10 Most Underrated Guitarists In Hard Rock
1. Chris Shiftlett - Foo Fighters
There's no disputing that the Foo Fighters are Dave Grohl's vehicle. Though each member has an equal role when it comes to being onstage, Grohl really is the team captain who has steered the ship through all the good and bad moments of the band's career. Though many remember Pat Smear as being Grohl's primary partner in crime, there's a case to be made on the genius of Chris Shiftlett.
Coming at a turning point in the band's discography, Shiftlett's approach to melody was much more natural when it came time for recording. Shiftlett may have come from the original punk rock background of his bandmates, but there was also a certain precision that came with his playing. For as much as the band could rock out playing some gritty punk anthem, Shiftlett could infuse more technical skills behind the instrument that owed more to someone like Alex Lifeson of Rush.
With the band now being a three-guitar attack, Shiftlett is one of the most integral parts of the six-string assemble, as he provides a certain cleanliness to even out the shrill delivery of Smear.
Even in his downtime, Shiftlett's chops when it comes to country music are fairly decent, with him making a twangy guitar sing just as well as a distorted buzzsaw guitar.
The Foo Fighters may be Dave Grohl's vehicle, but the amount of talent he has in Chris Shiftlett is enough for three more bands.