So what is the "best" guitar player anyway ? If you like the music then you probably think the guitarist is the best! Personally, while I like the long or wild solos as much as the next guy, that isn't the be all or end all to great guitar playing. Style, tone, and subtlety means a lot, as well as can the player PLAY rhythm too ? Van Halen has been quoted as saying he is proud of the fact, and others agree that he is a great rhythm guitar player, and that among serious guitar players - soloing is considered extra or showing off. The meat and potatoes of a good guitar song are the rhythm guitar parts and being a GOOD rhythm guitar player is essential and part of being a good guitarist.