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Greatest Country and Roots Guitarists

According to fans on Greatest Guitar Player, the top country and roots guitarists right now are Albert Lee, Billy Strings and Chet Atkins. The full ranked list of 11 country and roots guitarists is below, updated live from the Greatest Guitar Player Fan Index as votes come in.

Country and roots guitar runs on clean tone, precise picking and melody, from thumb-picked patterns and chicken pickin' to Telecaster twang. These players set the standard for country, rockabilly and American roots music.

  1. 1Albert LeeAlbert LeeScore 70.5 · 2 fan votesProfile
  2. 2Billy StringsBilly StringsScore 68.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  3. 3Chet AtkinsChet AtkinsScore 68.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  4. 4Tommy EmmanuelTommy EmmanuelScore 68.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  5. 5Glen CampbellGlen CampbellScore 65.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  6. 6James BurtonJames BurtonScore 65.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  7. 7Danny GattonScore 64.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  8. 8Molly TuttleMolly TuttleScore 64.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  9. 9Ry CooderRy CooderScore 64.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  10. 10Doc WatsonDoc WatsonScore 63.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  11. 11Robbie RobertsonRobbie RobertsonScore 62.0 · no fan votes yetProfile

Disagree with the order? Rate any of these country and roots guitarists on 8 attributes at greatestguitarplayer.com/vote. Every vote moves the Greatest Guitar Player Fan Index.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the greatest country and roots guitarist of all time?

On the Greatest Guitar Player Fan Index, Albert Lee currently holds the top spot among country and roots guitarists, followed by Billy Strings and Chet Atkins. The order updates live as fans vote.

How are these country and roots guitarists ranked?

Fans rate each guitarist from 0 to 10 on eight attributes: innovation, performance, speed, soul, rhythm, lead guitar, songwriting and coolness. The order uses a weighted score that balances each guitarist's average rating with the number of votes, so a single perfect vote cannot jump the line. Guitarists without fan votes yet are placed by an editorial score.

Can I vote for my favorite country and roots guitarist?

Yes. Anyone can rate guitarists at greatestguitarplayer.com/vote, and every vote counts toward both this country and roots list and the overall Greatest Guitar Player rankings.

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