10 Greatest Blues Rock Guitarists

While many blues rock bands were coming from America, the British rock scene was where the blues-based bands truly dominated. However, a funny thing was happening down in Texas.

Originally the psychedelic band the Moving Sidewalks, ZZ Top became the unofficial spokesmen for true American blues rock. At the soul of the band's work was Billy Gibbons, whose guitar sound was as rich and flowing as his luscious beard. Throughout the 70's, the band made incredible guitar showcases like "Tush" and the classic "La Grange." As the 80's came to pass, Gibbons even found ways to mix his guitar tone with keyboards on hits like "Legs" and "Sharp Dressed Man."

Gibbons's expertise was always the free-flowing nature of his solos, which made it seem like the guitar was actually having a conversation with the listener. But the real power of Gibbons's playing was the groove he was able to lay down with his bandmates. When most British blues bands were more manic in their soloing style, Billy Gibbons always kept the music low-down and swinging.