Top guitarist(s) of all time, past and present

[nivtopotvin]

Off topic, I know, but i was having a talk wtih a few friends the other night about who we thought the greatest and most influential guitarists were.

Some obvious names were thrown out such as Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page.

Was wondering what all you fellow waka-goers opinions were. Top guiarist(s) of all time, based on talent, ability, and influence.

[clam_baker11]

Its not my pick of the top 5, but some of the best are:
Jimmy Page
Jimi Hendrix
David Gilmore
Ernest Anastasio III
Warren Haynes

[althea]

My vote goes to Mr. Garcia.

[sitdancer]

from a rock point of view for me the obvious (but not necessarily easy) choice is Jimmi Hendrix.

but some others to keep in mind:

john mclaughlin
grant green
john scofield

honorable mention: santana, can't forget about santana. just because nobody droped his name yet.[/b]

[JustBob]

SRV should never be forgotten!

Bob

[Mash]

Esteban... from QVC. he is magnifico!

[DoorsX316]

Frank Zappa
J Garcia
Stevie Ray
Hendrix
Marc Ribot or Scofield.... can't decide

[Missouri Mitch]

All those listed previously, plus:

Richard Thompson
Django Reinhardt
Robert Fripp
Duane Allman
Warren Haynes
Eric Clapton
Joe Satriani
Steve Vai

Oh man...the list is seemingly endless!

[nivtopotvin]

I think it'll be interesting to see where Trey falls in this category in 30, 40 years. I love his music and his playing, but I still have a hard time putting him up there with Garcia and Clapton, and many of the other names that have found their way onto the list.

[JodyN]

Everyone's choices above...especially Hendrix and Santana (of course!)and thanks for the McLaughlin, and Grant Green, plus:

Wes Montgomery
Al diMeola
Paco De Lucia

and contemporarily,

Steve Kimock
Derek Trucks

and more from the jazz world:
Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour and never forget the one and only Chet Atkins

and I personally LOVE Bobby Lee Rodgers....forever. Wish my husband would stop accompanying me to his shows!!!! He's a a smart man...


Jody