ha so true, i met him when i was about 14? he had just released the Kakadoo Sunrise album, he was pissed as a fart and couldn't even hold onto his pick.
In saying that though, he was miles better then Phil, but because his style wasn't seen as mature he like many other guitarists was discriminated.
Back to the topic
1. Eddie Van Halen - he needs no introduction, totally transformed the instrument
2. Stevie Vai - an Eddie Protegee, however imbecible technically
3. Slash - The guy has come up with the most incredible rifs and solos, and just keeps doing it, when you think of the most amazing solos and riffs you think slash straight away
On another note, Hendrix was absolute sh*t, listen to his live stuff, disgusting stuff, and if anything he should be seen as a guy that almost destroyed the instrument, all he had was dress sense and funny mouth expressions when playing, that's it.
I also love Brian Mays work, but funnily enough, my favourite stuff of his was his later work with Queen, for eg I want it all - amazing guitar in that song.
