As a true musical virtuoso, Mr. Page has been a pioneer for all guitarists who have followed. The beauty and complexity of his compositions and performances produce an emotion in the listener emanating from the very depths of ones soul. Many guitarists have attempted to duplicate his sound but fail miserably. He and the other extremely talented members of Led Zeppelin composed and performed without limits. Jimmy Page is and probably always will be the greatest guitar player ever.”

John Frusciante, with no doubt...

There is no greatest guitarist.

Although Allan Holdsworth is the greatest.

His technical ability is greater than any other name mentioned so far. He developed his own way of playing the instrument and his own musical approach. And 99% of the people on this board will hate his music.

There are other guitarists I listen to much more but Allan deserves a mention here as the most unique, original and possibly talented guitarist out there.

Robin Trower for me. ( no second line needed )

probably a tie between Eric Clapton and Mark Knophler

As a lead guitarist myself, I do have a few favs and influences. They are:

Yngwie Malmsteen
Randy Rhoads
Orianthi (you REALLY need to listen to her pre-Geffen material, from Violet Journey)
Joe Satriani
Marty Friedman
Brian "Too Loud" McLeod (Headpins)

There are definitely lots of talented guitar players out there though

Jimi is the guitar god.
Listening to electric ladyland is a hell of an experience, one to be marvelled at.
The depth of feeling he gets into his playing, the huge range of tricks and techniques are mind blowing.
I'm not denigrating any of the.other fantastic guitarists that have been mentioned, they are awesome, but Jimi Hendrix is way out there beyond what mere mortals are capable of doing.

john williams
jason becker(check out altitudes and air)
john5 solo stuff

Jeff Loomis

He can play pretty much anything; he's carved out a niche that pretty much no one else in the history of music has done to the degree he has. He takes things that most musicians would consider as dissonant and forges them into beautiful melodies or the most face-melting riffs in existence.
I didn't think Dim7 could be so awesome.
Cool guy too.