[jws43yale]

I think your idea is decent, but the problem with these types of threads is it all depends on what kind of music you like and what you consider being the best.

Is it most investive or creative; ability to play the toughest material; ability to play different styles well; etc.

I think a much more accurate way to do these list is by styles. E.g. best jazz guitarists, slide guitarists, acoustic guitarists.

Also, even with this being a sophisticated forum, you are going to see a bunch of people throwing out hair metal guitarists, because just like many of my friends, they think loud and fast equals skill.

I am not familiar with enough guitarists to consider myself an authority of any kind, but I can tell a good one when I hear one and I definitely agree with the Clapton, Hendrix, and SRV nominations.