[RobRoy]

Pete Townsend is even on the list? Yikes!

[dfwgator]

Townsend practically invented the power chord, granted he isn't the best lead player ever.

[John H K]

(Donning flame-resistant suit) I think The Edge should be on the list.

I mean, take a Yngwie Malmsteen? Is he far better technically than the Edge? Sure. Can he play a lot faster? Sure.

But can anyone name or remember a single Yngwie Malmsteen song? Will anyone remember him in 50 years? No. Leaving aside how people feel about U2 and Bono's politics and how cool it became to hate U2, the Edge has an instantly recognizable "style" and contributed to a ton of memorable songs.

[Defend the Second]

That's because Pete is a great guitarist, better than most of the children on this list...and since he has cleared of the kiddie porn charge, I'm feeling a little better about him.