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 listened to them all but but I have seen Clapton live many times and have most of his televised interviews and recordings. Even most people who think he was overrated give him his due and those who believe him to be the best hands down are fervent in their passion. I always believed Clapton would be the hardest to imitate because of his vibrato, his short,quick, evenly spaced notes , and his ability to pick with such dexterity and precision.[even throughout the lower notes on the neck ]which in fact many other guitar players ignore because these notes are apt to blur[at top speed] if not properly executed I just analyze what I see and hear[only my opinion] Most people don't like to jump on a bandwagon because so many others are on it! That's why Clapton gets the varied opinions he does. SRV Hendrix Trower etc. all are similar in how they play and sound. Does anybody play like Clapton and get the same resulting type style and clarity with accuracy of sound?
Clapton is the "cleanest" guitarist I've ever heard. But one thing he doesn't get enough credit for is the fact that he is a great singer. His guitar playing is versatile and he always plays the kind of music I like. Two examples are Derick and the Dominoes and 461 Ocean Blvd.. His give and take with Duane Allmond is a hard core, toe tappin, fusion of rock and blues that just makes you feel good. 461 Ocean Blvd., whether you like it or not, made reggae internationally popular. And who doesn't like reggea? I'm sorry Joz25 that I'm not being very technical. I'm not a musician but I love Clapton's music.
He doesn't play a whole lot of guitar anymore, but Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead amazes me with what he can do.
Robert Fripp and Adrian Belew on the same stage!

Give John Mayer a few more albums and he will be on this list also.