I'll try to make it simple.
Who you like is of no importance for this list. None.
What matters is their ability to play their instrument well. That doesn't even mean pleasing - nor does it mean fast. It means the ability to combine, innovate, master the skills, demonstrate the skills and techniques, and continue to demonstrate a growth towards true mastery.
If you're curious, I'd really, really suggest reading the articles.
My own favorites aren't even on the list. BB King? Loved 'em. Saw him in concert many times. I've even played with some of the people he's had on his stage.
He's not on my list.
The list isn't "who I like better." That's subjective. The list is who is better. That's objective - as objective as such things can be. Frankly, after about the first three, you can kinda swap 'em around a bit and the list will still make sense.
BB King sucks. One note bent, some talking, one note bent, repeat.
See? You're beginning to understand.
I like 'em. I really do. He's just not a very good guitarist.
Someday, I may do a list of guitarists that I like. That's subjective. This is objective - and, again, there's some subjectivity but not nearly as much as you seem to think. Is Les Paul really better than Atkins? Not necessarily, but he's certainly more innovative and his composition chops are on-par with Atkins. So, he got first billing.
Chet is clearly better than Paul. In every way that matters.
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