Look no further, however, because in this article, we’ll guide you through 12 of the best ukulele brands in the world. We’ll uncover a bit of their history, the unique qualities they are known for, other instruments they sell, and more!

If you’re ready to learn the best brands that make ukulele an exciting instrument and decide which one is best for you, read on!

1. Kamaka

Up first we have Kamaka, which is one of the oldest ukulele brands, established in 1916 by Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka. Known for their excellent craftsmanship, they are considered top-of-the-line as far as ukulele brands go.

Kamaka is the creator of the pineapple ukulele, which has a rounder shape that gives it a louder and sweeter sound.

All their instruments are made from Hawaiian koa wood, ensuring each one is lightweight and durable, with a reputation for having a full tone.

The company, now in its fourth generation of family ownership, continues to high-quality handcraft ukuleles and is definitely a brand to consider if you want the best.

2. Kanile`a

Next, we have Kanile`a, a Hawaii-based company started in 1998 by Joseph Souza and Kristen Souza. The couple, who were both born in Oahu, had a dream to bring the Hawaiian lifestyle to people worldwide through music.

They succeeded in this task by not only making some of the most beautiful ukuleles on the market but also by maintaining excellent customer service.

Kanile’a is most commonly known for their stunning K-1 Tenor ukuleles, which are used by some of the most popular ukulele players in the world. Not interested in ready-made models? No worries, since they offer custom-build designs as well!

They’re also known for their commitment to sustainability, as not only do they source their materials locally, but they also plant a koa tree every time they make a ukulele.

3. Ko’olau

A favorite brand of Jazz ukulele players Benny Chong and Lyle Ritz, we have the Ko‘olau from Hawaii. They are master crafters of both guitar and ukulele, offering reputably high-quality instruments to customers.

The company began some 40 years ago as a family business, initially manufacturers of guitars. When demand for superior ukulele rose, they added that instrument to their repertoire.

Now, they offer four models of ukulele, all with beautifully finished wood and intricate designs to produce the best of sounds worthy of professional players—and beginners too!

4. KoAloha

If you want beautifully handcrafted ukuleles with inlaid abalone designs, look no further than KoAloha. This Hawaiian company was founded by multi-instrumentalist and innovator Alvin Okami and his wife, Pat, back in 1995.

Each instrument is carefully made by master craftsmen. Wanting easy accessibility of ukuleles to novices and professionals alike, KoAloha has three tiers of these instruments—the KoAlana, Opio, and KoAloha—all in three different sizes as well.

Depending on which tier you select, prices can range anywhere from $150 to $1,500. Regardless of your choice, you are guaranteed quality instrument with classic, stable sound.

5. Kala

Mike Upton founded Kala Ukuleles in California in 2005 and has run it as a family-owned and operated business ever since. Kala is one of the most well-known brands around the world and is the choice of famous musicians, including Twenty One Pilots, Dodie, and Walk the Moon.

While their reputation is based on their ukuleles, the other instruments Kala sells include acoustic guitars, guitaleles, and tenor guitars.

The Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Starter Kit is one of the most popular packages available. Customers love it because you get a high-quality instrument at an affordable price point, making playing the ukulele accessible for almost anyone.

6. Cordoba

Established in 1997, Cordoba is primarily known for making guitars, but they also offer high-quality ukuleles. They have become famous worldwide for providing fine nylon-string instruments.

They only use sustainably sourced wood to construct their ukuleles, which is a great benefit for customers who are conscious of their environmental footprint.

One factor to note is that they do not sell directly to customers, and to purchase a Cordoba instrument, you will have to go through a dealer.

The 15 cm Concert Ukulele is one of their most popular models. This uke is worth the slightly higher price point, as it is made of solid mahogany with a satin finish.

7. Martin

If budget is not a problem, Martin might interest you. It is one of the most expensive brands of ukulele that made this list. The company originated in 1833 with Christian Frederick Martin, who made early guitars that Civil War soldiers played!

The company makes both ukuleles and guitars. They are also invested in sourcing its materials sustainably, as well as donating to nonprofit music and arts organizations.

Their Tenor Ukulele with a hand-rubbed finish is one of their most popular models. Though it is a more significant financial investment than some of the other brands on this list, you are paying for a quality, hand-made instrument that will last a lifetime.

8. Mitchell

Known for their smooth finish and superior quality, we have ukuleles from Mitchell. The brand also offers a wide variety of guitars, both acoustic and electric.

If you’re a beginner, tone and comfort might be a factor in purchasing an instrument. Mitchell’s MU40 Soprano Ukulele provides this as well as exceptional sound and looks.

For more advanced and professional players, there are also several concert ukuleles to choose from, like the Concert MU80XCE and MU75NM. Both are beautifully designed with good grip and rich sound.

Mitchell also offers a ukulele starter pack that includes an MU40C Concert Ukulele, instrument bag, and guitar tuner. All their ukuleles come with an instruction manual.

9. Lohanu 

Although ukuleles are typically associated with the warm climates of Hawaii, Lohanu is a Canadian company that makes beautiful and exceptional-quality instruments.

Lohanu got their name from three words: love, ohana (the Hawaiian word for family), and unity. They advertise that with their instruments, you can “experience the sounds of love and unity” for your family and friends.

They are one of the highest-rated ukulele companies, partly because all their instruments come with a guaranteed lifetime warranty. Another reason might be because they focus all their attention on ukuleles and do not make any other instruments.

Their Concert-Sized Ukulele is one of their most popular options. It comes with all the essential accessories you need, including straps, picks, a case, and extra strings.

10. Kai

If you’re one who wants unique design and sound, Kai Ukulele may be the one for you. Unlike other ukuleles, each of Kai’s instruments has a second hole in the upper frame, producing robust tones.

Appearance-wise, various finish colors and wood types are available to cater to individual styles so you are bound to find one that suits your preference.

Kai offers soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles in different series models, suitable for both beginners and expert players. Their 700 series and up includes a gig bag.

11. Luna

The brand Luna is a standout that made this list because it offers the world’s best-selling ukulele, the tattoo concert mahogany ukulele.

In addition to being an affordable and high-quality instrument, this model features beautifully carved designs that set it apart from other options. The design is modeled after traditional native Hawaiian tattoos and includes shark teeth and waves along the body and frets.

Luna also makes guitars, basses, banjos, lefty instruments, instruments for children, and more. They were founded in 2005 by a visual artist, so each instrument is designed to look beautiful while creating unique music.

12. Lanikai

And last but not least, Lanikai sells ukuleles exclusively and offers a wide variety of different types, including soprano, concert, tenor, baritone, and bass ukuleles, as well as the five-string, six-string, and eight-string models.

They are a part of the German music company Hoehner and are made both in China and in the United States. Instruments are crafted from a variety of different wood types, like acacia, cedar, mahogany, and oak.

One of their top-selling models is the Mahogany Concert Ukulele, which has a satin finish. Players love it because it is comfortable and easy to tune while being of higher quality than other instruments designed for beginners.

Summing Up Our List Of Ukulele Brands

There you have it—a list of the best brands of ukuleles you can buy.

You can’t go wrong with any of these options, but depending on your experience, needs, and budget, you might find that one stands out and works better for you than the others.

Did you buy from one of these brands? How do you like your instrument? Let us know, and if you think we’ve missed off a brand, tell us and we’ll add it in!

Many of the best electric guitar brands have worked at their craft for generations, and they have a rich history worth exploring. In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of their history and explore what makes them so great. Let’s take a look.

1. Gibson

When speaking of the best brands of electric guitar, it’s impossible not to mention Gibson. The famous company had humble beginnings dating back to 1902 as a mandolin maker.

Soon, Gibson began making guitars and creating the recognizable Gibson Les Paul. Today, these guitars are still available in classic styles that look as good as they sound.

The brand has become so well-loved by musicians that they now have an entire artist collection, featuring lookalikes to guitars played by the likes of Jimi Hendrix.

If the artists collection is not quite in your budget, there are still a huge catalog of guitars to choose from at Gibson, from original to body style, and you can even have one custom-made.

2. Fender

One of the top electric guitar brands, and possibly one of the most famous, Fender, began with an electric focus on amps. Soon after, Leo Fender paired his amp with his now infamous Telecaster. A new electric guitar hit the ’50s music scene that was reliable and accessible.

Fender continued to create new options like the Stratocaster and more. Today, these classic varieties are still available. From beginners to pros like Eric Clapton, Fender guitars are widespread.

Today, Fender remains dedicated to creating quality electric guitars and electric accessories for the best performances. They also offer extensive customization options.

3. Heritage

Next up, we have Heritage guitar company. This brand has a unique story, as they began in 1985 when a few craftsmen left Gibson. They were dedicated to handmaking instruments in America, whereas Gibson had begun to spread their manufacturing.

Heritage made its first unique electric guitar in 1985 and quickly became known for its artistry and instruments with superior tone. Still handcrafted in America to this day, they continue to create both standard and custom electric guitars.

The brand is known to craft using superior materials and create eye-grabbing finishes to match any style. Their one-of-a-kind dedication to craftsmanship, players, and the electric form makes them one of the best.

4. Ibanez

Another brand with plenty of name recognition in electric guitars is Ibanez. From the late ’50s on, this brand has been producing affordable and recognizable guitars.

Spread between Japan, China, Indonesia, and the US, Ibanez manufactures thousands of guitars, and perhaps one of the most well-known Ibanez belongs to Paul Stanley, frontman of KISS. His signature models feature sharp edges and nontraditional body shapes.

For beginners or pros, Ibanez has an extensive collection of electric guitars. They have sleek necks for quick playing and superior tuning. You’ll enjoy the feel of classic models and pride in the many sleek looks available to Ibanez players.

5. Eastman

Guitars made by Eastman are the lifelong dedication of Qian Ni, a Boston University School of Music graduate. He started selling guitars out of the back of his car and has since grown into one of the leading names of electric guitar brands.

Ni’s love of music has given Eastman guitars a foundation to provide instruments that never fail the musician. Dedicated workers sculpt wood into violins, basses, cellos, and guitars.

Eastman guitars offer both solid body electric guitars and laminate. Their guitars have had features with the Smashing Pumpkins, Sheryl Crow, and Steely Dan.

6. ESP

ESP guitars technically began in 1975, when they were primarily a custom parts guitar shop in Japan. Soon, they were introduced in the US and started to make their guitars for members of KISS and the Rolling Stones.

Overachieving from the beginning, ESP has been dedicated to great sound and exclusively electric guitars and basses since. This focus on the craft makes them one of the greatest electric guitar brands, as they’ve spent years perfecting the process.

ESP has plenty of impressive stock electric guitars with stunning performance, or mimic favorite artists by ordering a custom-made guitar. Either way, these guitars are worth playing.

7. Rickenbacker

Rickenbacker has one of the most impressive histories, as they’re considered the original electric guitar manufacturer.

Beginning in 1932, George Beauchamp was a steel guitarist who wanted a louder instrument. He taught himself some basic electronics, and soon, the first ever electric guitar was born. It was aptly named the Frying Pan due to its round and slightly awkward look.

Nevertheless, soon electric guitars took off. Rickenbacker would continue tinkering with electric guitar designs to produce modern leaders in solid body guitar development.

Their classic sounds would be unmistakable and unreplaceable for musicians like the Who, Rush, Pink Floyd, Sex Pistols, and Black Flag.

8. Yamaha

Yamaha is a brand with plenty of recognition, and it’s not all in guitars. You’ll find the Yamaha name familiar with other musical instruments or even motorized recreational vehicles. Despite this broad range of services, Yamaha began with musical instruments.

Torakusu Yamaha repaired a broken reed organ in 1887, and a love for musical mechanics began. The mythical story says that Yamaha carried this reed organ over mountains to a music institute, and a classical bas-relief exists of this occurrence.

Either way, Yamaha began making electric guitars in 1966 and has been dedicated to improving the form since. Their guitars go through rigorous and multi-step quality control, and each is lovingly handmade down to precise details, using custom carving tools.

9. Schecter

Like a few other of these amazing electric guitar brands, Schecter started as a guitar repair company in 1976 by David Schecter, who was committed to the quality of work they provided.

Soon, this commitment made his repair company become the leading supplier for other major guitar brands; however, this would change in 1979, when David Schecter decided to create his unique guitar.

The Schecter brand name was synonymous with quality, so these custom guitars were expensive and sparse. Their guitars immediately attracted star musicians like Pete Townshend and Chris Poland.

Today, these guitars still have a line produced in the USA. Their expansive guitar series have made appearances in performances from Type O Negative, the Cure, Cage the Elephant, Machine Gun Kelly, and Avenged Sevenfold.

10. Godin

Second to last on this list, we have Godin guitars, which began in 1972 in Quebec, where the Godin family still runs the show. Robert Godin had the dream to provide worldwide artists with a guitar that reflected North American quality.

Proper to his dream, all materials and manufacturing are in North America. Godin has recently passed the business to his sons Patrick and Simon, who have a guitar series named after them.

The devotion to quality has led to Godin creating guitars great to play for beginners and professionals and other top-notch accessories like cases meant to travel through the worst road conditions.

11. PRS

And last on our list of electric guitar brands, we have PRS—otherwise known as Paul Reed Smith guitars. Smith loved crafting and built his first guitar as a challenge for his college music professor. After completing the challenge, he knew he had to keep building guitars.

Through trial and error and bringing freshly crafted guitars to test at gigs, Smith perfected his guitar formula. By 1985, PRS was born in Maryland. Since then, they’ve focused on keeping traditional quality paired with the newest technological innovations for a guitar that evolves with the players.

Their guitars have signature fret inlays that mimic the bird logo of PRS. Classic style, feel, and sound is part of the PRS experience.

Summing Up Our List Of Electric Guitar Brands 

As you can see, these top brands of electric guitars have a diverse and rich history. The models to choose from are as varied as the musicians who choose electric.

No matter the preference for style or sound, these brands can provide the electric guitar of anyone’s dream.

It’s hard to imagine a world without electric guitars, and these manufacturers are who we have to thank for their existence.

But which brands did we leave off our list? Let us know and we’ll add them in!

This round string instrument have been around for a couple of hundred years now, so there are several amazing brands that have spent years perfecting their skills in making them.

So to help you choose, in this post, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the 10 of these best banjo brands in the world. Let’s get started.

1. Deering

First up, we have Deering banjos. These are each a work of art, hand-built in California by the Deering family. Greg Deering fell in love with woodworking as a child and began this impressive company with his wife in 1975.

Today, the company is still family-run and passed on to their daughter. In their nearly 50 years of business, they’ve revolutionized banjo practices and become a trusted name for quality.

Among the many noteworthy Deering banjo players is the frontman of the famous folk band Mumford & Sons, Winston Marshall. Together, they’ve helped to donate banjos and popularize the plucky tunes unique to these stringed instruments.

If you’re a beginner player, one of their signature series you might be interested in is the Deering Goodtime. It’s a lightweight model that’s also suitable for traveling players.

2. Gold Tone

A newer brand of banjos, Gold Tone began in 1993 when Robyn and Wayne Rogers built their first banjo in Florida. Both were enthusiastic folk artists, so you know they understand and care deeply about the quality of their products.

One of their founding ideas was to provide quality instruments without crazy prices. Gold Tone sources its materials from partner factories in China and Korea. Other raw parts come from Canada, Australia, Africa, Indonesia, and Germany.

The brand is one of the best of banjo because they go through such great international lengths to produce a prime instrument. And if you want one that provides a clear sound at an affordable price, perhaps the Gold Tone CC-100R Resonator could be for you.

3. Oscar Schmidt

A well-established brand of banjos, Oscar Schmidt began producing instruments in 1871. Their factories spread from Europe to New Jersey, and their string instruments started to make a significant impact in the countryside of America.

The banjos were cost-effective, and traveling salespeople brought them to regions where instruments were hard to get, thus Oscar Schmidt was a hallmark of country musicians.

Their first-rate banjos are still hand-inspected in the US and are well-known for their impressive sounds. Many of their models are great for beginners or professionals alike, but a popular one is their OB5 5 string banjo.

4. Recording King

Next on our list, Recording King, has become one of the best brands of banjo, but the company initially began as a house manufacturer. This intense industry shift was for the best, as their instruments have been popular since the 1930s.

Their dedication to traditional manufacturing methods isn’t just for nostalgia, as their instruments provide old-time sound and a sturdy banjo that will last years.

Today, Recording King sticks to their roots by producing modern banjos that still follow its original vintage designs. If you take inspiration from classic folk and rock music, consider checking out some of their Dirty 30s collection.

5. Clareen

Unlike many of the other banjo brands, Clareen isn’t American-based. This family-run company began in 1979 in Ireland and has been a major European banjo manufacturer.

Clareen only focuses on banjos and mandolins, and tenor banjos are their specialty. Traditional to Irish music, tenor banjos provide quick and straightforward playing with four strings.

Their original banjo designs are ideal options, and they offer extensive customization. Clareen has a dedication to providing the best playing experience for each individual. For this reason, they also have a three-year warranty on their instruments and offer maintenance for life.

6. Huber

Founder Steve Huber first started to love bluegrass music and banjos as a teenager. He decided create banjos after his love for the music led to an obsession with the specific sounds of classic prewar banjos.

To him and many others, these flathead banjos had a more resonant and quicker sound. Through plenty of tinkering with design and metalwork, Huber achieved his goal. Soon, his banjos began to pick up in popularity.

Sixteen years into the business, Huber banjos have quickly gained recognition for their unique sound and reliance on traditional methods with modern materials. Among their stock, they also offer a fully customizable banjo option for anyone looking to create their one-of-a-kind sound.

7. Nechville

Next, we have Nechville, which is an instrument brand that prides itself on creating innovations for banjos.

It all began in the 1980s when Tom Nechville was determined to find a way to adjust the head of the banjo evenly and quickly. Thus, the Nechville patented Heli-Mount was born.

A standard of Nechville banjos, the Heli-Mount operates similarly to a jar lid that presses down on the banjo head. It is easy to adjust and is only one of the essential alterations all these banjos have.

New ways of thinking make Nechville one of the best banjo brands. They also have added an adjustable neck, a sleek wooden armrest, and compensated bridges.

8. Ome

Another family-owned company, Ome has been an integral name in banjos since the 1960s. From bluegrass to jazz musicians, quality has always been the goal for this brand.

And that quality originates with the materials. Air-dried maple and mahogany are the base of their banjos, but custom options include walnut and rosewood. Patience is integral in creating these instruments, handmade in their shops.

Beautiful fingerboard options like mother-of-pearl inlays complement the woods, and custom metal fittings create sleek and powerful banjos. Every Ome banjo has a limited lifetime warranty and a hard travel case.

9. Fender

Our second to the last brand, Fender has been an American music staple since the ’40s, a name well-known for instruments that deliver superior sound and look.

Fender banjos are no different and simple yet essential banjos. The durable quality is sure to last you a long time playing, and its versatile five strings and slim neck make it able to produce a variety of musical styles.

Fender banjos are ideal for any player that wants a classic look and feel. They pride themselves in keeping in touch with the California roots of the company, taking style inspiration from traditional rock, folk, and country.

10. Ibanez

Japanese music brand Ibanez distributes products worldwide. Hoshino Gakki began experimenting with instruments in the 1930s, and they became official in the ’50s.

While some may associate the Ibanez name with guitars, others may know that Ibanez has roots in banjos. The company even collaborated with Earl Scruggs, the influential figure behind the bluegrass sound.

Ibanez banjos are well-made and have durable quality. Many of their banjos have intricate styles, with delicate inlays on the frets and artisanal detailing in the metal. Your banjo will be great to look at and listen to as you take it everywhere.

Summing Up Our List Of Banjo Brands

The best brands of banjos have a rich and varied history. Whether the brand’s base is in America, Japan, or Ireland, these companies have the same goal.

They aim to provide quality instruments, make musicians’ lives easy, and supply the tools for musical innovations.

Every banjo from these manufacturers will produce that unmistakable twang. You can feel confident playing a beautiful instrument for years to come.

Whatever you’re looking for, hopefully, we’ll be able to help as in this post, we’re going to take a look at what we think are the ten best classical guitar books for beginners currently on the market in 2025 to help you get started playing.

So whether you’re a complete beginner or you’re looking to improve your skills, these books will help get you started on the right track. Let’s get started!

If you’re a visual learner and prefer to learn by video, check out this amazing classical guitar course by Jason Vieaux.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

1. The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method

The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method – Volume 1: Guitar Technique

• Premier Method for Beginning Classical Guitarists
• Learn to Play Over 50 Beautiful Classical Pieces
• Includes 26 Exercises and 14 Duets

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If you’re in a hurry, and since the classical guitar can be a challenging instrument to master, it’s nice to know that a recognized master of the classical guitar put out a method book. 

Parkening takes time in his book – The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, to demonstrate all the must-know techniques for every budding classical guitar student, and he does so with plenty of photos.

After all, it’s one thing for someone to tell you how to position your hand, but it’s something entirely different if you can see it.

Throughout the book, Parkening offers real-world pieces of music for practicing a specific technique. At the back, he provides arrangements of familiar pieces (“Malaguena,” some Bach) written to incorporate the techniques taught in the book.

Essential reading material for every classical guitarist and a book that we have no hesitation in recommending.

2. Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant

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Pumping Nylon: The Classical Guitarist’s Technique Handbook, Book & Online Audio

• Tennant, Scott (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 144 Pages – 01/01/2016 (Publication Date) – Alfred Music (Publisher)

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In his book Pumping Nylon, Scott Tennant spends a little more time on the dos and don’ts of classical guitar playing, which can be good. After all, it’s harder to unlearn bad habits than learn the right ones in the first place. Still, new players may feel a little overwhelmed.

Once you get to actual playing technique and notated exercises, Tennant uses illustrations (as opposed to photographs) that clearly demonstrate visual concepts.

The book also touches on scales and some music theory, which is crucial to becoming a well-versed musician, no matter how cool people seem to think it is not to be able to read music. 

Speaking of scales, there’s information on some common problems players run into with some scales. It’s nice to have preventative measures in mind before encountering the problem yourself.

3. Hal Leonard Classical Guitar Method

Hal Leonard Classical Guitar Method (Tab Edition): A Beginner’s Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

• Tab Edition
• Pages: 120
• Instrumentation: Guitar

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This solid method book from the Hal Leonard corporation covers much more than the names of the strings. It covers time signatures, slurs and other musical notation, and hand positions.

After covering posture and the anatomy of the instrument, this method book moves to arpeggio exercises that focus on one hand at a time, which can be very helpful.

Many people who have trouble playing the guitar get hung up on their hands having independent tasks. 

This book allows for isolated work before combining hands. Each section functions as a lesson and concludes with some nice yet playable arrangements for practice.

4. Solo Guitar Playing – Book 1

Solo Guitar Playing Volume 1

• Over 200 Musical Exercises and Repertoire Selections
• Arranged for Guitar
• Standard Notation

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You’re probably best off using a methods book with a guitar teacher, but if you’re not doing that, this is an excellent book for self-teaching. 

There is A LOT of information in this method book, and such a volume could be daunting. But the book’s lessons lay out logically, guiding the student through progressively more complicated techniques necessary for playing the classical guitar. 

Emphasis on musicality, including phrasing, takes the book past a simple how-to book to a how-to-be-a-musician book. 

There are also specific exercises geared toward increasing finger strength, speed, and dexterity.

5. The Beatles for Classical Guitar

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The Beatles for Classical Guitar

• Solo Guitar
• Pages: 80
• Instrumentation: Guitar

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Sometimes you want to play a real song that people actually know instead of etudes. That’s what this book of 31 Beatles songs arranged for Classical Guitar gives you.

But, note that this is not a method book. If you’ve never played classical guitar before, this book isn’t for you, as it won’t teach you how to play the instrument.

But once you know how to play it, you need repertoire, and this has some fun stuff in it, including many familiar Beatles hits. The nice thing about this book is that it’s got arrangements in varying degrees of difficulty too. There’s stuff you can play as a relative beginner and then some more difficult pieces for you to work towards.

If “Michelle” is above your pay grade, you can choose a different song done in a more achievable arrangement. As you improve, you’ll get back to “Michelle.”

6. The Classical Guitar Compendium

The Classical Guitar Compendium – Classical Masterpieces Arranged For Classical Solo Guitar

• With Tablature Edition
• Pages: 160
• Instrumentation: Guitar

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Like the last book, “The Classical Guitar Compendium” isn’t a method book. However, it would make a terrific companion piece and should have a place on the neophyte classical player’s music stand.

It’s filled with literature— both kinds. There are etudes and exercises written expressly for playing in practice, not for an audience. Then there are lovely arrangements of classical pieces of music.

You’ll find names like Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, and of course, J.S. Bach. The pieces are attainable for a newer player but not so simplistic as to be boring, too easy, or insulting.

7. A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar

A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar: Book 1

• 64 Pages
• Guitar Series
• Softcover

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With plenty of information on musical notation, this method book helps the brand new musician navigate the newfound world of printed music.

As you’d expect in a method book, there are pages and pages of instruction on posture and playing techniques, most of which are illustrated with photos.

The book also spends some time on keys, explaining what makes a piece of music in a particular key as well as the attendant scales. 

Toward the end of the book, presumably reached as the student has improved his technique, we find music written by master composers.

These are a welcome relief from the tuneless exercises we sometimes have to muddle through when learning a new instrument.

8. Classical Guitar Technique

Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, and Arpeggios

• Werner, Bradford (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 122 Pages – 12/10/2018 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

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Quickly learn the difference between rest and free stroke playing, and spend time training your left-hand pinky to do what it’s told (harder than you think).

This method book teaches technique on a string-by-string basis, which helps when you’re learning the names of the notes and their corresponding locations on the guitar.

As in any good method book, you’ll find illustrations of left- and right-hand techniques, discussions of posture, instruction about musical notation, and a slew of pieces to play as you learn more and more about the instrument.

9. 30 Easy Spanish Guitar Solos

30 Easy Spanish Guitar Solos Book/Online Audio

• Features 30 Songs
• Arranged for Easy Guitar
• Standard Notation and Tabs

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The good news is that this book contains guitar solos— pieces you’ve heard and probably wanted to learn to play on your classical guitar.

The bad news is that these arrangements have been simplified (or else they wouldn’t be “easy”).

Not everyone can play a Segovia piece like he did, so a simplified version can be a nice thing to have, but if you’re anxious to learn, say, “Salamanca,” you’ll learn it from this book, but need to learn it again if you want to play the original version of it.

This is not a bad book. Just believe the title— the pieces are relatively easy. If you’re a fast learner, you might outgrow it sooner than you meant to.

10. First Pieces for Classical Guitar

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First Pieces for Classical Guitar: Master twenty beautiful classical guitar studies (Learn how to play classical guitar)

• Thorpe, Rob (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 80 Pages – 02/05/2018 (Publication Date) – www.fundamental-changes.com (Publisher)

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This book is almost a combination literature/method book. “Almost” because it doesn’t teach technique. It presents 20 arrangements of familiar guitar pieces written out in standard musical notation and in tablature. 

The draw here (for some) will be the ability to learn some classical guitar pieces without learning to read music. If that’s a goal, this book will help. But for learning to read music and for picking up technique, this is not the book you’re looking for.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

That’s it for our list of good classical guitar books, we hope you found it helpful in choosing which one to go for.

If you’re in a hurry and just want the best, while none of the methods books on this list are bad, we’d say go with Christopher Parkening Guitar book.

You’ll learn most of what you need to become a beginning classical player from all of them. But since Christopher Parkening is the reigning king of classical guitar, learning directly from him is a good idea.

The photo illustrations are first-rate, too – there’s little room for misinterpreting any instructions about how this or that technique works.

Suppose Parkening just isn’t your cup of tea. In that case, again, any of these books are quality materials, but “Solo Guitar Playing – Book 1” (#4 on the list) is a great one for picking up lots of ideas and instruction on musicality in addition to learning the instrument.

As far as the repertoire books go, the Beatles book is a lot of fun and could come in handy if you’re playing a solo gig somewhere. But if you’re after classic literature for the classical guitar, “The Classical Guitar Compendium” is outstanding. It contains all the staples of the classical guitar repertoire, so you can’t go wrong with that.

Many rep books have a bunch of Bach and a Spanish piece, and that’s all. This book contains music from several different periods and many different composers, so you’re sure to find something in there that you love playing.

The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method – Volume 1: Guitar Technique

• Premier Method for Beginning Classical Guitarists
• Learn to Play Over 50 Beautiful Classical Pieces
• Includes 26 Exercises and 14 Duets

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They all served as inspiration for those who have come and will come after their career has ended. With unique voices, accolades, and notable achievements to prove their impact, here is our list of 19 of the greatest and most famous black female singers. Let’s get started.

Related: Check out our list of the greatest black singers here.

1. Whitney Houston

Up first, Whitney Houston, sometimes called the Voice, was and will always be one of the greatest and most influential black female singers of all time.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) deemed Houston the best-selling female artist of the 20th century in the R&B genre. With over 200 million record sales, she is undoubtedly in a league of her own.

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “I Will Always Love You” are two of her most popular songs. Her two albums, Whitney Houston and Whitney, released in 1985 and 1987, respectively, each went to #1 on the Billboard 200. 

She has eight Grammy Awards (1986–2013), two Emmys, 14 World Music Awards, and much more. Houston will always be remembered as a legend with a powerful and soulful voice that moved the masses.

Related: To find other singers like Whitney, see our post on the best female singers of all time here.

2. Aretha Franklin

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin certainly left her imprint on the world with her vocal range and ability to capture the crowd when she sang. She is consistently cited as being in the top ten for the 100 greatest singers ever.

She started her career at 18 but found mainstream success in 1966. Some of her most notable singles are “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).”

Altogether, Franklin has won 18 Grammy Awards (1968–2008), sold 75 million records, recorded 112 singles, and was the first female artist to get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

3. Beyoncé

Beyoncé Knowles, or Queen Bey as many of her fans call her, became popular in the ’90s singing lead for Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling and most notable girl groups in history.

When the group stopped recording for a few years, Knowles released her debut album in 2003, Dangerously in Love. Since then, she has sold 120 million records worldwide and is the first female artist to have six of her albums reach #1 on the Billboard 200.

Knowles has 28 Grammy Awards (2001–2021), 31 BET Awards, and 26 MTV Music Video Awards to name just a few—because, yes, there are so many!—accolades that have placed her in the upper echelon of female singers of the previous two decades.

4. Toni Braxton

Our third singer, Toni Braxton, started out singing with her sisters during the ’80s in a group called “The Braxtons.” After she left the group in 1991, she started a solo career.

Braxton released her eponymous solo debut album in 1993. It reached #1 on the Billboard 200, and she earned three Grammy Awards after it sold more than 10 million copies internationally. She has sold more than 70 million records to date. 

Industry experts describe Braxton’s voice as versatile because of its elegance yet husky and deep tone. One of her most popular songs where her contralto voice gets showcased is her hit single “Un-Break My Heart” (1996), which was #1 for 11 weeks on the Billboard 100.

Braxton has received seven Grammys (1994–2015), nine Billboard Music Awards, and seven American Music Awards, and in 2011, she was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame.

5. Mariah Carey

Songbird Supreme Mariah Carey has one of the most intricate voices of all time. Often compared to Whitney Houston, everyone is enamored with Carey’s long vocal runs, five-octave range, and her signature whistle register.

In 1990, when she released her self-titled album, it was clear that she was special. She was the only singer to have her first five consecutive singles become #1 on the Billboard 100. 

Additionally, Carey has multiple accolades, such as the most #1 hits from a solo artist, and she has sold over 220 million records globally. From the start of her career to present, she has garnered 5 Grammy Awards (1991–2006), 15 Billboard Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards, and many more.

6. Ella Fitzgerald

Known as Lady Ella, Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz singer that earned the additional moniker as the Queen of Jazz. After having her debut in 1934, she found national fame after releasing her version of “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.”

She initially started with the Chick Webb Orchestra and took over the band after Webb died. Then in 1942, she decided to launch a solo career. The song she is most known for is “Dream a Little Dream of Me.”

Fitzgerald was the most recognized jazz singer in the country for nearly fifty years, selling over 40 million records. She was also the first black woman to win a Grammy award at the inaugural show, winning a total of 14 Grammys and many other awards throughout her career.

7. Chaka Khan

Yvette Marie Stephens, or as we know her, Chaka Khan, has had an illustrious career lasting over 50 years, selling more than 70 million records. A truly gifted singer, Khan is also called the Queen of Funk for her role as lead singer in the 1970s funk band Rufus.

After Rufus, Khan released her first album, Chaka, in 1978, and it featured one of her best-selling songs, “I’m Every Woman.” Since then, she has wowed fans with music that crossed over into most music styles, including country, gospel, pop, R&B, rock, and classical.

Khan has won ten Grammys, two of those when she was a member of Rufus. She also has a BET Lifetime Achievement Award and a Soul Train Award.

8. Diana Ross

Up next, we have Diana Ross. She was originally a member of the Supremes during the ’60s, which is still considered the most accomplished female group ever. They have 12 hit singles on the Billboard 100.

Ross started her solo career in 1970. Since then, she has recorded 25 albums, with her most popular song being “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” from her self-titled album.

Since starting a career as a solo artist in 1970, she has sold over 100 million records globally and won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and eight American Music Awards.

9. Tina Turner

Queen of Rock and Roll Tina Turner gained renown as the lead singer of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Her first big break came as a member of Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm in 1957.

In 1960, she introduced herself to the world as Tina Turner with the hit song and duet “A Fool in Love.” Before disbanding the group in tandem, Ike and Turner would go on to release hits such as “Proud Mary” and “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine.” 

Tina then rebranded herself alone in the ’80s with her 1984 multi-Platinum album Private Dancer. The album won a Grammy for Record of the Year, showcasing the hit song “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” In Turner’s successful career, she has won 12 Grammys.

10. Etta James

Jamesetta Hawkins, better known by her professional name Etta James, is one of the most versatile singers. She was talented enough to delve into several genres such as R&B, gospel, rock and roll, jazz, and blues.

James began her musical career in 1954 and gained national fame her first album, At Last!, which was released in the late ’60s and was notable for its variety of musical styles.

The album featured classic hits, but “At Last!” would become James’s signature song, reaching #2 on the R&B chart and 47 on the Billboard Hot 100.

James went on to win three Grammys awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll and the Blues Halls of Fame.

11. Alicia Keys

Alicia Augello Cook, known by fans as Alicia Keys, is best known for being able to play the piano and sing simultaneously. Keys got signed for a record label when she was 15, but that endeavor was unsuccessful, and she got another deal later with Arista Records. 

She released her debut album, Songs in A Minor, in 2001. The album was a commercial success, and it featured “Fallin,” which was a #1 hit on the Billboard 100. The song also won the singer three Grammys, including Song of the Year.

Having sold more than 90 million records globally, Keys is regarded as one of the world’s best-selling music artists. She has landed 15 Grammys in her career and countless other awards as well.

12. Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer. An American producer discovered her and invited her to America to record demo tapes.

After releasing two relatively successful albums, her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), featured the hit single “Umbrella.” This song won Rihanna her first Grammy and launched her to global superstardom. Her next four albums set the stage for a slew of chart-topping singles.

Rihanna has released eight studio albums and sold over 250 million records worldwide. Her work has won her 9 Grammys and 12 Billboard Music Awards among many more.

13. Brandy

Brandy Norwood, who goes by the mononym Brandy, is commonly referred to as the Vocal Bible for her unique voice and intricate abilities.

She started singing as a backup in teen groups but released her eponymous debut studio album after signing with Atlantic Records in 1993. It sold six million copies, and she would continue to find commercial success during her career.

Her hit single with fellow singer Monica, “The Boy Is Mine,” is her greatest yet, topping charts in several countries, including the US. It landed her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

14. Mary J. Blige

American singer-songwriter and rapper Mary Jane Blige is regarded by many as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. She receives credit for spearheading the mix of R&B and hip hop into mainstream pop.

Bilge started her career in 1991 and released her debut album, What’s the 411?, in 1992, which was a huge success. Following this, she released 13 more studio albums. Moreover, her albums have all reached top 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.

“Not Gon’ Cry,” “Be Without You”, and “Real Love” are among Bilge’s best-known hits, helping to secure the singer 9 Grammy Awards, 10 Billboard Awards, and much more.

15. Jennifer Hudson

Singer and talk show host Jennifer “J.Hud” Hudson placed seventh on the third season of American Idol in 2004. Two years later, she starred in the movie Dreamgirls, where she demonstrated her vocal abilities with the song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

Hudson released her self-titled first album in 2008, which sold more than one million copies globally. It was certified Gold in the US and landed the singer a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

She was honored a Hollywood star on the Walk of Fame in 2013, and in 2017, she won another Grammy for the Best Musical Theatre Album for her work on “The Colors Purple.”

16. Jill Scott

Multi-talented singer-songwriter Jill Scott is known for her neo-soul musical style, citing inspiration as classical music, jazz, opera, and R&B.

Scott began her musical career in 2000 when she released her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? The album was a hit, going two-times Platinum as of 2020 and winning the singer two Lady of Soul Awards. The rest of her albums (four of them) all became top-five hits on the chart.

So far in Scott’s career, she has won four Lady of Soul Awards, three Grammys, three Soul Train Music Awards, and numerous other nominations.

17. Aaliyah

Next up, we have iconic singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton. Credited for redefining contemporary pop, R&B, and hip hop, she was also known as the Princess of R&B.

She was introduced to R. Kelly, who became her mentor, producer, and lead songwriter on her first album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. Released in 1994, the album went double Platinum.

Aaliyah was on her way to great stardom when her career and life was cut tragically short. In 2001, the plane she was on returning to the US from the Bahamas crashed and killed everyone on board.

18. Monica

Our penultimate singer, we have Monica Denise Arnold, who is one of the most influential R&B artists of the past 25 years. She sang in the gospel choir when she was young but found success upon the release of her first album Miss Thang at age 15.

Shortly after her debut, she released her best-selling album, The Boy Is Mine, in 1998. She won a Grammy for Best Duo for her performance with Brandy on the lead single of the same name.

Monica has had a successful career, selling over five million albums in the US. Based on Billboard‘s listing, she is the youngest solo artist to have two consecutive #1 Billboard hits with “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” and “Before You Walk Out of My Life.”

19. Ashanti

Lastly, we have Ashanti Douglas. This singer became a star after signing to the Murder Inc. record label in 2002.

That same year she released her self-titled debut album. It featured some of her best hit singles, like “Foolish,” “Happy,” and “Baby.” The album itself landed Ashanti a Best Contemporary R&B Album Grammy Award.

Following Ashanti, the singer released five more studio albums. The second, Chapter II, was also a huge success as it topped charts. Along with this album came Ashanti’s other big hits: “Rock wit U (Awww Baby),” “Rain on Me,” and “Breakup 2 Makeup (Remix).”

Summing Up Our List Of Famous Black Female Vocalists

The phenomenal black female singers on the list have the extraordinary ability to touch people worldwide with their voices. Having made their mark on the world, these women continue to be iconic and leave us with some of the best songs of the century.

However, there wouldn’t be enough room to list all the amazing women that should be on this post. Who do you think we missed off? Let us know and we’ll add them in!

But who are the most influential guitarists of all time? We have compiled a list of 28 of the greatest and most famous guitar players, spanning from jazz and folk to hard rock and heavy metal. Read on to learn about them.

1. Brian May (Queen)

First on our list is Brian May, one of the founding members of the iconic band Queen. He holds a spot as one of the most influential and well-known guitarists, songwriters, and performers of all time. 

Currently, May continues to grace the rock world alongside Adam Lambert and drummer Roger Taylor.

On top of all his talents in shredding the guitar, he has also earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics and has set up multiple animal rights campaigns. 

2. Jimi Hendrix

Born Johnny Allen Hendrix, Jimi Hendrix was a legendary electric guitarist and one of the most prominent figures in music history. He got his first acoustic guitar from his father, and soon after, he joined his first musical group, the Velvetones.

Unlike other guitarists who use the barre chord fretting style, Hendrix often preferred to use his thumb to fret the low sixth string root notes. Hendrix was also fond of overdriving amplifiers, helping to develop the guitar amplifier feedback technique.

You can hear Hendrix’s style among his popular hits like “All Along the Watchtower” and “Purple Haze.” Even after his tragic death in 1970, his music still brings together a swirl of rock, blues, and jazz to the music world.

Related: For more like Hendrix, check out our great blues guitar players post here.

3. Jimmy Page (Led Zepplin)

Next on our list is world-renowned guitarist, songwriter, and producer Jimmy Page. He founded one of the most influential rock bands to ever exist: Led Zeppelin.

Page loved creating riffs and often was seen playing the guitar with a cello bow. His music style introduced an early genre of hard rock and electric blues with sparks of folk and acoustics.

He and Led Zeppelin set the stage for many rock-and-roll musicians that came after them. This innovative group would go on to sell over 200 million records and produce ground-shaking hits like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Whole Lotta Love.” 

4. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)

Co-founder of the popular rock band Van Halen is Eddie Van Halen himself, leading songwriter and guitarist the group. He was born in the Netherlands, but his family soon moved to Pasadena, California, where he and his brother took music lessons. They soon ditched the classics and turned toward the rock genre.

The brothers created Van Halen band in 1974, and they continued to soar in popularity and release albums with their ensemble hard rock sound well into the 2000s and 2010s. 

Eddie Van Halen’s earth-rocking success came with popularizing tapping on the guitar. This involves using both hands on the fretboard, as seen during his instrumental solo on “Eruption.” He even patented a support for the guitar to allow him to tap with the instrument facing upward.

5. Eric Clapton

Number two in Rolling Stone‘s 100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time, we have Eric Clapton. His music career took off in the 1960s as he strummed his instrument of choice with rock bands Cream, the Bluesbreakers, and the Yardbirds.

He soon left those bands to pursue his true passion for rock and roll with a touch of poetic ballads. He was initially reluctant to go into the spotlight, but his eventual solo career marked him as one of the best guitarists and musicians in the rock genre.

Clapton’s diverse playing style is evident in all his songs, from the rock-and-roll anthem “Layla” to the heart-tugging ballad “Tears in Heaven,” the latter of which is his best-selling single in the US with over 2.8 million sold.

6. Jeff Beck

Grammy award-winning guitarist Jeff Beck had similar styles as fellow guitarists Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, although he never reached their pinnacle of success. 

He replaced Clapton as the lead guitarist of the Yardbirds and stayed for two years. His next music venture featured many attempts at forming bands and trios. Later, he found success with the pop-rock album Flash, featuring hit singles “People Get Ready” and “Escape.”

Over the years, Beck continued to take long breaks punctuated with successful collaborations with musicians and a Grammy-winning album, Emotion & Commotion. 

7. Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Dubbed the Godmother of Rock and Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was one of the earliest pioneers of gospel rock and planted the seed for many other musicians to come.

Tharpe’s playing style incorporated blues and jazz into her sound. She became the first gospel artist to record at Decca Records, and she also performed beside other jazz singers, despite public disapproval. 

Tharpe continued to produce soul music throughout the 1960s and 1970s, coming out with her most famous hit “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” which was deemed as the first rock-and-roll record ever. 

8. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) David Gilmour is a renowned songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist for the rock band Pink Floyd. His skill on the guitar positioned him as one of the greats. 

Gilmour’s solo career was just as successful as his band’s, with three albums topping the UK charts. He received life achievement awards and had world tours that sold out arenas.

9. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple)

Not many guitarists can play a riff like Ritchie Blackmore. His energetic guitar riffs and heavy metal rock sound arguably deem him one of the leading rock guitarists ever. 

His on-and-off relationship with Rainbow resulted in a reunion with Deep Purple after they had parted, where he produced the iconic hit “Smoke on the Water” and seven albums that went Gold.

He and his Deep Purple bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a tribute to his domination and influence of the rock genre.

10. Alex Lifeson

Aleksandar Živojinović, OC, famously known as Alex Lifeson, is a Canadian musician, guitarist, and record producer. He is also band member of the Canadian rock band Rush. 

He received his first guitar at 13, and from there, his interest and talent for music blossomed. His Rush bandmates deemed him as “the Musical Scientist” for his iconic riffs, talent with numerous stringed instruments, and revolutionary chords. 

With Rush, Lifeson contributed stellar riffs to their most famous hit “Tom Sawyer” and true rock-and-roll albums Clockwork Angels and Signals. 

His instrumental talent led to a third-place spot among Guitar World’s reader poll for best guitarists of all time and gave him a place in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

11. Slash (Guns N’ Roses)

Born Saul Hudson, Slash is one of the most powerfully iconic rock stars in the world. Called the Riff Lord, he is famously known as the lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses in the 1980s and 1990s. 

Guns N’ Roses became the anthem for American hard rock, producing the wickedly good hits “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine”; the introductory riff of the latter became #1 on Total Guitar‘s 100 Greatest Riffs list. Both songs are still sung today with the same passion and nostalgia as before. 

Hudson went on a hiatus from GNR, forming Slash’s Snakepit. He released a couple of bluesy records and made collaborations with Myles Kennedy, another rock musician. 

GNR eventually reunited and went on tour again in 2016.

12. Carlos Santana

Carlos Augusto Santana Alves, known professionally as Carlos Santana, is a Mexican-American guitarist and performer known for his early genre-defying work fusing classic rock and Latin American Jazz. His trademark playing style are the trills in his melodies.

He began his musical journey with the violin, picking up the guitar a few years later. He founded the popular band Santana, which made a career-defining performance at Woodstock in 1969.

He and the band made chart-topping albums Abraxas and Santana, both of which made Billboard’s top 10, and Supernatural, a major comeback album in the 1990s, which won Grammys and topped the charts once again.

13. Lita Ford

One can find the definition of a female rock star in Lita Ford. As a guitarist, her style is characterized by belting lyrics, heavy metal chords, and electrifying riffs that challenged the male-dominated genre. 

She was a member of the all-female rock band the Runaways, but she also embarked on an equally successful solo career. 

Her first album to propel her to success was Lita, with top hits “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Close My Eyes Forever,” featuring rock star Ozzy Osbourne. 

Her long run with pop metal brought her to the surface as an influential guitarist, and her rebellious, assertive on-stage presence gave other female musicians an idol to follow. 

14. Mark Knopfler

It was not just the Americans and the Brits that produced the world’s greatest guitarists. Out of Scotland came Mark Knopfler, a singer-songwriter and guitarist that blended his Scottish sound with the folk-pop genre. 

His early success was attributed to his finger-picking style and genius creations with the band Dire Straits. They produced a best-selling album, Brothers in Arms, among other hit singles like “Sultans of Swing.”

He went on to compose music for soundtracks, including Scottish comedy Local Hero, and played the guitar for musicians like Tina Turner and Bob Dylan, earning him the global recognition and image of one of the greatest to ever string the guitar.

15. Angus & Malcolm Young (AC/DC)

Angus and Malcolm Young are song-writing and guitar-playing siblings, most notable for their American rock band AC/DC. The siblings were known for their electrifying performances and rough riffs that defined the heavy rock genre.

Malcolm was the rhythm guitarist for the group, while Angus was their lead. Their time with AC/DC delivered ground-breaking hits like “Back in Black,” “Highway to Hell,” and “Thunderstruck.”

Although Malcolm has since passed, he and his younger brother’s sound set the rock-and-roll world in motion and gave way to a heavier side of rock music. 

16. Gary Moore

With hits like “Parisienne Walkways,” Moore developed a reputation for virtuoso guitar performances. A left-handed man who learned to use the guitar with the right hand, Moore could play any style of music, from aggressive vibrato to melodic tones.

Throughout his career, he stuck with a heavy metal influence but dutifully returned to more bluesy interests, releasing his most successful album ever, Still Got the Blues in 1990.

17. Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

Next up, we have Billy Gibbons, an American guitarist and songwriter most associated with the blues-rock band ZZ Top, formed in 1969.

ZZ Top released five albums before a three-year split. They eventually reunited, changing their sound to mimic the rise in modern, electronic rock and producing hits like “Legs” and “Give Me All Your Lovin’.” 

After a failed album, Gibbons went solo. From there, he contributed successful records with Big Bad Blues (2018) and Hardware (2021), placing him up among the most rockish and grittiest of guitarists.

18. Duane Allman (Allman Brothers Band)

The guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman, had a short but brilliant career. He bought his first guitar after he traded in the parts of his motorcycle, and soon after, he and his brother played gigs around Florida.

It would be a few years before Atlantic Records came calling with a contract offer. With Atlantic, the Allman Brothers Band found their sound in the southern blues-rock genre. They released Idlewild South and a double album, all of which hit the top charts and propelled them to the front of Southern rock.

Allman slide guitar playing style is well-known, as well as his improvisation skills. Sadly, he passed away in a motorcycle accident in 1971. He was only 24. For his influence as a guitarist, Rolling Stone ranked him #2 in their list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

19. Joe Walsh (The Eagles)

American guitarist Joe Walsh decided on his career at a young age. Inspired by the Beatles, he started playing in a local band in New Jersey. However, he is recognized for his work with the Eagles and Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Walsh formed part of the unlikely trio Joe and the James Gang, who achieved hits with “Funk #49” and “Walk Away,” as well as the golden album James Gang Rides Again (1970).

He impulsively left the band after a creative music crisis. During his solo journey, he created “Rocky Mountain Way,” which showed his guitar prowess. Then in 1975, he joined the Eagles, where he solidified his spot as one of the world’s greatest rock guitarists.

Hotel California is the Eagle’s album where Walsh is first featured. The album topped Billboard‘s Top LP and Tapes chart, and the title track, where Walsh and Don Henley performed a guitar duet, received a Grammy for Record of the Year.

20. Joni Mitchell

Born Roberta Joan Anderson, Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose influence in the pop-rock scene established her as the yang to Bob Dylan’s ying. 

She started playing wherever she could, leading to the release of her EP Songs to a Seagull, released in 1967, which was the first of hers to sell over a million copies. 

Mitchell has described her music as a sound meant to last a lifetime rather than to “grab instantly.” As an artist, Mitchell never confined herself to a single genre. Rather, she experimented with what she felt was right and worth singing. 

21. Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)

Like many great guitarists, Keith Richards found his way to success with a band that reached the epitome of rock and roll. As a musician and songwriter, he is most notable for his edgy guitar contributions to the Rolling Stones. 

His wild image, original sound, and experimentation with outlandish tastes made him an integral part of the Rolling Stones and rock-and-roll legend. 

With their commitment to blues and rock, they released hit songs like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black,” which took them to new musical heights. 

22. Pat Metheny

Our next guitarist is considered one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. Pat Metheny‘s career has centered around the blending of contemporary, guitar, and Latin jazz. 

Born into a musical family, Metheny started playing guitar at just 12 years of age. He soon found himself working with the best jazz musicians of Kansas. 

Metheny’s music served as a trailblazing phenomenon that showcased his versatility, originality, and improvisation skills on the strings. Over his career, he has produced three gold albums and been awarded over 20 Grammys as a soloist and with his band, the Pat Metheny Group. 

23. Frank Zappa

American musician, composer, and guitarist Frank Zappa was an notable for his free use of jazz, rock, and experimental musical tastes. 

Most of his music presented a controversial edge, upsetting many mainstream traditions and calling attention to political and social issues in the US. 

For his solo works featuring his passion for jazz and rock, Zappa was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

24. Elizabeth Cotten

Before embracing the guitar, Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten played the banjo in her early years. As one of the earliest pioneers of folk and blues, Cotten paved the way for generations of guitarists. 

When she transitioned to her brother’s guitar, Cotten learned to play left-handed, contributing to a distinctive style.

She abandoned her instrumental talent later in life but returned when her employers discovered her finger-picking style. In 1958, Cotten released her debut album, LP Folksongs and Instrumentals. 

Over the decades, she built up a strong following, particularly with her hit song “Freight Train,” second successful album Shake Sugaree, and acclaimed live performances. 

25. George Harrison (The Beatles)

Next on our list is George Harrison. He was a British musician and talented lead guitarist with the Beatles, whose iconic impact on music and popular culture in the 1960s and 1970s endures to this day. 

Born in Liverpool, Harrison showcased a remarkable talent for writing and played a big role in producing many of the Beatles’ biggest hits. While Beatlemania was sweeping across the world, he and the band created timeless hits like “Hey Jude,” “Penny Lane,” and “All You Need Is Love.” 

Throughout his career, Harrison experimented with multiple instruments, from his faithful electric guitar to the sitar, violin, and even the glockenspiel.

After the group broke up, Harrison forged a successful solo career—filled with hits like “My Sweet Lord” and “Got My Mind Set on You”—and formed part of the superband the Traveling Wilburys. 

26. Pete Townshend (The Who)

English musician, songwriter, and guitarist Pete Townshend rose to fame with the rock band the Who. Not only that, he made influential appearances in Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band.  

His onstage performances and signature windmill style made him a popular member of the band. Their music coined hits like “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “I Can See For Miles.”

As one of the guitar-playing greats, he also found success in his solo career, releasing popular albums Who Came First (1972) and Psychoderelict (1993). 

27. Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac)

Guitarist, rock performer, and songwriter Lindsey Buckingham contributed to the success of the popular band Fleetwood Mac. Through the seventies and eighties, he and the band ruled the rock music scene, releasing chart-topping albums Tusk and Rumours with popular hits like “Dreams” and “Rhiannon.”

Buckingham made off-and-on appearances with Fleetwood Mac until he finally reunited for good in the late 1990s. Despite their continued success, he released many solo projects, including the top-10 hit Law and Order.

Like Jeff Beck earlier in this list, Buckingham did not use a plectrum to play. He preferred to use his fingers and fingernails to pluck at the strings, and then strummed with his middle and ring fingers. He credited this style to Scotty Moore and Chet Atkins, both of who used the pick as well as strummed with their fingers when they played.

28. Steve Howe (Yes)

Lastly, we have Steve Howe, who is a renowned musician and rock guitarist of the sixties and seventies and performed with rock bands Yes, Asia, Tomorrow, and GTR. 

He enjoyed particular success with the progressive and popular band Yes, whose number-one hit “Roundabout” spoke largely of their fusion of jazz and rock.

His formation of the rock supergroup Asia brought him even further into the limelight. However, he eventually rejoined Yes on reunion tours while also releasing solo projects.

In 1981, he was added into the Guitar Player Hall of Fame, being the first rock guitar player to be inducted. He was also voted five years in a role Best Overall Guitarist in the magazine.

Summing Up Our List Of Great Guitarists

Most of the guitarists are from varying genres, from folk and pop-rock to classical jazz and heavy metal. 

Pioneers like Elizabeth Cotton and heavy metal rockers like Slash and Lita Ford paved the way for the guitar to establish itself as an instrument beloved by all. 

Even if you don’t pick up the guitar and start learning its chords, you can appreciate its sound the next time you listen to an AC/DC song!

There are so many questions, like what size is best, what type of strings, and how much you should spend.

But don’t worry, as we’ve put together this post to help make it easier to know what you need. In the buyer’s guide section, you will find a list of important features to look for when buying an acoustic guitar for kids.

After that, we review what we think are the eight best acoustic guitars for kids on the market in 2025 so that you can learn about what is out there before making your purchase! Let’s get started.

Quick Answer: The Best Acoustic Guitars For Children

• 1. Loog Pro Acoustic Guitar Guitar
• 2. Yamaha JR1 Acoustic Guitar for Children
• 3. Taylor Taylor Swift Signature Acoustic Guitar for Kids
• 4. Martin LX1 Little Martin Children’s Acoustic Guitar
• 5. Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar for a Child
• 6. Yamaha APXT2 Acoustic Guitar for Kids
• 7. Luna Aurora Borealis Acoustic Guitar for Kids
• 8. Hohner HAG250P Acoustic Guitar for Kids

How To Choose A Kid’s Acoustic Guitar: A Buyer’s Guide

Before we get to our reviews of different acoustic guitars suitable for children, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know when selecting an acoustic guitar for children.

We’ll discuss things like finding out what size and type of strings and the different price points are before you make your purchase!

How old Should a child be when they Learn to Play the Guitar?

Before we look at the different factors and important features, it’s worth talking about whether your child is ready to start playing guitar.

Knowing when to start your child on the guitar can be a difficult task for any parent as the answer is different depending on a number of different factors.

Things like their personality, motor skill level, what type of learner they might be (visual or auditory), how big their hands are and if they can reach the fretboard comfortably all affect when you might want to start your child on the guitar.

While there are always exceptions of child prodigies who start when they’re 2 years old, realistically, the youngest age that someone should really be learning is about six years old.

Again, this isn’t a hard and fast rule as you could start your child younger than this, but they may need more help with coordination.

Types of Acoustic Guitars Suitable For Kids

The first decision when it comes to which acoustic guitar to buy is whether you want to get them an acoustic steel-string guitar or classical nylon string guitar.

Although they might look very similar, their differences are quite large, and it will affect a lot of your child’s learning experience.

Classical Guitars

Classical guitars are a very good option for kids as a first guitar for several reasons.

The first is their strings which are nylon instead of metal. This is a much easier material to use when first learning and can help you avoid some issues with calluses on your fingers if the strings are too hard for young hands.

Then you have the size of the body of the guitar, which is generally a bit smaller than an acoustic steel-string guitar. This is a good thing when it comes to kids who are younger and will need something easier for their smaller bodies but also have the ability be played by adults without any issues.

Another good reason to start them out on the classical is the spacing between the strings. Classical guitars have wider fretboards which means it is easier for beginners to play notes as they are more spaced out.

Steel String Acoustic Guitar

Despite classical guitars generally being more suitable, it doesn’t mean they have to start out on them.

Steel-string acoustic guitars are also very popular, especially with slightly older kids, as you’re probably going to be playing more chords and learning songs as opposed to the fingerpicking style of classical guitars.

They do tend to be bigger, so make sure to not get a full-size one as they will struggle to hold it if they’re smaller.

Guitalele

Another option worth looking at is the Guitaleles. These are a good option for kids or anyone who want to learn how the strings and chords work without having such an intimidating instrument in front of them, as it is a lot much smaller than standard guitars.

Unlike ukeleles which have four strings, guitaleles have six strings and are also tuned like guitars instead of ukeleles. They usually have nylon strings too, so are essentially a 1/4 size classical guitar making them a good option for really young kids.

What Size Guitar Is Best For Kids?

Size is another important consideration when it comes to getting a guitar for your child. Most guitars are big and bulky, meaning that they may not be comfortable carrying them around or playing the instrument if their fingers can’t reach the notes.

Guitars come in a few different sizes, which are: 1/4 size, 1/2 size, 3/4 size, and full size.

• For a small child, 3 to 6 years old, a 1/2 size guitar with a scale length of 20.5 inches is ideal
• For a medium-sized child, 7 to 12 years old, a 3/4 size guitar with a scale length of 22.75 inches is ideal
• For a big kid or teenager, 13 years or older, a full-size guitar with a scale length of 24.75 inches or 25.5 inches is ideal

You want to make ensure that their arm and shoulder fit comfortably around the body of the guitar. They should also be able to reach the end of the neck with their opposite hand.

Budget

As with everything in life, a big factor that affects which one you buy is the cost, and that, of course, includes acoustic guitars. It’s always worth looking at options if a few different price ranges to see what extra features you get when spending a little more.

Thankfully acoustic guitars for kids won’t set you back too much, and most, if not all, the guitars on our list are under $500.

We’d recommend spending at least a couple of hundred and trying to avoid the sub $100 guitars as these won’t last very long and don’t tend to be good quality.

Even if you don’t think your child will stick with the guitar, you’ll be able to sell on a good quality guitar and get a good chunk of your money back, but that’s a lot more unlikely with the budget models.

Best Acoustic Guitars for Children Reviews

Now that we’ve covered some of the important things you should be looking for and hopefully answered some of your questions, it’s time to look at some guitars. Here are our favorite acoustic guitars for children.

1. Loog Pro IV Acoustic Kid’s Guitar

Loog Pro Acoustic kids Guitar 3-strings Ages 6+ Learning App and Lessons Included Black

• The perfect acoustic guitar for children ages 6+.
• Award-wining 3-string design allows for an easier and faster learning process. With the Loog Pro Acoustic guitar, kids can play music on day one,...
• Approved by educators: Learn on a Loog, play any guitar.

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First, we have the Loog Pro Acoustic Guitar, which is the absolute most fun and easy guitar you can get for your kid. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up, but it’s a great starter guitar for toddlers as well.

That’s because it’s small, lightweight, and compact, plus it only has three strings. This allows them to get used to the movement of strumming and pressing down on the fretboard without overcomplicating things with big bulky guitars or hard-to-play strings.

Check out this video to get a better idea of what we mean.

Along with the Loog App and the Loog Flashcards that come with it, it will boost your child’s sense of accomplishment and bring forward their creative side.

All in all, a highly recommended first guitar for any child from a great brand.

2. Yamaha JR1 Acoustic Guitar for Children

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Next up, we have the Yamaha JR1, which was designed specifically for kids who are learning to play the guitar. It’s a 3/4-scale acoustic with the same dreadnought shape, just smaller.

This model has a spruce top and meranti back and sides, and because the top is laminated, it doesn’t require as much upkeep as a solid top guitar would. Ideal for kids!

A nato neck and rosewood bridge complete the design of this durable, fully-functional guitar.

Considering its size, the JR1 produces a surprisingly high level of volume. You will notice warm lows and fantastic dynamic responses. While it can’t compete with a full-sized guitar, the Yamaha JR1 is the perfect 3/4-scale guitar for kids or beginner guitarists.

3. Taylor Taylor Swift Signature Acoustic Guitar for Kids

Taylor TSBT-e Taylor Swift Baby Taylor - Natural

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Anyone who knows anything about music should recognize the name, Taylor Swift. The famous singer not only put her name to a guitar but influenced the design of one: the Taylor Swift Signature, also known as the Baby Taylor. Taylor has used this exact model from songwriting since she was 16 years old.

The Taylor Swift Signature has a smaller scale that makes it a great travel guitar as well as one that is the perfect size for children.

The Baby Taylor features an X-braced solid Sitka spruce top with laminated dark sapele back and sides. The top includes artwork that reads ‘Love, Love, Love’ around the soundhole, as well as Taylor’s signature right above the bridge.

Because the Baby Taylor is a compact guitar, it won’t impress you in terms of volume, but its voice is surprisingly good. The construction results in a well-balanced sound with a warm, rustic tone. This guitar may not be the best choice for kids with no experience who are experimenting with guitars, but it’s a great option for young, inspired guitarists.

4. Martin LX1 Little Martin Children’s Acoustic Guitar

Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar

• Mahogany pattern HPL (high pressure laminate) textured finish, solid sitka spruce top
• Rust Stratabond neck, shortened 3/4 scale
• Chrome small-knob tuners. Tusq saddle.

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The LX1 Little Martin is one of the most popular acoustic guitars for children who want to develop their skills. This model is one of the best small acoustics available today regarding sound, quality, and construction. And it’s surprisingly affordable for an authentic Martin made in Mexico.

The LX1 Little Martin is the smallest guitar Martin makes. The non-cutaway concert body features a solid Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) mahogany back and sides. The neck is made with rust birch laminate, adding a bit of flair to the aesthetic while making the guitar more comfortable to play.

In terms of sound, the LX1 Little Martin is well-balanced, warm, and appropriate for its size. This model is perfect for small hands or traveling guitarists who want a compact guitar to take on the go.

5. Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar for a Child

Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar Black

• Smaller body style ideal for kids
• Maple neck, 3/4 scale
• Rosewood fretboard

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For $60, most people wouldn’t expect much from an acoustic guitar. But the Rogue Starter has done a pretty great job at going above and beyond expectations. At its core, the Rogue Starter is a beautiful, playable guitar perfect for kids.

The sunburst finish is aesthetically pleasing, and the maple neck allows for comfortable, easy play. Surprisingly, for such a reasonably priced guitar, the Rogue Starter boasts surprisingly good sound quality.

The Rogue Starter is arguably one of the top budget options out there, especially for amateur guitarists.

6. Yamaha APXT2 Acoustic Guitar for Kids

Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black

• Spruce Top
• Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge
• System 68 Pick-Up

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The APXT2 is the smaller-scaled version of Yamaha’s best-selling electro-acoustic guitar: the APX500II. The APXT2 is continuously recognized as one of the best acoustic guitars for players with small hands.

The smaller size of the APXT2 makes it particularly comfortable in the hands of young guitarists. But even more experienced players will appreciate the bright, natural sound and volume.

7. Luna Aurora Borealis Acoustic Guitar for Kids

Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4-Size Acoustic Guitar - Teal Pearl

• Body: Basswood
• Top: Basswood
• Pearloid Knobs

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The compact Aurora Borealis by Luna was designed with children in mind and the dramatic aesthetics successfully grab the attention of wide-eyed youngsters from the get-go.

Regardless of the finish you choose, Pink Perl, Teal Sparkle, White Sparkle, or Black Pearl, you’ll easily be able to notice the glitter incorporated into each one. The unique design is made even more attractive with noticeable moon-themed features, including moon phase fret markers and a moon shape around the soundhole.

But you shouldn’t consider the Aurora Borealis as an acoustic guitar for your child just because of how it looks. You should also take into consideration that it produces a sound that is clear and bright but not too tinny.

This durable yet conveniently-sized acoustic guitar is perfect for a child who is eager to become the next great guitarist.

8. Hohner HAG250P Acoustic Guitar for Kids

HOHNER 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right Handed, Natural (HAG250P)

• Sturdy Build Quaility
• Easy Playablity with Nylon Strings
• 1/2 Sized Classical Guitar

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The Hohner HAG250P is considered 1/2 sized, making it ideal for kids. This smaller acoustic guitar is one of the most popular classical guitars for children between the ages of five and eight, and parents especially fancy the price.

The HAG250P’s nylon strings are ideal for beginner’s fingers. Despite being mass-produced, this acoustic is sturdy yet light. The projection and tone are clear and suitable for beginners. For such a low price, the Hohner HAG250P is a great acoustic guitar for children who want to learn how to play.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Go For?

That’s it for our guide to buying an acoustic guitar for kids, we hope you found it helpful.

Just remember to get something that’s not too big for them and that they can sit with comfortably.

But more important than anything is practice. Make sure they practice!

If you’re still on the fence about which acoustic guitar to go for, it really is a no-brainer. The Loog Pro Acoustic Guitar for kids is miles better than the competition.

The high-quality build, great sound, lightweight, good looking, and of course, affordable price all make it a really good option, and on that, every child, no matter their age, will love playing.

For more information and the best price, click the link below.

This article aims to help explain all the different types of guitar strings, their unique features, and how they affect the sound and feel of the guitar they’re on.

In addition to standard 6-string guitars, this information will generally apply to 12-string, 7-string, bass, or any other type of guitar you may have!

What Are Guitar Strings Made From?

When looking for new guitar strings, the first and most important thing to consider is the material that they are made of. In fact, guitar strings which are not made out of the appropriate material may not be compatible with your guitar!

String materials can be divided into three broad categories depending on if they are for electric, acoustic, or classical guitars.

In addition, different materials within those categories can affect the sound and feel of strings, even if they’re made for the same type of guitar.

Electric Guitar String Types

Electric guitar strings must be made of metal in order for the guitar’s pickups to transmit vibrations to an electrical signal. In general, electric guitar strings are made of steel, with the three lowest strings being plated in nickel. 

Nickel

Nickel-plated electric guitar strings are by far the most common, and they provide a good balance of warmth and brightness while being able to stand out from other instruments.

For those seeking a warmer tone, such as jazz guitarists, pure (unplated) nickel strings may be an appropriate option. Pure nickel strings provide a warm, round tone and vintage sound without too much high-end harshness.

Steel

If you’re looking for a more aggressive tone, pure steel strings are a good bet. Pure steel provides a very bright tone with lots of high frequencies and sustain.

As a bonus, pure steel strings are the most resistant to corrosion and last the longest. Metal and rock players may wish to look into this type of string!

Some electric guitar strings are made out of other metals, such as cobalt, titanium, and copper, but those are hard to find, expensive, and used by far fewer players.

Acoustic Guitar String Types

Acoustic strings also have steel cores but are plated with different metals.

The three most popular options for acoustic guitars are brass (commonly called bronze or 80/20 bronze), phosphor bronze, and compound strings.

Brass, bronze, or 80/20 bronze strings are made from 80% copper and 20% zinc. This is probably the most popular option, and they provide a bright, clean sound.

Unfortunately, the metal corrodes quickly and the sound can deteriorate after just a few hours of playing.

Phosphor bronze strings aim to increase the string life of brass strings by adding a phosphor component to prevent string oxidation. This gives the strings more stability and robustness at the cost of a slightly mellower tone and less brightness. 

If you’re constantly gigging, that trade-off is most likely well worth it!

The final type of acoustic guitar strings are called compound strings or silk and steel strings. These are metal-wound nylon or silk strings. The softer core of nylon or silk results in lower string tension and a gentle sound with less high-end punch. 

Coated nylon strings are sometimes used as the bass strings on a classical guitar as well.

Classical (Nylon)

Nylon strings can be used on a regular acoustic guitar, but they are most commonly found on classical instruments because of their mellow and complex tone.

There are different types of nylon, such as rectified or black, but clear nylon and plated nylon strings are the most common. Plain nylon is used for the top three strings, while plated nylon strings are common for the lower strings.

Unlike acoustic and electric strings, nylon strings do not have ball ends and they must be hand-tied around the bridge of the guitar.

Before nylon strings, classical guitarists used to use “catgut” strings made out of the intestines of sheep or other livestock. It’s still possible to find gut strings but they are easy to break and undependable; you should be glad we don’t have to use them anymore!

Attention! While you can use nylon strings on acoustic guitars, do not use metal strings on classical guitars. Classical guitars are more lightly braced than acoustic guitars and the increased tension of steel strings could very likely rip them apart.

Guitar String Sizes

One of the most obvious characteristics of guitar strings is how big they are.

Electric and acoustic guitar strings are labeled according to string gauges while classical strings are labeled based on tension.

What is String Guage?

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing guitar strings is gauge which refers to the thickness of the string.

They come in a few different options depending on how thick they are:

• extra-light
• light
• medium
• heavy

The thinnest strings are extra light and the thickest is heavy.

But this is a general label, and actual string sizes will vary depending on the brand, set, and, most importantly, whether the strings are for an electric or an acoustic instrument (electric guitar strings run smaller than their acoustic counterparts).

Fortunately, string sets will also include the actual numerical information of how big the strings are measured in 1/1000th of an inch.

For example, let’s look at a couple possible string labels and their attached numbers.

• Extra Light [electric] – (.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042)
• Heavy [acoustic] – (.014/.018/.027/.039/.049/.059)

The numbers refer to the diameters of the strings, in inches, going from the high E string to the low E string.

So, the extra light set’s high E string has a diameter of .009 inches, while the heavy set’s high E string has a diameter of .014 inches. It might not sound like much, but that’s a really big difference and will have a noticeable impact on feel and sound!

Light vs Heavy Gauge: Which Is Better?

The debate between light and heavy gauge strings is one that has been around for many years, with no clear consensus emerging. So, which is better?

Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and what type of music you want to play.

Lighter strings are great for string bending, easy playability, and bright tone. Metal shredders and beginner players look no further!

However, light gauge strings can be more prone to breakage, and they may not hold up as well under heavy usage.

Heavy gauge strings, on the other hand, are favored by electric guitarists and those who play in heavier styles.

These strings are thicker so if you want more volume, less string breakage, big bass tone, and more sustain, heavier strings will provide all of that.

But, they require more pressure to press down so are more challenging to play, and may cause hand cramps or pain for those who are not used to them.

Tension (Classical)

Rather than being labeled as “light” or “heavy,” classical guitar strings are classified as having low, medium, or high tension.

This unit refers to the weight of tension placed on the guitar’s neck. High tension strings are louder, brighter, and have a quicker attack but are harder to play.

Low tension strings tend to have a more balanced sound and less stiffness but will not project as well.

The terms “high” and “low” tension are unstandardized and vary between brands, so be sure to check manufacturer’s websites to see exact tension weights as well as string gauges.

Attention! Heavier or larger strings, on any type of guitar, will put more tension on the guitar neck. This can cause warping or damage if a guitar is unaccustomed to that higher pressure, especially if it’s vintage or hasn’t been used in a while.

Winding Type

How the wire is wrapped around the solid core of a guitar string greatly changes the feel and sound of guitar strings. Even players who are just starting out can feel and hear the difference right away.

There are three main ways used to wrap strings: roundwound, flatwound, and half-round.  

Roundwound

Roundwound strings are by far the most widely used, versatile, available, and cheapest option for guitar strings.

These strings use round wire to wrap the inner core and that gives the strings a textured surface that makes it easy for the player to grip on to. As a result, roundwound strings are usually preferred for styles that require lots of bending, such as blues or rock.

The tone of roundwound strings also lends itself to rock, folk, and other styles of music where the guitar needs to stand out. Compared to flatwound strings, roundwound strings have a brighter sound, more sustain, and a greater upper harmonic presence.

Unfortunately, the coarse winding will lead to more string noise (which may actually be a good thing for aggressive musical styles) and slightly more wear on the frets.

Flatwound

Flatwound strings are generally preferred by jazz guitarists and other players who like a mellow, round, and warm sound. They are also the most common type of bass guitar string!

Since flatwound strings wind a flat wire around the string core they feel much smoother than roundwound strings and the player can easily glide across them. However, many players may find them too slippery, and they are harder to grip for bending.

These strings are often paired with a semi-hollow guitar and are more expensive than roundwound strings.

Half-round

Half-round strings occupy the middle ground between flat and roundwound. They are harder to play than roundwounds but have a brighter sound than flatwounds.

These strings are expensive and quite hard to find. Unless you’ve experimented extensively with both round and flatwound strings and know you’re looking for something in between the two, you probably don’t need to worry about half-round strings.

String Core

String core refers to the shape of the wire core beneath the outer winding of wound strings. There are only two different shapes, hex core, and round core.

Hex Core

Although hex cores in strings were invented after round cores they are now the industry standard and the main core shape for most guitar strings. As you can imagine, a cross-section of the wire shape beneath the outer winding is a hexagon.

Since the edges of a hexagon are sharp, these cores are great at gripping the outer wire, which makes it easy to manufacture machine-wound strings, and preventing slippage.

This dependability leads to a more consistent tone between batches. Hex core strings also tend to be stiffer and provide a brighter, more modern tone with a stronger attack than round core strings.

Round Core

Round core strings have a round wire core and are usually still wound by hand. They are a bit harder to find than hex core strings, but some players prefer the sound of round core strings.

The benefits of round core strings are a small increase in sustain, a gentler attack, and a warmer tone. These qualities attract jazz, blues, and other players looking for a mellow sound.

Be careful though as round core strings are not as consistent as those with hex cores and the outer wrapping may be more likely to slip.

Coating

Coated strings were introduced in 1997 with the goal of extending string life by coating regular guitar strings in a plastic polymer. This coating protects the strings against grime and oxidation and gives them a smooth feel with very little squeakiness, as well as making them last longer.

Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of slightly reduced brightness and sustain and a higher cost. The higher cost can be offset by the longer string life but to some the tone of coated strings does not have enough punch.

Let’s briefly compare the two styles of coating: nanoweb and polyweb.

Nanoweb

Nanoweb strings are covered in a very light polymer coating. This allows them to sound more similar to uncoated strings but the thin coating does less to extend the life of the strings.

Polyweb

Polyweb strings have a thicker polymer coating than nanoweb strings. As a result, the string life is greatly lengthened but the upper frequencies of the strings are quite muted.

For someone looking for a punchy and bright tone, polyweb strings are probably not the way to go!

In Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the many different characteristics and types of guitar strings out there.

It’s important to remember that different guitars and players respond in unique ways to different string types.

While the information in this article provides a good starting point, the only way to determine which strings you want to use is by trying some different sets and seeing what works for your instrument and playing style.

However, that exploration is all part of the fun of learning an instrument and crafting your personal sound! Happy searching!

These musicians defied the odds stacked against them in times of racial discrimination and tension. However, rather than fueling the fire, they used their musical gifts to bring peace to listeners and call attention to a better way of living. 

Here is a list of 28 of the greatest and most famous black singers of all time, ranging from classic pioneers like Aretha Franklin to R&B kings like The Weeknd. 

1. Aretha Franklin

After a ground-shaking career of musical achievements, Aretha Franklin became known as the Queen of Soul. She started performing in front of her church at an early age.

Her voice captivated listeners and ushered in the combination of soul-stopping music and defiance against injustice, and her undeniable vocal range helped her to release her first gospel album, The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin.

She sold over 75 million records worldwide, with generous amounts of chart-topping singles like “Respect” and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).”

Franklin was added to the Rock and Roll, the UK Music, and the Gospel Music Halls of Fame. In 2022, she was named by Rolling Stone the first among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

2. Prince

America’s most dazzling R&B icon arguably belongs to Prince Rogers Nelson, better known as Prince. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother a vocalist, which introduced him to the music lifestyle at an early age. 

Prince taught himself to play numerous instruments, eventually signing with Warner Records. His success afterward was greatly attributed to his album 1999 and the intensely popular soundtrack to the film Purple Rain.

From there, his erotic performances, suggestive lyrics, and chart-topping songs earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the hearts of R&B and jazz lovers.

Related: Read our list of the most famous black male singers here.

3. Whitney Houston

Sometimes called The Voice, Whitney Houston’s career had many record-breaking accomplishments, including several chart-topping singles, multi-Platinum albums, and Grammy awards. 

Gospel music served as a primary influence in her music until she caught the eyes of Clive Davis, who immediately signed her to Artista Records.

Her second album, Whitney, debuted at #1 with four hit singles, including the iconic ’80s anthem “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).” She later continued to wow in her role in the film The Bodyguard and its soundtrack, “I Will Always Love You.”

Houston’s world tours, Grammy-winning singles, and stellar acting career secured her a spot as music’s most prolific and successful female artist.

4. Michael Jackson

Like many other singers on this list, Michael Jackson’s deliverance of top hits and signature performances landed him the title of royalty: the King of Pop. 

His early career began with his family’s music group, the Jackson 5, as the lead vocalist, then he embarked on a solo career that pushed out Thriller, pop music’s top-selling album ever.

That album alone produced top hits that included the songs “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean.” His second album, Bad (1987), became even more successful with “Man in the Mirror” and “Bad.”

Despite legal disputes, financial ruin, and his death in 2009, Jackson remains a legendary pop icon today.

5. Rihanna

Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in the Barbados parish of Saint Michael, Rihanna grew up making music under the influence of her Caribbean roots.

It would not be long until her vocals and upbeat tempos would break out into the pop scene. She eventually released her debut album, Music of the Sun, in 2006, leading with the hit dance single “Pon de Replay.”

Her next few albums, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007) and ANTI (2016), skyrocketed her image to icon status in the music industry. These albums contained some of her greatest hits, like “Umbrella” and “Work.”

Rihanna’s widespread influence made her the perfect candidate for entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts on top of an acting career that is just scraping the surface. 

6. Marvin Gaye

American singer and songwriter Marvin Gaye brought authenticity, softness, and silkiness to the pop-R&B scene. As his career progressed, he combined his spiritual influence with his taste for secular themes.

He resisted the blues path and ventured down into R&B and Motown with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” that gave him the push he needed.

Then he released a string of melodic hits that combined the issues of society and the urges of sacred love in “What’s Going On” and the sensational hit “Let’s Get It On,” showing his range and passion for the world that made him the legend we all know.

Related: Check our post here for artists that sound like Marvin Gaye.

7. Beyoncé

As another dominant female force in pop music, Beyoncé, born Beyoncé Knowles, had natural talent. By the time she was seven, she was already a performer and local child prodigy, winning singing and dance competitions.

Later on, she began her music career with an all-female pop group Destiny’s Child. Through the ’90s, Destiny’s Child released hit singles “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Survivor,” becoming the best-selling all-female group of all time.

After separating from the group, Beyoncé then successfully embarked on a solo career. This proved just as record-breaking, with #1 albums, chart-toppers like “Crazy in Love” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It), and Grammy awards.

8. Jimi Hendrix

American electric guitarist legend Jimi Hendrix is one of the most influential musicians and performers in the rock genre.

Soon after receiving his first acoustic guitar from his father, he started a music group called The Velvetones. He would later switch to more duos and trios, finding success with each one.

Through the 1960s and the 1970s, he released popular hits like “All Along the Watchtower,” “Purple Haze,” and “Foxy Lady,” giving fans a taste of his bluesy riffs.

After he died in 1970, his music still brought together a satisfying sound of silky riffs and jazzy vocals to the global music scene.

Related: The most popular Sagittarius singers.

9. Mariah Carey

Known for her skillful whistle register, Mariah Carey’s mile-long list of achievements has made her one of the best-selling female artists ever to grace the music industry.

She grew up with a musical influence since her mother was an opera singer herself. Her big break came when a record producer listened to her demo tape, where he signed her to Sony Records.

Her distinct five-octave vocal range and impressive songwriting helped her produce chart-topping albums throughout the ’90s.

She produced 19 total #1 hits singles, including “Fantasy” and “Always Be My Baby,” and sold over 200 million copies of her records.

10. Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Judkins, or Stevie Wonder as we all know him, became one of America’s most iconic and prominent musicians in jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and many other genres.

Blind from a very young age, he did not let this impairment stop him from performing in his church choir or mastering multiple instruments as a child.

His undeniable talent caught the attention of Ronnie White, who helped him get an audition with Motown.

From the 1960s to the early 2000s, Wonder would defy the limitations of one genre and include societal issues in his most successful albums, Talking Book and Innervisions, and Grammy-winning creations like Songs in the Key of Life. 

11. Alicia Keys

Born Alicia Augello Cook, Alicia Keys grew up in New York, where she took piano lessons at seven and attended a prestigious performing arts school in Manhattan. 

After capturing multiple producers’ attention, she finally signed to Arista Records and then with J Records and released some of her best albums with them.

Her career would earn her a 5x Platinum debut album, Songs in a Minor (2001), multiple Grammy awards, and #1 singles like “Fallin’” and “My Boo.”

Keys continues to grace the music and film stage with a blend of soul and pop and appearances in films like Smokin’ Aces and The Secret Life of Bees and the TV series Empire.

12. Ray Charles

Despite becoming blind by age six, Ray Charles became a musical legend that eventually gave him his nickname, the Genius. 

As a boy, he learned to play multiple instruments and eventually worked in dance bands around Florida before he moved to Seattle after his parents’ death.

Charles began to mix his soul and bluesy sound with R&B and jazz to create a career that earned him global recognition and numerous Grammy awards.

Some of his best hits, like “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” topped the Billboard charts, which attested to his musical gifts, and positioned him as one of the greatest musical influences of all time.

13. Ella Fitzgerald

Like many singers, Ella Fitzgerald’s success earned her many honorary nicknames: The First Lady of Song, the Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella.

Her early life led to a rough patch after her mother died. However, an impromptu singing performance led her to decide what she would do for the rest of her life.

Throughout the 1930s, Fitzgerald would tour with the Tiny Bradshaw band, where her experimentation with scat singing ignited her popularity. Notable among her songs are “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”

Her career landed her gigs at popular jazz clubs, appearances on television shows, world tours, collaborations with Frank Sinatra, and several awards for her wondrous voice.

14. The Weeknd

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, is currently one of the most popular R&B music artists in the industry.

He was born to Ethiopian immigrants but was raised by his mother and grandmother, leading to his most used themes of escapism and life challenges in his music.

He uploaded three songs to Youtube in 2010, which soon became a part of his debut album Trilogy (2012) with the Universal Republic record label.

He would go on to release multiple top ten hits like “Earned It,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and “The Hills,” and earn multiple Grammy awards for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

15. Bob Marley

Robert Nesta Marley, better known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaican singer and songwriter, mainly known as one of the earliest pioneers and influential figures in the reggae music sector. 

At 14, he left home to pursue a career in music, eventually forming a group named the Teenagers, which would later be dubbed the Wailers. The group released Catch a Fire, which shot them to stardom outside of Jamaica. 

Marley’s most popular record, Exodus, gifted reggae lovers with classic hits like “Jamming,” “One Love,” and “Is This Love.” The lyrical message and power of his music live on, even after his tragic death in 1981.

Related: Read our post here for more famous reggae singers.

16. Lionel Richie

Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Lionel Richie became a global phenomenon with music that combined soul, R&B, and pop. He grew up in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he joined the Commodores, a Motown group that produced hits like “Three Times a Lady.”

Toward the end of the 1980s, increasing attention on Richie propelled him to embark on a solo career, which would dominate the scene with top hits like “All Night Long (All Night),” “Hello,” and “Endless Love.”

Richie has continued playing his most timeless hits in cities globally and offering his expertise to contestants on the singing show American Idol. In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame.

17. Louis Armstrong

As a New Orleans native, Louis Armstrong was no stranger to the lure of jazz music. Over five decades, he influenced generations of jazz musicians.

His music career began as the leader of Waif’s Home Brass Band. He moved on to Mississippi’s riverboats and then Chicago, where he started making music under his name.

He formed several bands—His Five, His Hot Seven, and His Allstars—which allowed him to tour in Europe and all across America.

Hits like “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!” only added to Armstrong’s sensational jazz influence that would place him as one of the greatest of all time.

18. Tina Turner

Born Annie Mae Bullock, Tina Turner became one of the powerhouse voices of soul music throughout the last half of the twentieth century.

She got her big break working as a backup vocalist for Ike Turner’s touring show, where her undeniable sound helped the band top the charts with the hit “A Fool in Love.”

Her solo career rose through the years and plateaued in the late ’80s, but not without huge hits like “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and landing a movie role in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.

Turner was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, rightfully earned through her contributions to the soul music scene, and has three songs added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

19. Nat King Cole

The soft baritone voice of Nat “King” Cole allowed him to gain recognition for his talents as a jazz performer and a multi-instrumentalist.

Cole started out playing religious music as a child but soon moved from classical tones to his most prized passion: jazz.

He formed the King Cole Trio, which soared to the top of the charts with “The Christmas Song,” “That Ain’t Right,” and “When I Fall in Love,” among many others.

Becoming the first African American to host a television series allowed King to pave the way for jazz musicians of color to make their mark in the music industry.

Related: For more like Cole, see our list of popular baritone singers here.

20. Diana Ross

Called “Female Entertainer of the Century” in 1979 by Billboard, American singer, actress, and performer Diana Ross is best known for her role in the pop trio the Supremes.

The Supremes signed on to Motown Records and produced multiple number-one singles like “Where Did Our Love Go?” In 1969, Ross left the group to go solo, embarking on an equally successful music career.

Hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Love Hangover,” and “I’m Coming Out,” along with prestigious awards, captured her performer’s essence as an R&B soul singer. This landed her a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

21. James Brown

What do Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite, and Soul Brother No. 1 have in common? They’re all one person: James Brown. This musical icon went from a poverty-stricken life in the South to an unmatched career as America’s blues, funk, and soul performer.

In the mid-1950s, Brown formed a group named the Flames, later called the Famous Flames, that produced the immediate hit “Please, Please, Please.” But after many failed singers, Brown sought to change up his sound, eventually going for a solo career.

Despite legal and criminal issues, Brown still managed to adjust to new trends, producing popular hits with his group in the 1970s and ’90s and giving audiences the ecstatic live performances he was known for.

22. B.B. King

The legendary blues musician B.B. King, born Riley B. King, has produced over 50 albums since he started recording in the 1940s. He started out performing on the streets for pocket change but then journeyed to Tennessee to focus on making it as a musician.

Alongside his beloved guitar named Lucille, he toured nationally playing his #1 hit “Three O’Clock Blues” and eventually gained enough stardom to open for the famed English rock band Rolling Stones.

King’s prominence in the blues circuit opened up the door to a career with Grammy-winning singles, hundreds of performances, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

23. John Legend

John Stephens, known as John Legend, came into the spotlight to give listeners a taste of soulful romantic ballads and exquisite piano playing.

He first began singing gospel music in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. His skill with instruments and voice made him a sought-after session musician for other artists.

Eventually, Kanye West signed Legend to his label, where he produced the LP Get Lifted, earning him his first three Grammy Awards in the R&B genre.

Legend gained more popularity with his first #1 hit, “All of Me,” from his top-ten album Love in the Future, the beginning of a string of songs that were featured in musicals and topped the charts.

24. Janet Jackson

Our next singer, Janet Jackson, is the youngest member of the Jackson family. Despite this, she became just as successful as a musician as her siblings.

Jackson’s early career started with appearances in television shows while her siblings dominated the Motown industry. With the help of her brother Michael, she released her self-titled debut album in 1982.

Her third album, Control, brought her much-needed success with over eight million copies sold and a #1 hit, “When I Think of You.” Her fourth album was equally successful, with two hit songs: “Miss You Much” and “Rhythm Nation.”

Jackson has become one of R&B’s most successful artists, with multiple #1 albums, Grammy awards, and sold-out world tours. She has a spot on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

25. Khalid

The 2010s was an era that saw many breakthrough artists rise to the surface. One of these artists was Khalid Robinson, an American R&B and pop singer-songwriter.

His debut album, American Teen (2017), became one of the best debut albums of the decade, giving him a Platinum certification and the opportunity to collaborate with major artists on the hits “Love Lies” and “Eastside.”

Khalid’s slow, ballad-like voice would define his career and help him produce songs for hit television shows and films like Love, Simon, and 13 Reasons Why. His recent release, Scenic Drive (The Tape), is another piece that captures his soul-like reminiscence of youth.

26. Usher

Some view Usher as the successor of Michael Jackson due to his performing, dancing, and singing abilities. The number of top hits and Platinum albums he’s produced over the last two decades comes very close to the King of Pop’s successes.

At 14, Usher auditioned for L.A. Reid and was offered a recording contract. He gained worldwide recognition for his first album, hurling him to the top of the R&B charts with his next Platinum hits, “Nice & Slow” and “My Way.”

Usher’s later albums, like Confessions, won him Grammy awards and a rightful place as modern R&B’s most popular artist of the 21st century.

27. Otis Redding

Although he died young, Otis Redding’s emotional tone and live performances placed him as one of soul music’s most influential musicians.

His father was diagnosed with tuberculosis in the early 1940s, causing him and his mother to work various jobs to provide for the family.

Despite difficulties, Redding still learned to play multiple instruments and was signed to Stax Records, where he spent the late 1960s recording and releasing chart-toppers like “These Arms of Mine” and “Satisfaction.”

Redding’s most popular release, “(Sittin’ On the) Dock of the Bay,” was recorded weeks before his death and sold over four million copies, securing him a place as the King of Soul.

28. Darius Rucker

Lastly, we have Darius Rucker, an American singer, and songwriter who rose to Grammy-winning status with his rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, formed in his college days in 1986.

As the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Rucker took the band to new heights with their Diamond-certified debut album, Rear View. As his sights set on country music, he accomplished four #1 albums and ten number-one singles in the country music scene.

Rucker’s philanthropic initiatives helped raise millions for children’s cancer research and other charitable causes. In addition, he continues to top the charts with his music, establishing him as one of country music’s all-time greats.

Summing Up Our List Of The Greatest Black Singers

In a time ruled by racial tension, artists like Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye sought to eliminate the barriers and encourage the world to unite.

Even when the 1980s and ’90s rolled around, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson exploded onto the music scene to deliver the most famous songs of the centuries.

And when the time came to pass the torch onto the next generation of African American stars, Usher and Rihanna gladly accepted, showing the world why their heritage is just as important as their music.

After slavery was abolished and the black population became integrated into the American people, their soulful music started leaking into the American sound in the form of jazz, R&B, reggae, rock, funk, hip-hop, Motown, and doo-wop.

And in this post, we’re going to take a look at 28 of the greatest and most famous black male singers of all time.

Related: For more posts like this, check out our list of black singers here.

1. Stevie Wonder

Starting as a child prodigy, Stevie Wonder became one of the most creative musical figures of the 20th century. He was born with retinopathy because of premature birth, which led to blindness after receiving too much oxygen in an incubator. 

This blindness did not stop him from achieving amazing success, with very few artists having had as profound an impact on popular music as Stevie Wonder.

Over the course of his more than 50-year career, Wonder has generated an incredible body of work that includes some of the most beloved songs of all time, like “Fingertips,” “Superstition,” and “Isn’t She Lovely.”

He has won 25 Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received countless other honors and accolades. Simply put, Stevie Wonder is one of the most legendary and influential figures in popular music history.

Related: Next, read our list of the greatest and most famous male singers.

2. Prince

Next up, we have Prince, who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the late 20th century. He was known for his genre-defying music, flamboyant stage presence, and frequently pushing the boundaries of gender and sexuality.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he released his debut album, For You, in 1978, which reached the top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart. He then went on to achieve mainstream success with a string of highly successful albums, including 1999, Purple Rain, and Sign o’ the Times.

Throughout his career, Prince had multiple #1 hits, including “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Kiss.” He also won seven Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. Sadly, he died from an accidental drug overdose in April of 2016.

3. James Brown

Known as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown was an icon in funk and soul music, climbing to the top in these genres with his unique vocal and musical style.

He helped to pioneer a new style of music called funk, and his electrifying live performances made him one of the most popular entertainers in the world.

Brown’s career began in the early 1950s when he recorded a series of hit singles for the R&B market. However, it was his work in the 1960s that cemented his reputation as a true innovator with hits like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”, “I Got You (I Feel Good),” and “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”

Brown continued to evolve his sound throughout his career, influencing many artists with his music, as well as his social activism.

4. Marvin Gaye

From his humble beginnings singing in his father’s church in the Moonglows to becoming known as the Prince of Motown and Prince of Soul, Marvin Gaye left a significant imprint on the music industry.

His music career kicked off in a vocal quartet, the Marquees, in the late 1950s. Then he pursued a successful solo career as a singer-songwriter, producing his protest album What’s Going On in 1971.

Being such a hit, he wanted to take more risks musically and politically. He departed from the Motown formula, paving the way and inspiring other artists to strive for uniqueness in their music styles.

His controversy was not only political. After his last tour and struggling with substance abuse and depression, he moved back into his parents’ house. He and his father had a history of violent quarrels, one of which ended in his father shooting and killing him in 1984.

5. Lionel Richie

Starting his career as a founding member of the Commodores, Lionel Richie found success as a solo artist in the R&B industry with his #1 hit single “Truly.”

He worked with other artists such as Michael Jackson, co-writing the famine relief song “We Are the World” in 1985, and Dianna Ross, singing in the duet “Endless Love.”

Aside from these, some of his biggest hits include “Hello”, “All Night Long”, and “Say You, Say Me,” which featured in the film White Nights.

Richie is still active in music in modern times. In 2018, he was named a judge in the reboot season of American Idol.

6. Ray Charles

One of the most legendary and influential figures in American music history, Ray Charles, was nicknamed the Father of Soul. His integration of gospel, pop, R&B, jazz, blues, and country pioneered the genre of soul music, creating a unique sound that captivated audiences around the world.

Born in 1930 in Georgia, he began losing his sight at the age of seven. Despite this setback, he went on to develop his musical skills, playing both piano and other instruments.

In the 1950s, he rose to prominence with a series of hit songs and continued to enjoy success throughout his career with songs like “Unchain My Heart,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Hit the Road Jack.”

As you’d expect for someone as great as Charles, he won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He died in 2004 after suffering from liver failure.

7. Nat King Cole

Born in Alabama in 1919, Nat King Cole‘s smooth and velvety voice and numerous works made him one of the most beloved and successful vocalists of his time.

He was known to blend jazz, pop, and R&B elements into his music, making his songs appealing to a wide audience. Some of his most popular and enduring hits include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” and “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You).”

Music aside, he was the first African American performer to host a television variety show, The Nat King Cole Show, which aired from 1956 to 1957. Despite facing racial discrimination and backlash, he broke barriers and paved the way for future African American artists in the entertainment industry.

Cole’s contributions to music earned him many accolades, including Best Performance by a “Top 40” Artist Grammy. In 2000, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

8. John Legend

A more contemporary artist than those we have just discussed, John Legend captured the world with “Ordinary People” back in 2005. With his soulful voice, he has become one of the most acclaimed and popular artists of his generation.

Over the years, he’s continued delivering memorable songs and albums, but the most notable is Love in the Future, in 2013, which spawned the international hit “All of Me” and received the Record of the Year Soul Train Music Award.

In addition to his solo career, Legend has made significant contributions to soundtracks. His song “Glory” features in the 2014 film Selma, which earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

9. Smokey Robinson

The King of Motown, Smokey Robinson, is credited with 4,000 songs, being second only to Berry Gordy in the sound of Motown.

He had humble beginnings growing up in a rough neighborhood in Michigan and singing in local groups. In the 1950s, he formed the Matadors, who later became the world-famous group the Miracles. In 1960, “Shop Around” became their first big hit and developed quite a following.

Robinson went solo in 1972 and has 37 top 40 hits, including “Tears of a Clown,” “Love Machine,” and “Tracks of My Tears.” He struggled with a drug addiction in the mid-1980s but later credited his recovery from substance abuse to his faith in his autobiography.

10. Sam Cooke

Called the King of Soul, Sam Cooke’s talent doesn’t disappoint. He rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the pioneering artists of soul music.

Cooke possessed a smooth and expressive voice that entranced listeners. His irresistible sound—a beautiful blend of gospel, R&B, and pop—influenced so many during his time and onward.

Some of his most well-known songs, like “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Wonderful World,” and “You Send Me,” have become classics fans still love.

As an African American artist during the civil rights era, Cooke faced considerable discrimination. Despite this, Cooke’s talent and determination helped him become one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream success and crossover appeal.

Sadly, Cooke’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 33. He was fatally shot under controversial circumstances in December 1964. His untimely death was a significant loss to the music world and left fans mourning the loss of a remarkable talent.

11. Chuck Berry

Up next is the Father of Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry, whose music embodied the energy, rebellion, and vitality of the emerging genre in the 1950s. His songs, such as “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” became hits of a generation and laid the foundation for rock and roll’s future success.

Berry’s guitar playing was characterized by his signature “duck walk” and his innovative use of double-string bends and rapid guitar solos. His guitar style influenced countless musicians who followed in his footsteps, including the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix.

While Berry achieved significant success as a musician, he faced his share of challenges and setbacks. As with many African American artists of the time, he encountered racial discrimination. Nevertheless, with his works, he helped break down those barriers and paved the way for future generations of musicians.

12. Little Richard

Richard Wayne Penniman, best known as Little Richard, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of rock and roll, is known for his raspy vocals and flamboyant style. Blending elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and boogie-woogie, he created a sound that would influence generations of musicians.

In the 1950s, Little Richard achieved significant success with the song “Tutti Frutti” in 1955, becoming a crossover hit. He followed this up with several more high-charting songs like “Long Tall Sally,” “Lucille,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly.”

While his success waned in the late 1950s, Little Richard made a comeback in the 1960s and continued to perform and record music throughout his career. He remained an influential figure in the rock and roll community, receiving numerous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

13. Al Green

From Forrest City, Arkansas, we have legendary singer-songwriter and record producer Al Green. Since his start in 1967, Green became one of the most influential artists in the realms of soul and rhythm and blues music.

In the 1970s, Green enjoyed a string of hits that cemented his status as a soul music icon. Songs like “Let’s Stay Together,” “You Ought to Be with Me,” and “Tired of Being Alone” became timeless classics that continue to be beloved by fans of all generations.

Despite his immense success, Green experienced a personal and spiritual transformation in the mid-1970s. He became ordained as a pastor and dedicated himself to gospel music and preaching. While his musical output shifted towards gospel, he remained a highly respected figure in the music industry.

14. Bill Withers

After being on tour in the US Navy, Bill Withers first became interested in singing and songwriting at the age of 17. He moved to Los Angeles, California, after being discharged from the Navy to pursue a career in music. 

He started by recording demos before signing with Susses Records label in 1970. His debut album, Just As I Am, was released in 1971, with the hit single “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which reached #3 on R&B radio. He later received a Grammy Award for this song as the Best Rhythm & Blues Song.

In 2006, Withers was the recipient of the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award before his death in 2020 from heart complications.

15. Louis Armstrong

From New Orleans, Louisiana, Louis Armstrong came to prominence in the 1920s as a jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader. He is most known for his songs “Hello, Dolly,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Star Dust,” and “La Vie En Rose.”

His unique vocals and daring trumpet style inspired countless musicians. His charismatic stage presence impressed not only the jazz world but all of the popular music at the time.

Heart and kidney problems finally caught up to Armstrong in 1968. They forced him to stop performing. However, he was allowed to perform publicly again in 1970 in Las Vegas. He died just one year later in his sleep.

16. Otis Redding

Known as the King of Soul, Otis Redding was discovered after recording “These Arms of Mine.” His sound, inspired by gospel music, was a blend of soul and rhythm and blues, and his emotional, sincere delivery of lyrics amplified it.

He debuted with the song “These Arms of Mine” in 1962, followed by his first studio album, Pain in My Heart, in 1964. Two years later, Redding released his first #1 hit, “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.”

Redding’s musical career took off after these releases. Sadly, on the way to a concert in 1967, he died tragically when the plane he was in crashed shortly after takeoff.

17. Luther Vandross

Because of his smooth style and voice, Luther Vandross led the charts with romantic ballads. At the start, he was a backup singer for various artists before becoming the lead vocalist for the post-disco group Change.

After separating from Change, Vandross released his first solo album, Never Too Much, in 1981, which sold more than a million copies. Even though he was an R&B phenomenon at the time, it was not until the 1990s that he became an icon in pop.

He won his first Grammy for “Here and Now” in 1991 and two more in 1992 for “Power of Love.” Then in 1997, he won his fourth Grammy for “Your Secret Love.” Later on in his career, Vandross would win four more Grammys, for a total of eight.

18. Michael Jackson

Dubbed the King of Pop, Michael Jackson was one of the most recognized performers ever to live. He was renowned amongst fellow artists and fans alike for his incredible work ethic, impeccable vocal skills, and complex dance routines.

As a child, he was the lead singer in his family’s Motown group, the Jackson 5. He went on to enjoy a very successful solo career, releasing Thriller in 1982, which was one of the best-selling albums in history. His albums Off the Wall and Bad also delivered #1 hits, astonishing the world with his success.

However, his remarkable career was marred by allegations of child molestation. Sadly, the multi-talented musical entertainer died of cardiac arrest due to a deadly combination of prescription medications.

19. Bob Marley

One cannot discuss great black singers without mentioning Bob Marley. This iconic figure in music history is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most influential reggae musicians of all time.

Marley’s musical journey began in the late 1960s as a member of the band The Wailers. He went solo in the 1970s, releasing a series of groundbreaking albums that propelled reggae into the global spotlight.

Albums like Catch a Fire, Burnin’ , and Exodus showcased his extraordinary talent and featured timeless hits such as “No Woman, No Cry,” “Redemption Song,” and “Jamming.”

Marley’s impact on popular culture extends far beyond his music. He became an emblem of the Rastafari movement, embodying its principles of spirituality, peace, and love. His signature look, with his trademark dreadlocks and vibrant stage presence, became a symbol of reggae and Jamaican culture.

Tragically, Marley’s life was cut short when he succumbed to cancer in 1981; he was only 36. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and uplift generations.

20. Barry White

Fans of romantic soul ballads will be familiar with the deep, velvety voice of Barry White. With his distinctive style and smooth delivery, he became an iconic figure in the realms of R&B, soul, and disco music.

His songs explored themes of love, romance, and sensuality, captivating listeners with their intimate and seductive nature. White’s music became synonymous with romantic encounters and earned him the moniker The Maestro of Love.

In the 1970s, White rose to prominence with hits like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything,” and “Just the Way You Are.”

These chart-topping singles showcased the irresistible charm of his music. White’s songs often incorporated spoken intros or monologues, adding a distinctive touch that became his signature.

Sadly, White passed away on July 4, 2003, at the age of 58. However, his contributions to the music industry and his influence on the genre of soul and R&B remain influential and timeless.

21. Jackie Wilson

Known as Mr. Excitement, Jackie Wilson first joined the group Billy Ward and His Dominoes in 1953. After four years in the group, he branched off to become a solo artist through the 1950s and 1960s and helped pave the way for generations of African Americans artists in the genres of R&B and pop.

His first major hit was “Lonely Teardrops,” which was released in 1958. He had more successful songs later released, including “Night,” “Baby Workout,” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.”

Wilson suddenly collapsed on stage in 1975 and spent the rest of his life in a coma, finally passing away in 1984. For his works, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

22. Seal

British singer-songwriter Seal captivated fans with his fusion of R&B, soul, and pop since 1987. He gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough hit single “Crazy” in 1991, which reached the top of the charts in several countries.

One of Seal’s most loved and popular songs is “Kiss from a Rose,” released in 1994 as part of the soundtrack for the film Batman Forever. The song became an international success and earned him multiple Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

Seal’s remarkable career has been adorned with numerous accolades, showcasing his exceptional talent and artistry. Among his many achievements, he proudly holds three coveted Brit Awards, including the esteemed title of Best British Male in 1992.

23. Snoop Dogg

Being discovered by Dr. Dre in the early 1990s, Snoop Dogg has evolved into a West Coast rapper with millions in record sales and a career in acting in movies and TV.

As a young child, he was musically inclined and played piano and sang at his Baptist church. He started rapping in the sixth grade and later came to global fame.

His first solo album, Doggystyle, was released in 1993 and climbed its way to the top of Billboard’s hip-hop and Hot 200 charts. His next album, The Doggfather, which was produced without Dr. Dre, still had great success after its release in 1996.

Aside from music and acting, Snoop Dogg has his own cannabis business called Leafs by Snoop. He is the first A-list celebrity who launched a brand line of cannabis products.

24. R. Kelly

Being acclaimed as the King of R&B, R. Kelly has not always been in the best light in his professional career due to a number of controversies.

The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter gained notoriety due to the child-pornography charges and being arrested multiple times in 2019 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sex trafficking charges.

Purely looking at this music career; however, he had great success on the music charts. His highly sexualized lyrics and gospel-tinged vocals gave him an edge over other rappers at the time, with more top 40 hits than any other male solo artist in the 1990s.

25. Usher

“Yeah!” and “Burn” singer Usher started his music career when he was only 15. He landed a recording contract with LaFace Records, where he released his first album.

He dominated the airwaves for years, with album releases such as Confessions in 2004 and Looking 4 Myself in 2012. Confessions sold more than 1 million copies in its first week of being released.

He has had songs in the number 1 spot on Billboard’s album chart multiple times, like “U Remind Me” and “U Got It Bad,” as well as several People’s Choice and Grammy Awards.

Along with music, Usher is also a film and stage actor. He’s lent his talent as a judge/coach on the popular singing competition series The Voice.

26. Drake

Rapper and singer Drake started his career in the Canadian soap Degrassi: The Next Generation, where he played a wheelchair-bound character by the name of Jimmy Brooks. After seven years, he left the show and became one of the biggest rappers in the world.

In 2007, he released his second mixtape, Comeback Season, which took off with his hit single “Replacement Girl.” His first full studio album came in 2010, titled Thank Me Later. It debuted at #1 on both Canadian and American album charts.

Drake won his first Grammy for the best rap album in 2013 with his second full studio album, Take Care. He’s gone on to win three more Grammys as well as numerous other awards.

27. Curtis Mayfield

Making his first recordings in 1958, Curtis Mayfield was a member of the Impressions, a Chicago Soul/R&B group. He was strictly a backup singer in the group.

After leaving the group in the 1960s, he started his solo career, having critical and commercial success with his third studio album, Super Fly, which was also the soundtrack to the film of the same name.

After almost four decades as a producer, artist, and composer, Mayfield was paralyzed after an on-stage accident. This did not stop him from continuing his craft—he would lie on his back, singing one line at a time. His last recording as a solo artist was in 1996 with New World Order.

28. Chris Brown

Grammy Award-winning Chris Brown came into the music limelight in 2004 with his eponymous debut album. Its single “Run It!” topped the Billboard 100 chart.

He went on to release nine more studio albums, which all ranked within the top 10, while his fourth, fifth, and ninth albums—F.A.M.E., Fortune, and Indigo—reached #1.

And though Brown’s reputation for music-making was gold, he did no always have a good reputation in the spotlight. After assaulting former girlfriend Rihanna, he found his songs being dropped from the radio, and he continued to receive headline attention for brushing with the law.

Summing Up Our List Of Famous Black Male Vocalists

As you can see from the list above, black male singers have had a large impact on the music industry. Many are regarded as the princes and kings of their respective genres, and rightfully so.

From their daring lyrics to innovative music styles, they have produced some of the greatest hits ever and attracted millions of listeners worldwide.

Do you think we missed someone off the list? Let us know, and we’ll add them.