Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has been named the greatest heavy metal guitarist of all time in a new survey posted by Gibson Guitars. According to Classic Rock, the list of the top 10 metal axemen also includes Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, late Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads and others. Gibson said about Iommi, "Tony's dark, distinct guitar textures in Black Sabbath helped spearhead the heavy metal movement. 'Iron Man' and 'Paranoid' boast some of the most memorable riffs of all time, with crushingly heavy choruses. His playing is immortalized through the generations of bands that have followed."

GIBSON'S GREATEST HEAVY METAL GUITARISTS:

1. Tony Iommi - Black Sabbath
2. Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield - Metallica
3. Randy Rhoads - Ozzy Osbourne band
4. John Petrucci - Dream Theater
5. Dimebag Darrell - Pantera
6. Eddie Van Halen - Van Halen
7. Zakk Wylde - Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society
8. Adam Jones - Tool
9. Dave Murray & Adrian Smith - Iron Maiden
10. George Lynch - Dokken, Lynch Mob


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Poll: Who is the Greatest Metal Guitarist
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