Best Acoustic Guitar Players Of All Time?


Piggybacking on the unique guitar theme, I thought it might be fun to get your list of acoustic masters.

Here is my list:
1. Michael Hedges - This will more than likely be a controversial #1 choice, because I know Michael was heavily influenced by Leo Kottke, but I think Hedges took all his influences to a higher compositional level. He was a total freak on the acoustic guitar and paved the way for so many of the new fingerstyle players. He may not be the best of all time, but he gets my vote anyway.
2. Andres Segovia
3. Leo Kottke
4. Chet Atkins
5. Al DiMeola
6. John McLaughlin
7. Tommy Emmanuel
8. Duck Baker
9. Doyle Dykes
10. Don Ross
11. Antoine Dufour
12. Andy McKee
14. Preston Reed
15. Peppino D'Agostino
16. Pierre Bensusan
17. Billy McLaughlin
18. Tim Sparks
19. Mark O'Conner
20. Tony Rice

I'm sure there's many more I've missed, but I'll leave those gems up to you guys!
128x128dawgbyte
I didn't see Kelly Joe Phelps on your list. Perhaps not the best, but one of the most enjoyable to.
Metralla; I assume (hope) you're kidding.

Dawgbyte; I think you accidently left out Joe Pass and Christopher Parkening - in that order.
I think Antonio Forcione is worthy of consideration as one of the best current players (time will tell the rest). He is a true joy to listen to.

Chet Atkins - Maybe the best pure tone of all time?

My 2 cents anyway...
Michael Hedges is my favorite.

Andy Mckee was just recently a "featured video" on youtube. IMHO...he seemed like a Michael Hedges ripoff.