1). STEVE MORSE. my overall favorite. he has a picking style that goes beyond incredible! and he can do it live flawlessly. a master of all styles and TONE!!!
2). JOHN PETRUCCI. another master of the pick. like morse, his use of chromatics are great! his tone, feel, speed and rythym playing knocks me out!
3). JOE SATRIANI. his use of legato amazes the hell out of me! unusual playing.
4). NEAL SCHON. a favorite of mine since 1978. showed me that along with blazing you must possess melody and feel. changed the way i approached the guitar.
5). EDDIE VAN HALEN. i always find my way back to VAN HALEN 1 thru fair warning. i remember well the impact eruption had on everyone back in 78. amazing!
6). and last, but not least, ALEX LIFESON. his approach to filling in the spaces! suspended chords! love the guy, a MAJOR influence on my songwriting!
i have many influences, but these guys seem to be my overall ones.
