re: Any list of the best guitarists of the rock era must include Jeff Healey

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There are thousands of artists who are better draftsmen than Pablo Picasso. Are they better artists within the genre than Picasso? I feel the same way about Jimmy Page and Jeff Healey. Page has a creative spark that Jeff Healey never had, and it is obvious to even casual listeners.

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I am with you, while there are a zillion more technically competent players than Page, none have created the instantly recognizable riffs that Page has. Keith Richards is in that group, he may be just a capable player in the vein of Chuck Berry, but he created tons of great hooks and riffs, how many Stone's songs can be instantly identified by the first 3 notes of the song. That is what separates a guitar player from an artist.

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You and poodle are talking about something different than what I'm talking about. You guys are talking about which was the greater player in terms of influence, song writing, and legacy. So obviously Page was the more influential player and his legacy will far outlive Healey's, who frankly just 7 years after his death is already somewhat forgotten except among guitarists

Page is a great song writer and producer, and was the lead guitarist in what was possibly the greatest rock band ever. Healey by comparison was a relative unknown. So I don't disagree with anything either of you is saying, but I'm talking about pure mastery of the instrument. Put the two on a stage in what guitarists call a head cutting contest and Healey is going to beat Page. Healey is the superior player.

Another way of thinking of it is this: I can play most of what Jimmy Page played. It's not that difficult. I can't play much of what Healey played. It's beyond my ability and will still be beyond my ability 10 years from now.