Favorite and/or most influential guitarists (for you as a player or in general)

[mano de dios]

I think You have to distinguish bewteen 'technical ' and 'musical' greatness.

I cannot say a lot about the former part, but I guess people like Malmsteen, Vai or this Dragonforce weirdo fit in that category though I think their music is mostly hideous (Vai may be the exception).

Musical greatness for me is - besides a decent technique - a personal and/or new sound of guitar playing, which - obviously - is much more a question of taste.

With that said my list goes:

1. Josh Homme (Kyuss/Queens of the Stone Age):
Warmth and brilliance, ass kicking and sexy. GOAT

2. Jack White

3. Tom Morello

and to name a metal guy:

4. Chuck Schuldiner