Top 3

by Dima
(Seattle WA, USA)

I think John Williams is just best of the best of the best. Most importantly, he plays with perfect rythm, without overuse of artistic ritenutos and accelerandos, and without overuse of arpeggio - although he can do it when needed, his articulation is still great.

His tones are all clean, all exactly the right length, and the volume forms perfect line of voice. He never plays faster than he can while holding his extremely sound high quality bar. In fact, he plays most pieces slower than other top guitarists, but precision, rythm and beautiful sound are just charming. He plays in great dynamic range and play basses very clearly.

Also, he rarely plays double sounds with arpeggio (like pulling bass slightly earlier than other notes). Segovia does that all the time, and I think it's a minus to Segovia.

Second best is Nicholas Goluses, for his unmatched performance of Bach's violin sonatas.

Third... I haven't thought about third, just until recently, when I've heard Jorge Caballero's performance of Dvorak Symphony #9, 1st movement. Amazing speed technique along with beautiful and powerful expression, and great range in volume (Compare to Ana Vidovic: she's great at speed, but lacks expression, and her play sounds somewhat too mechanical).

(I'll add a note that today is 2010-09-01, to make my life easier in case if my opinion changes in the future :))

3 Favorite Guitarists (At Present Time)

by Giuseppe
(Chicago)

In no particular order, I'm going to have to go with Göran Söllscher, Paul Galbraith, and the Brothers Assad.

Söllscher - For his work with the Bolin guitar, his collaborations with Gil Shaham and others, and his Beatles interpretations. Oftentimes, his playing sounds almost too beautiful, too clean -- lacking the expressive timbres of Segovia and the like; but one of my favorites nevertheless.

Paul Galbraith -- For his work with the Brahms guitar -- the dark, booming bass complemented with bright trebles. Galbraith's precision is equaled by his expressiveness.

The Assad Brothers-- For the complexity of their arrangements.

only 3?

by Oana
(Pasadena, CA, USA)

It's really unfair to name just 3, and I did think of Segovia first, but I re-read the question, and it says "players". Segovia has his undeniable greatness, and was a great guitarist, but my all time favorite players are:

3. Julian Bream - his feeling for the music, especially Heitor Villa-Lobos works, is remarkable. I watched the recording of his advice on the Prelude 1 by HVL (his masterclass) at least 20 times, and I am still going back to listen to that detached, simple, clean sound and his very eloquent advice on the interpretation and melody of the piece. I wish I had such a great teacher.

2. Charo (yes, the 'cuchi-cuchi' girl) - I am absolutely mesmerized by her versatility, and the intense feeling she lends to her guitar. Listen to her rendition of the Recuerdos. Incredible artist.

1. Ida Presti - I discovered her youtube videos recently, and I am absolutely speechless. Let alone the fact that she recorded many of them at the age of 15, the performances are just so incredibly pure, with very emotional tremolos and crystal clear sound.

Since I am only forced to include 3, I must say that I place Ana Vidovic and Filomena Moretti very-very close to that top 3. I'm always going back to listen to them when my learning curve needs a confidence boost.

top 3 guitar players

by Khaled Magdy
(Egypt)

1-John Williams
2-Manuel Barrueco
3-David Russell

My top 3

by Jesus Caro
(Bogota)

Segovia, because he is the master of masters.
Williams, because of his perfect tone and accuracy.
Romero, because of his passion when he plays the guitar.

3 very dfferent but great guitarists

by Jaycee
(London, UK)

1. Julian Bream

For his wonderful energy, warmth, emotion and astonishing tonal range. He can give each piece such a variety of colour and dynamic - especially wopnderul in Spanise pieces such as Madronos, which no one has ever played with such gorgeous tone, and in more modern pieces such as Walton's 5 Bagatelles.

2. John Williams

For his unfailing perfection and clarity, as well as his understatement and subtlety - listen to his 2nd (Sony/CBS) recording of the Adagio from the Aranjuez concerto.

3.David Russell, for his unpretentious quiet excellence.

3D animator

-Ida Presti
-Alexandre Lagoya
-Hopkinson Smith


-elegance, sound, intelligence, emotion, strenght & fragility

Classical Guitarists: TOP 3

by Owen Bunting
(London)

3. Augustin Barrios Mangore
A brilliant composer guitarist! His best work being La Catedral (which I am learning at the moment) and many other beautiful compositions including Una Limnosa por el Amor de Dios and Preludio en do Menor.

2. Angel Romero
A great guitarist! His best performance was of Allegro Con Spirito from the Concierto de Aranjuez!

1. John Williams
This may be predictable but he his a flawless and emotional guitarist. He plays Adagio from the Concierto de Aranjuez brilliantly and overall he is amazing!

3 Under 40

by MKS
(Guanajuato, Mexico)

I'll list three that are young(ish) (all under age 40 I think) and playing currently, as opposed to deceased or retired.

Jason Vieaux - Impeccable technique and taste in interpretation. I love his Bach Lute Suites recording.


Denis Azabagic - Masterful playing with a unique sense of interpretation that always surprises me but always makes sense.


Kevin Gallagher - Beautiful touch, I love his early music sensibilities.


All three are GFA laureates and Kevin Gallagher even won the Tarrega making him the only American to ever win it and the only person to win both the GFA and Tarrega. So, I'm not the only one who has noticed their skill!

My 3 favorites

by Ulises Victoria
(Monterrey, Mexico)

1. Andres Segovia. He made the sounds of an orchestra coming out of his guitar.

2. Agustin Barrios Mangoré. His compositions for guitar are out of this world.

3. Narciso Yepes. A true master of the 10 string guitar. I have yet to hear a more perfect tremolo.

3, really only 3?

Well, let's see:

Narciso Yepes- Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez moves me deeply

Alexander Vynograd- Just a fantastic player

and of course...

Andres Segovia- I can't really say anything here that hasn't already been said. A true master and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for bringing classical guitar to where it is today.

My 3 Favorite Classical Guitarists

by MM

1. F.Tarrega
2. Paco de Lucia
3. Augustin Barrios

Alas, only 3!?

by Patrick Accisano
(New Jersey )

1. John Williams - He has space and air in his interpretation, the Miles Davis of classical guitar.

2. Ana Vidovic - Yes, fast tempo, but it gives her playing urgency and I marvel most at her dynamic range.

3. Elliot Fisk - I love his Paganini, and it's too easy to list Segovia.

My Top 3 classical guitar players would be....

by TG
(Ohio)

1.Pepe Romero -passion
2.Narciso Yepes- technical prowess
3.Carlos Montoya- Fire!

3? how about 2...

Pavel Steidel - the most captivating guitarist I have seen in years. Head and shoulders above anyone in the game - no one can compare to his 19th century repertoire - NO ONE.

Aniello Disiderio - big, full sound in the segovia mould. Shaking his hand made mine feel like a midget (Im 6ft tall) Enigmatic and full of flair and virtuosity.

No one else comes to mind - have taken part in master classes with Barrueco, Russel but have not been touched by such playing as the two mentioned. Not many people have heard of these players so I encourage anyone out there to have listen. You won't be disappointed!