For sheer raw artistry, you can't beat Hendrix. I think sometimes the ubiquity of his work has perhaps blunted his impact, but if you dig out Machine Gun, on his Band of Gypsys album, it's phenomenal stuff.

But I could happily listen to Jimmy Page solo all day, J Mascis from DInosaur Jr too, a brilliant, emotional guitarst. And of course The Chili Peppers' John Frusciante, some of his stuff is off the chart, though I think the band's image gets in the way of his ability.

I'll add to this list Blur's Graham Coxon. Not a guitarist in the classic-mould, but incredibly creative person who can coax some amazing noises out of his Tele Deluxe. I was watching Blur's 2008 Glastonbury gig on iPlayer last night and there are moments where he was using both feet at once to activate pedals while still soloing