I had a look at Zane Lowe's Top 50 Guitar Legends -- some of it I agree with, some of it I don't. Perhaps the word "legend" means something slightly different to Lowe.
Where is Clapton?
Where is Stevie Ray Vaughn?
But nice to see Jeff Buckley and Joey Santiago get a mention. Kurt Cobain at #11? Gotta give Cobain credit for shaping the sound of a generation, but based on technical skills, you can't put him in the top twenty.
Slash? Really?
My list is based mostly on talent and longevity, and the ability to push the limits of guitar playing, rather than being in some new trendy band with a handful of hits. I couldn't put Hendrix at number one -- a life and career cut too short. (although the posthumous stuff is pretty good)
My list, in approximate order:
Billy Corgan
Eddie Van Halen
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Hendrix
Prince
Jack White
The Edge
Ben Harper
Jeff Buckley
Juliana Hatfield (best female guitarist around!)
Mick Jones
Mike McCready
Pete Townsend
Nels Cline
Daniel Lanois
Neil Young
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Angus Young
Kirk Hammet
Noel Gallagher
Dave Grohl
Tom Scholz
Peter Buck
Ted Nugent
Matthew Sweet
Stephen Malkmus
Slash
