Between The Licks

Guitarist has had the most historical/cultural impact, and is still alive? That's easy, B.B. King. Know it or not every modern guitarist has been influenced by him. He's the oldest living root of the Electric Tree.

Jimmy Rogers -> T-Bone Walker -> Freddie King -> B.B. King -> Clapton -> everyone else

That said... The best all around guitarist alive today is John Petrucci. The guy has it all. Theoretical knowledge, speed, touch and feel. He is exceptional in every style from Metal to Progressive to Jazz to Blues/Rock, sometimes all in the same song.

Guy to look out for in the future... Joe Bonamassa
This guy was a child prodigy and has every thing he needs to become one of the greats... Knowledge, style, feeling, vocal ability, and he can write songs that are accessible to the general masses. In ten years he'll be noted as one of the greats to come out of this era along with guys like Slash, Zack Wylde and John Petrucci.

Eric Clapton.

He's great live. His work has gone in so many directions: blues, rock, pop, psychedelic (cream), country (backless album), etc.

Other guitarists I like: Mick Taylor (his work with the Rolling Stones was great), Mato Nanji (Indigenous - great blues / rock), Kenny Wayne Shepard.

mm!! strange no mention of eddie or joe satriani,

I'm new here, (Hello all) and I was wondering the same thing about Satch. I mean come on, Vai is mentioned. Yes, he's great. I still play The Audience is Listening. However, Satch taught Vai which in itself should mean something. Also, why no mention of Paul Gilbert? Personally, call me weird, but I loved the riffing of Dimebag Darrell Abbott and what Tom Morello does. Both guys just play simple riffs, but put alot of feeling and texture into them. (Dimebag's slides, bends, and squeals versus Tom's outside the box thinking in guitar sounds.) Shoot, I forgot to mention Buckethead. Although a bit strange, he is amazing.

Of your list, I would say B.B. King as the most influential. I would nominate Duane Allman for the list, also.

Personal favorite - Warren Haynes.

SO many great ones, but 3 I would add to your list:

Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac - great guitarist, unique sound
Eddie Van Halen

Cheers!

This is a crazy list, because it's impossible.

Impact? Jimmy Page and Chuck Berry. They aren't technical, but for impact on others playing... wow.

Now 2 of my favorites for impacting me as I sit and listen, I would give major props to Eric Johnson and Robin Ford.

These guys are pretty technical and their note choices make my hair stand up.... Satriani and Andy Timmons do that to me too and they are even more technical.

EVH was my guy growing up.

I would add John Fogerty and Warren Haynes to the list.

I'm a big Zappa fan so out of that list I would have to say Steve Vai. Knopfler is one of my favorites right now, though. And I would also add Mickey Melchiondo of Ween to that list.

Based on your definition, Clapton is probably the strongest candidate - especially if you expand your definition of greatest impact to include causing people to want to learn to play guitar. Allowing the inclusion of all guitarists living or dead, Jimi would probably edge him out.

If he stays healthy, I think 15 years or so from now John Frusciante could approach that category. Unfortunately he took the obligatory detour into drugs & self destruction for a few years, but he does seem driven by a strong creative force.

In general, there are more "great" guitarists today (and in recent years) than, say 30 years ago. That is definitely a good thing, but that proliferation of "brands" implies that it is unlikely there will be another Hendrix or Clapton or SRV. Just harder to stand out, when there are so many genres of music and so many virtuosos in each segment.

robben ford, thomas blug, eric johnson come to mind.

And don't forget about Michael Bloomfield, Robben Ford, Hollywood Fats (Michael Mann), Jimmy Thackery, and Little Charlie Baty (Little Charlie and the Nightcats)...?

i think i did just mention robben ford

WHY COULDNT SCATMAN PLAY GUITAR?!?!?!

Beck did quite a bit, and has like the coolest site ever, so i vote him.

Any one for Joe Satriani????????????