i assumed they meant rock solos, if you start throwing country/folk guys in then you've got to deal with virtuosos like Leo Kottke and then jazz guys like Django... i don't think they meant the top 10 best guitar parts, but more like the top 10 high-flying rock solos.
Point accepted about Chet Atkins, even though I think he rocks. How about Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) in "Goin' Home" at Woodstock? Now, that was a "high flying rock solo".
"virtuosos like Leo Kottke "
He's a joy to watch play. I've seen him half a dozen times. Trouble is, he's funny lookin' and can't sing worth a lick. He's got some hellacious guitar chops, though.
If you throw in country solos, the list does not change!