I would put Wes above them all.
Wes was an original, that’s for sure. A master of octaves and smooth as glass.
The list of great players is a long one. Plenty of styles for everyone to admire.
Virtuosity and technique are fun to watch but the ability to play in ways that evoke an emotional response and pure enjoyment of a great song is what matters most IMO. That’s the true nature of artistry.
Ditto. And people should not overlook a score of current fingerpicking masters, who are still alive. Chet’s best friend and song scorer— John Knowles for example-
The Very Nearness of You:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXflP5vboXI