Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana or Stevie Ray Vaughn?

Question

And why?

Answer 1

It has taken me about 20 minutes of thinking before I could actually start typing. Luv em' all...It came down to Hendrix and Santana and Hendrix gets my pick. I have an affinity for who have been given a talent and have revolutionised how people do what they do, say what say, etc...

I would love to hear Jimi play the Star Bangle Banner before the Superbowl or opening up the Democratic National Convention.

Answer 2

Oh, you just had to do it, didn't you?! I could figure out whether or not God exists and what the meaning of life is easier than this.

Ok, to narrow it down, my final 2 would be Santana and Hendrix. Clapton and Vaughn are both excellent guitarists, but also both very obviously influenced by others, whereas I see Hendrix and Santana offering more in the way of innovation.

What blows me away about Santana is the way he makes the guitar sound like an extension of his own voice. As soon as you hear it, you know it's him. Not bad for an inanimate object that can make only a finite number of sounds.

Plus, he seems like such a nice guy!

But in the end, I have to give it to Hendrix. He was nothing short of revolutionary. He knew every rule and broke it beautifully. His legacy continues to be seen in music everywhere and I think it will do for a very long time.

Plus, the opening bars of Voodoo Chile is one of the best things in the world ever.  

Answer 3

Hendrix. That guy was a magician.

Let me add another great one - Jimmy Page.

Answer 4

Carlos Santana. While all are geniuses on the guitar, he has been extremely successful crossing between genre (and cultural) lines with his songs. Abraxus is my favorite Santana album.

Answer 5

definitely jimi hendrix. i dont really listen to any of the others.

Answer 6

I love all these guys !!

Answer 7

I can't choose they are all great in my opinion.

Answer 8

Santana.  Clapton and Vaughn, too much into the blues.  Hendrix was the greatest but can't match Santana's body of work due to his early death.

Answer 9

This isn't a question that can be answered without changing your mind several times.  Let's say about four times!  I grew up on all them and love them all.  

Answer 10

This is going to hard, they're  all awesome. I'm going with Santana though I just love his high-energy vibe. Plus his versatility is amazing.

Answer 11

Um, thats pretty hard. I think imma go with Santana. Hendrix is INCREDIBLE but I still pick Carlos Santana. Him and that d**n guitar, Omg.! he's so versatile and can work that guitar like magic. I grew up listening to 'Supernatural' & watching him in concert on this huge screen TV in my mom's friend's mansion EVERY d**n WEEKEND [aww, good times]. So he just kinda connects in my life, as i grew older, not many guitarist could even begin to compare to him. The Dude's a legend. Songs still give me the chills(: