The Guitarist Of The Year: 6. Mikael Akerfeldt/Fredrik Akesson
Opeth may preach exclusively to the converted, but to overlook the Swedes’ staggeringly consistent brilliance is foolhardy.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 7. Adam Granduciel
Soothing and sorrow-laden in equal measure, Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs left Guitar Planet speechless.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 8. Slash
Guitar Planet has had a love/hate relationship with Slash since Velvet Revolver split, but it remains impossible to deny his freewheeling riffs and slippery solos.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 9. Gary Clark Jr.
The only artist on our countdown who didn’t release a studio album in 2014, Gary Clark Jr. wowed live and in person.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 10. Laura Jane Grace
Laura Jane Grace gave punk purpose as she displayed her post and pre-transition anxiety, angst and anger on the magnificent Transgender Dysphoria Blues.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 11. Jack White
The post-break up insanity of Blunderbus may be behind him, but Jack White still provides plenty of disjointed innovation on Lazeretto.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 12. Mick Thomson/Jim Root
2014 saw Slipknot overcome adversity and reconnect with their youth while effortlessly retaining their status as the world’s most important metal band.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 13. Dave Grohl
The Foo Fighters may have ever so slightly underwhelmed, but Dave Grohl found a new way to invigorate guitar music.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 14. Kenneth William (White Lung)
Kenneth William served up anarchy and artistry as Canadian punks White Lung released their career best album.
The Guitarist Of The Year: 15. The Edge
Divisive is an understatement, but putting the hyperbole and the hate to one side, 2014 was The Edge’s comeback year.
