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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Showing 10 responses by mapman

I could listen to Chet Atkins play the phonebook.

Jimmy Page is underrated.

I’m a big Steve Hackett fan.

Lindsay Buckingham is uniquely awesome when he is on his game.

Love it when Justin Hayward decides to let it rip.
Steve Hackett
Andy Latimer
Jimmy Page
Steve Howe
Kim Simmonds
Ritchie Blackmore
George Harrison
Jan Akkerman
Justin Hayward
DaVID Gilmour
Brian May
Robert Fripp
Frank Zappa
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.
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.
FWIW the allmusic site lists the following as those who influenced Jimi Hendrix:

* Charlie Christian
* The Isley Brothers
* Charley Patton
* Little Richard
* King Curtis
* Ike Turner
* B.B. King
* James Brown
* John Coltrane
* Albert Collins
* Bo Diddley
* Jimmy Reed
* Lonnie Mack
* The Beatles
* Freddie King
* Hubert Sumlin
* Little Walter
* Buddy Guy
* Howlin' Wolf
* Chuck Berry
* T-Bone Walker

and for Eric Clapton:

* Jimmy Reed
* Jimmy Rogers
* Slim Harpo
* Sonny Boy Williamson
* Howlin' Wolf
* T-Bone Walker
* Otis Rush
* Don Williams
* Buddy Guy
* Muddy Waters
* Big Bill Broonzy
* J.J. Cale
* Chuck Berry
* B.B. King
* Albert King
* The Band
* Bob Dylan
* Robert Johnson
* Elmore James
* Freddie King

Lots of common influences by the commonly acknowledged earlier pure blues and also rock and roller guitarists like Chuck Berry, but neither listed as influencing the other. Not surprising in that they were contemporaries during their formative years prior to Hendrix's death.
Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues is a much under appreciated guitarist.

He knows how to embellish music with his playing and has done so on many of my favorite recordings. He can be lightning fast and flashy also when needed, but seldom over does it.
Not real familiar with him but some old Earl Hooker on Sun Records stuff just played. Hot stuff!!!
I have more recordings in my collection featuring Steve Hackett than any other so there you go, the numbers don't lie.

Next in line on taht count would be Chet Atkins I suppose.

I also do love listening to Robert Johnson play guitar, but so few recordings there to choose from.