You guys must know better than me (been playing the guitar only about 2-3 years), that when we talk about a good guitar player, we dont only talk about speed, technique, etc. That is good part of it, i know, and i also know that what Petrucci plays isnt impossible, he is human. It takes a lot of years of practice, but isnt impossible. The point here is that HE CREATES WHAT HE PLAYS!!!!! It is all in his head. He can play what he is thinking and feeling, but he makes his music, he doesnt repeat or plays what other people plays, he's got his own style. And the last poster is correct, he plays mostly alternate picking, and look what he can do.

So, bottom line, He is a great guitar player. (At least for me, i respect other people's opinion)