in YOUR opinion who the most talented guitarist?

Definitely a tough choice. I sometimes have a hard time seperating "most talented" from "personal favorite", but even narrowed down like that there's still way too many extraordinary guitarists out there.

 

Eric Johnson
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnqpOFcBiMM"]Eric Johnson - Cliffs of Dover - live 1990 - YouTube[/ame]

Yngwie
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK0rvReE-4c]Far Beyond The Sun - Yngwie Malmsteen - YouTube[/ame]

Buckethead (might be #1 just because he can play any style)
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8akmP6Sjv2o]BUCKETHEAD - YouTube[/ame]

 

In terms of all around technical ability, Chris Brodrick

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkpZ645ztl0]Betcha Can't Play This - Chris Broderick (Megadeth) - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSchoITeht0]Chris Broderick - Caprice No.7 Op 20, Luigi Legnani - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IctNNhH-kRY]Chris Broderick This is How you Shred - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2Eg11X0XYg]Sweetwater Minute - Vol. 118, Chris Broderick Interview - YouTube[/ame]

In terms of style some of my favorites are :
Karl Sanders
Nergal
Brian Eschbach
Brent Hinds

 

I don't think there is such a thing as 'the most talented guitarist,' but this guy is fucking incredible.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAGpXIis8Hk]Ewan Dobson - Time - Solo Guitar - YouTube[/ame]

 

Satriani, Clapton, Malmsteen... its hard to say who's truly the most talented

 

Robin Trower is def in my top 5
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT21jl9Afbc&feature=related]Robin Trower - Too Rolling Stoned - YouTube[/ame]

 

Jimi Hendrix is definitely one of the best guitarists of all time. Personally, I think it's amazing that he didn't no how to read or write music, but was still able to play such beautiful music. His music was all feeling and passion, and that's what music is all about.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08ep5Uqgeb8]Jimi Hendrix - Little Wing - YouTube[/ame]

 

Jimi Hendrick, Eddie Van Halen, Angus Young, Slash, Jeff Beck.

 

SRV has gotta be up there
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0zy0lqpOyc]Stevie Ray Vaughan- Little Wing Live - YouTube[/ame]

 

I've gotta give it up for Mark Knopfler.. he plays a "clean" style of guitar, and fingerpicks which gives it a unique sound. His work with Dire Straits (Sultans of Swing, Telegraph road etc.) and his solo stuff is really great too. I don't know how to describe this but it really feels like he doesn't waste anything, he's perfect in terms of technicality, Fantastic songwriter as well

Some Straits stuff:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjJzlIedCuo]Telegraph Road - AMAZING AUDIO!! - Mark Knopfler - Live 2005 - YouTube[/ame]

MK Solo:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPwFgPkcmeg]Mark Knopfler - What It Is + lyrics - YouTube[/ame]

There are so many greats though..

 

Introducing my main man guitarist Diblo Dibala!:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Q5uhS8NM4&feature=related]Loketo - Malou - YouTube[/ame]

 

Skilled ace rhythm guitarist Lokassa Ya M'Bongo! M'Bongo means Money in Lingala from all those creative riffs he spurs out.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAGOiylDALo]Lokassa ya Mbongo and the Soukous Stars dancers! - YouTube[/ame]