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 just bought the very fine new Matthew Sweet cd which features Matthew Sweet, Greg Leisz, Richard Lloyd, and Ivan Julian on guitar. Julian is a quintessential NYC gig guy and shows up at a ton of shows as a "guest axe". Can't say he's my overall favorite, but he deserves mention as a terrific player.

Marty
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Two of my favorites for rock/metal not mentioned so far (I think, because I only went through about half of the posts!) are Micheal Schenker and Tony McAlpine.

Most of my other favs (along with every guitar player in history I think!) have been mentioned - impossible to narrow it down too much!