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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Jimmy D Lane. His album Lone Gone is my current favorite to put on the TT. If you like SRV you need to check this one out.
These guys are all over my collection and constantly in my cd players, car, Ipod

Caveat-Im a guitar player. Eclectic...lots of favorites depends on the mood.

Jazz-Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass (also good blues players), Martin Taylor, Wes Montgomery (early before the violins)
Fusion-Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Larry Coryell, Pat Metheny
Latin-Santana, Charlie Byrd
Rock-Clapton, Knopfler, Hendrix, Warren Haynes
blues-SRV, Warren Haynes, the 3 Kings, Buddy, Muddy Waters
Acoustic Steel-Laurence Juber, Ed Gerhard, Hedges
Slack Key-Kapono Beamer
Bluegrass-TOny Rice
Classical-John Williams, Segovia,