Top Rockabilly

The Top 8 Rockabilly Guitarists Of All Time

September 11th, 2009

1. Danny Gatton

“The Telemaster” himself comes in at number one not least because he knows how to use a beer bottle properly.

2. Cliff Gallup

Cliff Gallup’s delicate lines lying behind the agitated vocals of Gene Vincent display the utmost of taste often lacking in rockabilly guitar. That’s what makes him stand out and pushes him into the number 2 spot. He also invented that fret 2 and 3 “pulling off” riff on the top two guitar strings. Much imitated.

3. Scotty Moore

OK let’s not beat around the bush. Scotty Moore invented rockabilly guitar. He was somewhat pedestrian in his solos but for goodness sake we can excuse him that simply for the solo in Elvis’ Hound Dog.

4. Brian Setzer

Cartoon like and with the energy of a thousand tigers, the Stray Cats popularised rockabilly in the 80s bringing it a punk-like attitude. Along with that, Brian Setzer emerged as one of the best guitarists of the era. Check out his solo on the first album’s Fishnet Stockings.

5. James Burton

As one of the most respected pickers in the business, Burton could be seen as the guitarist’s guitarist. He has played with all the greats and has a discography to make anyone envious. Bob Luman, Dale Hawkins, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, John Denver, Gram Parsons, Jerry Lee Lewis, Claude King, Elvis Costello, Joe Osborn, Roy Orbison (Dodgy moustache though)

6. Paul Burlison

Along with Scotty Moore, Burlison was a pioneer of rockabilly guitar. He was the genius behind the sound of the Johnny Burnette trio and classics like Train Kept A Rollin’. Primitive, simple and brash just like rockabilly should be.

7. Eddie Cochran

Now seen as more of a songwriter and pioneering rock’n'roll producer, Eddie Cochran was actually also a very talented guitarist. His early work included some great finger picking Gretsch noises with his partner and name-sake Hank Cochran (no relation).

8. Mark Harman
In at number 8 is Restless guitarist Mark Harman. One of my teenage favourites. A great technician and a pretty good singer too. But his guitar solos always stood out from the crowd during the 80s rockabilly revival. Check out Long Black Shiny Car.

That’s the Top 8 Rockabilly Guitarists Of All Time. Yup, you probably won’t agree but then that’s what the comments section is for! Add your top 8 below.