The Top 10 Classical Guitarists of All Time

1. Andrés Segovia

Andrés Segovia (1893–1987) is considered one of the most influential classical guitarists in music history. Born in Linares, Spain, he played a central role in establishing the guitar as a respected concert instrument. He expanded the repertoire through transcriptions of lute and violin works and encouraged many composers to write for the guitar. His warm tone, precise technique and artistic authority set lasting standards and firmly anchored the classical guitar in art music.

2. Francisco Tárrega

Francisco Tárrega (1852–1909), born in Villarreal, Spain, was a pioneering figure in shaping modern classical guitar playing. As a virtuoso and composer, he created essential works such as Recuerdos de la Alhambra, Capricho Árabe and Lágrima. He developed new techniques, established the Romantic guitar repertoire and influenced students including Emilio Pujol and Miguel Llobet. His lyrical style and sound ideal continued to shape later generations, including Segovia.

3. Julian Bream

Julian Bream (1933–2020) was an English guitarist and lutenist who expanded the artistic reach of the guitar in the 20th century. His repertoire ranged from traditional works to Renaissance and Baroque music performed on the lute. He collaborated with composers such as Benjamin Britten and William Walton, who dedicated pieces to him. His expressive phrasing and rich tone influenced the development of modern guitar interpretation.

4. Ana Vidović

Ana Vidović (born 1980 in Karlovac, Croatia) is among the leading classical guitarists of her generation. A former child prodigy, she won numerous international competitions including those dedicated to Francisco Tárrega and Andrés Segovia. Known for her technical precision, clarity of tone and musical depth, she performs a wide repertoire from Bach to contemporary composers and continues to attract international recognition.

5. Paco de Lucía

Paco de Lucía (1947–2014) was a Spanish flamenco guitarist whose influence extended far beyond the genre. While rooted in flamenco tradition, he incorporated harmonic and rhythmic ideas that shaped Nuevo Flamenco. His recording Entre dos aguas gained international attention, and his collaborations with John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola and Chick Corea highlighted his artistic range. His playing remains a reference point for both flamenco and classical musicians.

6. Alexandre Lagoya

Alexandre Lagoya (1929–1999) was a French guitarist of Egyptian origin and part of the acclaimed duo Presti–Lagoya with his wife Ida Presti. He was admired for brilliant technique, warm tone and refined musicianship. His repertoire covered works from the Baroque to contemporary periods, and he performed internationally. His teaching and compositions contributed significantly to guitar pedagogy.

7. Ida Presti

Ida Presti (1924–1967) was a French guitarist who showed exceptional musical talent from childhood. With Alexandre Lagoya, she formed one of the most important guitar duos of the 20th century. She was known for technical fluency, expressive phrasing and a vocal quality in her playing. She composed works for two guitars, including the Suite pour deux guitares. Her career, though brief, left a lasting impact on guitar performance.

8. Antonio Lauro

Antonio Lauro (1917–1986) was a Venezuelan composer and guitarist and a central figure in South American guitar music. He is especially known for his Valses venezolanos such as Natalia, Andreina and Yacambú. His works combine classical structures with Venezuelan folk rhythms and melodies and are widely performed internationally.

9. Narciso Yepes

Narciso Yepes (1927–1997) was a Spanish guitarist widely respected for technical mastery and musical insight. His performance of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez in 1947 brought him international attention. In collaboration with José Ramírez, he developed the ten-string guitar in 1964 to enhance resonance and balance. He was also known for interpretations of Baroque music by Bach and Scarlatti.

10. John Williams

John Christopher Williams (born 1941) is an Australian-British classical guitarist and one of the most technically accomplished musicians of his field. A graduate of the Royal College of Music and a former student of Segovia, he became a major figure in modern guitar performance. His repertoire includes works by Bach, Villa-Lobos, Rodrigo and Sculthorpe. He promoted contemporary music and collaborated with musicians such as Julian Bream and the ensemble Sky. His recordings have had lasting influence on modern guitar interpretation.