If you are a fan of rock music, this question must have popped into your mind quite often that who is the best and richest guitarist of them all?
Everybody has a different perspective and preference so this question will have varied answers.
Want to have some knowledge on this topic? Let us start with what is rock music and what are the different types of guitarists.
What is Rock Music?
Rock music is a broad music term that has its roots in American rock n roll music. It originated in America in the late 1960s and became very popular in America and the United Kingdom.
The most common instruments used in a rock performance are:
- Electric guitar
- Electric bass
- Drums
Other supporting instruments are:
- Acoustic guitar
- Piano
- Saxophone
Different Types of Guitarists in a Rock Band
Before we share our list of the richest guitarists in the world, let us find out about the different types of guitarists who play in a rock band.
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Lead Guitarist
The lead guitarist in a band usually plays the most important lines and music notes. he also plays solo when needed. Many singers are also the lead guitarist in a band.
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Rhythm Guitarist
The rhythm guitarist plays supporting notes alongside the drummer and bassist. The instrument played by both the lead and rhythm guitarists is the same. The only difference is the role of both guitarists in the band.
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Bass Guitarist
The bass guitarist is responsible for the rhythmic foundation and harmonic foundation of the music. The bass instrument brings thunder to a performance.
Top 30 Richest guitarists in the world
In no particular order, we are sharing 30 legendary and famous guitarists who are also some of the richest musicians in the world.
Many of these rock stars in this compilation happen to be the most richest American guitarists. Our picks are based on popularity and net worth. Do check out which ones of your favorite stars are included in the list.
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Dave Matthews
Years active: 1991 – Present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar, piano
Label: RCA, Sony
Net worth: $300 million
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Brian May
Years active: 1964 – present
Instruments: Guitar
Labels: Hollywood, Parlophone
Net worth: $ 220 million
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Bob Dylan
Years active: 1961 – present
Instruments: vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica
Labels: Columbia, Asylum
Net worth: $ 350 million
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Eric Clapton
Years active: 1962 – present
Instruments: Guitar, vocals
Labels: Polydor, Atco
Net worth: $ 250 million
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Ritchie Blackmore
Years active: 1960 – present
Instruments: Guitar
Labels: SPV, BMG
Net worth: $ 16 million
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Mark Knopfler
Years active: 1965 – present
Instruments: vocals, guitar
Label: Blue Note, Virgin EMI
Net worth: $95 million
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Jimmy Buffet
Years active: 1964 – present
Instruments: vocals, guitar, ukulele
Labels: RCA, ABC
Net worth: $ 550 million
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Neil Diamond
Years active: 1962 – present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar
Labels: Bang, Uni, MCA, Capitol, Virgin EMI
Net worth: $ 200 million
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Sting
Years active: 1971 – present
Instruments: Vocals, bass guitar
Labels: A&M, Cherrytree
Net worth: $ 400 million
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Bruce Springsteen
Years active: 1964 – present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar, piano
Labels: Columbia
Net worth: $ 500 million
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The Edge
Years active: 1976 – Present
Instruments: Guitar, keyboards, vocals
Labels: Island, Mercury
Net worth: $ 400 million
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Rod Stewart
Years active: 1961 – present
Instruments: vocals, guitar
Labels: Mercury, Warner Bros, J Universal, Capitol
Net worth: $ 235 million
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Dave Grohl
Years active: 1986 – present
Instruments: vocals, guitar, drums
Labels: RCA, Capitol, Sub Pop
Net worth: $ 350 million
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Toby Keith
Years active: 1993 – present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar
Labels: A & M, Universal, Dreamworks
Net worth: $ 365 million
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James Hetfield
Years active: 1978 – present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar
Labels: Warner Bros, Mega force, Blackened
Net worth: $ 300 million
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Ronnie Wood
Years active: 1964 – present
Instruments: Guitar, bass guitar, vocals
Labels: Warner Bros.
Net worth: $ 200 million
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Kirk Hammett
Years active: 1979 – present
Instrument: guitar
Labels: Warner Bros, Electra, Vertigo, Megaforce
Net worth: $ 200 million
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Jimmy Page
Years active: 1957- Present
Instruments: Guitar
Label: Swan song, Atlantic
Net worth: $ 180 million
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Jon Bon Jovi
Years active: 1975 – present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar
Labels: Island, Mercury
Net worth: $ 410 million
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Angus Young
Years active: 1970 – present
Instruments: guitar
Label: EMI, Epic, Atlantic, Albert, Columbia
Net worth: $ 160 million
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Pete Townshend
Years active: 1962 – present
Instruments: vocals, guitar, keyboards
Labels: track, Polydor, Atlantic, Decca, Warner Bros.
Net worth: $ 150 million
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Tony Iommi
Years active: 1964 – present
Instruments: Guitar
Labels: Warner Bros, Mythology, Heven & Hell
Net worth: $ 140 million
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Keith Richards
Years active: 1960 – present
Instrument: Guitar, vocals, bass guitar
Labels: Decca, Rolling Stones, Virgin, Mindless London
Net worth: $ 500 million
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Paul McCartney
Years active: 1957 – present
Instruments: Vocals, bass guitar, keyboards
Labels: Apple, Capitol, Columbia, Decca, Hear Music, Parlophone
Net worth: $ 1.2 billion
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Bono
Years active: 1976 – present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar, harmonica
Labels: Island, Interscope, Mercury
Net worth: $ 750 million
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Mick Jagger
Years active: 1960 – present
Instruments: Vocals, guitar, harmonica
Labels: Virgin, Rolling Stones, ABKCO, Universal
Net worth: $360 million
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George Michael
Years active: 1981 – 2016
Instruments: vocals, Bass guitar, keyboards
Labels: Inner vision, Virgin, Columbia, Epic Dreamworks, Polydor
Net worth: $ 200 million
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Don Henley
Years active: 1970 – present
Instruments: Vocals, drum, guitar
Labels: Asylum, Geffen, warner bros, Capitol
Net worth: $ 250 million
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Robbie Williams
Years active: 1989 – present
Instruments: vocals, guitar
Labels: Island/ Universal, Virgin, EMI/Chrysalis
Net worth: $ 300 million
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David Gilmour
Years active: 1963 –present
Instruments: Guitar, vocals
Labels: Sony, Harvest
Net worth: $ 180 million
Final Thoughts
The above-mentioned names include some of the richest lead guitarists in the world. Paul McCartney, who is a British singer, guitarist, songwriter, and composer has the biggest net worth among guitarists. An amazing fact is that Paul did not play as a lead guitarist but rather he played the bass guitar. It makes him the richest backup guitarist in the world. What must be kept in mind is the fact that most of these guitarists are the lead singers as well so they are more famous as vocalists.