Greatest Neoclassical Guitar Players from the 80s 90s and 2000s
A subgenre of heavy metal, neoclassical metal became a rage in the 80s and since has gone on to become an exceedingly popular in rock circles.
Neoclassical rock emerged in the 70s with Richie Blackmore and his classical influences leading the way for the brigade of neo classical guitarists. The neoclassical metal explosion came forth in the 80s with many bands branching from metal and hard rock to form a sound that merged elements of classical and heavy metal. Compositions in neoclassical songs were influenced by classical composers from the Classical period. An amalgamation of heavy metal sound with classical was a breath of fresh air the 80s gave to the world.
Neoclassical music also borrows concepts from the Baroque and Renaissance era. Neoclassical guitar players hogged the lime light in the 80s. Yngwie Malmsteen is considered the pioneering guitarist in the realms of neoclassical metal that emerged in the 80s.
The new sound of neoclassical shred had mesmerized music enthusiast and critics. The brigade of neoclassical shredders became exceedingly popular towards the late 80s and early 90s. Neoclassical guitarists are technically brilliant and intersperse theoretical concepts of classical beautifully in different styles.
Neoclassical guitar players have a strong command over theory in terms of scales and modal changes. Also because of the layout of neoclassical scales many guitarists in this domain possess exceptional right hand picking technique. Many neoclassical use arpeggio and sweep techniques in their solos to create a wall of sounds. Speed and precision are of integral importance in different neoclassical playing styles. While every guitar players approach towards neoclassical is different, it has been noted that a large number of neoclassical guitarists rely on down strokes as the pick strings. However, an equal number also use up strokes with the pick during arpeggio runs or sweep techniques. The list below showcases a list of the best neoclassical guitar players from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
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The Greatest Neoclassical Guitar Players
- Yngwie Malmsteen
- Jason Becker
- Vinnie Moore
- Paul Gilbert
- Michael Angelo Batio
- Tony MacAlpine
- David T. Chastain
- Joey Taffola
- Marty Friedman
- Michael Romeo
- Rob Marcello
- Timo Tolkki
- Jeff Loomis
- Chris Impellitteri
- Luca Turilli
- Joe Stump
- Jani Liimatainen
- Alex Masi
- Ron Thal
- Syu
- Stephan Forte
- George Bellas
- Borislav Mitic
- Matthew Mills
- Darren Householder
- Rusty Cooley
- Farbizio Leo
- Kevin Ferguson
- Marc Rizzo
- Francesco Ferrari
- Broderick Gray
- Ma- Saki
- Jeff Garner
- Mathias Holm
- Par Jonsson
- Rick Renstorm
- Joel Wanasek
- Theodore Ziras