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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J Mascis. No matter whether he's wailing his electric guitar through amps turned to 11 or playing a quiet acoustic song, I just love his music.
I don't think I've ever heard anything quite as mind-blowing as "La Fabulosa Guitarra de Paco de Lucia," an album which he recorded quite early in his career in the mid- to late-60s. Not just technical fireworks, but technical fireworks blazing with some real fire in the belly. Can't recommend it highly enough to any guitar enthusiast. He also did some great work with the flamenco great Camaron de la Isla, most notably their album "Castillo de Arena."