I just noticed there is no discussion on great metal guitarists in general. As metal is largely focussed on heavy guitar, I thought I would address this.

I can't nail it to one specific player, but I am very fond of the playing by Jeff Waters (Annihilator), Denis D'amour (Voivod) and Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad), as they all bring/brought something quite unique to the metal table.

Anyone have any thoughts? Who's your favourite metal guitar god?

I don't know much about playing guitar, but I always liked Bill Steer (Napalm Death, Carcass). I know Tony Iommi was also really good (and influential obviously). Duncan, what makes a metal guitarist great in your opinion? Is it more about the technical abilities or their creativity/orginality, in terms of writing riffs/solos?

For me it's all about a unique sound that appeals on a new level. I'm not much for being weird for the sake of it, but some guitarists just have that 'certain something'.

Denis D'amour fused the whole metal thing with delay pedals and space rock. The band were obsessed with science fiction and his guitar sound complemented that aesthetic perfectly. Lots of synthetic scales and an almost robotic, jagged feel. Perfect for metal. Very pleasant to my ears.

Jeff Waters is very imaginative. His ideas are colourful and performed with incredible technical skill. Instead of being yet another generic shred guitarist, he chucks interesting little features into the mix, using toggle switches, effects pedals and unconventional jazz styles. It never gets boring (even if the vocals are questionable). He's incredibly tight as well - every single note and beat is 100% accurate and the tone is perfect. It makes for a very tidy, clean sound.

As for Devin Townsend - he's the master of being 'full-on'. He has a sticker on one of his guitars that reads 'FUCK SUBTLETY' - it sums him up perfectly. If I want to hear total extremity in guitar, I usually reach for a Strapping Young Lad album. Some of it is really easy to play, but it feels angry as hell, which is a lot of fun. Scott Ian from Anthrax has a similar appeal.

I could talk about these guitarists all day.

Bill Steer is a good one. I like the way his guitar playing is constantly evolving. He sounds different on every release.

I'm big on riffage and less on the 'turkey wobbling' that many 'good' guitarists barf out. Technical proficiency means nothing to me if the riffs aren't there. Not a solo fan here, so that goes out the window with me.

The best period is Chuck Schuldiner of Death / Control Denied. I can never get enough of his playing - the clean delivery often makes things sound more complex than reality, Chuck was no slouch though and was an amazing player. He will remain at the top of my list until time ends.

Dave Mustaine still holds a place with me, his rhythm playing strongly influenced my own playing.

Shaune Kelley of Ripping Corpse / Dim Mak, hung out with the dude once - really cool dude, and an amazing guitarist.

In the end I like rhythms developed over time creating strong melodies - these are just a few at the top of my list.

EDIT: Holy crow I left out Roy Z! Above Mustaine IMHO.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Plan 9,

My two all-time favorite metal guitarists are Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Trey Azagthoth of Morbid Angel.

Mustaine is a great rhythm player and the first four Megadeth records are just chock-full of amazing riffs. Azagthoth, too, is the mastermind behind some of the best riffs in metal; I'm also partial to the atonal style of soloing he employed on the first three Morbid Angel albums.

Squizgar is badass. DETHKLOK RULES

Satansjuggalo666, I laugh every time I see your name.

I'm a fan of Mieszko Talarczyk from Nasum and Muhammed from Necrophagist. Mieszko's playing was subtle, but it really seemed to add depth to Nasum's sound, and Muhammad is just ridiculous.

cee cee deville

Dimebag Darrell -The Great Southern Trendkill era

Zakk Wylde- Mafia era

Kirk Hammett- Ride the Lightning era

Chuck- Everything

Devin Townsend- City and Infinity era

Paul Wagoneer(sp?)- BtBaM guitaris, amazing.

cc deville.....hahahahahhahahah

oh man, THAT'S RICH!!