I agree with Zep's point that shredders don't come over soulful (they may play with it, but it's difficult to get it when there's three-hundread notes in a solo, huh?) but I've don't think blues players are the only soulful players. There're are a lot of rockers who's solo epp with as much meaningful notes as King, Clapton, Page. Brian May instantly comes to mind, Satriani has his moments, although often few and far between. Then of course you've got people like Knofler, Johnson. And what about all those jazz guitarists, country, folk. I've heard many solo guitar pieces that've moved me.
Blues players are not the sole (no pun intend) owners of soulful player. Sure, it's mostly their domain, but it's not owned by them.
Anyone agree?....