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 haven't heard at any length many of the guitarists mentioned previously, but the guitarists I enjoy listening to the most (recordings and live) is Phil Keaggy.  So he'd be my favorite.

After him, I also really enjoy listening to Mark Knopfler, early Pat Metheny, Roy Buchanan, Leo Kottke, SRV.  I'm sure if I listen more, I'll be able to add many more names.

I can't really like a guitarist's performance unless I also like the music.
Frank Marino #1
Rory Gallagher #1
Gary Moore #2
Joe Satriani #3
Al Dimeola #4
Jimmy Page #5
Allan Holdsworth  #6
Jimmy Hendricks #7



John McLaughlin deserves a mention for his playing with Miles Davis and then the Mahavishnu Orchestra. I saw him in concert with the M.O. in 1974 at the Vancouver Colosseum. 
I am once again reminded of how few people have heard Danny Gatton. He is one of the "Pro's Pro" guitarists, one who was nicknamed The Humbler by a "pretty good" guitarist himself, Vince Gill. Dave Edmunds is a big fan of Albert Lee, and he's not alone. I saw Albert in the late-90's at a little club on the coast between L.A. and Santa Barbara, and the place was packed with guitarists watching his hands.