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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just heard Sandy Bull and Marc Ribot for the first time recently, both are unique and terrific - go listen for yourself!
Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues is a much under appreciated guitarist.

He knows how to embellish music with his playing and has done so on many of my favorite recordings. He can be lightning fast and flashy also when needed, but seldom over does it.
Lately, I've been revisiting the stuff from Pentangle and John Renbourne and Bert Jansch (particularly Jansch) put on quite a display of fancy pickin'. The recent Ron Wood release also serves to remind just how good he can be. I'll stick with my earlier choices for overall favorite, but these guys are all terrific in their own right.

Marty

PS Anyone heard the new Jeff Beck "Rock 'n' Roll Party", yet?
larry carlton. versatile guitarist, writes musical passages that are very well thought-out and constructed.