Who is your overall favorite guitarist?


At 44 years of age, I personally feel fortunate to have lived in an era along with some of the finest guitarists who have ever lived. I have always had an overwhelming love of music. As I look back to my earlier years of music appreciation (I took formal piano training for 17 years) I remember how my instructor would suggest exposing myself to the many different styles and disciplines of music.

These were such valuable words of wisdom. Considering the fact that this suggestion, more or less, forced me to be more open to musicians other than those that played in strictly rock and roll bands.

Wow, was I surprised to find that I could be as entertained by Chet Atkins and Les Paul as I could be by Ritchie Blackmore or Carlos Santana. Just think about some of the finest from our time. Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Steve Howe, Al DiMeola, the list could seem almost endless. All such incredible musicians.

Although it's very hard to pick one person or style in particular, let's remember the key words, "overall favorite".
I would probably have to say that my overall favorite would have to be Steve Morse (from Dixie Dregs fame).

Who is your favorite?
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I'm sure everyone has their favorite, but over the years one guitarist whose work I've admired is Lee Ritenour. One of my favorite cds is one done in collaberation with Dave Gruisin and it's called Harlequin. Give it a listen!!
Let me say a word for my personal favorite, Wes Montgomery. Entirely self taught, he learned the guitar from listening to Charlie Christian records. A great natural talent. Those who knew him personally could attest to the fact that "the warmth and directness and spontaneity and love you seem to hear in his music was really there." Orrin Keepnews. His ballad interpretations are second to none. Listen and you will hear what melodic eloquence, intimate, warm sound and perfect rhythmic sense is all about. His blues playing is a flow of one original, tasteful idea after another. Listen to his "Four on Six -While We're Young - I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" sessions from 1960-62. You won't be sorry.