10 Unforgettable Blues Rock Guitarists of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade of explosive creativity in music, with blues rock reaching new heights of popularity and influence. At the heart of this movement were guitarists who not only mastered their instruments but also shaped the sound of an era. These musicians took the raw emotion of the blues and infused it with the power and energy of rock, creating some of the most iconic sounds in music history. Here are 10 unforgettable blues rock guitarists of the 1970s.
Eric Clapton
By the 1970s, Eric Clapton had already established himself as a guitar legend with the Beano Album and bands like Cream and Blind Faith. However, his solo work in the ’70s truly cemented his place as one of the greatest blues rock guitarists of all time. Albums like Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (with Derek and the Dominos) and 461 Ocean Boulevard showcased Clapton’s ability to blend soulful blues with rock’s harder edges. His fluid playing, expressive bends, and unforgettable riffs, like those in “Layla” and “Cocaine,” made Clapton a defining figure of the decade.
Jimmy Page
As the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page was a central figure in the evolution of blues rock in the 1970s. Page’s guitar work combined the raw power of rock with the soulful, improvisational feel of the blues. Tracks like “Since I’ve Been Loving You” and “Whole Lotta Love” feature Page’s intricate riffs and solos, which became the blueprint for countless guitarists that followed. His ability to craft memorable, complex guitar lines while maintaining a deep connection to the blues made him one of the most influential musicians of the decade. Page remains an iconic guitarist in the world of blues rock.
Rory Gallagher
Rory Gallagher’s passionate playing and dedication to the blues made him a revered figure in the 1970s blues rock scene. The Irish guitarist’s energetic performances and fiery solos were legendary, as captured on live albums like Irish Tour ‘74 and studio records like Tattoo. Gallagher’s music was deeply rooted in the blues, but his approach was innovative, blending traditional elements with rock’s intensity. His relentless touring and refusal to compromise on his sound earned him a loyal fan base and solidified his status as one of the decade’s top guitarists. Rory is truly one of the greatest guitarists the genre has ever seen.
Duane Allman
Duane Allman, co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, was a pioneering force in southern rock and blues during the 1970s. His slide guitar work, characterized by its smooth, melodic lines, became a defining feature of the band’s sound. Tracks like “Statesboro Blues” and “Whipping Post” showcase Allman’s ability to blend blues with rock and improvisational jazz. Although his life was tragically cut short in 1971, Allman’s influence on blues rock guitar and his contributions to the genre in the early ’70s were profound and lasting.
Freddie King
Freddie King, one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar,” was a monumental figure in the development of blues rock. His influence in the 1970s extended through his powerful playing on albums like Getting Ready… and Texas Cannonball. King’s work in the ‘70s inspired a new generation of guitarists, blending traditional blues with a modern rock edge. Freddie’s guitar in “Going Down” remains as one most memorable in blues rock history.
Paul Kossoff
Paul Kossoff, the lead guitarist of Free, was renowned for his emotive playing and distinctive vibrato. His work on tracks like the iconic “All Right Now” and “Fire and Water” exemplified his ability to blend the blues with hard rock. Kossoff’s soulful, expressive style, coupled with his deep connection to the blues, made him a key figure in the 1970s blues rock scene, despite his tragically short career. Kossoff remains an underrated guitar hero of the 1970s but certainly has the respect of many top level guitar players.
Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter was one of the most prolific and respected blues rock guitarists of the 1970s. Known for his high-energy performances and lightning-fast guitar licks, Winter’s work on albums like Johnny Winter And and Still Alive and Well demonstrated his mastery of both traditional blues and rock. His fiery slide guitar playing and raw vocal delivery made him a standout in the blues rock scene. Winter’s dedication to the blues, combined with his rock star charisma, ensured his place among the decade’s elite guitarists.
Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck’s innovative approach to the guitar set him apart from his peers in the 1970s. While rooted in the blues, Beck’s playing often ventured into uncharted territory, incorporating elements of jazz, funk, and even early heavy metal. Tracks like “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” demonstrate Beck’s ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument, making him one of the most influential guitarists of the decade. Many of today’s greatest guitar players cite Jeff Beck as one of the greatest to ever do it.
Robin Trower
Robin Trower’s work in the 1970s, particularly his 1974 album Bridge of Sighs, established him as a guitar hero of the decade. Often compared to Jimi Hendrix, Trower’s playing was steeped in the blues, but he brought a distinct voice to the genre. His use of the wah-wah pedal, heavy vibrato, and soaring solos on tracks like “Too Rolling Stoned” and “Day of the Eagle” made him a favorite among blues rock fans. Trower’s ability to blend soulful blues with psychedelic rock created a sound that was both timeless and uniquely his own. While appreciated by many blues rock fans, Trower is still deserving of a wider audience.
Mick Taylor
Mick Taylor’s tenure with The Rolling Stones from 1969 to 1974 coincided with some of the band’s most critically acclaimed work. As the lead guitarist on albums like Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St., Taylor brought a bluesy sophistication to the Stones’ sound. Taylor’s contributions to the Stones in the early ’70s helped define the band’s sound during this period, making him one of the decade’s most important blues rock guitarists.
What about Mike Bloomfield????!!!!!
Alvin Lee
Without a shadow of a doubt, younever have any doubts, just listen to I’m coming home, off the Woodstock.Soundtrack. Guitar shredding long before anybody ever knew the first thing about the phrase
Absolutely! Seriously overlooked and, in my opinion, the best!
Yes Albert Lee and Roy Buchanan
Albert Lee is my favourite guitarist of all time, but a blues or rock guitarist he is not.
Still listen to the Bluest Blue everyday.
Yes!
How about Roy Buchanan?
This is a top 10 list, Peggy.
The author would never know who Mike Bloomfield was.
Probably doesn’t know there is a Chicago blues .
If you are a fan of Bloomfields, try to
Find a video of David Gilmore playing blues on a Gibson for a Les Paul benefit concert……it was magic.
Mike Bloomfield !!!!!
Thank you for that comment. Mike was an extraordinary player, so lyrical and so dedicated to the blues. I don’t understand why he is so often forgotten now.
How about Rod Price?
Kim Simmonds?
Kim will always be one of my favorites. Saw him with about 2 dozen of my friends I’ll never know. Didn’t disappoint. Signed my copy of Boogie Brothers. Excellent guy in my eye (singular is accurate). Savoy Brown is certainly underrate
How about Peter Green?
Peter Green!
Peter Green exhibits a direct connection between his heart, head his fingers and a higher power. Peter’s pain was transformed through his guitar, his voice was liquid gold singing some of the best written songs of the British blues boom.
Joe Bonamassa
I didn’t know Bonomassa played in the 70’s
He didn’t, unless he played when he was 2.
Joe Bonamassa was born in 1978. I don’t think he should inclded in a list of top 70’s guitarists.
I love Joe too but the article says guitarist of the 1970s.
You have left out the best blues guitarist ever
I cannot believe you have not mentioned the
superb and wonderfully gifted and could play any style the fabulous Gary Moore.
Shame on you
Ray shaw
Right!
Glad you FINALLY got around to giving Johnny Winter some much due respect -He’s usually overlooked & left out of such lists -very underrated -definitely one of the BEST during the 70’s, (& the 80’s on up into the early, mid 90’s)….
You know it.
What about Terry Kath – watch the 1970 Tanglewood concert.
If Terry Kath played only the last side of the Live in Carnegi Hall it would win me instantly. ????
Where’s Peter Green?
Good list. At first thought, I agreed with previous post that Peter Green is missing, but realized all his best blues rock work was done in the 60’s – the list pertains to 1970s. Gary Moore did not play plays until the 1990s (Still in Love With You with Thin Lizzy is the exception). Jimmy Thackery deserves mention, much his work with the 1970s Nighthawks was top self. Another oddity on the the list is Jeff Beck ( though he is one of my top 3 favorite all time guiarists) his 1970s work was fusion based. A bit of a stretch putting him on a blues rock list for that time period. Just my two cents worth.
* mispell – meant GM did not play blues until 1990s.
I agree Jeff’s not blues based
BUT HE IS THE BEST GUITARIST OF ALL TIME
Huh?
Where’s Roy Buchanan?
Should be right up there !!!!!
gary moore started with blues in the 80,s spent the 70,s with thin lizzy. that being said he was probably the best along with walter trout.nobody on this list could touch either one of them and im a big fan of johnny winter.roy buchanan get honorable mention
Who makes these lists up? They are just one person’s opinion.
Kim Simmonds!
You forgot Alvin Lee
Billy F. Gibbons is missing !!
DEFINITELY Billy Gibbons! I still find his _Blue Jean Blues_ to be the most exquisite and seminal offering in this genre Of.All.Time.
Joe Walsh . Just sayin’
Sorry Pete, but Moore played with Skid Row and Thin Lizzy through the 70’s and solo through the 80’s and into the 90’s. The wonderful Parisiene Walkways was 79, and he was always true to his blues roots. Just saying.
Where’s Tony Mcphee?
Good question!
What about Micky Jones, Snowy White, Jimi Hendrix…
Without a shadow of a doubt, you never have any doubts, just listen to I’m coming home, off the Woodstock.Soundtrack. Guitar shredding long before anybody ever knew the first thing about the phrase
Frank Marino… nuff said
I seen Johnny Winters 16 times blew my mind when I actually got to meet him. To me the greatest guitarist of all time
Even though Jimi Hendrix died in 1970, I would find a way to squeeze him in. Where the hell is B.B. King?
what about ned farkelson?
What about Gus Plough?
What about “The Humbler “… Danny Gatton!
LONNIE MACK
What about Gary Rossington, Steve Gaines, Ed King, Allen Collins
Richie Blackmore has my vote
Kind of missed Frank Marino, don’t you think?
Yeah, Clapton, Beck, Page… gee, nobody’s heard of them!!! GMAFB! EVERYONE’S HEARD OF THEM! Tower, same thing. Some of your list is valid, but you’re missing a lot…
Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton. Both were Washington DC local legends. DC, Va, and Md were hot beds of small blues venues in the 70’s and 80’s until commercial development took over. One of the great venues of all time was the Bayou under the K Street bridge. Was lucky enough to have known both great guitarists. Sadly, both lives cut way to short.
Remember that venue quite well. Would travel from Baltimore for music. Most memorable was seeing / hearing Sea Level. Chuck Level, Randall Bramblet, et al. Fond memories
R.B….one the best guitar player of all time but somehow he never gets a line on the broad music spectrum…. he’s been forgotten. What a shame.
Talent is something that cannot be taken away from.
…..hey joe…+
What about Terry Kath from Chicago?? A monster guitarist…
Albert king is killer too! We are talking blues guitar, right?