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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Right now I'd have to say a toss up between
Steve Vai & Buckethead. Steve Morse was my
favorite for awhile. Robert Fripp was a long
time favorite also.

I've seen Zappa w/Belew (77), Bigjoe you're
right Belew seemed better with Frank, I didn't
see Vai w/Zappa but I have a DVD of that show.
Vai didn't even seem to be very good back then.

I've seen Fripp & Belew w/Crimson (81,82,84,03)
Steve Morse (03), Steve Vai (05). I'm going to
see Buckethead this month. I've seen alot more
but those are my favorites.

Vinny
Just thought Id mention if anyone is in Winnipeg Canada they can whitness some smoking hot guitar playing by seeing the Barry G Player band at the local bar.
Where's Todd Rundgren?

I tripped across this thread again recently and thought - Three years, 265 amazingly diverse and interesting responses naming hundreds of players and -No Todd? Anyone else old enough to remember when he was the domestic alternative to imported guitar heroes? (See The Nazz).

Many people think of TR (if they think of him at all) as a songwriter first and may associate him with the piano. He hasn't played the part in many years, but once upon a time....
Impossible to pick just one due to so many different styles and originality: Jeff Beck, SRV, John Renbourn,Steve Hackett (not only with Genesis but solo and classical, listen to A Midsummer Night's Dream), John Mayer as an up and comer, Alex Lifeson (not just for solos but his chord comping),Joe Pass.