<< Most influential in rock would have to be a toss-up between Eddie Van Halen and Hendrix.
Clapton it right up there too.
If you take all the newer players on that poll and ask them, they will all mention Van Halen and Hendrix.
Remember, all the faster, more pyrotechnic-type modern playing started with Edward, and in retrospect, also can be traced to Hendrix. >>
This is totally incorrect. First off, Clapton would rank before Van Halen (every interview of VH I have ever read, he notes Clapton as his only major influence ...). But Clapton does deserve mention because he emphasized the blues, yet his most significant contribution is probably popularizing recording "open miked". When he did the Bluesbreakers album with John Mayall, the engineer walked off the job because Eric insisted on using an open miked setup. However, the real point I take is saying VH started the "faster", "'pyro", "modern" type of guitar playing, or even saying that Jimi is responsible. NO WAY! Jeff Beck is the father of it all, traceable back to '64. He also pioneered many effects, and even the "voice box".
If you wanna see the best guitarist alive, bar none, then you are in luck - Jeff Beck will be starting his new US tour in February. In fact, his new CD will be out this Tuesday (some of us have it already on import, it is tasty ... ).
Also in the works, Beck, Clapton, & Santana to tour together in 2003.
Finally, can't believe hardly anyone rates SRV. In my book, SRV and Hendrix are tied for 1st place ... One of the best shows I've ever seen was SRV with Jeff Beck. A total guitar assault. For his final encore, SRV brought out a prized wahwah that was Jimi's ... close your eyes and you couldn't tell the difference. Recommend the video "SRV & Double Trouble: Live at the El Mocambo" for reference. And as awesome as SRV was in that show, it was when he was a "mess" - he got even better once he got off the drink and drug.
PS. - As for Buddy Guy, don't underestimate the man. He definitely is one of the best around, when he's serious about it. He taught both Hendrix and Clapton a lot, and deserves the credit. Not just anybody could play lead for Muddy Waters ...