The 54-year-old features on hits including ‘Can’t Stop’ and ‘Californication’, and as part of the band, even won a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2022. A poll, of 1,000 guitar players, saw Alex Turner, front man of the Arctic Monkeys, take second spot, closely followed by John Mayer. Both of which have graced Glastonbury’s famous Pyramid stage.
Geordie superstar Sam Fender, who burst onto the scene in 2017, and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood made up the top five. The study was commissioned by retailer guitarguitar, to mark its 20th anniversary, as it launched a ‘Playable’ exhibition of special guitars to celebrate the most inspiring guitarists.
It includes a series of limited-edition hand-painted Fender Stratocasters, covered in motifs inspired by each artist’s career, which are available for fans to play as they tour around stores until 25th June.
The research found Taylor Swift was included in the top 10 list as she embarks on the UK leg of her highly anticipated Era’s tour. Taylor came in just behind Chris Shiflett and Ed O’Brien, of Foo Fighters and Radiohead fame, respectively, with punk-rocker Tom Delonge from Blink-182, and Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil, completing the top 10.
Adam Speck, spokesperson for guitarguitar said: “Over the last 20 years we’ve welcomed so many guitarists through our doors, whether they are picking up a guitar for the first time, or finally getting their hands on their dream one. We’ve even sold guitars to some of the iconic guitarists who have inspired many more to follow in their footsteps.
“Creating this playable exhibition with Fender is a thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with us over the last 20 years. And whether it’s ‘Under the Bridge’, or ‘Seventeen Going Under’, we can’t wait to see our customers show off their skills on these very rare pieces.”