I like Clapton. He has an exceptional ability to communicate, and emote, with his music.
He's not an outstanding technical guitarist - nothing he plays is particularly difficult or anything - but he connects with people
through his music.
There are a TON of outstanding technical guitarists that aren't ever going to get famous...
SO...not an exceptional guitar player really, but an exceptional artist and musician (because I include that ability in "musicianship") who plays guitar.
Opposite end of spectrum - perhaps Satriani, who IS technically outstanding - but whose popularity was somewhat limited because he's NOT particularly connecting emotionally.
The one's I rank highest are those who combine
a) CREATIVITY and talent on the instrument - perhaps technical, perhaps not
and
b) The emoting thing
Examples:
Jimi (totally inventive use of the instrument, and emotional immersion far beyond most musicians)
Eddie (creative use of the instrument - he invented some stuff)
Santana (a little of both)
there's certainly more...those are good examples though...
Sometimes technical gets in my way of liking someone -
Like Jimmy Page. I like Zeppelin - because of the drums. Page was just so damned sloppy, it bugs me. But he was creative and emoted, so I'm not gonna argue if he's in your list.
