instrumental rock guitarists?

John Fahey and Leo Kottke (I always misspell his last name). Two of America's premier finger picking guitarists and both are absolutely remarkable.

Mahavishnu Orchestra is an instrumental group. Guitarist is John McLaughlin. They're jazz fusion (also known as jazz-rock).

Jeff Beck is another great instrumental guitarist. Blues, rock, jazz--he plays and combines a good deal of genres.

I'm not a big fan of instrumental rock guitarists, but the two I mentioned above are excellent.

Duane Eddy, Ingwe Malmstein

Gary Moore

Marty Friedman

Link Wray. Les Paul. Robert Cage.

Jimmi Hendrix actually Jimmi is the king.

so if you want ladder so herwe it goes

1.jimmi hendrix

2.steve vai

3.joe satriani

Hank Marvin (solo and with group The Shadows) one of the best.

Dick Dale.

Both above are oldies, but eternal.

I can't believe that nobody has mentioned the ultimate instrumental group of all - The Ventures.