During a talk show interview Mike Douglas asked Jimi Hendrix "What's it like to be the best rock guitarist in the world?" Jimi responded "I don't know, you'll have to ask Rory Gallagher."

There are a lot of great guitarists from the jazz fusion tradition. I’d add Al Di Meola, John Scofield, and Larry Carlton as just a few more out of many such.

Jaco Pastorius for bass, and Stanley Clarke.

Let's not forget all of the great bluegrass flat-pickers. I'd include Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings from the current generation, and David Grier, Tony Rice, Doc Watson and many other greats from the previous generations.

Link Wray popularized the use of power chords back in the 50s. Many great guitarists cite his influence.

‘Galloping" Cliff Gallup from Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps needs a mention here.

Beck's sometime bass player, Tal Wilkenfeld, deserves a nod, too. She's a phenom!

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Here are a couple of his most famous hits from the 50s, Rumble and Rawhide.

This CD is a good one to start with:

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