los mejores guitarristas 25

72John Frusciante

Peter Pakvis/RedfernsTheRed Hot Chili Peppersalways knew how to rock a party; it took John Frusciante to turn them into an arena-packing band with a sound they could call their own. Frusciante is a remarkably elastic stylist and a gifted sculptural arranger who pushed the Chilis to explore new worlds without getting in the way of their funk-pumped energy; he beefed up their sound with both well-placed fire (the volcanic, Hendrix-style solo on "Dani California") and remarkable elegance (the indelible opening chords of "Under the Bridge").Key Tracks:"Dani California," "Under the Bridge"

73Kurt Cobain

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicHe was no virtuoso, and that's the whole point: By snatching electric guitar from note-shredding technicians and giving it back to artists, freaks and poets,Kurt Cobainbecame one of the most important players ever. Cobain didn't invent alt-rock. But with his love ofCheap Trick, the Melvins andKiss, he gave it the metallic power necessary to conquer the world. His playing wasn't all untutored squall, either: See the unconventional chord progression and mastery of quiet-loud-quiet dynamics on "Lithium" and pretty much every otherNirvanasong.Key Tracks:"Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Scentless Apprentice"

74Dick Dale

Peter Pakvis/Redferns"I wanted my guitar to sound like Gene Krupa's drums," Dick Dale said, and the hyperpercussive style he invented for his jukebox wonders including a juiced-up arrangement of the old Greek tune "Misirlou" pioneered the sound of surf rock. Dale played as fast as possible, at max volume; Leo Fender once attempted to design an amp that wouldn't be destroyed by Dale's sheer loudness. "His arrangements were really complex, really unruly," saidRush's Alex Lifeson. "It was all staccato strumming reverb, but with a reverb that just sounded so cool."Key Tracks:"Misirlou," "The Peter Gunn Theme"