Naturally, the bulk of the bands on this list (or in the actual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) are from the United States. Others on this list were praised for their ability to merge multiple styles. The Blasters were easily in both categories, but the Blasters were focused on blending musical genres that were primarily rooted in America. They called their creation simply “American Music”, which was an eclectic blend of Roots Rock, R&B, Punk and Rockabilly. Although their music was well received, it wasn’t well purchased, and the band that could very well symbolize American music, did not equate into the American wallet. Maybe they weren’t so American after all.

As one of the first Hardcore Punk bands of note, Suicidal Tendencies was an early favorite of the Skate Punk scene. Not one to rest on their laurels, the band always evolved incorporating elements of Thrash, Funk Metal and Progressive Metal in future efforts. Still a favorite among Hardcore Punk and Metal fans, they have no realistic shot at induction for the Hall, but ask their fans if that even matters.

An accomplished Jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny has garnered critical acclaim for his Jazz interpretations. Metheny may very well be one of the more ambitious Jazz performers as his work incorporated far more influences (World, Fusion for example) than most, yet he was able to do so without losing his basic appeal. As such, Metheny has a limitless quality about him as it seems to be little that he can’t do. Having said that, with a list full of accomplished Jazz artists, Metheny could get a surprise look as his music was a little more diverse than other Jazz superstars and he could have a lit more of that “Rock Credibility” than most.

A guitar virtuoso with few equals, Joe Satriani holds the undesirable record of the most Grammy nominations (15) without a win. Satriani primarily recorded instrumentals which were technically brilliant and immersed with his own unique style. Despite his unquestionable skills, generally instrumental guitarists face a bit of an uphill battle in the performer category.