HoF Players

Keith Richards

Inducted in 2011
With a style forged via the influence of Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Scotty Moore, Hank Marvin, James Burton, Buddy Holly, and others, he became the driving musical force behind arguably the most influential, pure rock-and-roll band. Early on in the Stones, he made ample use of the lead-rhythm approach, but by the early ’70s he was regularly using Open G tuning, often with a capo in different positions, solidifying his reputation as a rhythm guitarist and riff write. CLICK HERE for details on the VG Hall Of Fame’s Class of 2011.

Robert Johnson

Inducted in 2010
Though popularly noted for “selling his soul to the devil,” his mid-’30s recordings were a display of raw talent that served as the boilerplate of modern blues music. His name is commonly associated with the Gibson L-1. CLICK HERE for details on the VG Hall Of Fame’s Class of 2010.

Buddy Guy

Inducted in 2009
The Louisiana-born purveyor of Chicago blues has been hugely influential to some of the biggest names in guitardom, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. A five-time Grammy winner, he is renowned for his live performances, where his music can vary from traditional blues to a sprawling mix of blues, rock, soul, and jazz. For 20 years, he has also played host to most nearly every notable blues act at his Legends club. Buddy Guy Feature.

Duane Allman

Inducted in 2008
He died after crashing his motorcyle at age 24, just as The Allman Brothers Band was headed toward its apex. Still, his style has been infinitely influential, especially when it included his Coricidian-bottle slide. Soul-laden and completely original, his playing paved the way for acts ranging from The Marshall Tucker Band to Phish.Duane Allman Feature.

Les Paul

Inducted in 2007
The first person in the VG HoF in two categories (he entered as an Innovator in ’93), before all the electronics tinkering, he was Django-inspired jazz player with roots in country music. He came to prominence in the ’30s with his trio, in the ’40s worked studio sessions with Bing Crosby and others, had his own hits, and later teamed with singer (and wife to be) Mary Ford to do guitar/vocal duets. By the mid ’50s, though, their music had succumbed to rock and roll. Still, anyone who has his broken arm permanently set in a guitar-playing position deserves play!

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Inducted in 2006
Rave-on, indeed. Building on the Texas blues foundation of Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and others, he and his Fender Stratocaster combined many influences and took the blues mainstream. In terms of popularity, SRV brought the genre its best days (so far).

Django Reinhardt

Inducted in 2005
Arguably the most influential jazz guitarist the idiom has ever produced, with Stephane Grapelli and The Quintent Of The Hot Club of France, he achieved near-mythical status and elevated the genre. Despite having a disfigured fret hand, he played some of the most memorable single-string improvisations.

George Harrison

Inducted in 2004
Countering Lennon and McCartney’s R&B tendencies, the lead guitarist of the Beatles brought the Carl Perkins/James Burton vibe to the band. Far too succinct a personality to be a blazing lead player, he nonetheless laid down some of the most competent and memorable rock solos ever recorded.

Inducted in 2003
Emerging as Eric Clapton’s replacement in the Yardbirds, he’s a multi-styled virtuoso who has never feared experimentation, critical backlash, or sharing the spotlight with other notables. The “guitarist’s guitarist,” he’s a perennial fan favorite, gathering regular ink regardless of his recorded output.

Chuck Berry

Inducted in 2002
If you play guitar, chances are Chuck Berry is part of the reason. From the opening lick of “Maybelline” to “School Days” and “Roll Over Beethoven”, his contribution to popular music is inarguable. He borrowed from the blues, country, and boogie-woogie to create licks every guitarist has copied. Wanna learn to play guitar? Grab a Chuck Berry record.

Jimmy Page

Inducted in 1999
Earning a reputation as an efficient session man in early-’60s London, he joined the Yardbirds in ’66 and formed Led Zeppelin in ’68. His virtuosity on acoustic and electric guitar covered a range of styles and set trends still followed (though seldom covered as well) today. Plus, he played some of the most memorable guitar solos of all time through a Supro amp!

Eric Clapton

Inducted in 1998
Drawing on the style of B.B. King, Charlie Christian, and Freddie King, Clapton made the blues more palpable to a broad British audience in his work with John Mayall, then helped bring blues-based rock to the forefront in Cream. His solo career has been marked by an eclectic but concise style that continues to draw new fans and move the guitar forward.

Inducted in 1997
After getting his break on Mississippi’s KWEM radio in 1948, B.B. caught the attention of the Modern record label, and went on to become one of the most imminently influential blues guitarists of all time. His trademark single-note solos have cut many a head while he smiled and played on, smooth as ever.

Chet Atkins

Inducted in 1996
Credited with being single-handedly responsible for the “Nashville Sound”, but always defying strict categorization, his ability to produce new sounds and styles has been supremely influential.

Jimi Hendrix

Inducted in 1994
The fact he still makes the covers of guitar magazines several times each year almost four decades after his death tells the place Jimi holds in the hearts of guitarists. That’s why he was the first player in the VG Hall of Fame.