First and Foremost....
Guthrie Govan!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yPEewaalik" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71izserFcek" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
His album "Erotic Cakes" is
BY FAR one of the best guitar instrumental albums of
ALL TIME, right next to Passion and Warfare! Not one bad song on this album, just killer! Do yourself a favor and go buy it!
http://www.guthriegovan.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
also recently Steve Vai approved....
Daniele Gottardo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aca2Ze-dUAs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJU4wMFvdk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
His debut album is now available through Vai's label, Favored Nations!
http://www.digital-nations.com/artists/gottardo/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
honorable mention (NOT a rock guitarists, but more a jazz/country guitarist)
Scotty Anderson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRJbg1XyEbo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QV6B88JjLs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Enjoy!
-Jairo