A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may perform solo pieces or play with ensembles and bands of a wide variety of genres.

Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as acoustic guitars, electric guitars, classical guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists can accompany themselves on the guitar while singing. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named Jimi Hendrix number 1 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

Versatility

While with an ensemble, a guitarist can take the role of rhythm (playing with bass in the ensemble) or lead (playing on top of the bass in the ensemble) guitar.

The guitar is an extremely versatile instrument; and as with the piano, chords, melodies, and solos can be played. By using techniques such as bending and vibrato, the guitar can be made to express a vocal quality.

See also

• List of guitarists