Hmm, there are so many to choose from….
First would have to be James Hetfield, the man is the reason I first picked up a guitar.
Honurable mentions for that spot would be Dave Mustaine and Scott Ian.
Mick Thomson, he is a really good played and can shred with the best of them.
Dave Gilmour, I cry inside every time I hear his Comfortably Numb solos.
Tommy Emmanuel, the things he does with an acoustic guitar…..wow. (Bonus points because he is an Aussie).
I would probably add Trey Azagthoth too, he is nuttier than squirrel shit, but he gets some really cool sounds that set Morbid Angel apart from the other Death Metal bands of that era.
I am sure there are many more that will come to mind as soon as I hit submit.