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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My favorites are Randy Rhoads (not only very talented but very musical - who knows what he would have been capable of had he lived long enough), Steve Vai and Al dimeola (for talent and innovation), Frank Gambale (sheer talent - although not my favorite music)

My favorite and I think one of the best musicians of all time:

ANDRE SEGOVIA

and fortunately he recorded several LPs with Decca Records - the sound quality is great -- I'm close to having all of his LPs
Overall, my favorite is Pat Metheny. I've been listening to his music since "As Falls Wichita So Falls Wichita Falls came out in 1981. His recent CD "One Quiet Night" is beautiful. I listen to it over and over. Other favorite guitarists, in no particular order- Al Dimeola, Tony Rice, Steve Morse, Chet Atkins, Tony McManus, Phil Keaggy, Michael Hedges, Jim Hall, and Joe Pass.
Nighthawk, if you haven't already, check out the Dregs' live CD "Bring 'Em Back Alive". Really good stuff from Steve Morse and the guys.