Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page were in better bands that put out better music, that's why.
But the poll question isn't which of these three guitarists was in bands that put out the best music. It was which of these three guitarists do you like the best.
Jeff's guitar work comes off very well in comparison when any of these fellows share the same stage though.
I'm aware of the question and that's what I responded to. I just think that being able to being in a band should also count when comparing guitarists. If Beck was never able to hold a band together for much more than an album and a tour - and sometimes not even that.... well, that counts against Beck too, imo.
Being able to attract more than a cult following should also count.
And I really haven't heard or seen him do anything new since the 70's - please put me up to speed here if you can, videos, links etc. He was very much into the 80's sound in the 80's to the point where it damaged his output, imho. I do like Jeff's Guitar Shop but... that really wasn't all that revolutionary. It was just a good album, period.
What did he do in the 90's? The 00's?
Anyhoo, as I said - I prefer Blackmore with Townshend a close 2nd. And as I said, I do like Beck but he's a tad overrated in my book when it comes to his 80's-00's output. Blackmore would be the most consistent of the three of them.