God I have so many.... Metal wise hard to beat KK Downing.... Rock... Rick Emmett, Page, Lifeson, I could go on forever... However looking at my elder years I have really appreciated Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley ect... Lately I have really gotten in to Joe Bonamassa... He is one talented dude...
Nobody's mentioned Frank Hannon from Tesla. Not maybe the greatest ever, but I've always loved their music. I saw them once, and when they played "Love Song" Frank plays the intro to that song using a 6-string and 12-string acoustic, then a 6 string electric in the course of about 2 minutes. He makes the transitions flawlessly. I was completely impressed.
Tesla were my 1st concert @ Kings Hall, Belfast 1987. They opened for Def Leppard. Listening to Jeff Beck Live at Ronnie Scotts now, good chit.
I saw them at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, Oct. 2008. They were one of my favorites in High School. I waited half a lifetime to see them live. Tesla was absolutely perfect that night. They sounded almost better than their studio recordings. Pop Evil was the opening band. Tickets were $32/each. Just an all around fantastic night.
Another vote for Tosin... Saw Animals as Leaders earlier this month, and it was without a doubt the best show I've ever seen.
Most of the greats have already been mentioned, but one of the lesser knowns is Marcus King. Had the chance to see the Marcus King Band recently and the kid was awesome. Solo at the end isn't too shabby.
Are we talking just ability? For style/presence, Steve Stevens. Shreddability, Nuno Bettencourt. Precision, SRV, really, there is no "best". It's "Best at what?"
I guess someone doesn't have to be very good at something to be someone's favorite. The thread title is favorite, your favorite might not be on your best list.
Shred - Michael Angelo Batio Taste - Steve Lukather Melody - George Benson Fire - Jimi Hendrix Eloquence - Pat Metheny Transcendence - John McLaughlin Depth - Muddy Waters Metal - Dave Mustaine Rock - Vernon Reid/Zakk Wylde Honorable mention - Slash