Alex Lifeson from Rush. Between 76 and 82 I think they were a great band. Exit stage left has some painfully exquisitely beautiful solos on it, full of interesting dynamics, tasteful vibratos and speedy runs.
Jennifer Batten; violently gothic perfectly executed stuff. Her range of styles seems to encompass everything from HEnderson to Vai but I prefer her to either.
Shaun Baxter; Jazz metal has more convolutions to it than a bowl of spaghetti, really scary shredding but plenty of musical content to it.
Over-rated
Clapton, what is the big deal? Malmsteem (He's mega talented don't get me wrong but Petrucci beats him at his own game and is more versatile and interesting to boot) Hendrix (Except Voodoo Chile which kicks sooo much ass) and vai (brilliant though he is I much prefer Satriani even though I doubt he can quite match his technique and you dont' get better than for the love of god really do you?) I expect to receive death threats...
If I couldn't laugh at myself how could I laugh at someone less ridiculous?
