This is a hard one as there are so many to choose from. I will start with my favorites and what I like about them.

a. Roy Buchanan: Roy was my biggest influence when I started playing guitar at the age of 13. I used to watch Roy play all the time and he taught me several tricks on the Telecaster. He taught me how to play harmonics with the right hand, how to bend strings, and how to play the blues. I owe a lot to him and I miss him very much. I was very lucky to know him and I know he influenced many musicians. Listen to Roy’s early Polydor recordings.

b. James Burton: Here is another great Telecaster player. James is the encyclopedia of guitar solos. I’d watch him every week on the Ozzie and Harriet TV Show. At the end of each show, Ricky Nelson would sing one of his songs and James would play a solo. James deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. James is another that has influenced so many guitarists the world over. James has recorded more albums than you can imagine. Listen to the Ricky Nelson ones!

c. Jeff Beck: Jeff is the best all around player I have ever seen and I have followed him from the beginning with The Tridents, Yardbirds, Jeff Beck Group, and countless other sessions and albums. I remember hearing all his remarkable sounds such as “Heart Full of Soul”, “Train Kept A’Rollin”, and I never get tired of playing his albums over and over again . He is a must for any guitar player to listen to. He has the energy of thunder and subtle emotion and likes 32 Fords.

d. Albert Collins: I like the tome of Albert Collins. He uses a D minor tuning and doesn’t use a pick! I have played with Albert and he’s the best at what he does. You have to see him live with his 100 foot guitar cord. He has had a recording since the early 60s. I like “Albert’s Alley” and “Defrost”. Any of you players heard of those tunes?

e. Eric Clapton: What can you say about the “Cream”. This was a super group and Eric played like nobody else. I loved Eric during this period and it is always great to see him play. I always wanted to know about the equipment he used during that period. It was great to spend time with him and ask him about his equipment. I loved his “Women Tone”. You’ve got to listen to him.

f. Jesse Ed Davis: A lot of you may not know Jesse, but he recorded with Taj Mahal during the early 70s. One of my favorite recordings is “Bacon Fat” in the “Take a giant Step” album. Jesse used a Leslie for his guitar tone. He played sweet and tasteful. You must try to find this album as it is a great one in my collection.

g. Eric Johnson: I have known Eric for several years and had the pleasure of doing lots of rewinds for him. Eric is my favorite Texas guitarist and has the greatest ears of any guitarist I’ve ever met. I respect him very much and lobe listening to the many tapes he has sent me. I love his “Tone” and all his unique playing styles. I have a recording “The World is Waiting For a Sunrise” done by Eric, and it’s something Les Paul would be proud of.

h. Phil Keaggy: I used to see Phil play around the Cincinnati, Ohio area in the early 70s with a group called Glass Harp. Phil had great control of his instrument and is one of the finest musicians around. If you can find any of his work you will hear a remarkable player.

i. Jerry Donahue: Jerry is the best “Telemaster” around. He has done countless recordings and touring. You have got to hear him with a Telecaster and how he bends the strings. It blows me away every time I hear him and I always steel his licks…Thanks Jerry!!! He is currently doing solo albums and recording with the Hellcasters. Look out for him!

j. The Ventures: I owe a lot to Don Wilson, Bob Bogle, Nokie Edwards, Jerry McGee and Mel Taylor. Here is another group I always listen to. With over a hundred albums they should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. All their albums are collectors items and have some of the best guitar instrumentals ever. The Ventures again have influenced so many guitarists and I’ve played dozens of their songs in groups. Any Ventures album is worth listening to.

k. Les Paul: I have known Les for many years. I’d watch him do shows on Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey with Les Paul and Mary Ford. I’d go back stage with guitar great Pat Martino and we used to ask Les all kinds of questions about his guitar playing and recordings. I was so fortunate to meet and talk with Les as his is the “Guitar Genius”. He has many recordings available and what he did in the 50s will blow your mind.

l. Scotty Anderson: James Burton and I visit Scotty when he’s playing music shows. We both enjoy the talents of this player form Cincinnati, Ohio. Scotty is the modern day version of Jimmy Bryant who played with Speedy West in the 50s. Scotty has an incredible picking technique which you’ve got to see. He makes it look so easy. How do you do that Scotty?
I like this kind of question, but it’s a hard one. There are so many great guitarists and players I’d like to hear about. If there are players you like, I would love to hear about them.