Favorite Guitarist and the reason why....

Lots of great ones mentioned here.

I personally dig Johnny Marr from The Smiths.

I don't think he's the greatest, but he sure did shape the early alternative sound that many still follow today. Talent-wise he isn't up there with a Stevie Ray, Clapton, Hendrix, or BB, but his songwriting ability is second-to-none.

He's crafted a lot of memorable and timeless melodies. How Soon Is Now is pretty much one of the most recognizes songs of the 80's and it's because of his guitar work mostly.