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 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.
Jimi Hendricks was great in his ability to make a great sound and write songs that will be known forever. But there are a lot of guitarist that just play good clean guitar. A lot of the old blues guitarist that Hendrix played with BB King & Muddy Waters and many that had an influence on him like  Koko Taylor , John Lee Hooker , James Cotton and Rory Gallagher. He will always be tops in his own rights, but there were many that are better.
Been thinking about this question for a few days now, fought back and fouth with Clapton, SRV, Johnny Winter, Otis Rush and other obvious choices but based on just over all satisfaction, mine of course, I am going to go a bit against the grain and say JJ Cale. Enjoy the music.
All great guitarists mentioned here. As a guitarist myself, I am amazed at the perfection demonstrated by Joe Bonamassa.. He is the best I have  ever heard either on record or in concert.