I've been playing now for about 8 years or so. My influences are the same as everyone elses here, so no need to list them, my 3 favorite guitar albums have to be Passion & welfare, Perpetual Burn, and Alchemy. I didnt get really serious into it untill a few years ago when I actually had the money to start to get real equipment, and also when I saw Yngwie live and upclose (one of his picks actually bounced off my head!!).
Being left handed really put a crimp into getting good lessons (most teachers run from us leftys!!) and good guitars. So I was forced to do everything by myself. I consider playing guitar to be my alltime favorite hobby, something I can look forward to comming home after a long day at work, and as a pure stress reliever.