The 2020s Guitar
2020–2029
The 2020s are still being written, but guitar is louder than ever. Legacy bands are releasing some of their best work in decades, and a new wave of players is pushing the instrument in fresh directions. Streaming and social media have made guitar culture more global and connected.
Metallica, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Guns N' Roses are still creating new music. At the same time, viral guitar moments on TikTok and YouTube are introducing the instrument to millions of new players.
Essential Songs from The 2020s
The Beatles 1
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage 1
Benson Boone 1
Coffin Dance 1
Green Day 1
Foo Fighters 2
Greta Van Fleet 1
Pink Floyd 1
Lady Gaga 1
Ghost 3
David Gilmour 1
Helloween 1
Iron Maiden 4
Shawn Mendes 1
Metallica 6
Red Hot Chili Peppers 1
Stephen Sanchez 1
Slash 2
Harry Styles 1
Teddy Swims 1
Traditional 3
Guitar in the 2020s (So Far)
Metallica returned with "72 Seasons" in 2023, proving the biggest metal band in history still has plenty to say. AC/DC released "Power Up" in 2020 as a tribute to Malcolm Young, packed with classic hard rock riffs. Iron Maiden continued their progressive epic phase with "Senjutsu."
The decade has also seen a remarkable guitar renaissance. Short-form video platforms turned riff clips into viral content. More people are picking up guitar than at any point since the 90s. And AI-powered tools (like GuitarZone's own practice toolbar) are making it easier than ever to learn at your own pace.
What's Next for Guitar?
The 2020s are proving that the electric guitar adapts to every era. Whether it's plugged into a vintage Marshall or processed through a neural amp modeler, the instrument remains the most expressive tool in popular music. Pick up your guitar and be part of what comes next.
Explore earlier eras: the 80s, the 90s, the 2010s. Or browse by genre to find your sound.