My favorites, followed by most I am influenced by;

1) Eric Clapton
2) Jimi Hendrix
3) Stevie Ray Vaughan
4) Jimmy Page
5) David Gilmore
5.1) John Fogherty
5.2) Billy Gibbons
5.3) Chuck Berry
5.4) BB King
5.5) Pete Townsend
5.6) Robin Trower
5.7) George Harrison
5.eight) Kieth Richards
5.9) Neil Young


Duane Allman
Sam Andrew
Chuck Berry
Dickey Betts
Ritchie Blackmore
Lindsey Buckingham
Toy Caldwell
Allan Clarke
Eric Clapton
Allen Collins
Jim Croce
David Crosby
Don Felder
John Fogerty
Peter Frampton
Billy Gibbons
David Gilmore
George Harrison
Jimi Hendrix
Steve Howe
Tony Iommi
Brian Jones
John Kay
B. B. King
John Lennon
Alex Lifeson
the Motor City Madman
Graham Nash
Rick Nielsen
Jimmy Page
Les Paul
Randy Rhoads
Keith Richards
Gary Rossington
Carlos Santana
Brian Setzer
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Stephen Stills
Mick Taylor
Hughie Thomasson
Pete Townshend
Robin Trower
Eddie Van Halen
Jimmie Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Joe Walsh
Brad Whitford
Angus Young
Neil Young

Who I think are the best (in no particular order):
Django Reinhardt
Les Paul
Chet Atkins
Wes Montgomery
Roy Buchanan
Danny Gatton

My Favorites (and influences, in no particular order):
Frank Zappa
Eddie Van Halen
Steve Vai
Ritchie Blackmore
David Gilmour
Eric Clapton
Jeff Beck
John McLaughlin
Adrian Belew
Robert Fripp
Jimmy Page
Jimi Hendrix
Gary Moore
Yngwie Malmsteen
Tony Iommi
Randy Rhoads

_________________
The mind is like a parachute; it doesn't work unless its open-FZ

here my list:
erick clapton
billie joe
jimmy hendrik
les paul
led zeppelin
slash
kirk hammett
steve vai

Actual question asked to Jimi Hendrix: How does it feel to be the worlds best guitarist? Jimi's reply: "why don't you go ask Rory Gallagher?"

Zakk Wydle

1.Edward Van halen - hands down

2.David Gilmour

3.Robin Trower

4.Jimi Hendrix

5.Eric Clapton

_________________
sombody get me a doctor!

well, I think that the best five can vary to a pretty hefty degree depending on who you talk to.

I think it is one of those judgments that is best left to a personal opinion, because ultimately their music is to inspire us individually. And you can see it in everyone who plays.

For me the list goes

Jimi Hendrix
David Gilmour
Eric Clapton
John Mayer
Robin Trower

however, honorable mentions include but are not limited to


Frank Zappa
Buddy Guy
BB King
Brian May
SRV
Joe Satriani
George Harrison
Eddie Hazel
pete townshend
welsh
jeff beck


in all fairness, it could go on forever. the most important aspect is who inspires and motivates you personally.

My picks are:

1. Allan Holdsworth
2. Steve Vai
3. Eric Johnson
4. Pat Metheny
5. Guthrie Govan
and hands down the best ever:

6. Andres Segovia

Impossible to pick.

_________________
"look mummy there's an airplane up in the sky"

David Gilmore - Hands down my biggest influence.

There are plenty of amazing artists as well...

David Gilmour
David Gilmour
David Gilmour
David Gilmour
David Gilmour

He is too unique, his note choice is incomparable. Buy David Gilmour live at Royal Albert Hall, or Live in Gdansk, I promise you it will change your life.