I know we've had plenty of threads like this, but I seem to think that they've mostly been geared towards lists or attempts at objectivity; "best ever", etc...


...so, who is your single, #1 favorite guitarist ever (personal opinion, completely subjective).

Probably not too surprising, mine's Robert Fripp. I think he's a pretentious arrogant ass who's way past his prime at this point, with a career that's as wide-spread in terms of quality as the number of people he's played with, but as a guitarist, he's as unique and recognizable as they come, and one of my all-time favorite players in any genre and my #1 in the rock world. The number of artists that imitate him only seems to grow as the years go on.

I know I said no lists, but I'll throw in a #2 anyway. Maybe surprising, after Fripp, I'd probably have to say Bryan May. I've been in love with his guitar tone since I started listening to music as a kid and there's still no one else who sounds like him, and his tendency to play towards the melody and emphasize the song, even in solos, instead of just throwing out random wank-fest shredding jams like so many "great" guitarists tend to do these days is refreshing and has always been a halmark of his work. A great songwriter and player and instantly recognizable.

Steve Stevens is my favourite, if only because of his material in the 80s. Top Gun Anthem is easily the coolest guitar instrumental I can think of.

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Jean Reinhardt as in Django
Charles Henry Christian as in Charlie
James Marshall Hendrix as in Jimi

For me it's a tie between Steve Lukather and Steve Morse. Steve Lukather's chops are unquestionably huge, he knows exactly what makes a good solo, he's a tasteful rhythm player, and his professionalism is commendable. The solo from "Hold The Line" blows my mind every time.

Then again, I don't think there's anything I haven't stolen from Steve Morse. His technique, his sense of rhythm, his playful phrasing, his badass tone, his approach to songwriting.... Both of these guys are giants- accessible, enjoyable giants.

C'mon Satch, we're talking about Rock guitarists here, not bebop or manouche.

I guess that my favorite guitarrist is David Gilmour, the way he played specially on the Wish You Were Here and Animals albums had a lot of emotion in it. Hendrix comes in second by 1 milimeter.

Well, one could argue that by combing the elements of Marshall Amps, Fender Strat and Jimi the term "rock guitar" was created.

I haven't thought about it much, but in terms of style, I'd probably have to say Tony Iommi...

More in reference to Mr. Christian and two-fingers Reinhardt, really. Sure, Jimi's cool. Panbient's already sung his praises, and I'd definitely stick Jimi in with rock. But Django and Charlie ain't that.