I gotta say Dave Mustaine for the simple reason he inspired me to actually pick up the guitar. Over the years a ton of guitar masters have piqued my attention:
Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
Alex Skolnick (Testament)
Ritchie Blackmore (Rainbow, Deep Purple)
Andy Laroque (King Diamond)
Trey Azagthoth (Morbid Angel)
KK Downing and Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest)
Mike Davis (Nocturnus)
Jimmy Paige (if you don't know, sucks to be you!)
Enough for now. New names keep popping up, and not just for sheer technical skill either. I love distinctive guitar styles. To me thats typically the signature of the master.


