Eric Johnson

When Guitar Player magazine refers to you as "one of the most respected guitarists on the planet," you must be doing something right. Such is the case for Austin, Texas native, Eric Johnson; whose instrumental and fusion electric guitar style has won compliments from the likes of Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Johnson's biggest hit, 1990's "Cliffs of Dover," not only won a Grammy that year for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" but it's also been immortalized in the video game world thanks to its inclusion in the third installment of the popular series Guitar Hero. Though Johnson is an accomplished pianist and vocalist, he's really known for his guitar playing. His style touches on smooth fusion jazz, classic rock shredding and a bit of country, which is no doubt a product of his upbringing. He conveys his virtuosic abilities not with a showy attitude, but with an accessible one--a big factor in his widespread acclaim and success.