We don’t know if it’s in the air or the water, but there seems to be an unfair amount of talented guitarists that come out of the Manchester music scene. From the jangling brilliance of Johnny Marr to the anthemic riffs of Noel Gallagher, the city has long been a breeding ground for iconic six-string heroes. Whether it’s the raw energy of punk, the shimmering textures of indie, or the psychedelic edge of modern acts, Manchester’s guitarists have consistently shaped the sound of British music and beyond.
While the city is often associated with legendary bands, it has also been home to some of the finest guitarists in history. These musicians have shaped the sound of their respective genres, influencing countless artists worldwide. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the careers of some of the most iconic guitarists to emerge from Manchester.
1. Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Electronic, Modest Mouse)
No discussion about Manchester guitarists would be complete without Johnny Marr. As the lead guitarist and co-songwriter of The Smiths, Marr revolutionized alternative rock with his intricate and melodic playing style. His jangly, arpeggiated riffs and layered compositions became a signature sound that influenced generations of musicians.
Influence & Legacy
Marr’s style was a departure from the power-chord-driven rock of the time, blending elements of funk, folk, and post-punk. Songs like This Charming Man and How Soon Is Now? showcased his ability to craft complex yet catchy guitar lines. After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Marr collaborated with numerous artists, including The The, Electronic (with Bernard Sumner of New Order), and even joined Modest Mouse and The Cribs for periods. His solo career further cemented his reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
2. Noel Gallagher (Oasis, High Flying Birds)
A driving force behind one of the biggest bands of the ’90s, Noel Gallagher was the mastermind behind Oasis’s anthemic sound. As both the lead guitarist and primary songwriter, his combination of simple yet powerful riffs, bluesy solos, and soaring chord progressions became the blueprint for Britpop.
Influence & Legacy
Oasis’s debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994), set the stage for a rock revolution, while (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) solidified their status as global superstars. Tracks like Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Live Forever feature some of the most recognizable chord progressions in rock history. Gallagher’s ability to blend punk energy with Beatles-inspired melodies made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. After Oasis split in 2009, he launched Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, continuing to deliver classic rock-infused tracks.
3. Bernard Sumner (Joy Division, New Order, Electronic)
While Bernard Sumner is primarily known for his role as a vocalist and songwriter, his guitar work in Joy Division and New Order helped define the post-punk and electronic music scenes. Sumner’s minimalistic yet haunting guitar lines added a unique atmospheric quality to Joy Division’s music, particularly in songs like Love Will Tear Us Apart and Transmission.
Influence & Legacy
Following the tragic death of Ian Curtis, Sumner took over as lead vocalist for New Order, where his guitar playing evolved further, incorporating elements of electronic and dance music. The fusion of guitar-driven post-punk and synthesizers in tracks like Blue Monday and Bizarre Love Triangle paved the way for countless bands experimenting with indie and electronic sounds.
4. Vini Reilly (The Durutti Column)
Vini Reilly is one of Manchester’s most underrated yet profoundly influential guitarists. As the driving force behind The Durutti Column, his fluid, atmospheric, and highly emotive playing style set him apart from his contemporaries. Reilly’s music blends elements of jazz, classical, and avant-garde, making his approach to guitar playing truly unique.
Influence & Legacy
Reilly’s work on albums like LC (1981) and The Guitar and Other Machines (1987) showcased his intricate fingerpicking technique and use of effects to create lush soundscapes. His influence can be heard in the works of post-rock and ambient musicians who followed in his footsteps. Despite never achieving mainstream fame, his contributions to the guitar world remain deeply respected.
5. John Squire (The Stone Roses, The Seahorses)
John Squire’s combination of psychedelic rock influences and danceable grooves made him one of the defining guitarists of the Madchester scene. As the lead guitarist of The Stone Roses, he crafted some of the most iconic guitar riffs of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
Influence & Legacy
Squire’s ability to blend Hendrix-inspired blues-rock solos with shimmering, delay-drenched rhythm parts made The Stone Roses (1989) an era-defining album. Songs like Waterfall, I Wanna Be Adored, and She Bangs the Drums featured intricate yet infectious guitar work. After The Stone Roses disbanded, he formed The Seahorses and continued to showcase his technical skills. Though his solo career was more low-key, his impact on Britpop and alternative rock remains undeniable.
6. Graham Coxon (Blur, Solo Work)
Though often associated with London, Graham Coxon was born in Rinteln, Germany, to English parents but grew up in Colchester before later becoming closely connected with Manchester’s music scene. His influence on British guitar music is immense, and his time in Blur helped shape the sound of ‘90s alternative rock.
Influence & Legacy
Coxon’s eclectic playing style incorporated punk aggression, lo-fi experimentation, and intricate melodic work. Tracks like Song 2, Coffee & TV, and Beetlebum showcased his versatility as both a lead and rhythm guitarist. His solo career saw him dive deeper into experimental and garage rock sounds, proving his continued evolution as a guitarist.
7. Andy Rourke (The Smiths, Solo Work)
While primarily known as a bassist, Andy Rourke’s contributions to The Smiths’ sound deserve recognition. His melodic basslines often acted as a secondary guitar, intertwining seamlessly with Johnny Marr’s playing.
Influence & Legacy
Though not a guitarist in the traditional sense, Rourke’s approach to bass playing had a major influence on Manchester’s indie and alternative rock scenes. His work on tracks like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out and Barbarism Begins at Home demonstrated his intricate, melodic style, which many bassists and guitarists have since emulated.
Conclusion
Manchester has long been a city that fosters musical greatness, and its legendary guitarists are proof of its lasting impact on the world of rock and alternative music. From the jangle-pop brilliance of Johnny Marr to the anthemic mastery of Noel Gallagher and the experimental genius of Vini Reilly, these musicians have helped shape the sound of generations. Their legacy continues to inspire new artists, ensuring that Manchester remains at the forefront of musical innovation for years to come.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Charlie & Johns blog next week.
