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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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mapman's avatar
mapman
22,464 posts
 
OMG, did anyone mention Dick Dale, the "King of the Surf Guitar"?

saw him play once standing 5 feet in front of me! Most memorable concert experience ever.

I always liked Duane Eddy as well.
jpod
59 posts
 
Dang, I accidentally left Jazz and Wes Montgomery out of my post.

And I agree that Chet Atkins belongs on the list, and probably a bunch more mainstream country pickers.

And I second Lindsey Buckingham. And somewhere I'd include Les Paul.

Well I'll stop there and go listen to some music.

JPO
emiser's avatar
emiser
29 posts
 
Phil Keaggy - he can wail from his Glass Harp days and his more classic solo acoustic stuff is excellent
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,464 posts
 
Damn, I can't believe I forgot to mention Neil Young.

When he is in a roll, he is without equal in regard to his ability to communicate his mood with his guitar.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I just flipped through the thread and saw that no-one has mentioned Bill Kirchen (once of Commander Cody's Lost Planet Airmen). I'll stick with Gatton, Thompson, Rundgren and Buckingham as my favorites, but Kirchen is worth mentioning. His live shows are amazing and the solo in "Hot Rod Lincoln" (in which he plays several dozen short licks associated with various great players, most of whom are already on this list) is both hilarious and a wonderful musical tribute.

Another name not mentioned is Jesse Gress, the music editor of Guitar Player magazine. He tours with Rundgren on occasion and is awfully impressive.

Marty
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