who are the masters?

[George VII]

Just out of curiosity, who do you think are the top five gutiarists ALIVE right now?

Here's my list (not really in order):

1.Phil Keaggy
2.Eric Clapton
3.Kirk (from Metallica)
4.Dave Matthews
5.? (I'll have to think of one later)

[Blueliner]

Yeah, Phil Keaggy is often overlooked, just give a listen to his Acoustic Sketches CD and you'll be amazed. There are a lot of great guitarists who you don't hear much about because they are not in big name bands. One of the highly rated guitarists who a lot of people haven't heard of is Doyle Dykes. I believe he works for Taylor Guitars. His site is www.doyledykes.com and you have to go here and see these clips of him play! http://www.doyledykes.com/doyle/store/music.htm

[Gouki]

I'd have to add Steve Vai...most of the other ppl that I'd to the list have passed on...to that great gig in the sky.

Far too many come to mind, but a few of my favorites...

Tom Morello
Dave Mustaine
Billy Corgan
Johnny Greenwood
Kevin Kitter (local guy)

[korgul]

Marty Friedman
Malmstein (sp?) didn't want to try the first name
Dave Mustaine
Steve Vai
Carlos Santana

[sixf00t4]

1. malmstein <--no one can touch him, don't listen to his music, just his shreading, out of this world
2. morello
3. jimmy page <-- although his recent "danelectro double neck appearances are just disgusting
4. clapton
5. matthews

[M_Six]

1. Lindsay Buckingham - on Fleetwood Mac's The Dance he's awesome on Big Big Love and I'm So Afraid.

2. Dave from A Morning Star - listen to Love That's True and I Move in Dreams.

3. Carlos Santana

4. Neil Schon - Journey

5. Neil Giraldo - Pat Benatar

[Mike]

I will list the one that I have been listening to a lot lately.
Santana.

Even Eric Clapton recognized Stevie Ray Vaughan as the greatest guitarist to ever live. IMHO, if you have not listened to his work, then you can not offer a valid opinion on this topic.

I am disappointed that none have mentioned Jimi Hendrix, BB King, or Doc Watson. Then again, I guess everyone thinks this new-age heavy metal pop garbage is the greatest stuff on Earth.

Robert Richmond

[M_Six]

RR,

top five gutiarists ALIVE right now

The key word here being "ALIVE".