10 Best Rhythm Guitarists You Need To Know

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.