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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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.
Thanks Tvad, I'll check it out. Have you ever heard Morse's "High Tension Wires"? This showed me what a virtuoso Morse is. The cut Tumeni Notes is amazing.
Maybe I missed it, but I was surprised that no one mentioned Django Reinhart. Most likely the inspiration behind many of the ones chosen.
There is no right answer here, only opinion - way too many greats and way too many styles. With that said, SRV stands out for me. He's gone now, I rarely listen to his music anymore - shame. But, at 43 years old, I too have seen many of the greats and SRV was one of the few who always made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I don't know what that's called, but SRV physically affected me every time I saw him. He could play jazz, funk, blues, classical, you name it. He must stand at or near the top of the list. I've heard the technical wizards and virtuosos, but if they don't have soul, it just ain't there...IMHO