The greatest guitarist of all time was only 27 years old when he passed away.

The standout formed his band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, in 1966, just four years before his untimely death.

He's been referred to as an inspiration by some of the most popular artists the world has ever known including John Mayer, Prince (though he did not like being compared to the icon), Bob Dylan, and so many more.

The music legend performed at Woodstock in 1969 and created a slew of hits including, "Purple Haze," "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "The Wind Cries Mary," "Foxy Lady," and "All Along the Watchtower," to name only a few.

The best guitarist of all time is Jimi Hendrix, according to a list compiled by The Top Tens. The storied guitarist died in 1970 as a result of a drug overdose and genuinely believed he could change the world with his music.

Other Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hitmakers that made the list include Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Van Halen's Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, and Guns N' Roses Slash to round out the top five.

Here's what The Top Tens had to say about Hendrix's iconic career and timeless legacy:

"Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as 'arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.' Hendrix is consistently ranked on lists of musicians who died too soon."

For a continued list of the most celebrated guitarists in music history, check out thetoptens.com.

Watch Hendrix perform "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" live in 1970 below.

Greg Kretschmar