although I stopped liking VH after Dave left, and the whole screaming tube sound is as dated as fuzz wahs, I think i'll have to say Eddie Van Halen. He revolutionized the rock guitar above anyone else who happens to come up with a catchy hook... Even Jimi.. who was knee deep in hippy stank before becoming the icon that he is.


honorable mentions

Frank Zappa
George Thorogood
Steve Vai
Dwayne Allman
Mark Knophler
Tom Morello
Jerry Cantrell