I expect to get a little flak for this but Jimmy Page and Jimmi Hendrix are tied in my mind. Hendrix has the skills but Page has the soul. Followed  by Eddie Vanhalen, Eric Clapton, Tommy Iommi, Angus Young, Alex Lifeson, Slash, Dave Mustaine, Jeff Beck, and Rhandy Roads.

My vote is for Roy Clark. HEEEE HAWWW!!

Frank Zappa. Hands down.

There were a few mentioned here.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/123907-whos-your-all-time-favorite-guitarist-of-your-generation/

Rhandy Roads............Hands down.

I agree with you on Jimmy Page... Saw Zep, in 78 had tickets when John died, to see him play a double neck 12 string or acoustic was a work of art, if I voted he would get mine, lots of outstanding guitarist though, Slash is better than most credit, Randy Rhoades, was quite good... Angus is meat and potatos .... List goes on and on... Metallicas lead, his name? Gezz I forget now, he's great... I could go on if I could remember!!!

All of the above mentioned are great but I think genre has a lot to do with the vote. I guess I'm just saying don't leave this guy out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wTj1iZkUcM

Your right Zack Wylde doesn't get enough credit.

Like I said! I couldn't rember Zacks name! But yep, I guess I am just a old metal guy, but I enjoy lots of diffrent music, for sure....

So are you asking for best rock/metal guitarist of all time?

 

I mean there's a lot of talent past, present out there on the jazz, classical, etc.

 

Just saying... Everyone mentioned so far are phenoms. I'll add Tommy Immanuel, Paco de Lucia, Andres Segovia, Buckethead, Satch, Phil Keaggy... the list can go for a while.

Other honorable mentions, Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, Brian May, most of The Eagles "Joe Walsh, Don Henley, etc", Peter Frampton.

No such thing as the best, only a very long list of great ones.

 

Some of mine covering a few genres................

 

Criss Oliva

Buckethead

John Petrucci

Chris Caffery

Alex Skolnick

Warren Haynes

Ron Locurto

Davy Knowles

Pat Martino

Many of my favorites have already been listed, but I will add a few that I really enjoy. Mark Knopfler, Steve Vai, George Lynch, Alex Lifeson, Rudolf Schenker.  and even the Motor City Mad Man could make it talk.

The fact that everyone so far left off Stevie Ray Vaughn incredible. I may be in the minority, but my basis for judging the greatest is that they not only have to be able to play the instrument, but have to play good songs too. I respect the inventiveness of Jimmy Hendrix, but I never liked his songs. For being able to play so many different genres and do all of them so well, Eric Clapton is without peer.

Ya I listed pretty much all rock/metal guitarists. I'll give credit to the blues guys to BB King, Buddy Holly,  among others. I'm liking this feedback I'm starting another thread for the most unappreciated part of music, the bass players.

_Eddie

So far and until a new one is chosen the best guitar player of all times is Jimmi Hendrix

I have to agree..........Living Zakk without a doubt.

James Patrick Page ~

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcIn4dG6fBc

 

A-Jay

Joe Bonamassa.

Steve Vai

Hootie

Idk, Eric Clapton maybe??

Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Les Paul, Chet Atkins, B. B. King, John Butler.

Oh, and Tom. Tom was a guy that played at the church we used to attend. He could play anything you asked. Recall the artist and songs instantly and play it spot on. He played left handed. He taught himself to play guitar at age 36. He's the only guy I ever saw who could play a right handed guitar upside down left handed and never miss a note!

Just in case anyone doesn't know who John Butler is...

Eleven string guitar...

Who's Tommy Iommi?

Too many people equate best with most famous...

 

Someone told me a long time ago that for ever great player,  there are many just as good or better,  that just don't get famous.

 

They were correct.