Since the thread started some of the fastest guitarists mentioned on here have websites now, with videos, so it is a bit easier to see what people are talking about. I have checked out loads of these sites and would say that Francesco Fareri is possibly the fastest, and i have just seen the videos on Danny Joe Carter's website and his picking speed is just stupidly fast. I like the Rusty Cooley vids, especially the 8 string vids - he is incredibly fast and respect for doing it on 8 strings! George Bellas is also damn fast, as is Michael Angelo.
In terms of my favourite shredder, I would probably say Vinnie Moore on his Minds Eye album - some fantastic solos on there with speed but crucially great melodies. I also like Jason Becker on Perpetual Burn.
In different styles of music I have different favourite speed merchants. In jazz, it has to be Al Di Meola. He is really fast, and so accurate, and his music is generally very listenable - I love Kiss My Axe, and obviously the FridayNight in San Fransisco with the Guitar Trio is the greatest piece of accousitc guitar playing ever, esp. the 1st track - genius.
Birelli Lagrene is also bloody fast, and plays some cool standards etc.
Nobody on here has mentioned Tommy Emmanuel (I guess cos he is mostly fingerstyle, and not technically a shredder), but when he plays live, he is possibly the greatest guitarist I have ever seen. If you get a chance, any self respecting guitarist must go and see him. His track, 'The Hunt' is simply awesome.
In the world of Country music, Albert Lee is the king. Country Boy is an all time classic.
OK, that will do for now. I wonder how much longer this thread can go on??
Just a note to anyone new to the thread. Before you give your opinions, just check out the videos on the sites of the guys I mentioned above before you start mentioning people like Kirk Hammett. He is quick, but not in the same league as those guys. Also, for the record, I think his best solo is from The Outlaw Torn - not fast at all, but really full of emotion.
Bye for now.....