The 1980s, often described as the decade of decadence, marked a pivotal time not just for fashion trends like leather and spandex, but also for the emergence of iconic musical styles. This era witnessed the peak of “guyliner” usage and the highest recorded sales of Aqua Net, but it also gave rise to some of the most underrated talents in rock and metal guitar history. While mainstream attention often gravitated towards a few well-known shredders, a remarkable array of guitarists emerged, showcasing extraordinary skills that deserve recognition.

The introduction of Eddie Van Halen in 1978 with the release of Van Halen’s self-titled debut album revolutionized guitar playing forever. He brought forth innovative techniques such as two-handed tapping, the distinctive “brown sound”, and dramatic whammy dive-bombs, inspiring a generation of aspiring guitarists to explore and reinvent his groundbreaking style. Many tried to replicate EVH’s signature sound, leading to varying degrees of success as they embarked on their musical journeys.

While legendary figures like George Lynch from Dokken and Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme often dominate discussions about the greatest guitarists of the era, it is equally important to highlight the unsung guitar heroes of the 1980s. These talented musicians often went unnoticed amidst the glittering allure of the Sunset Strip scene, but their contributions to the genre are invaluable.

Our goal is to spotlight these talented individuals who may be well-known within niche circles yet remain largely unrecognized by the broader music community. Some of these guitarists have been overlooked even by die-hard hair metal enthusiasts, despite their remarkable skills and contributions to the genre.

Discover the Talents of Vito Bratta from White Lion

Originating from Staten Island, N.Y., guitarist Vito Bratta captured the attention of hard rock fans with the band White Lion, which he co-founded in 1983 alongside vocalist Mike Tramp. While many people first encountered Bratta’s virtuosic playing through White Lion, he was already making waves in the music scene prior to that, initially performing with the New Jersey-based band Dreamer and later auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band in ’82, just after the tragic passing of Randy Rhoads.

Bratta’s guitar work, characterized by intricate pinch harmonics and two-handed tapping, frequently drew comparisons to Eddie Van Halen’s distinctive style. In a rare 2023 interview with Guitar World, Bratta expressed his frustration about being compared to one of the guitar greats, saying that it “always bothered him.” He recounted a conversation with Eddie, who reassured him by saying, “I love the way you play. We’re a lot alike, but you’re different. Remember that.”

Despite grappling with the pressure of such comparisons, Bratta remains a prominent name in conversations about the most underrated guitarists of the era, and rightly so, given his exceptional talent and influence.

Unveiling the Contributions of Robbin Crosby from Ratt

When reminiscing about Ratt and their unforgettable riffs, such as those in “Round And Round” and “Lay It Down,” the spotlight often shines on Warren DeMartini. While DeMartini is undoubtedly a skilled shredder, the band’s hidden treasure was guitarist Robbin Crosby. Under the leadership of Stephen Pearcy, Ratt began as several different bands, including Firedome and Crystal Palace, before solidifying their classic lineup with Crosby as a founding member, followed by DeMartini’s arrival in 1982.

Crosby played a pivotal role in composing some of Ratt’s most enduring hits featured on albums like Out of The Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy. His guitar style, which was heavily influenced by the blues, showcased an understanding of melody and timing, emphasizing the importance of allowing notes to breathe in a musical landscape that often rewarded frenetic playing.

Celebrating the Versatility of Reb Beach from Winger

Guitar virtuoso Reb Beach is a highly sought-after musician who has collaborated with legendary acts such as Alice Cooper, Night Ranger, Whitesnake, and Dokken. However, he first made his mark in the music industry as a co-founder of the band Winger, alongside bassist Kip Winger, in 1987. Despite facing criticism over the years, particularly regarding their hit “Seventeen” and the infamous Beavis And Butt-Head controversy, both the band and Beach have proven to be more than just their hair metal label.

Beach’s unique ability to blend the shredding techniques of the ’80s with a progressive rock vibe set Winger apart, complemented by his innovative tapping technique. While the band’s self-titled debut album fits the typical hair metal mold, their 1993 release, Pull, showcased a heavier, more metal-oriented side, marking a significant evolution in their sound that continued in subsequent albums.

Brian “Damage” Forsythe: A Tribute to Kix’s Guitar Mastery

Before Kix gained fame with their 1988 album Blow My Fuse, guitarist Brian “Damage” Forsythe was busy honing his craft in the Maryland rock ‘n’ roll scene. In the late ’70s, he teamed up with fellow guitarist Ronnie Younkins and bassist Donnie Purnell to form The Shooze, which became the earliest version of Kix. Forsythe’s approach to guitar was heavily rooted in blues, offering a refreshing contrast to the more typical shredders of the time.

Despite his “slower” playing style, Forsythe demonstrated remarkable skill and fluidity on the fretboard, as evidenced by his iconic solos in tracks like “Blow My Fuse” and “Cold Blood.” Beyond his work with Kix, Forsythe is also recognized for his contributions to the hard rock band Rhino Bucket, which he rejoined when the group reunited in the early 2000s. In an interview, he shared that he felt his musical style was better suited for Rhino Bucket than for Kix.

Nevertheless, Forsythe and Kix have made a significant impact on the hair metal scene, culminating in their final performance in Baltimore, Maryland, in late 2023 after nearly 40 years of musical excellence.

Akira Takasaki: A Pioneer of Japanese Metal with Loudness

While Eddie Van Halen is an iconic figure in American rock, Akira Takasaki of Loudness holds a similar status in Japan. Formed in 1981 by Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, Loudness made history as the first Japanese metal band to sign with a U.S. record label. Their collaboration with renowned producer Max Norum led to the release of their fifth album, Thunder In The East, which included the hit single “Crazy Nights” that garnered significant airplay on MTV.

Takasaki’s guitar playing is characterized by a technique that combines alternate picking, extreme precision, and a generous dose of vibrato. His remarkable skills have placed him among other notable guitarists such as Marty Friedman and Paul Gilbert from Mr. Big, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the global metal scene.

John Norum: The Soulful Guitarist of Europe

While John Norum’s legacy is often tied to Europe’s iconic hit “The Final Countdown,” his musical journey and six-string prowess extend far beyond that. Norum is celebrated for his soulful, bluesy, and melodic guitar style, positioning him as one of the most revered yet underrated players of his era. Beyond his work with Europe, he has produced a series of successful solo albums, including 1992’s Face The Truth, which featured collaborations with rock legends such as Glenn Hughes, Peter Baltes of Accept, and Mikkey Dee from King Diamond.

Norum also contributed to Don Dokken’s first solo album after his time with Dokken, titled Up From The Ashes, which many consider to be some of his finest work. In a 2024 interview with Guitar World, Norum reflected on how his approach to playing has evolved since the height of Europe’s fame, acknowledging that in the ’80s, he was focused on speed and technical prowess, but later recognized the importance of rhythm and musicality in his playing.