Favorite 80's guitarist?

[JimJam]

Joey Santiago (The Pixies)
Thurston Moore & Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth)
Billy Zoom (X)
The Edge (U2)

 

[Fred]

Ehmmm.... it must be Micky Moody or Bernie Marsden.

I have to agree with you there. They were much more medolic than Sykes. Have you heard this rare mix of "Look at me Now"? It's an alternative mix with more backing vocals in the chorus than the album version. It's an interesting listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upn6KBoTvpM

 

[80's Music Freak]

Two guitarists that come to mind right away are Neal Schon of Journey and Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon. Both fantastic guitarists in my book.

 

[Beady Eye]

Thurston Moore & Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth)

I used to love Sonic Youth back in the day, but are you serious?
Great guitar playing is of course not only a matter of technical prowess but mostly about creating memorable riffs (hence Slash > Buckethead). I've never met a person who thought that Thurston had either quality. Interesting opinion though.

When it comes to the 80s, I'd say that Eddie van Halen brings the best mixture of technique and memorable riffs/solos. Slash deserves mentioning because everyone knows his sound even though he never was a great player.

Edit: I thought the title was "best" not "favourite". In that regard Thurston Moore is obviously a much more legit choice.

 

[Mr. Shadow]

 

[GuitarGod]

Must admit that i think Paul Gilbert was really good in the 80's

https://youtu.be/xCsLV5jdWzI

 

[SanguineRemedy]

Randy Rhoads

 

[CP/M User]

Mark Knopfler

 

[Lo Pan]

Vito Bratta

 

[Trickster]

I think i'm going to name the NOT so obvious ones.

Rob Beach ~ Winger
C.C Deville ~ poison
Vernon Reid ~ Living color
Tracii Guns ~ L.A Guns
Oz fox ~ Stryper
Warren De.Martini ~ Ratt
Vito Bratta ~ White Lion
Carlos Cavazo ~ Quiet Riot
Mick Mars ~ Motley Crue