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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By genre: Classical-Julian Bream, Jazz-Wes Montgomery, Rock- Stevie Ray Vaughn

Best concert I ever saw was Stevie Ray on his Couldn't Stand the weather tour. No opening act, 70 minutes including encore, but what a 70 minutes. Voodoo Chile into Third Stone from the Sun as an encore. My wife (girlfriend then) gave me the tickets for Valentine's day. I sure do love her.
My favorite overall guitarist would have to be Eric Johnson. However, if you are looking for someone who is the most technically proficient and has the most complete mastery of the fretboard, I would have to go with Allan Holdsworth. His mastery of the fretboard is beyond comprehension of most mortals.
Kelvin
Brian Setzer can really rip it up. And I second Johnny Marr! I think seeing the guitarist perform can influence who you might choose as your favorite.
Jeff