10 Best Rhythm Guitarists You Need To Know
The riff masters' time to shine.
When talking about rock guitar, no one can deny how cool the guitar solo is. The gymnastics routine that some musicians can do on the fretboard are feats of superhuman endurance that few are able to replicate. So is the goal at the end of the day when it comes to guitar just soloing?
No. Across rock's different subgenres, many guitarists pride themselves on not playing guitar solos and sticking to the rhythm guitar position. While some people may think of a rhythm guitarist as the guitarist in a band who isn't that good, guitarists who hold down the musical foundation can be the ones who make the difference between a good band and a great one.
These guitarists may not be able to shred the guitar neck, but they more often than not contribute to the song's classic riffs or are innovators when it comes to effects that create a lush sound. Whether they'd like to admit it, lead guitarists wouldn't have a leg to stand on if the rhythm guitarists hadn't been there to fill out the sound.
10. Billie Joe Armstrong
Billie Joe Armstrong has been the guitar force behind Green Day for over 30 years at this point. With his songcrafting abilities and tuneful vocals, Armstrong has led the band through the turbulent 90's as well as 2000's triumphs with their experimentation with rock operas.
However, there has been a fair amount of mudslinging in Armstrong's direction for being a bad guitarist who sticks to rudimentary chords. On the contrary, Armstrong has had stellar moments of rhythm guitar playing that requires an almost speed-metal level of endurance. Yes, there may not be a ton of tricks in his arsenal, but it's what Armstrong does with his abilities that makes him one of the greatest.
Armstrong also has a bit of variety by going from straight power-chord thunder on the band's early releases to featuring more acoustic work and open chords to help fill out the sound of later material. With bassist Mike Dirnt playing in lock step with him, Armstrong has put together a punk rock guitar assault that takes Green Day songs from standard punk thrashers to major rock events. Not always impressive, but in its right place when it comes to firing off great riffs.