Is there such a thing as a virtuoso guitarist?

Question:I've heard of virtuoso pianists but not virtuoso guitarists. Are there any virtuoso guitarists? What determines a virtuoso guitarist? Who are some virtuoso guitarists?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I've heard of virtuoso pianists but not virtuoso guitarists. Are there any virtuoso guitarists? What determines a virtuoso guitarist? Who are some virtuoso guitarists?

yes and there are plenty, some play Jazz, like the late Joe Pass, others play classical guitar like Andres Segovia or Christopher Parkening, some play electronic or rock. What makes them a virtuoso is that they are respected by their peers, most are innovative and all have studied and played their instruments a while. the guitar is the most wonderful instrument with a beautiful register and can be played even w/ a bottle neck like Lightening Hopkins, the Blues man. The instrument came after the Lute and is the grandfather of the Oud played in the middleast.

Certainly. Guitarists like Andres Segovia, Christopher Parkening, John Williams, Michael Chapdelaine all qualify as virtuosos. There are, and always have been Virtuoso guitarists who are masters of their genre. A virtuoso is simply one who has not only mastered the technique of their instrument, but has developed their own personal, recognizable style. If you wish to become a virtuoso, you must first learn the catalog (all the significant works) of the style of music you want to play (or the period) and then you have to find a way to play it within the parameters of what is considered professional, and still put your own mark upon it. You have to be able to play something from Paganini or Bach or Carcassi or Sor and have someone say "That is < insert your name >'s version of the piece you have mastered! Hope this helps.

Yes. I view Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Joe Satriani as the three biggest virtuosos nowadays... I still have no clue how to pronounce Yngwie's name, haha.