Strangely enough, I have been thinking about starting a thread a bit like this for "Top Tens". However, such a thread would be not necessarily for what everyone might agree were the "best"/"most influential"/ blah, blah, blah, but more of the"personal favourites" type list. So, Vassillios, it shows there must be others out on the board who feel the same.
So, in the spirit of ten favourites (with notes - well, you knew mine would be eclectic!
)...
1. Jerry Garcia - no brainer, really
2. Tim P
3. Slick Aguilar - Jefferson Starship, Slick Aguilar Trio (and formerly KC & the Sunshine Band, Buddy Miles Band and David Crosby Band) Very Beck influenced, but I can listen to his solos for hours.
4=. George Harrison - inimitable sound, especially from 1970 on
4=. Trey Anastasio
6. Randy California (Spirit)
7=. Mike Randle (Baby Lemonade & Love)
7=. Steve Marriott (Small Faces, Humble Pie, Packet of Three)
7=. Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna)
10. Jon Gutwillig
Also, in no particular order, special mention to Billy Nershi, David Bromberg, Daevid Allen (Gong), Warren Haynes, Dweezil Zappa, Neil Young, Sam Andrew (Big Brother), Pye Hastings (Caravan), Andy Latimer (Camel), Pete Townshend, Huw Lloyd Langton (Hawkwind), Barry Melton (Country Joe & The Fish), Steve Howe.
Have no doubt forgotten someone, but never mind. I have also steered clear of the usual jimi, zappa, page, santana, clapton, randy names - all fantastic guitarists whose work I love, but not necessarily my favourites. Good to see Wes Montgomery getting some recognition here though, and Steve Morse too - best thing that happened to Deep Purple in years!!