Stevie Ray Vaughan is the G.O.A.T. Change my mind

SRV is my favorite modern-era blues guitarist, followed closely by Robert Cray and (gasp) John Mayer. BB, Albert, Buddy, et al are from a different time.

Many great axemen listed in this thread, and many more not listed. My vote for all-time best goes to Pat Metheny.

BTW, where are the wimmins? No mention of Shawn Colvin, Patty Larkin, Susan Tedeschi, fo' shame.

GOAT guitarist is like GOAT ice cream; too many flavors and nuances of flavors. At least there's someone for everyone.