Ultimate Guitarists Poll

[Technetium]

Here's my top 29 guitarist list, because I like being extra pretentious. These are all the guitarists I consider to be "great". Even the bottom of this list is "great". I judge guitar players primarily by their ability to play a note with style and passion, hence the presence of David Gilmour, John Mitchell, and Steven Wilson, none of which are overly technical, in the top half. Then I go for how clearly they play. I dislike muffled notes, which is the main problem I have with Jimi Hendrix (though he's still on my list). Ability to play ultra fast doesn't count for a whole lot in my book unless you can do it with great style, too (this is why Michael Angelo isn't on my list).
1. John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
2. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)
3. Al di Meola (jazz guitarist)
4. Johan Reinholdz (Andromeda)
5. Roine Stolte (Flower Kings)
6. John Mitchell (Arena)
7. Steve Vai (solo projects)
8. Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth)
9. Carlos Santana (various stuff)
10. Joe Satriani (solo projects)
11. Andre Segovia (dead classical guitarist)
12. Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree)
13. Kiko Loureiro (Angra)
14. Michael Romeo (Symphony X)
15. Yngwie Malmsteen (various stuff)
16. Jimi Hendrix (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
17. Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon)
18. Eric Johnson (solo projects)
19. Slash (Guns 'n Roses)
20. Stephan Forte (Adagio)
21. Al Pitrelli (Savatage)
22. Rafael Bittencourt (Angra)
23. Queensryche guitarist whose name I forget
24. Gary Wehrkamp/Brendt Alman (Shadow Gallery)
25. Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)
26. Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius)
27. Zakk Wilde (Ozzy Osbourne)
28. Kirk Hammet (Metallica)
29. Roland Orzabal (Tears for Fears)

 

[aiwass]

Edit: Shawn Lane(RIP) and Holdsworth are badass, too.

My two favorite players. Why are they not on there?

Oh, and Forté is young, so what? He beats most of the guys on that poll anyway.

EDIT: Of the people on that poll, George Bellas, with Romeo at a close second.

 

[aiwass]

This guy named Guthrie Govan is the most well-rounded guitarist I've ever seen or heard. He's not the fastest or anything like that, but this guy plays shred with the best of 'em, taps, sweeps, plays real jazz, plays real country, does legato, does the fast alternate picking thing, plays blues and any other style you could think of. Check out these video clips:

http://www.tonemerchants.com/Guthrie_Govan_Clips.htm

I ordered the DVD copy and it's even better than the clips. Truly an amazing player!

Guthrie is the man. And as far as him not being the fastest, he is still way up there. If not Bellas and Forté fast, then at least Petrucci fast. Still, that's not the point though. He is one of the most tasteful and innovative players I've heard, and his versatility is just outrageous.

Besides, he rocks at 8 finger tapping.