Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Duane Eddy has died aged 86.

The Grammy-winning artist died of cancer on Tuesday in hospital in Tennessee, surrounded by his family.

His representative told Variety: ‘Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound.

‘He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.’

The pioneering musician was known for his characteristically ‘twangy’ sound, and rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s.

Eddy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2008.

He sold more than 100million records over his incredible career, which spanned seven decades.

Eddy’s biggest hits included Cannonball in 1958, Forty Miles of Bad Road in 1959, while several of his albums hit the charts with debut LP Have ‘Twangy’ Guitar Will Travel peaking at the number five spot in 1959.

His 1960 single Peter Gunn returned to the charts in 1986 when it was remade with Art of Noise.

It won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental of 1986.

Mick Fleetwood said: ‘For Duane Eddy yesterday in my studio I said this riff needs to sound like Duane Eddy! As I picked up my Gretsch white falcon guitar! Saddened of the passing of this understated man who had talents more than most knew. Grateful for learning to play drums listening to his music.

The CEO of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Kyle Young, added: ‘Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own. His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. He inspired thousands of hillbilly cats and downtown rockers to rumble. His sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock & roll.’