Id have to say t-bone walker

I'm going with James Hetfield. But, Buckethead comes in a very close second place.

[b]defiantly Stevie Ray Vaughn[/b]

Robert Johnson

Mr. Clapton - slowhand ??

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Standard Telecaster
Classic Player 50's
Blues Junior

whoever said Luther Allison. I wholeheartedly concur

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Wang Dang Doodle?

Steelyard "Sugartooth" McDan.

anyone who takes the time to learn the blues and lets it all hang out.

really I like everybody mentioned so far and so many more you may never hear of.

can I get an witness, how about mr. ZZ Hill

listen to the song down home blues some day by Mr. hill and see if it dont get ya moving !!!

I feel that Stevie Ray ranks highest for me regarding more recent blues influence. B.B. King is my favorite "classic" blues artist.

Way too many to name. Johnny Winter, Muddy Waters, Son House, Bukka White, David "Honeyboy" Edwards. Robert Johnson was already mentioned but not Tampa Red, Blind Willie MeTell and Lightnin Hopkins. Newer guys, Hendrix, SRV, Clapton were already mentioned.

I've got a tie between BB King, Eric Clapton, SRV

There is no answer for such questions. It depends on everybody's taste, so you can't just say who's best. All of the guitarists mentioned so far are (or were) good at specific areas. Can you name a guitarist who is really good at about everything involved in playing the blues? You just can't narrow it down to one name; except if this is ROBBEN FORD of course.

I thought I was the only one who listed to Tampa Red.

I pulled out a couple of old Johnny Winter discs last week. You forget how good he is if you don't listen to him for awhile. I also saw him in the late 70s and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

you know what, i would have to say john mayer is my favorite... he is my favorite (secular) artist/guitarist period... i have grown up with him though, being 19 y/o, so i can say that right?

i know he plays pop/blues, but i like that. on the blues side, he is legit i have to say.

sure SRV, Clapton etc. are good and well-known, but i would much rather hear mayer, just my pref.

don't forget about mr. hendrix...before the psychadelic rock he was into the blues down and dirty and was on his way back into them until his untimely passing