Prince ranks No. 6 on Spin's list of all-time greatest guitarists

Prince

Spin magazine continues to show its love for Prince. In Spin's new list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all-time, Prince ranks No. 6. That's impressive because the list is obsessively indie rock-centric or "new generation," as Spin puts it, trying to "veer toward the alternative canon." Hence, classic names like Hendrix, Clapton and Santana are missing.

At No. 1 is Sonic Youth's pairing of Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo. Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine is No. 2 and acoustic finger-style master John Fahey is a surprise pick at No. 3. Nirvana's Kurt Cobain ranks fourth, Dinosaur Jr.'s J. Mascis fifth.

Despite its alternative leanings, Spin has long loved Prince. He was on the cover in 2009 for a special 25th anniversary salute to "Purple Rain."

The list isn't devoid of Rock Hall of Famers. Among the classic names who may have been alternative in spirit are U2's the Edge at 13, Frank Zappa at 16, Velvet Underground's Lou Reed and Sterling Morrison at 17 and Neil Young at 20.

Bob Mould, who got his start with Husker Du in St. Paul, is No. 48.

For the full Spin list, click here.