In no order:

1. Angus Young- I got into guitar with AC/DC and his pentatonic solos were fuckin classic. Ride On
2. Jimi Hendrix- I started the Hendrix path next, no lessons and a lot of mind altering substance... Castles made of Sand
3. Metallica in general has helped me greatly in my coming to the metal side from rock, and everything they wrote (up until load of course) was fucking epic. One
4.John Petrucci- He is insane, and harmonises so well with the other musicians in DT. Under a Glass Moon
5. Josh Homme- Guitarist of Qotsa and Kyuss, I have been listening to this guy since I couldn't read. I love near all of his mindless compilations of sound, he isn't the greatest guitarist ever, but he rocks. I can't decide which song...
6. Slash- I envy that man, he is so rockin. Sweet Child O' Mine
7. Nick Oliveri- I know he's a bassist, but he is a great musician. A very abstract bassist, with an insane voice that I can't categorize as metal or punk rock. The one where he's screaming xD
8. Tony Iommi- Black Sabbath is a classic, and that guy was just really fun to listen to. Catchy, and helped set the course for many other musicians. War Pigs

That's all I can get for now, but I worship these musicians on a daily basis (ie when I play).

ahhhh such great music, so many great players...

heh I need a "top 1000" list to truly get them all I think...

I don't know if I can pull a full ten of them or if I can limit it to ten. It seems contradictory but I tend to be influenced by genres more than single guitarists, if you see what I mean. I'm not to the point to be picky.


So let's see...

1) Ritchie Blackmore : he basically taught me most of the guitar I play (not in person ;) ) so he's definitelly there, somewhere.
2) Eric Sardinas : he got me into the whole slide guitar thing. I don't sound like him (maybe just yet), but I play slide because of him so that's gotta count for something.

And then ... that's the end of specific influences... I listen and try to implement ideas from other guitarists across the spectrum from delta blues to boogie to rock to metal to folk, but it just hasn't materialized in my playing yet. Yeah, after 5 years I'm still a bloody rookie. I need to assign more enthusiasm to guitar again.

jimmy page-the first three zep albums(actuall vinyl)
Angus Young- pretty much everything up to fly on the wall
muddy waters(sp?)- don't know any particular song but when my folks used to play it I'd listen
johnny cash- cowboy chords and all
James Hetfield- master of the down pick
satriani-surfing with the alien
kerry king- splatter core guitarist
olli miikonen/ johan S- amon amarth guitar players

now adays I listen to the band as a whole more so than listening to just the guitar.

Ace Frehely - Alive! is probably the most important album I own.
Eddie Van Halen - Next to Alive! Van Halen, II, Women and Children First, Diver Down, 1984 are the most important hahaha.
Ronnie Earl - I;ve never heard a guitarist master dynamics like he does.
Warren DeMartini - Ratt kicks ass.
Glenn Tipton - I learned to palm mute from listening to him. also he can play some siiiick solos
Steve Stevens - Amazing. Can tear it up, and has some of the best feel a rock guitarist can have.
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Some of the best feel and sickest tone.
Richie Kotzen - Legato master.
Dimebag Darrell - the first real heavy band I got into was Pantera, and Dimebag's solos really make me want to practice.
Joe Satriani - I'm all about his melodies, his solos, his riffs. He's got the whole package.

Django, Lenny breau, Chet Atkins...
The list is endless...

Wow...holding it down to 10 is gonna be work.

1. Joe Perry- the funkiest white guitarist ever in a hard rock band. As I grew up with Aerosmith's music, I could see more and more that Joe'd likely have a blast in a pure funk environment sometime. A guy that's always underrated but still very appreciated, and he could also play serious heavy rock-see "Combination" on the ROCKS album.

2. Jimmy Page- the "kitchen sink" guitarist. He'd throw anything at a song (electric, acoustic, 12-string, strange effects, mandolin, etc) and maybe is as brilliant a producer as he is a guitarist. See "Ten Years Gone", "That's the Way" and "Achilles' Last Stand" for a few Zep tunes offering a wide sonic variety.

3. Brad Whitford- Aerosmith's "invisible" guitarist is their closet metalhead. "Nobody's Fault"..."Kings and Queens"..."Voodoo Medicine Man"...all from the guy that brought us "Last Child". He's the faster guitarist in the band, the better technician, but he's not the extrovert that Joe is. It's okay...Joe has repeated cited Brad as the better player, and Brad always has guitars and amps that the rest of us would drool over.

4. Brian May- King of the cool intangibles. No one sounds like him, and his musical reach is obviously quite expansive considering the body of music he's done with Queen, and by himself. Check out "Fight From the Inside", "I'm in Love With My Car", "'39", and "Fat Bottomed Girls" for a nice sampler selection.

5. Eddie Van Halen- hard to say anything that hasn't been said, but I just always loved the spirit of fun he'd bring to his music. He always looked like he was smiling bigger than anyone in the room, delighted with the hoops he could make his guitar and/or keyboard jump through. For my tastes, "I'll Wait", "Take Your Whiskey Home", "Drop Dead Legs", and "Finish What Ya Started" are among my VH faves.

6. James Mankey- Concrete Blonde's genius guitarist has had a huge effect on me. A fingerplayer that is fantastic for matching tones to songs and being a foil to Johnette's astounding vocals, the only criticism I have for him or the band is that they should've put out more CDs. Check out "Jenny I Read", "Lullabye", "Sun", "The Sky is a Poisonous Garden", and, hell the whole "Free" album.

7. Joe Walsh- Rock Music's Groucho Marx! Here's another genius, only this one has a huge sense of humor worn to disguise the thoughful, first-rate musician within. Plays several instruments, has a HUGE recording history, and made incredible music whether with his bands (James Gang, Eagles) or solo. Check out "Funk 49", "Bookends", "Turn to Stone", or my favorite Eagles song, "King of Hollywood".

8. Jeff Beck- The man cursed to live in Jimi Hendrix's shadow. I'll maintain 'til I die that Jeff brought at least as much to rock guitar as Jimi did, but didn't have to OD to keep his career going. Check out...damn near anything he did.

9. Steve Vai- Again, what can I say that nobody's said yet? Not much. In any case, I see his work as very important, as he constantly stretches the perceived limits of the electric guitar...and he plays whatever and however he feels, regardless financial concerns. Again, check out any of his albums, or his work with David Lee Roth. The Whitesnake effort was kinda forgettable.

10. Manny Charlton- "Who?" you may ask...and I'd point to Nazareth's "Hair of the Dog" album. I consider that to be a mandatory disc for anyone that likes Hard Rock. The guitar parts match the songs perfectly, and were a huge influence on me. The whole album is great, especially "Please Don't Judas Me"...just go get it if you don't have it.

firstly +1 webcred to Zanary from me cos I like the way you described your list of players. well I am gonna try a list, can't say it is a definitive list because there are loads that will be left out but I'll give it a try. in no particular order:

1) George Harrison/John Lennon - The Beatles are the first band I ever remember hearing when I was a kid and the way these two complimented each other to me is magic - listen to all of their albums including solo work.

2) Richie Sambora - after listening to my folks music as a little kid, The Shadows, Dire Straits, The Beatles and so on then in 1986 I heard Slippery When Wet and was blown away, having never heard anything like it before I instantly grew to like the way Richie played and he is my biggest inspiration for playing guitar - by all means check out all the Bon Jovi albums but to really get Richie have a listen to his two solo albums Stranger in This Town and Undiscovered Soul.

3) Eddie Van Halen - I agree with what everyone else has said about this guy but I'll add that 1986 started for me with Bon Jovi then my brother told me to listen to 5150 and I really liked what was going on with this then he showed me Live Without a Net and my jaw hit the floor. I could not believe what this guy could do with BOTH hands! - 1984, VH1&2, 5150, Balance

4) Stevie Ray Vaughan - his music takes you to another place - have a listen to Texas Flood one of my favorite albums of all time

5) Kirk Hammet/James Hetfield - these guys taught me I could play loud! lol - hard to nail just one song

6) Robert Smith/Porl Thompson/Perry Bamonte - the cure are my Pink Floyd. Robert Smith sets up a huge wall of sound that just floats around and around and he guides you along nicely. Porl and Perry get a mention also because without their playing Robert would be lost live due to not having enough hands. - check out Cut, The Kiss and the whole Bloodflowers album

7) Eric Clapton - from the yardbirds and right through Cream and his whole career he just keeps getting better and better, he opened my mind to a lot of players I had never heard of ie. Robert Johnson and Led Belly

8) The Edge - just goes to show you don't need to be a theory master to play guitar, use effects instead! if only it was that simple.... - check out U2's whole body of work to fully understand this guys playing

9) Gary Moore - simplicity at its best as far I am concerned. others may not think that though - check out Blues For Greeny

10) Gerry Quigley - this guy is a great friend and my mentor at guitar. you'll all probably have never heard of him but damn he is amazing checkout www.theshinkickers.com.au to see his band

now I know I have kind of cheated by adding more than one to each number but I believe in some cases you can't have one without the other/s and I hope I have explained myself well enough.

Have fun

1) yngwie malmsteen. he was the biggest influence for me than anyone else I can think of. I accidently downloaded his lesson video, and that just changed my life...made me get into shredding. (yes....very sad.....)

2) eddie van halen. i loved him because although he has so much skill he was willing to combine his skill with pop music....and his tapping, i don't even have to explain do i....lol

3) jason becker. just amazing. i'm speechless when i listen to his music. jason becker documentary on youtube - everyone here should check it out.

4) metallica. what can I say...one of the biggest influence for not just me, but almost everyone in this site.

far beyond the sun, blackened, panama, altitude, serrena.....you guys should check those songs out, although i think you guys know them already.

1. Emppu Vuorinen - nightwish, the reason I like him, is because he puts so much feel and originality into his music!
2. Steve vai - you know why...!
3. marty friedman - espacialy in his cacophony years (ninja, desert island)
4. michal angelo - no feel, but you gotta give the guy some credit for his tecnic...
5. eddie van hallen - the first to use a floyd, and the things he did with it (eruption)
6. steve ray vaugen - the first serious guitarist I ever listened to!
7. joe satriany - very importent for his contrebution, a lot of feel in his works
8. Andy timmons
9. Paul gilbert
10. I have no ten :)

Disclaimer: These are not my "favorite guitarists" nor is this a roster of the "best guitarists". These are the ones that have had the most influence on me in my 18 years of playing guitar. Just because they are on this list doesn't necessarily mean I listen to them anymore. Also I am naming albums because usually an entire album is what influences me the most.

1. James Hetfield (Metallica) - .Kill 'Em All/Ride the Lightning/Master of Puppets/..And Justice For All - This is the guy whose songs I cut my teeth on. I can still play these songs nearly 20 years after learning them so they obviously had a lasting impression.
2. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) - Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?/So Far...So Good...So What?/Rust in Peace - This was who I admired most in the early days as far as playing ability. Personally, I think he's a dick.
3. Kerry King (Slayer) - South of Heaven/Seasons in the Abyss - This is where I picked up break-neck speed rhythm playing. I don't really do that now.
4. Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) - Facelift/Sap/Dirt/Jar of Flies - If I had a wish that granted me the ability to play and write like anyone, it would probably be this guy.
5. Robby Krieger (The Doors) - L. A. Woman mostly - It seems like this guy can do nearly anything on the guitar.
6. Jimi Hendrix - All his stuff - This seems obligatory but I don't see how someone can play what he plays and sing at the same time. Also, he is interesting to me because his leads are not that difficult but his rhythm playing can be hell sometimes. I usually just try to get as close as I can.
7. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) - Everything except Houses of the Holy and Physical Grafitti - Another seemingly obligatory entry. However, the diversity in his songwriting is awesome.
8. Kim Thayle (Soundgarden) (spelling?) - Louder Than Love/ Badmotorfinger/ Superunknown - His rhythms and experimental harmonies along with Matt Cameron's drum-playing and Chris Cornell's singing made for an excellent combination.
9. Mark Tremonti (Creed) - My Own Prison/Human Clay/My Sacrifice - This is my tone influence. His tone on Human Clay absolutely makes me want to spend lots and lots of money on gear. (Not to say that I haven't already. My wife thinks I'm crazy)
10. Jewel - Pieces of You/Spirit - I love love love Jewel. She is an incredible singer/songwriter. There are a few songs that I don't like but I do like most of them. I don't know what it is but something about her songs really moves me and I can't listen to them enough. It has been this way for years. Listen to me. I sound like a damn girl.

There are more but these are the top ten that I came up with first so they must be the ones that influence me the most.

i've got 6 biggiez

1. Daron Malakian-First song I ever learned was a SOAD song
2. Tom Morello-Puts me in my place as far as insanity goes
3. Eric Clapton-Reason I went to go learn scales
4. Jimi Hendrix-Reason I went into effects
5. Herman Li-puts me in my place for speed
6. Yngwie Malmsteen-need i say anything?

I love reading these kinds of posts. Almost every player mentioned gets me thinking; "GEEZ, I love that player! How could I have forgotten..."
And everyone's reasons are so unique!

well let's see. so many have influenced me in one way or another. (in no particular order)
Ace Frehley...big KISS fan when i was 12(first started playing seriously). he made me want to play it in the first place
---Shock Me
---Makin Love

Eddie V H...he made me want to get really serious about it. big influence..maybe even more so from a song writer standpoint. great with a riff. pushed amp makers to new limits(variac)..pushed limits of shredding with feel. popularized the floyd(at the time just a guy in his basement with an idea)...basically invented the superstrat(of course with one volume knob and one pickup) ...kind of hilarious how all those companies came out the that 1 and 1 guitar simply because eddie couldn't get the tone knob to work on the frankenstien....lol....i remember when VH1 came out...Ted nugent was the hottest player going at the time...then out of left field came eddie....totally re- opened everyone's eyes to the possibilities..
---Romeo Delight
---Unchained
---Hear About It Later
---In a Simple Rhyme
---Drop Dead Legs

Jake E lee....really my favorite of the Ozzy guitarists. very tasty..excellent showman...great riffs...ozzy asks him to re join every year but jake can't put up with ozzy...too bad....he has basically been missing in action since then...
---Bark at the Moon
---Rock and Roll Rebel
---Lighting Strikes

Warren De Martini...again,very tasty licks...love all that older Ratt stuff...I picked up alot on the Drop D tuning from them...Jake E Lee actually tutored him for a while...
---You're in Love
---Lay it Down
---Body Talk
---You Think You're Tough

Mick Mars....Not one of the better all around players in the list...but i learned all them tunes from the first two albums...nice heavy tones...
---Looks that Kill
---Drop 'em Dead Kid
---C'mon and Dance

Ted Nugent...i played a bunch of stuff early on. basically pretty simple straight forward blues based rock and roll...
---Dog eat Dog
---Stranglehold
---Wango Tango
---Cat Scratch Fever(of course)

Randy Rhodes...young phenom...another guy who paved the road...i tried to learn as much of that stuff as i could at the time....and he was banging sharon as well(back when she was a hottie)...he worked very well with Bob daisley(bassist)...nice team they made
---Diary of a Madman
---Steal Away The Night
---You Can't Kill Rock and Roll

Alex Lifeson...i learned as much Rush as i could as well...actually Red Barchetta(the opening harmonics) was the first thing i really learned of the guitar....sat there and watched him play it on MTv one day and just sorta picked it up....great player....loves a lot of Open string chords...very lush sounding...lots of variety in thier songs as well....
---The Trees
---The Camera Eye
---Subdivisions
---Countdown
---YYZ
---Zanadu

Stevie Ray Vaughn....great player...so much passion there...would squeeze everything he could out of each note...huge sound....even the bowie stuff was way cool....of course seeing david in the video pretending to play his licks was a hoot but stevie had to leave that project....just too much to say with his own songs..
---Willy the Wimp
---Tightrope
---Little Wing
---Couldn't Stand the Weather

Joe Walsh...great songwriter,singer,player...the complete musician...wether it be Jame's Gang or Eagles or solo....excellent in the studio mixing....great addition the an allready great Eagles band...pretty nice slide player as well(pretty much his meant and potatoes)...
---Turn to Stone
---Walk Away
---In the City
---The Confessor
---Bolero

Tony Iommi...i had an 8-track(i know...showing my age) of Volume 4 that i learned front to back....father of metal(not much question of that)....that guy just MADE you want to play metal.....
---Supernaut
---St. Vitus Dance
---Snowblind
---All of Vol.4



lots of other honorable mentions
--reb beach
--roy buchannon
--Stanley Jordan(is fun to watch or what?)
--Michael Hedges(the Van Halen of acoustic)
--Junior Brown(another fun guy to watch)
--Jimi Hendrix(the voice of his generation...timeless music)
--tons of 80's players
--Brent Mason(his Star Licks Tape is awesome)
--Ritchie Blackmore(learned a bunch of purple stuff early on as well)
--Jeff Skunk Baxter(especially the Steely Dan stuff)
--Robin Trower(fun with the electro harmonix pedals)
--Neal Schonn(especially the H.S.A.S. stuff)..his bits on "We're Stars"(Hearin Aid...dio's project) were my favorite
--Yngwie Malmsteen
--Marty Friedman and Dave Mustaine
--Kirk hamment( i learned tons and tons of metallica(haven't we all) )...
--Roy Clark..the guy can play everything with strings on it(banjo,mandolin,fiddle,guitar) with ferocity...can shred yo face off.....
--too many more to list here........

I'm gonna do half a list, because I can't really explain why I like every guitar player that I like.

Clapton: The man that made me want to play guitar. Any doubts anybody has about how good this guy is will be washed away once they see him live, absolutely amazing.

Hendrix: Not so much his soloing ability but the way he put a song together. Everything is just so fluid and smooth. Underrated as hell in how great his lyrics are.

Chris Cheney - The Living End : This guy can tear it up like there's no tomorrow, and they can pull off any genre well. While not just a punk band, he really brings skill to punk music.

Sean P. Rogan - Big D and the Kids Table: Subtlety is what he's about. Good riffs, good solos. You can tell this guy could let it rip if he wanted, but always does what the song requires.

John Frusciante: just plain awesome.