2 faves.... 1/ led zeplin - heartbreaker (2nd album) 2/ john mclaughlin - what need have i for this, what need have i for that, i am dancing at the feet of my lord, all is bliss, all is bliss (from shakti live) the second choice sounds like its a citar, but was actually an adjusted guitar that mclaughlin had adapted for the shakti sessions. guess no one would have heard of the second choice - but if you like surprises, buy it!!! http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-4969662-3753620
This is more like it. Maverick, I liked your list to, and I agree 100% about Santana. Jazz guys typically point to John Scofield as one of the best in the world right now. The guy can burn the funk too, which is why I like him. I don't think anyone mentioned Jeff Beck yet. He's the pro's pro, a guy about whom Jimmy Page said "he can play anything he wants". But one of the best lesser known guys is Jimmy Herring. He comes from the great school of Southern Rock, and gigged with a weird little band called Aquarium Rescue Unit that included Oteil Burbridge on bass. Both he an Oteil are now playing with the Allmans, I think. Herring also toured with Derek Trucks, mentioned in this thread. If you haven't heard Jimmy Herring play, you have got to check it out.
For southern rockers, my fave is Hughie Thommasson from the Outlaws. He's the only one I can think of that takes a little practise to emulate note for note. I also liked Steve Gaines... the short lived Skynyrd member who passed in the tragic plane crash.
For the best solo I'd have to go with "Fool in the Rain" by Led Zep. Apparently when this was being recorded Jimmy Page was completely whacked on heroin. When it came time to record the solo they woke him up shoved him into the booth gave him a guitar and slapped some headphones on him. What he managed to come up with is nothing short of brilliance. Does anyone remember the headbangers for Africa project called 'Hear N Aid' circa 1985? There is about 3 minute montage of solos in the song 'Stars" that is simply awesome. It's more than twenty years old so I am sure no one will mind if you download it (apart from Hilary Rosen). Check it out. Other notables........ Eric Johnson 'Trademark'........ Joe Satriani 'Friends'.......... Scorpions 'Coast to Coast'
LOL! Great video! Lynch/ Malmsteen/ Campbell/ Buck Dharma/ etc. Man they looked stupid, but they know their fretboard!
I only ranked the rock guitarists listed. There's a ton of great jazz guitarists out there who deserve more recognition. 10 - Malmsteen/ Eric Johnson. (Less than 1% can play this stuff). 8 - Satriani 7 - EVH, Schon, SRV, Carlton, Hammett 6 - Page/ Hendrix/ Santana etc.