Mike Campbell, the legendary guitarist who stood shoulder to shoulder with Tom Petty for over four decades, is more than just a side player.

He is a master craftsman, a scholar of the guitar, and a curator of the rich musical traditions that have shaped American rock and roll.

At 75, Campbell shared his list of seven favorite guitarists — a mix of iconic legends and unsung heroes — revealing the deep well of inspiration behind his own timeless riffs.

Before diving into his favorites, Campbell pays tribute to the instrument itself, naming the Fender Stratocaster as the greatest guitar design ever.

While Gibson guitars have their place, Campbell’s allegiance to Fender’s Stratocaster is rooted in its unique sound and versatility — qualities that helped him craft the unmistakable tones heard in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ classics.

His Rick and Backer guitars also contributed to the sonic palette that defined American rock radio for decades.

Campbell’s list begins with Carl Perkins, the man behind “Blue Suede Shoes” and a foundational figure in rockabilly.

Perkins masterfully blended country, blues, and rhythm and blues into a fiery, energetic style that influenced countless guitarists.

Campbell admires Perkins’s ability to play driving rhythms and sharp leads simultaneously, creating a full, dynamic sound from a single guitar.

Perkins’s guitar work was never random; every lick told a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

His Gibson ES5 guitar produced the thick, powerful tone that became a hallmark of rockabilly music.

Campbell credits Perkins with showing that rhythm guitar could be just as exciting and essential as lead playing, a lesson that deeply influenced his own approach.

Next on Campbell’s list is Clarence White, a guitarist who revolutionized country rock with his innovative techniques.

White’s installation of a special lever on his Telecaster allowed him to bend strings like a pedal steel guitar, creating lush, expressive sounds that pushed the boundaries of electric guitar playing.

Campbell was fascinated by White’s technical innovations and fluid phrasing, which seamlessly integrated bluegrass flatpicking into electric rock contexts.

Despite his tragic death at 26, White’s influence lives on through countless guitarists who have adopted his techniques and style.

Campbell calls him one of the most underrated guitarists in rock history.

Brian May’s name is synonymous with originality and innovation.

Unlike many guitarists who rely on established designs, May built his own guitar — the “Red Special” — from scratch, crafting a unique sound that became the backbone of Queen’s music.

Campbell praises May’s distinctive musical voice, which combines layers of harmonized guitar parts to create orchestral textures unheard of in rock.

May’s solos, like the iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” showcase his ability to build tension and release with dramatic flair.

His use of a sixpence coin as a pick adds to his signature attack and tone.

Campbell admires May’s willingness to think beyond conventional guitar playing, making him a true original in an era often filled with imitators.

Keith Richards is a living legend whose work with The Rolling Stones redefined rhythm guitar’s role in rock music.

Campbell highlights Richards’s deep understanding of roots music — blues, country, and rock — and his innovative use of open G tuning, which gave the Stones their raw, cutting sound.

Richards’s ability to craft unforgettable riffs and grooves, often with just five strings, sets him apart from many technically proficient but less soulful players.

Campbell notes that Richards’s playing proves rhythm guitar can be the most important element in a band, supporting and enhancing every other instrument.

George Harrison’s guitar playing exemplifies the power of simplicity and melody.

Campbell cites Harrison as a major influence, especially in learning how to serve the song rather than dominate it.

Harrison’s solos were carefully composed miniatures, perfectly integrated into the Beatles’ arrangements.

His spiritual approach to music, viewing guitar playing as a form of meditation and service, set him apart.

Harrison’s slide guitar work and sweet, singing tones on Gretsch and Fender Stratocasters created a new vocabulary for rock guitar.

Campbell believes Harrison showed that beauty and simplicity often trump complexity and flashiness.

Jimi Hendrix’s name is legendary for good reason.

Campbell studied Hendrix obsessively, trying to understand his groundbreaking harmonic concepts, rhythmic innovations, and sonic experiments.

Hendrix didn’t just play guitar differently — he reimagined the instrument itself.

His performances at Monterey and Woodstock revealed that guitar could be theater, art, and transcendent music all at once.

Songs like “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child” pushed electric guitar into new territories, using feedback, distortion, and effects as compositional tools.

Campbell regards Hendrix as the greatest pure innovator in guitar history, whose influence spans rock, blues, funk, and jazz.

At the top of Campbell’s list is Chuck Berry, the man who essentially invented rock guitar language.

Berry’s songwriting genius, showmanship, and masterful combination of rhythm and lead playing created the blueprint for all rock guitarists who followed.

His iconic intros to songs like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene” are among the most famous guitar moments ever recorded.

Berry’s double string bending technique and energetic rhythm playing drove his songs forward with unstoppable momentum.

Campbell had the privilege of working with Berry later in his career and witnessed firsthand the genius that made Berry the definitive architect of rock guitar.

Throughout his list and reflections, Mike Campbell emphasizes qualities that go beyond technical skill.

For him, tone matters more than speed, feel beats perfection, and serving the song always wins over showing off.

These principles guided his own career and shaped his appreciation for guitarists who brought heart and soul to their playing.

Campbell’s favorites reflect a deep respect for tradition, innovation, and musicality — from the raw energy of Chuck Berry to the spiritual simplicity of George Harrison, the technical brilliance of Brian May, and the revolutionary artistry of Jimi Hendrix.

Mike Campbell’s favorite guitarists are a testament to the rich tapestry of styles and innovations that have defined rock and roll.

His choices reveal a musician who values not just virtuosity, but intelligence, taste, and emotional connection.

At 75, Campbell’s reflections offer fans a masterclass in guitar appreciation and a glimpse into the influences that shaped one of rock’s most enduring sounds.

Whether you’re a player or a listener, this list is a roadmap to the heart of rock guitar history.