I have been on and off playing guitar for 15 years and have to say I was more influenced by some of the modern guitar Gods.
Three that come to mind are:
Randy Rhoads - Classically trained and a major influence on rock n' roll today.
Joe Satriani - Talented lyricist and guitar wizard suffered with TMJ in his greatest years. He also managed to work with Ibanez (I think) to make the first mirrored paint guitar.
Steve Vai- So good he added
another string.
P.S. Another one came to mind:
Yngwie J. Malmsteen A PURE shredder.
fyc