YouTube has transformed how guitarists share their talent, teach, and influence. From technical virtuosos to emotive acoustic players, some creators have stood out. Here are ten of the best YouTube guitarists of all time, in no strict order, who combine skill, creativity, influence, and consistency.
1. Ichika Nito
Ichika Nito is a Japanese guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He is known for experimental short pieces, unconventional tunings, fingerstyle & tapping blends, and extremely precise yet musical phrasing. He often uploads mini-compositions with strong melodic content. He has a signature guitar model (Ibanez ICHI10) and is praised for tone, feel, and originality. Playing For Change+2Guitar Interactive Magazine+2
2. Tosin Abasi
Founder and lead guitarist of instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders. Tosin’s work on extended range guitars (7-8 strings etc.), exploring rhythmic complexity, tapping / thumping, ambient textures, as well as heavy technicality, set a high bar. He uses YouTube for playthroughs, tutorials, demonstrations, gear insights and to showcase new music. Influences include Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, elements of jazz, metal, fusion. Wikipedia+2Ichika Nito Website+2
3. Sarah Longfield
Sarah Longfield is known for her two-handed tapping work, use of 8-string guitars, original compositions, and blending progressive metal + instrumental rock with more experimental soundscapes. Her channel includes covers, original pieces, gear demos, lessons. She has been active over long period and is admired for technical proficiency and creativity. Splice+1
4. Sungha Jung
Sungha Jung is a South Korean fingerstyle guitarist who gained fame for beautiful acoustic covers and arrangements of popular songs. His clarity, expression, dynamics, and ability to translate full arrangements on an acoustic guitar makes him stand out. He is less “shred”-oriented but more about musicality, melody, and technique accessible to many. Splice
5. Helen Ibe
Helen Ibe blends tone, emotion, phrasing, and musical storytelling. She is respected for expressive playing rather than sheer speed. Her subtle approach, attention to tone, and ability to connect with listeners through melody and atmosphere put her among the top. Splice
6. Mateus Asato
Mateus Asato’s style is soulful, melodic, emotional. Though less frequent in strict technical tutorials, his playing influences many via tone, feel, phrasing, original music, and live performances. His ability to make advanced techniques sound effortless gives him influence among both learners and professionals. Splice
7. Yvette Young
Yvette Young combines alternative rock / math rock sensibilities with unusual chord voicings, meter changes, tapping, melodic leads. She is also a band leader in Covet. Her creative voice and visuals, as well as her pedagogical style of showing process, make her a favorite of many guitarists. Splice
8. Rob Scallon
Rob Scallon is versatile. He does creative covers, educational content, challenges, experiments, instrument deep dives, and original music. He is strong technically but also in showmanship, in combining fun content with solid guitar work. His variety makes him appealing across styles. Splice
9. Li-sa-X
Li-sa-X is a younger guitarist who has impressed many with metal covers and original compositions. High level of technique, energy, precision. Even though she is relatively newer compared with some others, her execution and growth make her among the top names to watch. Splice
10. Tina S
Tina S (Tina Šetkić) became famous young, specializing in electric guitar covers of solos from Van Halen, Iron Maiden, etc., and also metalizing classical music. Her technique, timing, clarity, and ability to execute complicated solos earned her high view counts, influence, and respect among guitar lovers. Wikipedia
Why These Players Stand Out
- Technique + Musicality: It’s not just speed. Many among these mix technical prowess with strong melody, dynamics, tone, and musical story.
- Original Voice / Style: Unusual tunings (Ichika), extended range instruments (Abasi, Longfield), fusion of genres (Yvette Young, Rob Scallon) give them identity.
- Consistency & Content: Regular uploads, engaging content (covers, originals, lessons), varied format. Viewers learn, enjoy, share.
- Influence & Reach: Many of them have inspired others. Their playing has ripple effect—other guitarists practice their techniques, emulate their tones, etc.
- Accessibility: Some simplify complex topics, or make covers that people can follow. Helps bring in learners. Others push limits, giving aspiration for advanced players.
Challenges & Limits
Even for great YouTube guitarists:
- Many greats may have low visibility due to niche genres.
- Viral success doesn’t always equal influence in technical communities.
- Some emphasize covers more than original composition. That can limit how “best” is judged.
- Gear and production often play big role; guitar skill alone is not everything.
Conclusion
Ranking “best” is subjective. Different listeners value different aspects: speed, melody, tone, emotion, originality. The ten listed above succeed across multiple dimensions: technical skill, creativity, influence, and ability to engage and instruct via YouTube.
