Welcome back to the Get My Guitar blog! You know, we could’ve just made a list of guitarists we personally love—but where’s the fun in that? Instead, we decided to settle the debate with something everyone can argue over: cold, hard numbers. That’s right, we’re ranking the Top 10 Guitarists of the Last 20 Years based on pure stats. We’re talking about album sales, streaming dominance, sold-out stadiums, and all the achievements that scream success.

This isn’t about finger-tapping wizardry or how fast someone can shred. It’s about the guitarists your non-musician friend has heard blasting from car stereos or playing in packed arenas. These are the players who turned their riffs into global anthems. Love it, hate it, or rage about it in the comments—this is the definitive list. Let’s get into it!

How We Ranked These Guitar Heroes

You’re probably wondering how we narrowed it down. Well, we didn’t just sit around jamming to our favorite tunes (though that did happen). We took a deep dive into four major categories:

1. Album Sales – Who’s still moving units in the streaming age?
2. Streaming Numbers – Who dominates Spotify and Apple Music playlists?
3. Tour Earnings – Who’s selling out stadiums and making bank?
4. Achievements – Awards, iconic performances, and influence.

With that in mind, let’s unleash the legends!

Top 10 Guitarists of the Last 20 Years

1. The Edge (U2)

• Album Sales: Over 150 million units sold
• Total Streams: Approx. 3.5 billion
• Tour Earnings: Over $2.12 billion
• Achievements: U2’s “360° Tour” (2009–2011) grossed $776 million—still one of the highest-grossing tours ever.

The Edge doesn’t just play chords; he creates sounds that stick with you. His signature use of delay effects has been copied by many but never matched. What makes The Edge stand out is his knack for transforming simple riffs into massive anthems that echo through stadiums. Songs like “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “With or Without You” wouldn’t hit the same without his distinct playing. U2’s global success and nonstop touring have kept him in the spotlight for decades.

2. Jonny Buckland (Coldplay)

• Album Sales: Over 100 million units
• Total Streams: 36.2 billion
• Tour Earnings: Over $945.7 million
• Achievements: Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” Tour (2022–2024) shattered records, grossing nearly a billion dollars.

Buckland’s guitar work may not be flashy, but it’s the foundation of Coldplay’s sound. His smooth, clean tones and carefully layered parts perfectly complement Chris Martin’s vocals. Songs like “Clocks” and “Fix You” wouldn’t be the same without his subtle but powerful guitar lines. His ability to craft songs that connect with millions has solidified his place among today’s rock greats.

3. Kirk Hammett (Metallica)

• Album Sales: Over 125 million units
• Total Streams: 1 billion annually
• Tour Earnings: Over $1.4 billion
• Achievements: Metallica’s live shows have made them one of the highest-grossing bands ever.

Hammett’s intense solos and relentless riffs have powered Metallica for decades. His signature wah pedal sound has become a staple in hits like “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets.” Hammett doesn’t just play fast—he brings energy and emotion into every note, helping Metallica conquer the global stage.

4. Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)

• Album Sales: Over 100 million units
• Total Streams: 10.2 billion
• Tour Earnings: Over $1.5 billion
• Achievements: Their “A Bigger Bang” and “No Filter” tours were monumental successes.

Keith Richards defines rock ‘n’ roll attitude. His raw, gritty riffs are the backbone of The Rolling Stones’ sound. Tracks like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Start Me Up” wouldn’t be the same without his driving guitar. Even after decades of touring, Richards still commands the stage like few others.

5. Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

• Album Sales: Over 130 million units
• Total Streams: 7.5 billion
• Tour Earnings: Over $1.3 billion
• Achievements: Bon Jovi’s global tours have been consistent money-makers.

Sambora’s heartfelt solos and chemistry with Jon Bon Jovi created some of rock’s most unforgettable songs. From the massive opening of “Livin’ on a Prayer” to the emotional punch of “Always,” Sambora’s guitar work helped shape Bon Jovi’s lasting success.

6. Joe Perry (Aerosmith)

• Album Sales: Over 150 million units
• Total Streams: 4.5 billion
• Tour Earnings: Significant earnings from global tours
• Achievements: Aerosmith’s tours are legendary.

Joe Perry’s rough, blues-inspired riffs have been a key part of Aerosmith’s sound since the beginning. Classics like “Walk This Way” and “Dream On” highlight his seamless blend of rock and blues. Perry embodies the pure energy of rock music.

7. Brad Delson (Linkin Park)

• Album Sales: Over 100 million units
• Total Streams: 10.5 billion
• Tour Earnings: Substantial
• Achievements: Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” became a nu-metal cornerstone.

Delson helped redefine rock in the 2000s by mixing heavy riffs with modern electronic sounds. Hits like “In the End” and “Numb” show how his playing could be both aggressive and relatable. His contributions helped Linkin Park break into the mainstream.

8. Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold)

• Album Sales: Over 8 million units
• Total Streams: 3.5 billion
• Tour Earnings: Notable
• Achievements: Gates is one of metal’s most technical guitarists.

Gates is known for his complex solos and masterful fretwork. His performances on tracks like “Bat Country” and “Hail to the King” display his technical ability and creativity. He’s one of the key players keeping metal alive and thriving.

9. James “Munky” Shaffer (Korn)

• Album Sales: Over 40 million units
• Total Streams: 2.5 billion
• Tour Earnings: Considerable
• Achievements: Korn pioneered the nu-metal wave.

Munky’s low-tuned, heavy riffs gave Korn their dark, aggressive sound. Songs like “Freak on a Leash” and “Blind” owe much of their punch to his distinctive playing style. He helped define a whole genre with his raw energy.

10. Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)

• Album Sales: Over 16 million units
• Total Streams: 2.2 billion
• Tour Earnings: Significant
• Achievements: Morello’s guitar sounds like a DJ—and that’s a compliment.

Tom Morello took guitar playing to a whole new level. His creative use of effects and unconventional techniques in songs like “Killing in the Name” and “Bulls on Parade” pushed the boundaries of what a guitar can do. His sound is instantly recognizable and impossible to ignore.

Why Others Didn’t Make the Cut in our Top 10 Guitarists List

You might be wondering, “Where’s Slash?” or “What about John Mayer?” Trust us, we thought about them too! Slash is a legend, no doubt, but his biggest commercial success was with Guns N’ Roses decades ago, and his recent projects just haven’t matched the raw numbers of those on this list. John Mayer? Incredible guitarist with undeniable talent, but his genre-bending style and lower tour earnings in recent years didn’t push him into the top 10 based on sales and streams.

What about legends like Eddie Van Halen or Eric Clapton? Their peak years were before our 20-year window—we’re focusing on who’s been moving the needle in recent decades. Even modern shredders like Tosin Abasi or technical geniuses like Steve Vai didn’t make it because this list isn’t about sheer skill. It’s about impact—who’s filling arenas, topping charts, and dominating playlists.

So yeah, this might ruffle some feathers, but if the stats didn’t back it up, they didn’t make the cut. Rock is all about passion and opinions, so let’s hear yours!

Join the Conversation – Top 10 Guitarists 2025

Did your favorite guitarist make the list? Or did we commit rock ‘n’ roll blasphemy? Let us know in the comments and join the growing community of guitar lovers over at Get My Guitar. Whether you’re hunting for your dream guitar or just here for the gear talk, we’ve got you covered.

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