He would be easily the most over-rated guitar player in the history of Rock & Roll if it wasn't for Jimi Hendrix or any other 60's guitarist..

Jimmy Page is God

As Homer Simpson said, "There goes Jimmy Page, the greatest thief of black music to ever walk the earth"

Bunch of jealous gobs on here rating him low and then going all over to rate him low and cream over Clapton. Get a life gobs

Steve1234 is correct.

An inspirational guitarist....Definitely the king of riffs!!!!!

Absolutely the most overrated guitarist ever (with the possible exception of Tony Iommi). There's a reason the first song most every teenage kid with a brand new guitar learns is a Zep song, it's because they are insanely easy to play. Quite frankly, I hear very little innovation, just rehashed blues riffs that were innovated by Mississippi bluesmen in the 1930s.

I crack up reading things like "best guitarist in the world, have you heard his solos?" yes, unfortunately I have. "holy crap, I pulled off a full pentatonic scale and only tripped up three times!" The only times he tries to increase his technical range, he fails miserably. "Fool in the Rain", for example. You'd think that by 1979 Jimmy would have finally learned how to play his instrument beyond what the pimply kid at Sam Ash noodles around with while trying to convince his mom to buy him that Epiphone. Unfortunately, what comes out of this attempt is obscenely horrible pick work that is completely out of sync with the fretwork, no phrasing whatsoever, and a feeling that his big sister finally came along and introduced him to diatonic scales, but only a week ago and he still needs to practice them. And this is ELEVEN YEARS after he had been in Zeppelin. And on a studio recording, no less! Practice, Jimmy, practice!

Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Robert Fripp, even Peter Frampton. Now those were people from roughly the same era who actually took the time to learn their instrument. Gilmour produces a godly sound, and is able to sustain a note for over half a measure while giving it heart-warming vibrato. He could play the same stupid first position pentatonic as Page and his sound would completely drown out the sickly moan coming out of Page's guitar. I am at a loss as to how anyone can consider the man to be inventive or skillful.

One of the very best ever. Tremendously creative and inventive.

Jimmy Page is the greates guitarrist of all time, Have you heard any of his solos (Stairway to heaven, dazed and confused, heartbreaker, etc.)

He is the father of the all influences of rock.Theres no more to say.

Oh Lordy Mama...

I hear the Bad Taste Blues... 

Jimmy Page is an incredible guitarist, who has a lot of skill.he took old blues scales and combines it with a pentatonic scales, and made great work. Who the fuck cares if he took other peoples work?? So many other bands have done that, including the beatles. Besides, no one expected zeppelin to get anywhere when they first came out. They copied mostly things on their first album, and that got them started. He knos his what hes doin on the guitar, and he was well educated and he has plenty of good riffs he didnt copy. he didnt copy any of his solos, and has great guitar abilities.

  I must agree with the comments that he was a plagiarist. Was taken to court and provided out of court settlements on at least 2 occasions. Marvellous article in Rolling Stone Magazine on the "crimes" committed by Page and Plant. Unfortunately Zeppelin fans are generally of low and immature intellect and dont have the moral fibre to admit that their "heroes" are dishonest and artistically challenged.

That aside, a self indulgent guitarist  who pales in comparison to Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen or Richie Blackmore. Did you know that the lead break on No Quarter  ( from that dreadful movie "The song remains the same") was actually edited and is two different performances! Yes, this is typical Zeppelin behaviour.  

  I have read all the reviews and normally don't bother with these type forums but this one I must contribute to.

I have been a follower of Led Zeppelin for over 25 years and can still not get enough of their work. I can still lose myself in the hypnotic effects of their music. (drug free)

Jimmy Page cannot be put into a group of guitarists and rated fairly. Led Zeppelin , the same way, cannot be compared with many other groups. Pink Floyd is the only group I know which is even in the same league. The talents of the individual members of Zeppelin gelled into a collaborative dynamo with energy equal to an atomic warhead. Zeppelin had become a tight, polished group by the release of their fourth album and  until the death of John Bonham they turned out music of the absolute highest caliber. Zeppelin made classic compositions which go beyond the realm of mere rock music.

Many comments are made of his sloppy live work. Page's approach to live performance was different than most any other guitarist's. When on stage with Led Zeppelin, Page poured his very soul out through his guitar with often breathtaking results. He played with no reservation or inhibitions and this approach sometimes was rather sloppy but none the less powerful.

Page has inspired a multitude of imitators, including myself, and many have learned to mimic his work but we are only that; imitators.I have deep respect for many other guitarists but no one else plays with the intensity of Jimmy page. As a solo artist Page has done some very respectable work. He can still play gut-wrenching leads which stir the soul but was at his creative best with Zeppelin.

For the narrow minded who rated Page with one or two stars, go back and listen to your crap. Bang your head against the wall if you like. Unfortunatly, for you, you do not appreciate and probably never will appreciate the contributions Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin have made to the world of music.

I would appreciate it if you would just keep your opinions to yourselves.  

I don't even understand why there is a debate. Clearly you guys have not heard Led Zeppelin's real music. I'm guessing most of you have only heard 'stairway to heaven' which, by the way, is not even in Jimmy Page's top 10 solos. Please do the research

I agree . Plagiarized many songs.

He is definitely right there with the greats!

Anyone got tickets to the concert in England?

Jimmy Page best guitarist in the best band ever !!

best of all time

  Jimmy Page forms a new group. Its 1968.

"Hey guys . I got a great idea. Lets rip off these old blues tunes, and pretend we wrote them ourselves. Since our target audience will be white trash with IQ's of 80 they wont know the difference."

True story.

The texture; the wall of sound; the sweeping sound vistas; the orchestration; the quirky time signatures; the jet black-soul; the certain jazziness; the eclecticism; the mysticism; the raw power; avant-garde; sexy; sensual; risky; risque; delicate; haunting; inspired; inspiring; masterful.
This and more define the Page guitar sound. Master in the studio AND on stage, though 2 completely different approaches.
Not good live you say? Listen to "No Quarter on "The Song Remains the Same" soundtrack (not the film, as it has been edited). Watch "since I've Been Loving You" on DVD. the Page sound, as it is with all of the finer things in lfe is an acquired taste. It takes several listens to discover what it is all about, as do most things with multi-faceted depth. Page is beyond rating. It takes a person with depth and maturity to understand and feel the Page's Guitar Sound. Technical ability is only a small piece of the puzzle. To limit a rating to technical ability only shows a lack of understanding of music. Page is indeed a genius and the same could be said for Bonham and his impeccable Drum Sound.
These two can be categorized in the same league as Lennon and McCartney, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Paganini, Mozart, Astor Piazzolla, John Coltrane, Hector Lavoe, Ennio Morricone, Jim O'Rourke, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Marta Topferova, and others of such caliber.

It is truly sad that so many have such a myopic view.

jimmy was so powerful in his prime,i know he could be super sloppy but he made it cool.fave:for your life

I'm not so impressed. More of an emmulator than innovator. Owes a lot to Jeff Beck.

As Robert Plant once said, "Jimmy's playing is a little left of heaven". Quite simply, the best guitar that ever was and probably will ever be.

Page is one of the greats these dumb fucks don't know what they are talking about.

He actually ripped off the chords in" Stairway to Heaven" from Randy California's song Taurus. I also agree with Dansan. Terrible live guitarist. Was totally reliant on the studio.

Excellent rock composer. But as a live player, mediocre. Why can't he play and sound like the recordings. Other guitar players even sound better than their recordings when they play live. Page is a dissapointment.  Zepp is terrible live.  Jeff Beck is the all-time greatest guitarist.

The man with the violin bow. God help us!!!! What a feeble joke.

Not the best.  Maybe top #100.

shit guitarist. innovative? that violin bow? give me a break. he probably came off stage and pissed himself cause he could do anything and he is srtill parised as a genius.

Electrically, Eddie Van Halen is better (listen to Eddie play any Zepplin tune and it becomes obvious).  Clapton is better blues wise and Hendrix was tighter.  So why do I rate Page #2 behind EVH and ahead of Henrix and Clapton?  Versatility.  No rock guitarist has had the same musical range:  reggae, folk, indian, blues...electric and acoustic.  Granted Eddie plays piano, Clapton and Hendrix sang lead, but when it comes to just the 6-strings, page is the master-chameleon.

Lots of middle aged sheep on this site. Recently listened to "In through the Outdoor' again. Very sad effort by a hopeless and decrepit junkie.

One of the best guitarists of all time.  Often criticized for his loose playing at times but I love that about him.  He had a great sound and just about every song Zeppelin made has gone down as a true classic of rock...not too many people can say that.

An inspiration to many and an idol to others.

One of the greatest classic rock guitarists of all time. He was the lead guitarist for Led Zeppelin and earlier in his career for the Yardbirds. He also collaborated with the Black Crows on a brief tour a few years ago. Page is ranked as one of the best in rock history by numerous publications so, some of the opinion(s) here on RIA really aren't accurate but rather biased cr*p. Some of  the people that rated  him here have no clue what they are talking about (ranking him 1 star).  Real talent started long before Eddie Van Halen was even alive so, get a clue. I like Eddie and his unique style but he is in no way better than Page, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Duane Allman, BB King, Kurt Cobain, Chuck Berry, Robert Johnson, Keith Richards, Neil Young, Terry Kath, Kirk Hammett, Johnny Ramone, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Guy, The Edge, Angus Young, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, George Harrison, Les Paul, Roy Buchanan, Joe Perry, David Gilmour, etc, etc. Get the point?  Probably not because some of you are too limited in your knowlege of music in general or too young to know better. Do your homework and have a nice day kids!

Best overall guitarist with tremendous abilities in all areas of guitar playing! Also probably undisputedly the most innovative guitarist, especially electric guitar and effects!

Never liked this guy. Saw him live and was appalled by his playing. Proved to me he was totally reliant on the studio .

No slight was intended for Slash.  All artists borrow from others.  I love these guitar "experts".  Rating guitar aptitude based solely upon the accuracy with which one plays a scale or seamlessly changes chords is myopic.  "Great" requires more than technical aptitude.  It must incorporate more significant aspects such as creativity, daring, and influence on others.  JP was a pioneer.  He had his influences but many, many "great" guitar players stood on his shoulders.

simply the best. just heard.
slash copy jimmy but both are great guitarrist..

The reasons thousands of teenage boys started playing the guitar.

#1 THATS ALL

Tedious to say the least. Master of self indulgent lead breaks which had absolutely no relation to the song he was playing. Every one of his " solos " can be taken out of context and put in any other song. Low skill.

without words

Wow, if showing showing a vulgar display of ignorance is what you were going for, then you did so-fantasically. Jimmy page was an amazing guitarist, oh yeah, and it was the 60's! the best tone is kinda hard to come by And by saying all this your obviously not very educated in the music field either. Sure hes a little sloppy live, but until i see you, perfect on stage and famous, dont even act like your a professional music critic.

Mr.Gimmick. Violin bows and double neck guitars disguise his weaknesses and unoriginality. And an awful tone as well. There are many better guitarists than this cheat.Time has exposed his fraudulent nature.

greatest guitar player / composer of all time

You not only failed to say a thing about Page as a guitar player, delusionbuster, but you did a really poor job trying to convice me that metal is a tool of Satan. He is at least pretty good in my mind as a guitarist, so rate that as it is the subject at hand. Wait, you can't rate it, your out there religious beliefs would not let you even listen to his stuff, so you can't rate what you've never heard. My bad...

learn how to spell dumbass.

Many people seem to think that Jimmy Page is the most overrated guitarist ever but I simply can't agree to that. I do think he is overrated to some extent. Even though he's my favorite guitarist, he's not a guitar god in terms of technical ability. Don't get me wrong, he can do some pretty crazy stuff, particularly live, but he was at times sloppy and his heavy drug use definitely affected his playing at times. Still, where Jimmy Page earns his keep, and the reason why he's the only guitarist that consistently ranks high on virtually EVERY SINGLE guitar poll ever, is in his creativity. The riffs he wrote for Zeppelin, and their accompanying solos, are a work of art. And, in the end, that's all that really matters. I don't understand how a guitarist that worked so hard to express himself with an unprecedented and unmatched level of emotion can fall under so much fire. Granted, he did rip off a couple of riffs and should have given other artists credit but, even with the stuff he stole, he changed significantly and usually infused them with far more power. If anyone really listened to the riffs of "Since I've Been Loving You", "Ten Years Gone", "No Quarter", "The Rain Song", and "Kashmir", they might understand the praise Page receives. As it stands, I think people should stop critiquing him for his technical shortcomings, and start listening to his musical contributions, which can compare to those of any other guitarist.

By far the most inovative guitarist to define the path for what would be called heavy metal.