Les Paul was the most influential guitar player of the 20th century. Hands down. He invented the electric guitar so none of these other guys would have amounted to anything if Les Paul hadn’t paved the way.
On acoustic guitar, Chet Atkins was the most influential guitar player since the guitar was invented.
And I admit, I was waiting for someone to chime in about the acoustic guitar. Who else is there besides Chet, and Andres Segovia, who laid the groundwork?
Steve Howe of the Yes.