No disrespect to Rhoads but I agree 100% with Cure. That said, my opinion is that of a hard rock fan with zero experience on guitar. I'd love to hear from those in the know: who they feel would come in ahead of EVH on a list of the best six stringers?
I really like Rhoads, we'll never know what else he would've come up with cause he died so young. But he may have ventured more into classical or jazz because he was thinking of leaving Ozzy's band and studying music
Also love Eddie Van Halen, not saying they are any ''better'' but I prefer (or at least love them just as much) Warren DeMartini and George Lynch. And I believe that's what it ultimately comes down to, not who's ''best'' or ''better'' but who amazes the listener the most. And what those guys did on the first Ratt (1983 up until 1991 with ''Nobody Rides For Free'') and Dokken (1984 - 1987) albums still blows my mind. In terms of tone, feel, note choice etc so their solos are out of this world but they were also excellent rhythm players. They've been my favorite guitarists (especially Warren) before I played guitar myself and still are now that I've been playing for several years
Simo, you just named my top 3 Lol. EVH, DeMartini and Lynch