George Harrison is, quite simply, one of the greatest guitarists in rock and roll history. Not the most technical musician, and certainly not the flashiest, but when it comes to being in a band — playing precisely what the song asks for, contributing ideas, and acting as one voice among several, he has been only occasionally equaled, and never surpassed.

While capable of some impressive soloing, Harrison’s true talent lies in his creative lead playing and strong songwriting. As a member of the Beatles, Harrison did no less that help define the modern rock band and the lead guitarist’s role within it. Joe Perry, guitarists for the band Aerosmith, said quite accurately, “I don’t think there’s any band out there doing anything that the Beatles didn’t at least try at some point.” Although Harrison was frustrated somewhat by the overwhelming presence of the legendary John Lennon-Paul McCartney songwriting team, he typically contributed two or three songs to each record that easily measured up to the standard set by his higher-profile bandmates.

 Additionally, his interest in Indian music and culture led to new directions in the band’s own music, as he began to experiment with the Indian sitar and other concepts such as single-chord songs. Other Harrison ideas, such as intentional use of feedback and dissonance, were a breath of fresh air in a form of music dominated by blues and rockabilly influences. Following the Beatles’ breakup in 1969, Harrison and his former bandmates pursued solo careers. Although still overshadowed by them, he was the first to score a Number One hit in Great Britain one year later, with My Sweet Lord.

He would have another Number One with Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth), and a Top Ten hit with What Is Life. In addition to his solo career, Harrison enjoyed success as a member of the Traveling Wilburys, and as a producer for a album by sitar legend Ravi Shankar.