Ok guys, a lot of you like shred (fast technical virtuosic playing) and a lot of you don't :p
This thread is not to debate whether shred is good or not, just to help ascertain what people consider to be quality shred. The reason being it is always helpful and interesting to know what the majority consider to be the best. We all have our own styles but can be influenced to a certain degree by listening to superior players of any genre - if you read a name here and don't know who it is - check them out first before voting. I'll post links where more obscure players are involved.

Hopefull this thread will introduce some new influences to some of you guys out there. We all know Satch and Vai so you won't see them in this thread!

Very difficult choice for me... David Valdes is my current favourite for melodic shred, Vinnie Moore for technical prowess and unusual song structures.... but my favourite has be Jason Becker for overall influence and technique.