Who is Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist?

by The Dear

Who is Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist?

Inspired by Alec’s column last week, we think it is time to decide once and for all who is Scotland’s greatest ever guitarist. This week we invite more of your suggestions and next week we’ll nominate 5 for a public vote. Today Glaswegian singer-songwriter Roddy Hart tells us why he’s endorsing John Martyn. (Photo : Wilson Neate)

…

Roddy Hart on John Martyn

“John Martyn played guitar like a man possessed. He understood that to truly connect, it was the soul of a song that mattered and nothing else. Martyn conveyed this not only through his timeless vocals, lyrics and melodies, but through his playing. Sweet and soulful, but always with an air of trademark menace, he made the guitar sing.”

Roddy

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Roddy Hart’s new album “Sign Language” is scheduled for release on the 9th November 2009 on Vertical Records.  The first song from the album “Send A Message” was released as a download single on the 26th of October. Download it here. Roddy Hart and The Lonesome Fire’s tour dates are on their myspace page.

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More details on the Scotland’s Greatest vote

As well as gauging opinion on Scotland’s greatest guitarist, over the next few weeks we thought it might be interesting to seek your suggestions and votes for Scotland’s greatest ever drummer, bassist and vocalist.

But first up are the guitar players, so feel free to email or leave a comment below or on the Facebook page or via Twitter if you think there is someone else who should be considered for the title of “Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist”.

Then, over the next 7 days, the Dear Scotland contributors will put together a shortlist of 5 for you, Dear Readers, to vote on Wednesday 4th November.

Alec’s top five was Zal Cleminson, Stuart Adamson, Brian (Robbo) Robertson, Bert Jansch and Dave Arcari. Other Guitarists named last week included:

Simon Neil -- Biffy Clyro

Solely responsible for originating a guitar style that has thousands of mascara-ravaged kids hidden in bedrooms all over the UK trying to be Biffy Clyro.


Charlie Burchill -- Simple Minds

Alec says that his own personal jury is still out on whether Charlie is a guitar god or not but he has to be on here just for that Waterfront riff.

…

Stuart Braithwaite -- Mogwai

Mogwai guitar hero and pun master.

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Who do you think should be in the top 5? The voting commences next week.

The Dear

John Martyn

Dear Scotland is grateful to photographer Wilson Neate for allowing us permission to use the above image of John Martyn. You can see more of Wilson Neate’s work at his myspace page and his Flickr pages.

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108 Responses to “Who is Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist?”

  1. Bert Jansch

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 7:59am

  2. Nick from franz Tahe me out

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 8:48am

  3. Take me out

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 8:48am

  4. Where do you vote?

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 9:55am

  5. My nomination for Scotland’s best guitarist goes to Malcolm Jones from Skye. For 30 years he has provided the sound of Celtic Rock band RUNRIG in addition to numerous solo and collaborative projects. Malcolm’s unique style draws heavily on Hendrix and Knopfler but he’s equally at home in the folk arena. Jones’ technical ability is unquestioned, whether it’s his soaring 20-notes-to-the bar riffs or his weeping wailing solos during classics like “On The Edge”. I’ve seen and heard rock guitarists from too many Scottish bands to mention over the last 20 years, but none come close to Mr Malcolm Jones.

    by Jimmy C
    on 28 Oct, 2009 10:02am

  6. I’d say Ian Bairnson has to be in the top five at least, if not top? Whoever started this must be very young….

    by Mic from Wick
    on 28 Oct, 2009 10:09am

  7. John McGeoch – Banshees, PiL, Magazine…

    by Seamus
    on 28 Oct, 2009 10:55am

  8. Simon Neil

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 12:01pm

  9. Simon Neil!!!!!!!!!

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 12:02pm

  10. Simon Neil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 12:02pm

  11. Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand was born in Blackpool and raised in Munich, according to Wikipedia.

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 12:07pm

  12. Thanks for the suggestions so far. All worth considering.

    by The Dear
    on 28 Oct, 2009 12:13pm

  13. Scott Rinning

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 1:04pm

  14. If there was a guitar duel Braithwaite would just deafen any opponent into submission

    by Boby Fett
    on 28 Oct, 2009 2:04pm

  15. Stevie Reverb and the Reverberations

    by Nat King
    on 28 Oct, 2009 4:14pm

  16. Jimi Hendrix.

    by Mr Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 5:17pm

  17. You mean Wee Jimmy Hendrix?

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 6:05pm

  18. Bert Jansch was enormously influential.

    Dick Gaughan in folk music.

    Tony McManus in Celtic music.

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 7:27pm

  19. Donovan Leitch – taught finger styles to the Beatles, influenced Dylan.

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Oct, 2009 7:29pm

  20. Len Partridge is terrific, but not very well-known.

    by S Viemeister
    on 28 Oct, 2009 8:00pm

  21. Martin Taylor. Well, he lives in Scotland. You didn’t say he hed to _be_Scottish. :-)

    by Custos Custodum
    on 28 Oct, 2009 8:01pm

  22. Roddy Frame?

    by La N
    on 28 Oct, 2009 8:02pm

  23. Bert Jansch was extremely influential on the likes of Jimmy Page and, yes, me. He taught me his version of Angie in a back bedroom at a party c 1970.

    Donovan Leitch was also extremely influential on the likes of the Beatles and Dylan.

    For Folk music Dick Gaughan is a major player, for Celtic Music Tony McManus.

    Dougie MacLean has contributed on folk music especially in the area of non-standard tunings.

    by chicmac
    on 28 Oct, 2009 8:05pm

  24. There really is only the one answer, and the picture at the top says it all – John Martyn took guitar from the folk clubs and into another plane via Coltrane, the echoplex and dub. I was struggling to think of anyone else with such a distinctive sound, though Stuart Adamson might qualify, but I just didnae like his sound that much, smacked of tartan guitar.

    by ZakT
    on 28 Oct, 2009 8:34pm

  25. Does Mark Knopfler count?

    by Allan
    on 28 Oct, 2009 9:05pm

  26. Malcolm Jones of Runrig by a country mile

    by Fat Man
    on 29 Oct, 2009 10:39am

  27. Jack Bruce

    by Flure
    on 29 Oct, 2009 10:41am

  28. Dick Gaughan does a fair bit with non-standard tunings, too, doesn’t he?

    by S Viemeister
    on 29 Oct, 2009 12:03pm

  29. of that list Brian Robertson would be the one i’d regard as best (or maybe Cleminson) but why no Manny Charlton on the list or, the most obvious of all, Angus Young.

    by Andrew
    on 29 Oct, 2009 12:05pm

  30. I would have to say Bert Jansch for sheer technique.

    by Mike Mackinnon
    on 29 Oct, 2009 12:06pm

  31. Angus Young – born here, lived here til he was what 8 or 9. thats Scottish

    by Andrew
    on 29 Oct, 2009 1:56pm

  32. Simon Thacher

    by colonel
    on 29 Oct, 2009 1:58pm

  33. Angus Young – I’ll second that shout

    by hunchy
    on 29 Oct, 2009 2:36pm

  34. James Yorkston

    by Shaun
    on 29 Oct, 2009 2:38pm

  35. Billy Morrison, Market Bar, inverness.

    by Neil
    on 29 Oct, 2009 3:56pm

  36. John McGeoch

    by Martin
    on 29 Oct, 2009 5:00pm

  37. Malcolm Ross.

    by Sandy
    on 29 Oct, 2009 6:57pm

  38. John McGeogh

    by Don Ash
    on 29 Oct, 2009 9:18pm

  39. Neil MacDonald ex Intrinsic Intellectuals. Mind-blowing technique and spell-binding stage presence.

    by Grant O sneck
    on 30 Oct, 2009 5:21am

  40. Richard Thompson is half Scottish, and 50% of him is still better than most guitarists!

    by Toepoke
    on 30 Oct, 2009 9:23am

  41. David Byrne

    Davey Johnstone

    by BeITA
    on 30 Oct, 2009 9:24am

  42. It would be Stuart Braithwaite for me, best by a mile IMO…. Anyone who’s seen or more appropriately HEARD him in action will surely agree….Those that havenae, be prepared….he can be very melodic….& a tad LOUD….

    I always had a soft spot for Stuart Adamson though, his sound could be a bit “samey” perhaps, but never failed to cheer me up & put a smile, or a tear, tae ma face & that’s the main thing.. Was absolutely gutted when news came of his far too early death, & still am really….

    by fierypict
    on 30 Oct, 2009 9:33am

  43. Neil “The Slug” Buchanan.

    by Anonymous
    on 30 Oct, 2009 10:36am

  44. John McGeogh
    Had a beer with him when he was in PiL.

    by Scotty
    on 30 Oct, 2009 6:01pm

  45. Malcolm Jones – Fantastically talented. And a heck of a nice guy too

    by Domhnall
    on 30 Oct, 2009 6:03pm

  46. roddy frame….no contest!

    by alan
    on 30 Oct, 2009 6:04pm

  47. james yorkston of the fence collective is my favorite of the new wave of scottish guitar players.

    by paul
    on 30 Oct, 2009 6:20pm

  48. Mark Knopfler?
    I would have voted for him but he’s not Scottish. Born in Glasgow to an English mother and Hungarian father, he really is a Geordie boy.
    Shame he can’t be ours so I’m going for Bert Jansch and Les Harvey if I can have two.

    by Heuch Moray
    on 30 Oct, 2009 6:24pm

  49. For me it’s Jan Ackerman – no doubt about it. His mother was Scots.

    by Naebad
    on 30 Oct, 2009 6:41pm

  50. Good luck getting this down to 5!

    by Richie
    on 30 Oct, 2009 6:44pm

  51. David Ward Maclean has got to rank someplace.

    by Anonymous
    on 01 Nov, 2009 8:41am

  52. Has to be Malcolm Jones from Runrig. Even if you don’t like the band, you have to give it to Malky. He is an awesome guitar player and some of the instrumentals he plays with the band are incredible. He overcome some pretty awful health probs this year to play at Scone Palace in August and put on the best show ever. Fantastic guitarist.

    by Highland Lassie
    on 02 Nov, 2009 6:41am

  53. Malcolm Jones should win this one. He’s amazing!

    by Anonymous
    on 02 Nov, 2009 11:12am

  54. Malcom Jones – no contest. An outstanding artist and many could learn a thing or two from him.

    by Breeze
    on 02 Nov, 2009 11:39am

  55. Malcolm Jones just has to be, and is, the best, no one can come anywhere close. A very talented and gifted musician indeed and a Gentleman. Go Malky !!

    by RB.x
    on 02 Nov, 2009 11:47am

  56. Malcolm Jones of Runrig makes the current top 5 look like rank amateurs. Its bemusing that despite having performed the way he does for nearly 30 years he still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Anyone who sees this man performing up close can’t help but be awestruck by his phenomenal ability.

    On The Edge – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGNQJcla4zQ

    by David
    on 02 Nov, 2009 12:19pm

  57. Vic Galloway’s take on Scotland’s Greatest Ever Guitarist http://bit.ly/4mSoel

    by The Dear
    on 02 Nov, 2009 12:41pm

  58. William Reid – (Jesus and Mary Chain) has to be mentioned.

    by Mayor Anonymous
    on 02 Nov, 2009 1:05pm

  59. No contest Malcom Jones the man is a genius

    by Anonymous
    on 02 Nov, 2009 2:57pm

  60. Malcolm Jones

    by Anonymous
    on 02 Nov, 2009 5:12pm

  61. RUNRIG’s MALCOLM JONES!

    by Ian
    on 02 Nov, 2009 5:31pm

  62. Without doubt it has to be Malcolm Jones. As has been said, he has not been recognised for the achievements he’s done..whether with Runrig or other projects.
    He’s definately deserving of the title Scotlands Greatest Guitarist

    by Mady
    on 02 Nov, 2009 8:54pm

  63. LA’s very own Jim Hunter without any doubt :)

    http://www.jimhunter.org/

    by Essan
    on 03 Nov, 2009 10:36am

  64. Malcolm Jones

    by John A Scholes
    on 03 Nov, 2009 10:46am

  65. Malcolm Jones – Runrig

    by Anonymous
    on 03 Nov, 2009 10:47am

  66. MALCOLM JONES – RUNRIG ……end off ….

    one word …Legend ….

    by Anonymous
    on 04 Nov, 2009 12:33am

  67. Malcolm Jones / Runrig. Not only is he a bewilderingly talented guitarist who can manipulate the electric guitar to create some beautiful tones from the subtle to blistering rock, but Malcolm is also a gifted accordionist and piper, together with a talent playing other stringed instruments.

    A very unsung, seldom credited National Treasure when it comes to musicians, as indeed are his band mates Calum and Rory as songwriters, but that’ll be a seperate debate!

    by Ally Kerr
    on 04 Nov, 2009 9:58am

  68. Malcolm Jones!

    by Anonymous
    on 04 Nov, 2009 6:23pm

  69. Yer man from Travis is pretty good.

    by Anonymous
    on 05 Nov, 2009 10:27am

  70. For me it has to be Stuart Adamson for his broad appeal and melodic guitar solos and also his longevity, having been very successful with both The Skids and Big Country…R.I.P

    by Gary Miller
    on 06 Nov, 2009 4:14am

  71. Stuart Adamson will always be the best in my opinion as fierypict said he could put a smile or a tear on your face what a legend Big Country were the best

    by David C
    on 06 Nov, 2009 7:20am

  72. stuart adamson. the man was a genius!!!!

    by Anonymous
    on 06 Nov, 2009 10:14am

  73. Knopfler might have had non Scottish parents but born in Scotland makes him eligble IMO

    by Anonymous
    on 06 Nov, 2009 3:49pm

  74. The Big Man…. Stuart Adamson, what a guy. I’ve watched him live and he could play!!!

    by Anonymous
    on 06 Nov, 2009 4:12pm

  75. Stuart Adamson… of course..who else ???

    by Christina Codd
    on 07 Nov, 2009 11:11am

  76. No contest – the one and only Stuart adamson who put scottish guitar music on the map!
    ian winter

    by Anonymous
    on 08 Nov, 2009 3:34pm

  77. John Martyn was Scotlands best, if not Britains best ever! Bert Jansch for a close second place though.

    by Big Bawz Mcgraw
    on 09 Nov, 2009 9:10am

  78. Malcolm Jones!!!!!!!!!

    by Anonymous
    on 09 Nov, 2009 2:36pm

  79. Stuart Adamson was the most talented guitarist out of Scotland and having seen him live over 15 times he could master any style (just listen to the back catalogue).

    Sadly missed

    by Allan Kerr
    on 10 Nov, 2009 6:54am

  80. It,s got to be Stuart Adamson – no contest.

    by Mark Entwistle
    on 10 Nov, 2009 7:16am

  81. Stuart Adamson without a doubt….also a great lyricist and performer. Simply the best ever for me

    by John McKinstry
    on 10 Nov, 2009 8:04am

  82. Stuart Adamson Full Stop.

    by Andrew Reid
    on 10 Nov, 2009 1:14pm

  83. Stuart Adamson, no doubt about it

    by Anonymous
    on 12 Nov, 2009 3:35pm

  84. Zal Cleminson. Blistering!

    by Rickenbacker
    on 17 Nov, 2009 9:38am

  85. Pip Dylan

    by Anonymous
    on 18 Nov, 2009 12:31pm

  86. Malcolm Jones is the man.

    by Anonymous
    on 19 Nov, 2009 6:22am

  87. Malcolm Jones of Runrig. 30 years and his sound is like no other. Distinctive and powerful ive never heard anything like it.

    by Anonymous
    on 21 Nov, 2009 2:30pm

  88. Malcolm Jones…… an absolute legend……

    by Anonymous
    on 21 Nov, 2009 4:27pm

  89. Scotland’s greatest guitarist is Malcolm Jones of Runrig, without a doubt. What this amazing man can do with a guitar is sheer brilliance.

    He can make the guitar sound so that it brings tears to your eyes but can play everything between that and a heavy rock riff that leaves you flying high with excitement.

    Malcolm Jones, without any doubt.

    by Bill 'Spud' Paterson
    on 23 Nov, 2009 3:22pm

  90. Malcolm Jones

    by Joke
    on 26 Nov, 2009 11:28am

  91. Charlie Burchill of course!!

    by Anonymous
    on 04 Dec, 2009 5:04am

  92. Zal Cleminson, John McGeogh, John Martyn, Derek Forbes, Charlie Burchill, Gerry Eadie, Eddie Houston, Jimmy McCullough, Les Harvey

    by Anonymous
    on 05 Dec, 2009 8:07pm

  93. Zal Cleminson for sheer blues power, + Bruce Watson of Big Country…lyricism and fluidity.

    Kirk Brandon

    by Kirk Brandon
    on 08 Dec, 2009 11:20am

  94. Alan OR Stevie Nimmo… :-)

    by Mr Leighton..
    on 10 Dec, 2009 6:56pm

  95. It has to be Nods Graham from ‘The Promise’: http://www.the-promise.co.uk/

    by Kim
    on 17 Dec, 2009 8:15pm

  96. James Grant.

    His viruosity is at times breathtaking, whether it’s solo acoustic guitar, dobro or electric His use of alternate tunings make for a unique sound.

    His 2009 band and solo performances underlined what a fine and talented guitarist he continues to be.

    by Alistair
    on 23 Dec, 2009 10:48am

  97. Stuart Adamson was English, but gets my vote.

    by Rob
    on 02 Feb, 2010 3:08am

  98. Charlie Burchill, John Mcgeogh a tie.

    by Anonymous
    on 05 Mar, 2010 12:35am

  99. Stuart Adamson, Charlie Burchill, John McGeogh.

    by Andrew
    on 05 Mar, 2010 12:39am

  100. Someone mentioned Len Partridge from the 60’s…Is he still alive and where is he living now?

    by Anonymous
    on 14 Mar, 2010 4:22pm

  101. John McGeogh, John Martyn and Bert Jansch
    with honourable mentions to
    Dick Gaughan Tony McManus and Mark Knopfler (born in Glasgow didn’t leave till he was nearly ten so makes him a scot certainly not a geordie).

    by macatae
    on 15 Mar, 2010 9:04am

  102. Malcolm Jones every time – quite magnificent…and humble. Truly the best!

    by William
    on 16 Mar, 2010 2:25pm

  103. Malcolm Jones of Runrig! The absolute greatest!

    by Anonymous
    on 27 Mar, 2010 1:09am

  104. Is John Martyn eligible for this, he was born in Surrey!!!

    by Anonymous
    on 27 Mar, 2010 7:39pm

  105. Yes I am eligible.

    by John Martyn
    on 28 Mar, 2010 12:54am

  106. Has to be Stuart Adamson for me. I aren’t a good enough guitar player to comment on the technical side of things regarding guitar playing, though I think an hour or two on youtube will show some fantastic technical guitar players who will never make it out of their bedroom. Adamson went beyond that , his creativity , imagination was what set him apart for me, his concentration and intensity,to see him perform live really displays his urgency , yet also displays his obvious enjoyment. .. The man.

    by Johnny Appleseed
    on 05 Apr, 2010 6:57am

  107. brian robertson of thin lizzy in my opinion is the best guitarest to ever come out of scotland he is just a legend

    by Anonymous
    on 28 Apr, 2010 1:56pm

  108. Roddy Frame, without a doubt

    by Anonymous
    on 02 Jul, 2010 7:40pm

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