1._ Mattias Eklundh (Freak Kitchen, Freak Guitar)
This guy is just out of this world. He's becoming the new Vai, if he hasn't already surpassed him. Amazing technique, speed, feeling, weird sounds, creativity, and to add to all that, songwriting, singing, and lyrics skills!
He also has an amazing ability to mix various music genres and use very unorthodox instruments for his recordings (e.g a vibrator
).
Just amazing.
SM: Guilt Trip, but all of his songs are equally awesome.
2._ Steve Vai
What can I say? He's a master. There's no sound he can't do with a guitar.
What I also like about him that other shredders usually don't have, is that his songs are actually nice to listen to, they have melody and rythm, and his shredding's not just to shred.
SM: The Audience Is Listening and Firewall.
3._ Adam Jones (Tool)
Less is more. And this man proves it. Minimalistic playing but so complex at the same time...hard to explain, a pure pleasure to listen to. Also can't wait for their new album.
SM: Parabola. Nuff said.
4._ Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy)
Country heavy metal. FUCK YEAH. Redneckish motorcycle ridin' solos and awesome riffs at their best. And you just gotta love the guy's attitude.
He also knows how to make the pentatonic scale sound fresh every time he plays another solo.
SM: T.A.Z.. Just listen to that song and if you've ever played an acoustic you'll never want to touch it again. No, seriously.
Other than that, for metal headbangingage, Demise Of Sanity is an awesome tune.
5._ Michael Amott (Arch Enemy,At The Gates - I think)
This guy is a poser. Now that that's out of the way, he has EVERY right to be a poser, because not only is he an awesome shredder, he also writes very nice tunes and his music is substantial. Nice use of oriental scales as well. Gotta love AE songs.
SM: Hybrids Of Steel. Nuff said, once more.