There are too many names that could get into this list but for now, these five names seem most appropriate to me.
Eric Clapton
“Clapton is God”; Eric Clapton is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. He is one of the most influential guitarists of all time contributions to The Yard birds and Cream, as well as such singles as “Tears in Heaven” as a solo artist. Clapton is known for his soft yet subtle licks and powerful riffs. Considered one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll guitarists of all time, he is known for such classic songs as “Layla,” “Crossroads” and “Wonderful Tonight”. In 2016, Clapton revealed that he had been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy three years earlier, a condition that left him with back and leg pain. Despite his ailments, the guitar god has promised to make a comeback soon to the live-music scene.
Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore is an English guitarist and songwriter. He was one of the pioneers of the Hard-Rock genre and of one the founding members of Deep Purple. Blackmore gained more following during his solo career when he formed the group “Rainbow” with legendary rock vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Together, they defined what would become to be known as Neo-Classic metal. Ritchie Blackmore drew inspiration from the classical baroque era of western classical music and incorporated it with metal. His folk-project “Blackmore’s Night” centred around vocals. He was inducted into The Rock and Roll hall of fame as a member of deep purple in 2016.
Slash
(Saul Hudson no one knows but slashes everyone does.) No guitarist embodies the spirit of rock like slash- messy long hair, a cigarette in his mouth, a classic Gibson les Paul that sings riffs and leads with the same power. Slash was one of the founding members and the lead guitarist of guns and roses, till they split in 1996. He also was one of the founding members of the super group, Velvet Revolver. Slash has received critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest rock guitarists. One of the finest rock guitarist alive, slash was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2012 as part of the classic guns and roses line-up.
Paul Gilbert
Paul Gilbert is an American Heavy Metal/ Hard Rock guitarist. He is widely known for his tonal brilliance and technicality on the guitar. He was the co-founder of the super band Mr. Big, along with Eric Martin. Known for his signature style of legato picking, shredding and staccato- tapping, Paul Gilbert is a “skill level” that many budding guitarists try to achieve. Following Mr. Big’s disbandment in 1996, Gilbert launched a solo career, for which he has released numerous solo albums, and featured in numerous collaborations and guest appearances on other musicians’ albums.
John Mayer
John Clayton Mayer is an American vocalist lyricist, guitarist, and producer. He attended Berkeley College of Music in Boston, however dis enrolled and moved to Atlanta in 1997 with Clay Cook. Together, they shaped a brief two-man band called Lo- Fi Masters. After their split, Mayer kept on playing local clubs refining his abilities and gaining a following. After his appearance at the 2001 South by Southwest Festival, he signed a contract to Aware Records, and then Columbia Records, where he released his first EP, Inside Wants Out. His following two full-length albums. Room for Squares and Heavier Things did well commercially, achieving multi-platinum status. In 2003, he won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the single “Your Body Is a Wonderland”.