Is Brian Setzer the most talented guitarist alive today?

Of guitarists that are still with us, he is my favorite. He just barely comes out on top over Clapton. I mean, just the way the guy completely wails on the those big, beautiful hollow-buddy Gretsch guitars is aw-inspiring. And to think he almost never uses any pedals or distortion, he gets it all from the guitar. Guy is freaking amazing.

Oh my GOD. What's going on with you people. Don't even know who he is. *sigh* tisk tisk.

I think people tend not to think of him because he plays in a rockabilly style and that's too bad because he's really good. I remember a story about him where he was taking guitar lessons as a child. One day the instructor told Brian there was nothing more he could teach him because he was a virtuoso.

Edit: for those who claim that he only plays in one style, let me ask this. Do any of the other guitarists you think are so great play any differently than what you've heard on their recordings? To be honest, I have heard very little variations in how they play guitar. They almost never vary from that one style that made them famous in the first place.

Who's brian setzer? he's like a one hit wonder right?

well, I've never heard of him, so im gonna have to say no

no he's not

I wish I could share your enthusiasm for Brian Setzer, but I'm afraid I never liked him enough to want to hear his guitar playing. He probably can chicken pick like a champ, but his songs bored me. Has he gotten over the Rockabilly thing? BTW, he does play some really cool guitars.

Brian's ok. I like how he's always eager to explore new styles.

I hated how he was part of the Swing Music Scare of the late 1990s.

Lately, I've been hung up on Argentine guitarist Skay Beilinson, who does so much with a variety of multi tracked chords propping up the melody. Anybody can solo, but Skay has a neat approach for me.

Don't be snobby and put people down for not knowing someone. I bet you heard the name Les Paul and for years thought it was just a guitar before learning he's a great guitarist.

David Gilmour Rules. There is nothing he can't do on guitar.

Brian Setzer is very good but he only plays one kind of music !! so you cant say he is the best all round Guitar player .

Edit : Jeff Beck , Eric Clapton, David Gillmore, Albert Lee, Jimmy Page. to name just a few these guys have played on more studio sessions then most of us have had hot dinners.
In answer to the guy below me.

setzer is one cool cat

Brian Setzer was in the Stray Cats no? used to play a Gretsch White Falcon (mm nice guitar). Dont know his work tho, good question.

Fripp isn't dead yet.

aaaaaaaaaha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,h... cough, cough, cough, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,h... ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,h...
wait.....stop it, I can't breath.....OMG, I almost passed out, whew....that was a good one! You're a funny guy!

Alive today? Setzer wouldn't be in my top 5, no question that he is good and the opinions of many depends on taste...

My top 5:
Eric Clapton
Jeff Beck
Eddie Van Halen
Joe Perry
Angus Young, only because he brings a strong stage presence with him....

Setzer to me is right up there with George Thorogood, cause when the 2 were at height of their popularity they were 2 people that were doing a different type of music then what other bands were doing

Two Words
Yngwie Malmsteen
I'd sure like to see Setzer play "Evil Eye", He'd have a stroke