Satriani may be all round my favourite player but the last two albums I didn't like much.
I love Momentum by jennifer batten also.
Alex Lifeson from rush has played several of my favourite solos; check out La Villa Strangiato and Xanadu from their live album exit stage left. The solo on Marathon from "A show of hands" is exquisite also.
The best metal player, for my money is not dimebag. Ever heard Glenn Tipton on his solo album "Baptism of fire"? The eponymous track is absolutely riveting, tons of melody, fantastic technique, I mean GOD! the guy sweep picks pinch harmonics in both directions like it was easy! Frederik thordendal from Meshuggah scares the **** out of me.. not only is he heavy but he's jazzy, kinda like Allan holdsworth with more balls.
If I couldn't laugh at myself how could I laugh at someone less ridiculous?