Who is or was the greatest Guitarist?

I got into a debate with some friends the other day and we really struggled with who is or was the greatest rock guitartist? Some said Jimi Hendrix, others said Duane Allman. Jimmy Page, Santana, Eddie Van Halen...who is the best of all time? This needs to be resolved. Thanks for your input.

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Permalink Reply by Russ Moon on July 23, 2007 at 10:58am

Was - Hendrix

IS - Jeff Beck

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Permalink Reply by Slouch on July 23, 2007 at 1:44pm

I like Pete Townshend the best.

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Permalink Reply by Suzy Tonini on July 23, 2007 at 3:35pm

Agree with Russ partially:

WAS- Hendrix

IS-Eddie Van Halen is pretty bad-ass- I wonder what he's up to??Jeff Beck is a guru is well, no doubt.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Glenn on July 23, 2007 at 3:51pm

I like Jimmy Page. But Duane Allman and Jerry Garcia are close runner ups

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Permalink Reply by Dawn Christine Khan on July 24, 2007 at 9:25pm

Was Jimi Hendrix or Robby Krieger during the Doors era, if STRICTLY rock.
Is: Carlos Santana

I LOVE guitar, particularly if played by Eric Clapton, BB King, or Les Paul. For Classical: John Williams.

The Thrill is NOT gone! Hey did I mention I live not too far from the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame, where Cleveland Rocks!?

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Permalink Reply by Russ Moon on July 25, 2007 at 1:56am

Eddie just got out of rehab and was on the cover of one of the Guitar magazines, either Guitar World or Guitar Player. He has a new EVH amplifier that he designed with one of Fenders top technical guru's that he is launching. Still has the bravado and he is a gun slinger, one of the greatest ever. Beck still owns him though :), even Eric Clapton said "When he (Jeff Beck) is on he is THE best."

Suzy - you are the best, I am most impressed that you worked 4 days on the challenge. That's focus. Congratulations

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Permalink Reply by Michael Glenn on July 25, 2007 at 10:25am

I saw Clapton once and I was blown away. He is incredible. This is a tough question.

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Permalink Reply by Ragan Kellams on July 26, 2007 at 10:10am

Bassist: Les Claypool. Sick ridiculous.

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Permalink Reply by Slouch on July 27, 2007 at 12:51pm

I agree Regan but you can't forget about the great canadian hero Geddy Lee

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Permalink Reply by Ben Gotkin on July 30, 2007 at 11:19am

Top 5 All-Time IMHO:
- Jimi Hendrix
- Jerry Garcia
- Steve Howe
- Frank Zappa
- Duane Allman

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Permalink Reply by Michael Glenn on July 30, 2007 at 1:26pm

You won't believe it, but John Mayer is actually good at playing the guitar. I've seen him live twice and was impressed. I think he is better live.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Gotkin on July 30, 2007 at 3:13pm

Mayer is great. I was very impressed with his performance at Live Earth. You will probably notice though that my selections for the most-part are all dead but one (Howe). IMO, all the great ones are long-gone (if not a far cry from what they once were, i.e. Clapton, Jimmy Page). Another more contemporary (past 10 years) guitarist I might add though would be Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, a truly brilliant musician.