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 second Mitja with Ronnie Earl being my overall favorite living guitar player. Of those who are no longer with us I would have to choose the late Danny Gatton.
Jimmy Page. Not as many notes-per-second as a lot of other guys, but he absolutely channels the muse through that thing. Even slower and just as emotive is David Gilmore.
This is a first! I agree with Warrenh! SRV is my favorite too. His version of Kenny Burrell's "Chitlins Con Carne" from "The Sky Is Crying", which I have on a gold MFSL CD, is one of my reference cuts. I still can't believe that he's gone.