Best guitar player Live or dead. I say John Pettruci
 

The truth is,

John Pettruci isn't just pro at guitar. He writes beautiful music. Although this was hard for me to decide from. Such as Satriani , Hendrix, Vai , etc I feel Pettruci style is very unique.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Pat Metheny, but you've probably never listened to him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3R-UR90YOY


(damn it, why can't I embed videos anymore?)

Eddie Van Halen is the best until he puts out a new album, at which point Hendrix becomes the best for a couple of years. Then everyone forgives Van Halen and he becomes the best again.

Aleksei Arkhipovsky

Sure he doesn't play guitar, exactly, but give him a guitar and I wonder what he can make!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JqeSU7lSLE

As far as actual guitarists.. I dunno - I'd say Zakk Wylde, just because I grew up listening to Ozzy.

or Peter Townshend.

Too many to name.. two came to mind atm.

john butler

robby krieger

Ehhhhhh..

It's realtively easy to sound amazing, playing solo on an effected 12 string guitar with open tuning. Definitely not one of the best! :P

I kinda like that you put RK after I put AS tho. Hehehe.