Too hard to name just 3..I'll have to break it down into time periods. LOL

Early years (Before I started playing):
Leo Kottke (Parents influence)
Kiss
ELO/Blue Oyster Cult :)

Early/Mid 80's:
Randy Rhoads
Eddie Van Halen
Jeff Loven (guitar teacher at that time)

Late 80's:
Dimebag Darrell
George Lynch
Jason Becker

Early/Mid 90's (Proggy Metal era):
John Petrucci
Michael Wilton/Chris Degarmo
Frank Aresti/Jim Matheos
Craig Locicero/Tim Calvert

Late 90's (the bleak years):
Korn
Staind
Godsmack :rolleyes:

Today:
Marty Friedman
Chris Poland
Eric Glass