too say malmsteen is overrated is a groundless claim. his speed is prolific but the depth in which he constructs his music is second to none. someone like blackmore was OKAY but his soloing was dull and listless. that style of blues, funk rock takes no where near the ammount of dedication and tecnhique that classical style playing does, alot of malmsteens songs are derrived and inspired by bach, vivaldi, paganini, especially paganini and his music was largely performed on violin which is tuned in 5th and to play it on guitar is immensly difficlt. his style is broad and solos are full of passion and life, none of the formentioned guitarists even come close to his skill and technique maybe hendrix vai and satch but besides that, no funk prog blues querky guitarist comes close :)