****!

I voted other and was going to call it a toss up between Frank Zappa and Andy Powell (Wishbone Ash) but then noticed that Frank Zappa was an option :(

I'm thinking David Gilmour for the sheer bragging rights he has.

Best prog guitarist eh.

If we're going by just pure technical merit here, then Buckethead, Zappa and Fripp are the main contenders. However, if we're judging by guitar solo-wankery, then the choice becomes a lot harder...

...oh **** it, Buckethead for the win.

I have to go for Steve Rothery, cos for me he typifies the sound of the resurgence of prog in the early to late 80s, with bands like Pallas, Pendragon, IQ and of course Marillion coming more into the public consciousness. Listen to his work on "Grendel", "Chelsea Monday" or Lost weekend", and then listen to him on their current album, "Happiness is the road" -- the boy's still got it!
To paraphrase Mark Knoplfer, he can make that guitar cry or sing...

Mr. Gilmour

I honestly haven't heard that many of the guitarists on the list, but Gilmour has always been, and always will be my favorite guitarist, and biggest guitar influence, so he definately gets my pick. I love what I hear from Buckethead and Zappa though, they're both really, really great players. Buckethead has great technique, and though I haven't heard too much from his, he has interesting way of approaching the instrument and song-writing as a whole. I really should check out more of those guitarists though, I'd probably like a good lot of them.

Andy Latimer (Camel) has done some great stuff that does'nt get the kudos it deserves.

I haven't heard much, but I've actually heard a little Camel. I don't remember the guitar work, but my old history teacher gave me one of their albums. I should go look that up, I miss it. I loved Spirit of the Water.

I have music by 18 in that list. Perhaps a compilation would be a good idea with a track by each artist?

Yeah, Latimer is underrated in a big way. :(

Start with "Ice" and work your way back from there folks...