John Frusciante – (1988–1992, 1998–2009, 2019–present)(Image credit: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect)Despite Hillel Slovak’s immense influence on the band, John Frusciante is for most the defining RHCP guitarist. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Give It Away [Official Music Video] - YouTube Watch OnThe success was too much for Frusciante, who became a recluse and developed a heroin addiction. He also found time for a side project, Ataxia, with Fugazi bassist Joe Lally and future RHCP guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. Whether he will ever leave again remains to be seen, but at this point anyone else who plays with the Red Hot Chili Peppers is just filling in for John Frusciante. The former Jane’s Addiction guitarist made the next Chili Peppers lineup into something of a funk-rock supergroup.