lessons.  While this was his start in music, Eddie eventually moved to drums and finally landed on what he would become known for, the guitar.  Eddie and Alex formed a band, and this eventually lead to the formation of Van Halen.  Van Halen found inspiration from guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.  His influential playing style, inclusive of tapping technique and fast playing, has impacted guitarists of all ages.  He built his own guitar, and this guitar was eventually repainted and updated becoming known as “Frankenstrat.”  Eddie’s style is best heard by listening to Van Halen’s “Eruption.”
 
These musicians round out our list of top hair metal guitarists.  We’d be interested to learn who would be on your top five list.  Take a moment and share your thoughts.
 
Keep Rockin’!!!

Tags: hair metal, slash, mick mars, def leppard, phil collen, bon jovi, richie sambora