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Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists

According to fans on Greatest Guitar Player, the top heavy metal guitarists right now are Dimebag Darrell, Randy Rhoads and Tony Iommi. The full ranked list of 14 heavy metal guitarists is below, updated live from the Greatest Guitar Player Fan Index as votes come in.

Heavy metal guitar is built on down-picked riffs, tight rhythm work and solos that push speed and precision. These players set the sound of metal from its first heavy riffs to the modern era.

  1. 1Dimebag DarrellDimebag DarrellScore 74.0 · 1 fan voteProfile
  2. 2Randy RhoadsRandy RhoadsScore 69.0 · 2 fan votesProfile
  3. 3Tony IommiTony IommiScore 67.0 · 2 fan votesProfile
  4. 4James HetfieldJames HetfieldScore 65.0 · 1 fan voteProfile
  5. 5George LynchGeorge LynchScore 71.0 · 1 fan voteProfile
  6. 6Kirk HammettKirk HammettScore 70.0 · 1 fan voteProfile
  7. 7Dave MustaineDave MustaineScore 67.0 · 1 fan voteProfile
  8. 8Zakk WyldeZakk WyldeScore 66.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  9. 9Adrian SmithAdrian SmithScore 53.5 · 2 fan votesProfile
  10. 10Marty FriedmanMarty FriedmanScore 68.0 · 1 fan voteProfile
  11. 11Chuck SchuldinerChuck SchuldinerScore 64.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  12. 12Glenn TiptonGlenn TiptonScore 64.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  13. 13Jake E. LeeJake E. LeeScore 64.0 · no fan votes yetProfile
  14. 14Vivian CampbellVivian CampbellScore 59.0 · no fan votes yetProfile

Disagree with the order? Rate any of these heavy metal 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 heavy metal guitarist of all time?

On the Greatest Guitar Player Fan Index, Dimebag Darrell currently holds the top spot among heavy metal guitarists, followed by Randy Rhoads and Tony Iommi. The order updates live as fans vote.

How are these heavy metal 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 heavy metal guitarist?

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

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