First, for me, there was AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and Rush.
Followed by Ozzy, Dio, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest.
Followed by Queensryche, Slayer, Metallica, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Megadeth, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Hades, and King Diamond.
Followed by Pink Floyd, Marillion, Fish, Roger Waters, Sting, Tori Amos, and Van Halen.
Followed by Dream Theater, King's X, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, My Sister's Machine, John Wesley, Korn, and Alice in Chains.
And, now, Pain of Salvation, Procupine Tree, Opeth, Symphony X, Power of Omens, Watchtower, Spiral Architect, Spastic Ink, Katatonia, Aghora, Gordian Knot, Cynic, Superior, and a ton of others!!!
As for guitarists, here was my progression:
- Alex Lifeson
- Randy Rhoads
- Vivian Campbell
- Kirk Hammett
- Yngwie
- Vinnie Moore
- Tony MacAlpine
- David Gilmour
- Al DiMeola
- Christopher Parkening
- John Petrucci
- Ron Jarzombek