[daler]

"Oh, yeah! Definitely Chet Atkins!"

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not, but several of my "rock" guitar-playing friends rank Mr. Atkins at the top (even those that revere Hendrix & Van Halen).

Allow me to add Rick Derringer and Robin Trower to the list.

[RosieCotton]

I wouldn't be sarcastic about Mr. Atkins. I fingerpick a bit and though for the most part don't play the same style, I have TREMENDOUS respect for him...he was a wizard. I'm feelin' a bit hurt that you would doubt me. ;-)

As someone else mentioned (I'm wayyy behind on this thread), I'd also add Norman Blake and some of the more bluegrassy guys like Dan Tyminski and Dan Crary - Bryan Sutton, too. And Django Rheinhardt, Les Paul (recently picked up a really good album of mostly Les Paul instrumental stuff), Segovia...

I don't know really any rock or metal guitarists at all.