So what’s the “future”?
(U2 was never expository of anything exceptional on the guitar, BTW.)
I think the Edge was exceptional. I mean, he’s no Bill Frisell, but he makes me think of Bill Frisell, because he’s unique and fresh and avoids all the cliches.
As for what’s next, hip hop has dominated for 20 years now. How much longer will it last? I don’t have a crystal ball. I have no idea what will be next.
Exceptional in it's extreme use of effects processing on guitar.