Fret Wankers I value... Marcel Coenen, Because he has melody and tone as well as speed, and his speed is only rarely displayed in his songs... some songs are totally without. Michael Romeo because his chubby fingers make me laugh and he is just a fucking beast. Steve Vai... because his musical output is just consistently awesome and he plays the guitar with such amazing passion. I guess I could also put Jeff Loomis here too, because nevermore are the shit.
Then other guitarists: Anders Bjorler, because he rights big dirty progressive and melodic riffs as heavy as they come. Fredrik Thorendaal, because he's some kind of human Calculator/wrecking machine. Ihsahn... the guys musical powers transcend flesh. I also sort of like Emppu Vuorinen because of his personality, and the way he is actually totally fucking immense but isn't cocky about it and rarely puts that flare into nightwish songs.
-by far the most influential guitarist for me.
