Posted on March 25, 2013 by Benjamin Shapiro

Folk music is a genre that is knit into the fabric of American culture.  Steeped in tradition, this musical style laid the foundation for rock and roll, jazz, and rhythm and blues.  The following artists have had a profound impact on folk music, and represent the top five guitarists of folk music. 
 
5. Joan Baez – As early as age 8, the New York born Joan Baez was inspired to play folk music.  It was her attendance at a Pete Seeger concert that sparked her interest in it.  An accomplished singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Baez has had a storied career that began at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959.  In the 1960s, she released several albums and also introduced her fans to Bob Dylan, who was not yet well-known.  She has been an active folk artist for over 50 years, and her music is a vehicle for her beliefs on social and political issues.  Her first guitar was a Gibson acoustic.  To hear a sample of her work, listen to “Diamonds and Rust.”
 
4. Neil Young (Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young) – Neil Young was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1945.  At about age 10, Young was drawn to several different musical genres including R&B, rock and roll, rockabilly, country, doo-wop, and western pop.  Just a few of the artists that impacted his musical sensibilities are Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, and Fats Domino.  Young has been involved in many bands over the years including The Squires, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, and Crazy Horse.  In addition he has a successful solo career.  Guitars that he has used include a customized Gibson Les Paul Goldtop named “Old Black,” a Martin D-45, and a Gretsch White Falcon.  Hear Neil Young in action while playing with Crazy Horse in “Cortez the Killer.”
 
3. Pete Seeger – 1919 saw the birth of Pete Seeger into a musically inclined family living in New York.  He picked up the ukulele as a young boy, and played often for his classmates.  The next instrument that he began to learn was the five-string banjo, after hearing it played at a music festival.  Seeger began performing in the early 1940s on a broadcast with other musicians.  He help to found both the Almanac Singers and The Weavers, which were influential folk music groups.  He later added the 12-string guitar to his repertoire of instruments.  Martin has created two guitars in honor of Seeger, the Martin J12SO! Sing Out 60th Pete Seeger 12-string guitar and a Martin JSO! Sing Out 60th Pete Seeger Custom, which is a 6-string version of his famous 12-string guitar.  With close to 100 records, Seeger has had a lasting impact on American music.  For a taste of his folk style, listen to “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”
 
2. Bob Dylan – Born in Minnesota in 1941, Bob Dylan listened to blues and country stations as a young child.  He began listening to rock and roll as a teen.  In one of his first bands, he covered songs of both Elvis Presley and Little Richard.  Dylan was also heavily influenced by the songwriting of greats such as Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, and Hank Williams.  Woody Guthrie had such an impact that Dylan traveled to New York and spent time visiting Guthrie while he was in the hospital.  He has had a long, successful career working with many other musicians.  Through the years he has also incorporated inspiration for a variety of genres including blues, country, gospel, rock and roll, rockabilly, and jazz.  Guitars he has played include the Gretsch Rancher acoustic, Gibson Dove, and a Fender Stratocaster.  Listen to “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” to hear a living legend.
 
1. Woody Guthrie – A native of Okemah, Oklahoma, Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie was born in 1912.  He learned to play music as a boy by playing by ear.  In the late 1930s, the hardships of the Dust Bowl pushed Guthrie to make his way to California like many others during that time.  After arriving in California, he ended up getting a job at a radio station singing and playing traditional songs.  Through the years he played many songs that drew upon his experiences during the Dust Bowl.  He met and worked with many talented musicians including Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, Pete Seeger, Almanac Singers, and he mentored  Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.  Guthrie has had a profound impact on American music, and inspired many musicians.  Listen to one of his most well-known songs “This Land Is Your Land.”
 
This storied genre is filled with legends, and you’ve now seen our picks for the top five great guitarists of folk music.  We’d love to hear your thoughts.  Who would be on your top five list?
 
Keep Rockin’!!!

Tags: bob dylan, neil young, folk music, joan baez, pete seeger, woody guthrie