The 40+ Greatest Guitarists of All Time, Ranked

This article appeared in Notfries and has been published here with permission.

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Who are the greatest guitarists of all time? It’s a question posed for decades, and there’s no single correct answer. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive list of the top guitarists of all time. From Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton to Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix, we’ve considered the influence, skill, and impact each guitarist had on the music world. So, let’s explore the greatest guitarists of all time without further ado.

45. Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley was a rock and roll singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his unique, rhythmic guitar style and influence on many music genres. He was born in 1928 in Mississippi. Bo started his professional life in music, playing on the streets of Chicago and later on in clubs and bars.

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He was known for his energetic and charismatic stage performances, and his music was characterized by its distinctive rhythmic patterns and syncopated beats. Throughout his career, he released many albums and singles, and his music continues to be celebrated and influential in Rock and Roll.

44. Johnny Ramone

Johnny Ramone, guitarist of the punk rock band The Ramones, wrote and performed songs that reflected his professional life as a musician. His songs such as “Judy Is a Punk” and “Rockaway Beach” are still considered classics of the punk rock genre.

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These songs are anthems of the punk rock movement about breaking the rules and doing things on their terms. They still testify to the band’s influence and impact on the music scene.

43. Jerry Garcia

Jerry Garcia, the lead singer and guitarist of the Grateful Dead, wrote and sang about professional life and the challenges of being a musician. He’s well known for his songs “Playing in the Band” and “Deal”. His lyrics have a sense of improvisation and spontaneity, characteristic of the band’s music style.

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Garcia also sang about the financial struggles of being a musician in songs like “Money Money”. He conveyed the uncertain lifestyle of a musician and the search for purpose in his professional life through his music.

42. Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson is a country singer-songwriter who had a successful career in the music industry. His songs often touch on working life themes and the working class’s struggles, such as in “Working Man Blues”.

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He also wrote a song called “On the Road Again,” which reflects on the life of a touring musician and the joys and hardships that come with it. His lyrics are often simple, heartfelt, relatable, and speak to everyday people’s struggles and triumphs.

41. Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is a singer-songwriter who has written and performed many songs throughout her career. Some of her songs, such as “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Free Man in Paris”, touch on themes of professional life and the pressures and demands of working in the public eye.

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Mitchell’s lyrics often explore personal themes such as love and heartbreak. Additionally, many of her songs reflect on the music industry itself, such as the song “For the Roses”, which expresses her struggles and disappointment with the commercialization of her work.

40. Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy is known for his blues guitar skills. He began his career in the 1950s and quickly established himself as a leading figure in the genre. He’s renowned for his powerful guitar playing and passionate vocals and has released several albums throughout his career.

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He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has also given back to the music community by opening Legends, a Chicago blues club, and establishing Buddy Guy’s Blues Foundation to support young musicians.

39. Tom Morello

Tom Morello is a musician, singer, and songwriter famous as the lead guitarist of the bands Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and Prophets of Rage. He’s widely recognized for his unique guitar-playing style, his use of unconventional techniques and effects, and his socially conscious lyrics.

Shutterstock // Sterling Munksgard

He has released several albums with his bands and has played a significant role in shaping each of their unique sounds. Morello is also known for his collaborations, touring and playing with many other musicians like Bruce Springsteen, and his side projects.

38. Angus Young

Angus Young is a renowned musician and songwriter, best known for his role as the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band AC/DC. He co-founded the band in 1973 at 18 and has been an essential member of the band ever since.

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He’s renowned for his high-energy stage performances, often characterized by his signature schoolboy outfits and distinctive guitar-playing style. He has written and played many of the band’s hit songs, including “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell”, which have become rock classics.

37. Brian May

Brian May is known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Queen. He’s recognized for his guitar-playing skills and contributions to the band’s hit songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now”.

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May is known for his unique guitar playing style, in which he uses finger-tapping techniques, and for his use of guitar effects. He has also built his own guitars, the Red Special and the Old Lady, which he created at a young age with his father.

36. Bobby Krieger

Bobby Krieger is a musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the guitarist for the rock band The Doors. He joined the band in 1965 and played a vital role in the band’s sound and success. He’s recognized for his guitar-playing skills and his contribution as a songwriter.

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Krieger wrote several hit songs for the band, including “Light My Fire”, as well as co-wrote “Riders on the Storm” and “Roadhouse Blues”. Despite the band’s short tenure, Bobby Krieger is considered one of his generation’s most talented guitarists.

35. The Edge

The Edge, also known as David Evans, is famous as the lead guitarist of the band U2. He has been a member of the band since its inception in the 1970s and has played a crucial role in its success.

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He’s renowned for his innovative and distinctive guitar-playing style, characterized by his use of delay effects and his economy of notes. The Edge is famous for his contributions to U2’s hit songs such as “Pride (In the Name of Love)”, “I Will Follow”, “and “The Fly”.

34. Billy Gibbons

Billy Gibbons is the main vocalist and guitarist of the band ZZ Top. He began his career at a young age and became a musical phenomenon. He formed ZZ Top in the 1970s along with Dusty Hill on bass guitar and Frank Beard on drums.

Wikimedia Commons // Ralph Arvesen // CC BY 2.0

The band is known for its mix of blues rock, boogie rock, and hard rock music and has released several hit songs throughout their career, such as “Tush” and “Gimme Your Lovin”, that have become classic rock staples.

33. Scotty Moore

Scotty Moore was an American guitarist and a pioneer of rock and roll music, known for his work with Elvis Presley in the 1950s. He played the guitar for Presley from the beginning of his career until his comeback in 1968.

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His performances on songs like “That’s All Right”, “Mystery Train”, and “Heartbreak Hotel” are considered some of the most iconic moments in rock music history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and his contributions to music continue to be celebrated.

32. Muddy Waters

McKinley Morganfield, also known by his stage name Muddy Waters, was a seminal blues musician and songwriter born in 1913 in rural Mississippi. He was a pioneer of the electric blues and rock and roll genres, and his music continues to be highly celebrated.

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He began his career in the 1930s and quickly became one of the most influential figures in the blues world. He’s known for his hit songs such as “Rollin’ Stone”, which inspired the band The Rolling Stones to name themselves after it. His music has significantly influenced many musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and The Beatles.

31. Tom Petty and Mike Campbell

Tom Petty, best known as the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, was a highly successful musician, singer, and songwriter. He was also an accomplished guitarist; his music career spanned over 40 years.

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Mike Campbell, the Heartbreakers’ guitarist, was a key member of the band, and his guitar-playing and songwriting contributions have been essential to the band’s sound. Together with Tom, they co-wrote many of the band’s hit songs and played a vital role in its success.

30. Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa was born in Baltimore on December 21st, 1940. He’s famous for his work with the band The Mothers of Invention and his solo career, which spanned over 30 years.

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He released more than 60 albums during his career, which featured a wide range of musical styles like rock, Jazz, experimental, and classical music. His songs like “Montana” and “In-a-Gadda-Stravinsky” have become classics in the rock music scene.

29. Neil Young

Neil Young, born in Toronto, Canada, in 1945, is a musician, singer, and songwriter known as “The Godfather of Grunge.” He began his career in the 1960s as a member of the band Buffalo Springfield and later played with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

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His influence has been felt throughout the years, from the counterculture movement in the 1960s to the emergence of grunge in the 1990s, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam citing him as an influence.

28. David Gilmour

David Gilmour is a highly respected musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his role as the lead guitarist and a key member of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd. He joined the band in 1968 and played a significant role in defining the band’s sound, particularly in albums like Dark Side of the Moon.

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He has a unique style of guitar playing, characterized by his use of effects and sound production techniques. He has become known for his expressive and powerful guitar solos in songs such as “Comfortably Numb” and “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”.

27. Joe Perry

Anthony Joseph “Joe” Perry is a musician, songwriter, and the lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Aerosmith. He’s renowned for his guitar skills, prominently featured in many of Aerosmith’s hit songs like “Dream On” and “Walk This Way”.

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Perry has also released solo albums, collaborated with other musicians, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He tours and performs with Aerosmith and is known for his dynamic and energetic live performances.

26. Slash

Slash is a legendary rock musician, famous for his work as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses. He joined the band in the mid-’80s and helped establish them as one of the most successful and popular rock bands, with hit songs such as “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain” showcasing his guitar skills.

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Despite his falling out with the band’s lead singer Axl Rose, they reunited in 2016 and continue to tour and perform together. He has also released several solo albums and collaborated with various other musicians.

25. Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly was a pioneer of rock and roll in the 1950s. He’s famous for his hit songs “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue”, which helped to establish his signature sound, characterized by its catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and Holly’s distinctive vocal style.

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He began his career in the early ’50s and quickly became well-recognized as one of his time’s most popular and influential musicians. Despite his short career, Holly’s music continues to be celebrated, and his impact on the rock and roll genre continues to be felt today.

24. Dick Dale

Dick Dale, born in Boston on May 4th, 1937, was a pioneering surf rock musician. He developed a unique guitar sound based on Middle Eastern music scales and experimented with reverberation. He’s famous for his hit songs “The Peter Gunn Theme” and “Misirlou”, which helped popularize the surf rock genre.

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Dale’s influential guitar playing and energetic live performances earned him the nickname “King of the Surf Guitar.” He continues to be remembered as a pioneering figure in surf rock music.

23. Freddie King

Freddie King was an American blues musician, singer, and songwriter. He was born on September 3rd, 1934, and began his career in the 1950s. He was best known for his song “The Stumble” and his unique rock and blues music blend. He was considered one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar”, along with B.B. King and Albert King.

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He was a significant influence on the development of blues rock. His guitar style was characterized by his use of powerful lead lines, innovative vibrato, and a strong sense of phrasing.

22. Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was an American musician, singer, and songwriter whose popularity came from his being the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Nirvana. He was born on February 20th, 1967, and began his career in the late 1980s. He was famous for his unique, gritty sound that combined rock, punk, and folk music elements.

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He and Nirvana revolutionized music with their new sound, and their songs, such as “All Apologies” and “Heart Shaped Box”, became instant classics and helped popularize the grunge genre. He was also known for his emotionally honest songwriting, which often dealt with pain, isolation, and disillusionment themes.

21. John Lennon

John Lennon was a British musician, vocalist, and lyricist famous for being a part of the Fab Four, The Beatles. He was born on October 9th, 1940, and began his career in the early ’60s. He played the rhythm guitar and was renowned for his skill in composing and writing songs.

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He penned and co-wrote many of the band’s most famous songs, such as “Help!”, “Day Tripper”, and “Yer Blues”. He also sang and strummed the guitar on many of the band’s tracks. Although his guitar skills aren’t as widely acknowledged as his songwriting abilities, they were integral to the band’s sound.

20. George Harrison

George Harrison was an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. He was born on February 25th, 1943, and began his career in the early ’60s.

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He wrote classics like “Taxman” and “Here Comes the Sun”, which have become timeless classics. He had a successful solo career and released many albums. His album All Things Must Pass became one of the best-selling triple albums of all time.

19. Albert King

Albert King, also known as “The Velvet Bulldozer,” was born on April 25th, 1923, and began his career in the mid-20th century. He significantly influenced the blues and rock genre, with his guitar style characterized by string bending, vibrato, and a strong sense of phrasing.

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His music is known for its raw energy, and his most famous songs include “Born Under a Bad Sign”, “Crosscut Saw”, and “As the Years Go Passing By”. He’s considered a blues guitar legend, and his influence on music continues to be felt today.

18. Joe Walsh

Joe Walsh is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for his exceptional guitar playing and contributions to the rock genre. He began his career in the 1970s and is remembered for his work as a member of the Eagles and for his solo career.

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He has written and performed on some of the most iconic songs in rock music, such as “Hotel California”, “Rocky Mountain Way”, and “Funk #49”. He gained popularity for his versatility as a musician and his ability to blend different rock, blues, and country music elements.

17. Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend is an English musician and songwriter, best recognized as the guitarist and principal songwriter of the rock band The Who. He began his career in the 1960s and is known for his unique guitar-playing style, which often features power chords, windmills, and feedback.

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Despite his immense talent, he never played a single solo with the band, but his contributions to the band’s sound and songwriting are undeniable. He co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits like “My Generation”, “I Can See for Miles”, and the cover of “Summertime Blues”.

16. Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American musician, singer, and songwriter widely regarded as one of the most talented guitarists of his generation. He was born in 1954 and began his career in the ’70s.

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His songs, such as “Love Struck Baby”, “Cold Shot”, and “Look at Little Sister”, are considered masterworks of guitar playing and have been covered by many musicians. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s music career was cut short due to his untimely passing in 1990, but his legacy and influence on music continue to live on.

15. Tony Iommi

Tony Iommi is a British musician widely considered one of the most influential guitarists in the history of heavy metal music. He’s famous as the lead guitarist, co-founder, and principal songwriter of the band Black Sabbath. He was born in 1948 and began his career in the late 1960s.

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His work with Black Sabbath, which includes songs such as “Iron Man”, “Sabbra Cadabra”, and many more, has been highly acclaimed and has inspired countless musicians and bands in the heavy metal genre.

14. Prince

Prince, born Prince Nelson, was a legendary musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his eclectic and innovative approach to music. He began writing songs at age seven, with his first composition being “Funk Machine” in 1965.

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He rose to fame in the ’80s with hit songs such as “Purple Rain”, “Kiss”, and “When Doves Cry”, which have become timeless classics. He was a great musician and was known for playing several instruments, including guitar, piano, and drums. He was a prolific artist, releasing 39 studio albums throughout his career.

13. Sami Raatikainen

Sami Raatikainen is a Finnish guitarist known for his work in the German metal band Necrophagist. He joined the band in 2006 after the departure of Christian Müenzner and has been a crucial part of the band’s sound since then.

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He also plays guitar in the band Codeon and performs guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums for his solo project Radiance. He’s known for his exceptional technical skills and ability to blend different elements of metal, progressive metal, and other subgenres.

12. Jimmy Vivino

Jimmy Vivino is an American musician, singer, producer, and music director, best known as the leader of Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band. He was born on January 10th, 1955. He’s a multi-instrumentalist and versatile performer, proficient in guitar, keyboard, and singing.

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He has released an album called 13 Live, and his music genre is a blend of rock and roll and jazz. He’s a well-respected musician in the industry and has worked with many artists and bands as a session musician, producer, and music director.

11. Norman Brown

Norman Brown is an American smooth jazz guitarist and singer. He was born on December 18th, 1970. He has released several albums, including After the Storm, Just Chillin’, Celebration, 24/7, and The Very Best of Norman Brown.

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With his technical proficiency and soulful approach, he has become a leading figure in the smooth jazz genre. He has won a Grammy award and has collaborated with other jazz musicians.

10. Duane Allman

Duane Allman was a musician and guitarist best known for his work as a lead guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1946.

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He co-wrote and performed on many of the Allman Brothers Band’s biggest hits, including “Statesboro Blues”, “Whipping Post”, and “Blue Sky”. He passed in 1971. However, his legacy and influence on music continue to live on, and he’s still considered an important figure in the history of Southern rock and blues rock.

9. Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana is a highly acclaimed musician and guitarist known for his fusion of Latin American rhythms and rock and roll music. He rose to fame in the late 1960s with his band, Santana, and is best remembered for his iconic solos in hit songs such as “Black Magic Woman”, “Oye Como Va”, and “Soul Sacrifice”.

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Santana has sold over 100 million records worldwide and continues to tour and perform. His achievements include numerous Grammy awards, and he’s globally acclaimed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

8. B.B. King

B.B. King was born on September 26th, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi; he was a legendary musician and guitarist known for his soulful and expressive playing style, earning him the title “The King of Blues.” His work ethic was legendary, performing over 342 shows in 1956 alone and an average of 200 shows per year in the ’70s.

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He’s famous for his songs such as “The Thrill Is Gone”, “3 O’Clock Blues”, and “Sweet Little Angel”. He’s considered a significant influence on the development of blues and rock music. Along with Albert and Freddie King, they made up what was known as the “Three Kings of Blues Guitar.”

7. Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck is a legendary musician and guitarist known for his virtuosic guitar playing and innovative approach to music. Born in Surrey on June 24th, 1944, Beck rose to fame as a part of the Yardbirds, where he co-wrote and performed on songs such as “I Ain’t Superstitious” and “Heart Full of Soul”.

Takahiro Kyono

His contributions to music have been instrumental in defining the sound of blues-rock and heavy metal. He continues to tour and perform well into his 70s, and his influence continues to be felt in the music industry, inspiring many new and upcoming guitar players.

6. Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page is famous for his work as the primary guitarist of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Born in Middlesex, England, on January 9th, 1944, he co-wrote many of the band’s iconic songs, such as “Heartbreaker”, “Dazed and Confused”, and “Kashmir”.

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His contributions to Led Zeppelin earned him numerous honors, like induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He’s known for his finger-picking style and use of feedback, distortion, and echo effects, which cemented his place as one of the most imitated guitarists in rock history.

5. Keith Richards

Keith Richards is a musician, songwriter, guitarist, and founding member of the Rolling Stones. He was born in Kent, England, on December 18th, 1943. He co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Gimme Shelter”, and “Paint it, Black”.

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He is known for his wild lifestyle and has become a cultural icon for his influence on music, fashion, lifestyle, and attitude. His guitar skills and playing style are considered one of the most imitated in rock and roll history.

4. Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry, born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 18th, 1926, was a seminal figure in the early days of rock and roll. He became famous for hit songs such as “Maybellene” and “Roll Over Beethoven” in the ’50s and continued to write and record successful music throughout the following decade.

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Berry’s guitar playing was highly innovative, and his performances were known for their energy. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his song “Johnny B. Goode” is regarded as one of the greatest guitar solos in history.

3. Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen was a legendary musician born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on January 26th, 1955. He’s known for his incredible technical skill and innovative playing style. He was the lead guitarist, co-founder, and principal songwriter of Van Halen, one of the most successful rock bands of the 1970s and ’80s.

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He’s famous for tracks such as “Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love”, “Eruption”, and “Hot for Teacher”. Eddie Van Halen was known for his finger-tapping technique, powerful solos, and innovative tone. He continues to be an inspiration to many guitar players around the world.

2. Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is a legendary musician born in Surrey, England, on March 30th, 1945. He’s considered one of the greatest guitar players, known for his incredible technical skill and passionate playing style. He’s best known for his songs “Bell Bottom Blues”, “Crossroads”, and “Layla”.

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Throughout his career, Clapton has been a member of several influential bands, including Cream, The Yardbirds, and Derek and the Dominos, and has also released successful solo albums. He has sold over 280 million records worldwide and received 18 Grammy Awards. He continues to record music to this day.

1. Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was a legendary musician born in Seattle, Washington, on November 27th, 1942. He was known for his incredible guitar skills and innovative playing style. He wrote and recorded many iconic songs such as “Foxy Lady”, “Purple Haze”, and his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

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Hendrix’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was a powerful and emotive performance demonstrating his musical skill and ability to push boundaries. His powerful performances and incredible talent made him one of the most prominent guitar players.

40+ Times Parents Were So Wholesome That They Made Ours and Their Kids’ Day

These Parents Are So Wholesome!

The relationship between children and their parents, no matter at what age, is a complex one. Filled with ups and downs, it’s one of the most complicated relationships we humans have. But, it can also be filled with wonder, caring, and endless love. Just take a look at these absolutely wholesome parents that completely made our day!

Tough Beginnings

Raising a child is filled with beginnings — their first smile, their first step, their first word. Every experience is a brand new one that is to be cherished and explored together. But, some beginnings are also a lot harder than you’d expect.

Tough Beginnings

That first day of school, when they suddenly feel all grown up and you have to learn to let go, can be extra difficult for a loving parent. This dad has clearly got it handled perfectly. With a father like this, this kid will always know he’s loved and missed.

Reminder

Kids love their stuffed animal toys. It seems, though, that they’re not the only ones! This poster has shared how their dad still walks around with the adorable stuffed beluga whale that they gave him so many years ago.

Reminder

The choice of animal might be a bit strange to us, but we still think this dad and his emotional support toy are absolutely adorable. It seems that even after 20 years of being a dad, he still misses his kid sometimes and needs a stuffed whale hug.

Keep on Smiling

Parenting is a mostly thankless task. Most of that effort takes years and years to actually pay off — by seeing your kid grow into an adult that actually implements your hard-taught lessons. That’s why it’s so important to appreciate the little things.

Keep on Smiling

This mom has found all the payment she needs in her little boy’s smile, and we can’t think of a better currency! This sweetness is definitely worth every hardship and difficulty along the way!

A Better Place

Our teen and young adult years are often a difficult time of uncertainty in the pursuit of self-discovery and of purpose. What many of us need during this time is a strong and encouraging support system — with our parents at the center of it.

A Better Place

This dad definitely knows how to reassure his kid that they’re on the right track, no matter what it is. Beyond how heartfelt and heartwarming this compliment is, it’s also providing some pretty great advice to a struggling kid. We love your dad, too!

Ring Bearer

There are many ways for parents to show their children how much they love them. They can give them hugs and kisses. They can play and teach them. Or (and this is one of our favorites) they can save a childhood memento from their kids.

Ring Bearer

This loving dad found a fantastic way to have a reminder of his kid wherever he goes. Just like a wedding ring is a reminder of the promise of marriage, this keychain ring is a promise to always keep his kid in his heart.

Perfect Braid

Being a single parent can often feel like an endless uphill battle, just trying to stay afloat and doing your best to fulfill the roles of two parents at the same time. It’s an incredibly intricate braid of responsibilities.

Perfect Braid

A bit like the beautiful braid this dad learned how to create in his daughter’s hair! Just from this, you can tell that he’s truly doing his best to be there for his kid in the best way possible, even if it means learning a few new skills in the process.

It’s Official!

Families are a complicated thing. But, that’s not always a bad thing. It means that people can turn from just a group of people into a family in all sorts of wonderfully diverse ways. A wonderfully touching way is through adoption.

It’s Official!

You can just tell from this photo how much this adoptive dad cares for his now-lawful son! The love and happiness shining in both their eyes from realizing they’ve both found their family is absolutely heartwarming!

Thank You, Mr. Mosby

One of the most wholesome shows we had growing up was The Suite Life of Zack and Cody on the Disney Channel. Much of that is thanks to the parental role that Mr. Mosby took upon himself when it came to the kids in the hotel.

Thank You, Mr. Mosby

While he had already helped his adopted daughter get her license on the show, Phill Lewis (who played Mr. Mosby) proudly shared that his real daughter can finally drive! We’re sure London Tipton would be just as proud as he is!

Proud Parent

Some of the most wholesome parents out there are definitely those who celebrate their children’s achievements and accomplishments while still being aware and acknowledging the hard work and hardships that were part of that process.

Proud Parent

In this case, though, both these kings should be celebrated! Being a single father to a young man is no easy task, but this dad does it with passion, love, and a whole heap of caring. This is truly a moment to be treasured!

Looking Daper

@PhillyD just perfectly explained why we find these parents to be so wholesome! Just like him, they all know that taking on the role of parent with love and joy is one of the best ways to raise happy, kind kids.

Looking Daper

We’re sure his fancy-looking son will agree that having a dad that is all-in when it comes to the highs and lows of raising a child is the best feeling ever. That’s one very lucky kid.

Hi Mad, I’m Dad!

We love seeing parents approaching parenting difficulties with love, empathy, and a dash of humor. Especially when it’s the height of humor — the dad joke! If we were this kid we’d definitely feel better after getting this wholesome card.

Hi Mad, I’m Dad!

Can we just point out how beautifully this dad validated his son’s feelings of anger and frustration and gave him ways to deal with them at the same time? That’s some impressive parenting! Well done, dad!

Quack!

Amazingly, parents can be wholesome even long after they’re gone! They’re such a massively important part of our lives, that even after they pass away, their quirks and interests stay with us and remind us of their love for us.

Quack!

This dad certainly found a unique way to stay a part of his children’s lives even after his passing. Hopefully, his little symbol of good luck rubbed off on his kids too. If this doesn’t warm your heart, we don’t know what will.

Headrest

Much of parenthood is a thankless task where you only get to see the results of your mostly unappreciated labor years later. Yet, perhaps because of that, it requires a unique level of selflessness. Just look at what this father did.

Headrest

Spending nearly an hour in this position could not have been comfortable at all. But, this dad did it — knowing that it would make his daughter’s flight even just a little better. We hope he got a “thank you” hug once they landed.

Best Ren Fair Ever!

What’s better than going to the local Renaissance Fair, dressing up, playing games, and seeing the cool shows? Doing all of that in your amazingly creative grandparents’ backyard! That way you’re surrounded by people you love. Plus, there are no lines or crowds anywhere.

Best Ren Fair Ever!

Seriously, these grandparents are incredible for creating this amazing fun day for their grandkids and giving their actual child a bit of a vacation! This setup must have taken hours of thought and effort that they were only too happy to put in to make sure everyone enjoyed their day at the Ren Fair.

Care Package

Repeat after us — you’re never too old to be loved and cared for by your parents! Just ask your own parents, they’ll tell you that it doesn’t matter if you’re five or 50, you’ll always be their baby.

Care Package

This poster even has proof of that with the snacks they received in the mail! We always knew that love was as sweet as a Pop-Tart. With all the sugar in this package, this poster isn’t likely to forget that sentiment any time soon.

Return to Innocence

One of the most wholesome trends the internet has produced in recent years has to be recreating old childhood photos as adults. This submission to the trend has to be one of the cuter ones we’ve seen.

Return to Innocence

What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday — by looking back to how it started. Clearly, these two still have the incredible connection that they shared when the son was born. What a beautiful memory to cherish, twice!

The Scientific Method

As every good scientist knows, a hypothesis is nothing without some hands-on experimentation to check the validity of your claim. This four-year-old’s dad made sure his kid is all ready to take on CalTech by storm.

The Scientific Method

This is certainly one wholesome and funny way to entertain your toddler when you’re currently the only semi-responsible adult around. If dad is in charge of teaching physics, does that mean mom has taken on bioengineering lessons?

Cheerleader

When we’re young, we rely on our parents to help us with anything and everything, especially when it comes to school work. But, as we grow up, we also kind of grow out of their knowledge comfort zone.

Cheerleader

Of course, that’s natural, especially when we go to university and learn about things they might have never even heard of. Still, this mom is willing to work extra hard to support her daughter in her education, even if it means reading complete gibberish.

Nurturing

Do you know what the ‘80s and ‘90s kids had instead of a sweet cat or a lazy dog? We had virtual pets, in the form of Tamagotchis! Honestly, though, as children, they definitely felt as time-consuming as real animals.

Nurturing

The fact that this mom kept her daughters’ tech pets alive and well for them is definitely proof of her endless love for her children. We do hope that she also found some enjoyment in taking care of these toys.

Best Friends Forever

Here’s one surefire way to make sure your kid will be a comics (and tigers) fan for life — name him after a cartoon character and give him an awesome stuffed sidekick/best friend/adventure buddy.

Best Friends Forever

Hopefully, this kid will be just as philosophically savvy and as hilariously wild as his fictional counterpart. Judging by the amount of effort that was put into this Hobbes doll, it seems that at least grandma is excited to meet her brand new grandkid.

Maleficent the Magnificent

This parent’s post is doubly precious, in our opinion! Firstly, they clearly spent a ton of time and effort in creating this masterpiece of a costume! This looks like a professional film outfit and that’s amazing!

Maleficent the Magnificent

Secondly, they are absolutely ecstatic that their son wants to dress up for Halloween as a girl character! Truthfully, cosplay and costumes shouldn’t have any gender, and this parent clearly gets that.

Little Buddy

The best parents are always there to help and support you every step of the way — on your best days and your worst. But, each loving parent has their own unique way to show that much-needed encouragement.

Little Buddy

This dad is clearly the creative type. Using a 3D printer to create an adorably tiny elephant to help your kid out of a funk certainly requires quite a bit of artistic flair. Honestly, we think he should sell those little guys to every teen to have while they study.

Return Investment

With the housing market so wild in recent years, many young people choose to stay with their parents as it’s bound to be cheaper, even if they’re asked to chip in with rent and utilities.

Return Investment

This mom, though, went above and beyond. Not only did she teach her son how to properly manage his spending when he was young, but she has also now taught him the value of investing — both time and money — in your loved ones!

Jack of All Manly Things

A parent’s first and most important job (other than making sure their kid has everything they need to survive and possibly thrive), is to teach their kid how to be an independent adult in the future. For those planning on driving, car maintenance should definitely be one of those lessons.

Jack of All Manly Things

This dad isn’t only making sure his kid knows what to do in case he needs to change a tire, but he also does it in a way that builds up his son’s confidence and encourages him. This is what manhood is all about.

The Best Day

Sometimes, the best bonding opportunities between parents and their kids happen by happy accident — and if you don’t learn to notice and appreciate them when they come along, you might miss out on an incredible memory.

The Best Day

These two are definitely good at seeing and appreciating those special moments together. We just love how what might have been an inconvenience has turned into an amazing experience for both of them. So sweet!

Thanks, Internet Dad!

We all need a kind ear and some good advice every once in a while, especially from our parents. An unlikely place to find that has to be the internet, where wholesome life advice is often overshadowed by so much bad content.

Thanks, Internet Dad!

After reading this, we’ll definitely be working hard to find kind and sweet life partners that would make our adoptive internet dad proud! This man is clearly a national treasure and should be loved and appreciated forever.

Bravery

Courage comes in a lot of forms, and it’s a parent’s job to make sure that their kid knows when courage means being daring, and when it means being cautious. In both cases, though, bravery really just means being true to yourself and your needs.

Bravery

This dad definitely knows how to make sure his child is comfortable making the best decision for themself, whatever it may be. We absolutely agree with Glennon — this is some good parenting!

Need a Ride?

If there’s one thing in life we can rely on, it’s how steadfast good parents are. No matter where you are or what you need, they’ll be there with a kind word and a warm hug. Or, with a car to take you home from the airport…

Need a Ride?

While it seems that @Mudraaah isn’t all that great at picking boyfriends, she’s definitely gotten lucky in the parent department. We absolutely love that he was there, just on the off chance that his kid did end up needing him.

A Winning Strategy

Family game night is a beloved and cherished tradition in many families. While some have a cool and light approach to it, other families can get seriously competitive about the whole thing. Clearly, this dad is really passionate when it comes to winning.

A Winning Strategy

We bet this kid suggested a game their dad has never played in the hopes of finally winning against their seriously competitive father. This dad, however, has come prepared to beat his kid in a perfectly friendly game of Risk.

Father of the Bride

Weddings are definitely some of the most emotional times for both the couple getting married and their families. So, this time of elevated emotions is a great occasion to be reminded of how loved you are by your parents.

Father of the Bride

Thanks to this wonderful photographer, this bride and her father can forever cherish the amazingly beautiful and touching moment when he saw his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time. We just love the sheer joy that this photo captures.

Banana Baby

Some parents are harsh and disciplined, others are soft and encouraging, and some turn into complete goofballs the moment they hold their baby for the very first time. This dad clearly fits into that last category.

Banana Baby

Beyond looking absolutely hysterical in their twin banana suits (anyone else getting Bananas in Pajamas flashbacks?), this daddy-daughter duo is absolutely adorable! After all, a family who cosplays as fruit together sticks together.

Best Pool Ever

In the summer heat, one of the best ways to get your kids to cool off is to get them a little blow-up pool for the backyard. Thankfully, most convenience stores carry them during the hot months.

Best Pool Ever

But, if you really want to make a splash in your neighborhood, getting this amazing kiddie pool is definitely the way to go. Just look how excited this kid is to hose down any imaginary fire that comes their way!

Choices

Families are often complicated, with some members choosing to leave while others opt to stick around. This complexity can often lead a child to feel unwanted and unloved. Thankfully, this girl had someone who decided to hang on tight.

Choices

We love that she understands the gravity and importance of the choice that her stepdad made in being her dad and loving her as if she was his biological daughter. Thank you to all the amazing step-parents out there!

A Taste of Home

Celebrating the holidays on your own for the first time can take some serious adjustments. Especially, when you just aren’t able to recreate those precious childhood holiday memories without your family.

A Taste of Home

This poster’s mom, though, simply refused to let her kid give up on some much-needed holiday cheer. She managed to bring a little Christmas magic to her kid in an incredibly beautiful and wholesome way.

Breaking the Cycle

It seems like having your own kid to suddenly deal with brings about basically every childhood trauma that you’ve had and been working very hard to ignore. It can be especially hard to rewire how to respond to mistakes when you were never allowed to make any.

Breaking the Cycle

This mom is clearly very proud of her calm and loving response to her kid making a terrible mess — as she absolutely should be! While it’s a long, uphill battle to detangle this past pain, this woman is clearly willing to put in the work!

Keeping Warm

It seems that it’s not just parents and grandparents that can be super wholesome adult role models for people. Parents-in-law are just as sweet and loving toward their children-in-law, and we absolutely love to see that!

Keeping Warm

This mother-in-law went above and beyond to make sure her son-in-law stayed warm, despite the cold weather. The fact that she knitted those fuzzy socks herself is just the cherry on top of an already pretty wholesome cake.

Story Time

The best parents find ways to spend time with their children, even when it feels almost impossible to make the time. A favorite shared hobby in families is reading with a parent. This father didn’t give up on his story duties even far from home.

Story Time

We love that he didn’t care that everyone around in the waiting area could hear him make silly voices as he read to his kids through the phone. This is a man who knows what the most important thing at that moment is!

Waiting Up

It seems that parents don’t just suddenly stop worrying about you the second you turn 21. In fact, if they could, they would probably do their best to keep their eyes on you until you’re 100!

Waiting Up

Looks like the only family member that ended up being strong enough to stay up so late was the cat! We do appreciate these parents doing their best to ward off sleep just a little longer. Aren’t they absolutely adorable?

The Best Cakes Are Homemade

When you’re strapped for cash, birthdays can feel like a huge burden, especially when there’s an expectation of big gifts and other fancy treats. But, the truth is that real birthday joy comes from having your friends and family surround you with love.

The Best Cakes Are Homemade

This dad definitely understands this truth. The effort to make his kid’s big day special absolutely counts more than any store-bought cake could have! Plus, that cake is seriously impressive — he has a bright future in cake-making!

Flight Buddy

We all need a hand to hold or a security blanket to hug at times. Yes — even adult parents. So, what’s a better comfort item than one made by a loving family member, especially a child?

Flight Buddy

It certainly helped this dad fight through his fear of flight — and for 43 years no less! We just can’t get over what a beautiful symbol of love this little doll is for both the father and his now-adult child.

Party Time

For those of us who have a pet, that sweet little animal can become such a major part of our world that it’s practically a member of our family. That means they should be just as celebrated as anyone else.

Party Time

This doggy’s grandparents definitely went all out to celebrate their grand-dog’s birthday with friends, treats, and even some party favors and decorations! How can we get an invite to sweet creature’s next birthday?! This looks absurdly fun!

Minions

It isn’t always easy for parents to keep track of their kids’ current obsessions. But, in the case of those yellow little cartoon characters, it’s been hard to miss how excited every kid in the world gets over them.

Minions

This dad took his kid’s love extremely seriously and created matching costumes for them to wear to the movies! How adorable are these two? They better win a costume contest with the thought and effort that was put into these! Did you see their goggles!?

Grandpa Santa

Have we already said that grandparents are the best? They’re basically super parents because they’ve been through the whole process at least twice — once with their kid, and then with their kid’s kid! This grandpa is definitely willing to go all out for his granddaughter.

Grandpa Santa

We love his absolute commitment to authenticity by growing his own bushy white beard instead of getting some fake facial hair! This little girl is going to have the best Christmas ever after she sees this!

Hand-Me-Down

Our baby clothes might not mean all that much to us, but they hold a special place in our parents’ hearts. It reminds them of when we were brand new to the world and didn’t talk back to them.

Hand-Me-Down

Joking aside, this dress must have been incredibly sentimental for this poster’s mom, if she had kept it for so many years — and in such good condition, too. It must have been incredibly touching to see her grandkid wear that same outfit!

Ready, Set, Go!

A great technique to motivate kids is to turn things, like chores or homework, into a game. But, with a family like this, it seems that every day is a joyful game!

Ready, Set, Go!

This dad definitely knows how to make loving each other fun! Plus, it must have been really fun for this mom to see all her boys run toward her at break-neck speeds. This is one race where everyone’s the winner!