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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henryhk,

I agree. Steve Vai has some songs that are great, and he can play anything at any speed. But he chooses to play off the wall stuff with sound effects to the point where it just gets silly. Another one that has talent on Vai's scale is Frank Gambale.

Van Halen had his day and wrote some great music. But he sucks by today's standards. He should have stayed retired. If fact, Randy Rhoads was a much better guitarist at the same time Eddy was popular, but he didn't live long enough to really be noticed at the time. He has been noticed ever since.
Mark Knofler, Andres Segovia, Jeff Beck, Al DiMeola, Alex Lifeson...in no particular order.
I'm not sure how you decide this, but I noticed on this site, Factory direct, that Acoustic Disc has a new cd coming out which features over 20 guitarists and 20 mandolinists each playing on the same two vintage instruments.

What a great way to compare styles of David Bromberg,
Del McCoury, John Jorgenson, Tony Rice, Martin Taylor...
etc. etc.

It's called Tone Poets
JG
I'm stunned that no one has mentioned Harvey Reid, certainly one of the best guitar players around. If you're not aware of him, check out www.woodpecker.com