10 Best Rhythm Guitarists You Need To Know
7. Peter Buck
R.E.M. is known primarily as the mainstream's first taste of what would be alternative rock. With their pop-friendly sound and Michael Stipe's voice, the band ruled the college-rock circuit in the 80's before becoming alt-rock mainstays in the 90's.
One of the driving forces behind them through it all was Peter Buck, whose guitar tone became a road map for anyone who wanted to play alternative rock. Originally a disciple of 60's jangle pop, Buck's guitar tone in the early years relied on shimmering chords coming from his Rickenbacker. Being a one guitar band, Buck used open chords to help fill out the mid-range sound, making for some truly inventive compositions.
As the times shifted, Buck also found greater ways to implement his guitar playing with different forms of echo to make each song sound vast. Even when playing acoustic, Buck had a touch that evoked so much emotion even if he was just picking out a chord. Changes in style also led Buck to incorporate other instruments like mandolin into the mix to create fantastic parts like on "Losing My Religion."
From one great record to the next, Peter Buck's guitar work is the reason that alternative rock exists in its current state.