This list is in no particular order. Secondly, the guitarist I chose to be on my list influenced me when I was growing up. Guitarist come in all genders, sizes, shapes, and colors. There are some amazing guitarists out there who will never be on this list because they lack the single quality that must be present to be great and that's SOUL. Each player on my list has so much soul it flows out of their fingers into the strings and right into your heart. If the playing of these guys dont make you say "Yeah!" You're dead!
Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck is one of those players that can play so incredibly beautiful and melodic one second and then turn right around and throw razor blades of weird stuff right at you the next. I wasnt into Beck until he was with Rod the Mod. But it was Blow by Blow that really made me take notice. I have that CD on my top five of if you were stranded on an island list.
Carlos Santana
I cant think of a more spiratual musician that Carlos. My favorite quote of his is "When you hit that special note it makes you feel like you've just made love or touched God's feet" He is one of hand full of guitarists that can hit one note and make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. From his famous Woodstock appearance to his well deserved Grammy haul, Santana is a legend.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page is probably my least favorite out of this list. He is responsible for some of the most memorable licks in rock-n-roll history, but I didnt identify with his playing as much as some of the other players.
Duane Allman
Duane Allman was one of the best blues slide players of all time. His work with Eric Clapton on "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" is legendary. The soul in his playing comes out in every note.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is by far the most prolific guitarist on my list. He has touched more genres of music than any other player. His style is unmistakable. He is the GOD of blues/rock guitar. Next to Jimi I dont think anyone has had the impact on blues/rock that Eric has.
My future Z06
