[Paganini Alfredo]

I'm a bit biased, and certainly not saying he's the technically greatest guitarist, but Jack White is probably my favorite.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03YUgHAshSo

 

[Proglover]

Quote:

David Gilmore.  Can't get into technicalities because I'm not a musician.  What I know is Pink Floyd guitar solos from the 70's give me goose bumps.  He, to me is a genius.
 
Agree or disagree?
 

Can't say I find him THE best, but offcourse, the man's a genius
 

 

[Spyro]

Any old farts here recall Frank Marino & Mahagany Rush?  A Jimi Hendrix clone that pulled it off quite well.  Seen him a few times.  Loudest concert among over 200 attended.

 

[kyuuketsuki]

No mention of Mr. Steve Vai yet? The man a genius on the guitar. Not only that but it is rare to find an artist who is willing to bring a teenaged guitarist on stage with him to play.
 
Other than that, I have to tip my hat to the Japanese guitarist Tak Matsumoto.
 
There are many great guitarists out there. The only one that is considered good by many that I simply cannot stand for a number of reasons is Yngwie Malmsteen. 
 
Also... I know I will get flamed for this one... But speaking strictly as a musician... Hendrix was not that technically talented as a guitarist. (before you all jump at my throat...) I'm not saying he was bad, but he wasn't that fantastic either. What set him apart from the rest is that he was incredibly creative, and a genius. The same can be said of Frank Zappa, not talented technically, but so creative it more than made up for it. 

 

[Zida]

I think if we're talking raw talent we need to throw Guthrie Govan into the ring. He's definitely top tier.

 

[Drake22]

 
kyuuketsuki, TMG is great
 
I would also like to mention Reb Beach, one of the best currently playing.

 

[9pintube]

Quote:

Nice list 9pin, but how did Warren Haynes not make the cut

 
 

Man You got that Right, Especially for all around (he can play any type of guitar) superbly........Thanks for pointing him out...... We could add some more.... Albert Lee, Ry Cooder, Robert Cray.........Lets add The Late great Kenny Poole!! 
 

 

[foolishmatt]

Joe Satriani
Jimi Hendrix
Jimmy Page
Eric Clapton
David Gilmour has some brilliant work too

 

[IPodPJ]

Mark Knopfler
Stanley Jordan

 

[n3rdling]

Buddy Guy is the first to come to mind

 

[Pessimistic]

Larry LaLonde of Primus.

 

[Frankie K]

There are a lot of phenominal guitarist's out there, a few that I truly like are Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Eddie Van Halen and R.I.P. Darrel "DimeBag" Evans. A really Cool thread to start, NICE!!! 

 

[Prog Rock Man]

The answer is Tosin Abasi
 
  

 
   

 

 

[Frankie K]

It's the first time I heard Him play, 8 stringer, Nice! 

 

[robm321]

Looks like it’s a lot about speed with most of the videos posted here. If that’s the case, why not go with the world record holder (he makes all others seem slow):
 

 
Speed is necessary at times, but it bores me quickly. I think Vai is the best of the creative shredders. I am a Buckethead fan too along with a whole bunch of other guitarists, but the King of all guitarists IMHO is Andre Segovia.