Lead guitarists are the backbone of rock and metal. Without those killer riffs and face-melting solos, the music just wouldn’t hit the same.
We all know the legends – Hendrix, Van Halen, Clapton, Hammett. But their influence goes way beyond music. Remember Guitar Hero? That rhythm game where you wielded a plastic guitar controller and tried to nail iconic tracks from guys like Slash, Tom Morello, and Eddie Van Halen?
Here’s the thing, though: Guitar Hero’s popularity has seriously dropped off. Why? People want gaming they can do anywhere, anytime. That’s why mobile-focused options like the online casino platforms in Casinomeister casino reviews are crushing it – they give players that next-level mobile experience that fits modern lifestyles.
But what if Guitar Hero made a comeback? Which modern guitar gods would be shredding on our screens?
#1: Nita Strauss
It’s fair to say that Nita Strauss has established herself as one of the most talented modern guitarists since hitting the music scene in 2014 as part of Alice Cooper’s band.
Her stint with shock-rock’s best-loved figure showcased her insane speed and mind-blowing precision. Able to shred with the best of them on her signature Ibanez guitar, she also has a successful solo career. For all of these reasons and her recognition within the music industry, you have to think she’d make the cut if GH launched today.
#2: Tosin Abasi
If we’re looking for next-gen guitar heroes with a stellar reputation, few can match Tosin Abasi from Animals as Leaders. Over the band’s five albums to date, Abasi has shown not only a real mastery of his instrument but also the imagination to break new ground with it.
Although he may be rooted in progressive metal, he is not afraid to include jazz-like elements and use a wide range of ear-catching techniques. Some of the most common he regularly showcases include:
- Percussive tapping
- Selective picking
- Double thumb technique
- Sweep picking
- Alternate picking
- Legato
Trying to replicate his playing style in Guitar Hero would definitely be a fun challenge! And if you managed to pull it off, you’d feel like a rock superstar in the making.
#3: Tim Henson
Polyphia are surely up there as the honorary kings of technical guitar in the current decade. The group’s creativity with their instrumental songs has translated well to the modern crowd, even going viral in some cases. Tim’s plucking and sweeping patterns are recognisable, even to fans on the fringes of the genre who may not be able to discern bands like Animals as Leaders and Night Verses – both of which absolutely crush this genre.
Scott (also from Polyphia) and Manuel Gardner Fernandes from Unprocessed would also be in the running for this category of fast, technical guitar work, but Tim takes the cake in terms of global appeal and renown. The band’s latest album, Remember That You Will Die, was a great accomplishment, and the tour dates that went alongside were a treat to witness.
#4: Annie Clark
St Vincent has become known as one of the most innovative rock outfits around, and much of this is down to the super-creative way sole member Annie Clark wields her axe. Known for a melodic playing style, use of distortion, and ability to get otherworldly sounds out of her instrument, she’s certainly one of the biggest contemporary guitar icons.
In her capable hands, the instrument wails, roars, whispers and yelps – all in one song sometimes. Clark has one of the most distinctive sounds in rock music right now, and this makes her an ideal fit for Guitar Hero if it were being released currently.
Playing along to tracks like ‘Digital Witness’ or ‘Cruel’ would make for a spectacular gaming session and give people the chance to live out their own rock star fantasies.An upcoming St Vincent performance at Somerset House in 2025 is the ideal introduction to Clark’s stunning guitar playing, if you can make it.
#5: Misha Mansoor
Misha Mansoor is the fabulously talented guitarist in prog metal titans Periphery. In both the bands’ live shows and recordings, he stands out as someone who knows how to shred. Mansoor’s axe skills go way beyond this, though – he can blend thrash, glitch, and pop sensibilities into his lead playing.
You get an idea of what an innovator he is when you think the entire ‘djent’ genre has been attributed to him! He is also someone who has been credited with shaping the very sound of modern progressive metal. As a next-gen axe man who has built up a major reputation in music, he would be perfect for a newly launched Guitar Hero game.
Guitar heroes for Guitar Hero
Every metal and rock fan loves going back to legendary guitarists from the past who have left us shouting for more. It’s key for the industry to keep moving forward, though – which means allowing the next generation of guitar gods and goddesses to thrive. If Guitar Hero were launched today and focused on including the best of this new generation, the names above would surely be in the conversation.
