Tony 12 string started this thread off by naming Bert Jansch, and I agree. But there are so many who are so good. What about Jansch's callaborator John Renbourne? Then there is Davy Graham and Martin Carthy? Cluin suggested Dick Gaughan. I agree with that as well. I have always enjoyed the rhythmic and percussive guitar playing of Nic Jones.

As for the blues, well, where to start? Skip James, Tommy Johnson, Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, and on and on and on.

Let's not forget rock: Jimmy Page, Dave Davies, Townsend, Carlos Santana, Clapton, Duanne Allman.