The following is a post taken from a rather well known maestro's forum, and I agree with it. If for no other reason than I am a fan of guys like Vai, Petrucci, SRV.

In this day and age, we're seeing a dearth of spectacular guitar slingers.
Enjoy!

I was listening to some of the "Flex-able Leftovers" album by Steve Vai today and found myself wondering why he's my ultimate guitar hero. I determined that he would be so because his sound is so far out there that nobody can really replicate it, and that combining such a remarkable sound with impeccable technique has brought the combination that sees him take the cake for "most talented musician alive" in my book.

What surprised me the most about this was that upon listening to the Flex-able albums, his sound and playing ability was still unmistakably Vai!

Beginning with Images and Words, Petrucci's sound has remained top notch in every way as well. Just take the solo in "To Live Forever" from the old Live in Tokyo concert. His playing shows an incredible knowledge far beyond his years not only in technique but in the creation and improvisation of beautiful melodies. (I'll also say that when he quotes "Within you Without you" in the middle, I get outrageous chill bumps).

Fast forward 20 years...

How many new young guitarists are out there that people can honestly say are better or are going to be better than these two? (and your likes of Satch and Gilbert and whomsoever you want to name as a shredder from the previous generation of shred) Thinking reasonably, is there anything else that can be done technically with the guitar that has not been done before? Is anyone out there following in the footsteps of these guys and using a combination of beautiful melodies and musicianship combined with the incredible technical prowess that we have come to identify as "shred"? Can somebody show me another brilliant guitarist out there who can move my soul with his music while simultaneously melting the minds of everyone on the planet?

And can I mention on a side note that Petrucci's solo in the end of "To Live Forever" on the live in Tokyo vhs/dvd from the Images and Words tour is my personal favorite solo that he has ever done. If DT played something beautiful and ambient like that again I would be so happy. The Count of Tuscany is the closest they've come I think...

 

Interesting perspective. I have wondered the same thing but there are still good up and comers out there. Gustavo Guerra is a great one. Ultimately I think there will be a resurgance of older players.

 

What about Jack White?

 

I have not really been inspired by anyone as of late

 

Jack White, as in the guy from the White Stripes? No offense bro, but while he is, I'm sure a great entertainer; I would not put him in the guitar hero category. When I think of "guitar hero" types of guys, it is guys like Vai, Petrucci, SRV, Steve Morse, Malmsteen. There are some metal players that are just incredible, but they cross "hero" status and become wanker by over playing.

Alex Skolnick is a guy that doesn't get mentioned enough. This is a guy who's truly crossed genre's and does it all exceptionally well. If you don't know him he got his start in one of the bands that started the thrash genre, Testament. But now he spends his time as part of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the Alex Skolnick Jazz Trio. Exceptional player.

I do have to say that from a rock perspective, Marc Tremonti of Creed, but even better Alter Bridge has really come along in a big way.

I know of some guys that haven't made it big, but are just incredible players.
Like a guy named Barry Richman out of Atlanta, GA. He's played with the who's who of jam band, southern rock, literally.
As it happens, I was sitting to the left of this camera!
YouTube - Barry Richman Band 2008-10-5 "Black Texas Highway"
YouTube - Barry Richman Jam

There are just few guys of this caliber coming up these days.

 

Zakk Wylde from Black Label Society is an amazing guitarist. As is Mark Tremonti from Creed, and Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit. Vai is still such a powerhouse.

 

I used to be a fan of Zakk, but lost all respect for the guy when he let his staff and one of his sponsors pull a scam. If you look up 357 Scam you will see what I am talking about. And as it happens, I am the one who busted that entire thing wide open. Zakks biker buddies threatened to come to Atlanta from Nashville and F me up. Petty stuff. And Zakk, instead of manning up as he claims to profess via his "bleed Black Label" ethos, he ran like a bitch behind his wifes skirt as well as his managers mouth. Nothing for the guy anymore.