When I think of guitarists I try to keep their style and creativity in mind. Having said that, I have to break them down into categories as there are many I admire and really each guitarist should have their own signatures to their playing so.... and these are all my opinion so someone might say, well no this guy is the best shredder etc. Just my opinion.....
Soloists:
Best Shredder/Guitar Gymnist - Paul Gilbert
Best Metal - Dimebag
Most Melodic (Solos) - Marty Friedman (Just listen to "Valley of Eternity" not to mention some of the stuff he did with Megadeth also his signature bend techniques)
Best Jazz - Pat Methany
Best Rock - David Gilmour
Best Blues and Rock combined - Joe Perry
Most "Feel" - Brian Doherty (Big Wreck)
Most Fun - Eddie Van Halen
Most Creative - Eric Johnson
Most Versatile - Prince
Rythm (Electric) and/or Fingerpickin (Acoustic):
Most Mindblowing (Acoustic) - Leo Kottke (Always hear his stuff and say, what the heck? How did he...)
Most Original (Electric) - Adam Jones
Most Creative (Electric) - Ian Thornley
Most Melodic (Electric and Acoustic) - Jim O'Rourke
Best Classical Guitarist - Andrew York
That's all I can think of offhand. Oh yeah, Bass is a guitar kinda lol I have to throw out Les Claypool as well for reinventing the way bass is done and not too many bands out there like them. Certainly the most original and creative bassist I've ever heard.
I'd have to throw Geezer Butler out there as well as his lines just are so groovy and tasty and Black Sabbath wouldn't be what they were without his unique sound.
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