Joe Pass
George Van Epp (7string 50's jazz player)
Chet (do I need a last name?)
SRV. Maybe cliche, but he was a gifted player. He could run nonstop longer and stay in the groove without thought longer than anybody.
Alex Lifeson. When I want to rock, Rush goes on the player.These are the guys I listen to the most.
There are so many. But I return to Joe Pass constantly (along with Miles Davis). Almost every time I listen to music. His phrasing, chordal movement, musicality and sheer speed without braggadocio make him my first choice when I open the cd case.