Ultimate Heavy Metal Guitars: The Guitarists Who Rocked the World

Prown (Shred! The Ultimate Guide to Warp-Speed Guitar) takes a wide view in this expansive book covering 87 guitar heroes in a throughline of guitar virtuosos. Entries begin with musical giants, such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend, and Jeff Beck. Dozens more are profiled, including Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Nancy Wilson of Heart, Joan Jett, Ace Frehley, Joe Walsh, Slash, and many more. Most artists get an informative and appreciative spread across two pages. With millions of diehard global fans, heavy metal has proven to be one of rock ’n’ roll’s enduring forms. This pounding genre emerged from formative influences in the blues-based hard rock of the ’60s and ’70s and is heavily driven by braggadocio and enthusiastic musical pyrotechnics, whether sung, pummeled, or strummed. Led Zeppelin and the Who laid the groundwork for the increasingly bombastic stylists to come, especially the guitarists, whose technical wizardry serves as a key hallmark. Vivid descriptions and photos highlight the players, bands, and equipment that define this vibrant style.