Allan Holdworth and then everyone else.
"I’ve known Allan and his music for 30 years now, and after all this time he still amazes me. His concept is still advancing with his playing, and his technical prowess, which is phenomenal, is in complete harmony with his musical direction—and this is a very advanced direction. I recall a show I saw him at in London about 14 years ago. After the concert I said to him, ‘If I knew what you were doing, I’d steal everything, but I don’t know what you are doing!’ Allan laughed." - John McLaughlin
"Holdsworth is the best in my book. He's fantastic. I love him." - Eddie Van Halen
“Allan’s beautiful and unique chord voicings have always had an impact on me. His approach to guitar is one of a kind. He pushes the limits of the boundaries of electric guitar, and his lead phrasing would make Charlie Parker smile. His playing is essential listening for any guitarist, of any style, so they can see that the only limits we have are the ones we put on ourselves.” - Eric Johnson
"I totally agree that Allan is one of the greatest guitarists ever - his work on the mid-70's Tony Williams records was revolutionary and changed everything for guitarists everywhere. It is a real mystery to me why he is not a household name. but it really doesn't matter, his contribution is large and I think all musicians know it. - Pat Metheny
"I think Allan Holdsworth is the John Coltrane of the guitar. I don't think anyone can do as much with the guitar as Allan Holdsworth can." - Robben Ford
“He sure has made an impression on me; he does things I have not heard the guitar do... He's not trying new things, he's mastering them.” - George Benson
One of the most interesting guys on guitar on the planet is Allan Holdsworth. I really respect his playing... [Allan Holdsworth] deserves credit for single-handedly reinventing the electric guitar..." - Frank Zappa
“He [Allan Holdsworth]’s amazing, I told him that I didn't understand what he was playing and he said 'likewise'. What I admire about players like Allan is that they are pure musicians, he doesn't have to dress up to get onstage, he doesn't need to. In a way he makes it possible for people like me to get up on a stage and do what I do." - Gary Moore
... Allan plays legato parts like a violinist. His right hand might as well be a bow, because his left hand is like Paganini’s. You can call his playing whatever you want to, but it will still fry your brain if you try to figure it out. John McLaughlin, Michael Stern, John Scofield—all of us just scratch our heads and go, ‘Damn!’... ... He has something totally beautiful. I give him more credit than anyone for just pure expression in soloing...” - Carlos Santana
... Besides being emotionally swept away by Allan’s use of melodic color, most of the time I am utterly stunned and confused as to how he is playing what I am hearing. His chops and inner ear completely defy my own inner musical eye and reasoning and I’m left in a blissful state of humility and surrender.” - Steve Vai
"Allan Holdsworth also has a strong style. A long time ago, Jens took me to see him in a small club in New York. I had to take my hat off to him." - Yngwie Malmsteen
"Hearing Allan’s guitar playing for the first time was a cathartic experience for me. His guitar sang, it pushed musical boundaries, and it rocked. His brilliant approach to harmony is completely original, beautiful and spellbinding. His technique and improvisational skills make him a true guitar god, the jaw dropping kind, and the kind that influences many a player in all styles of music... ... To witness him playing with Tony Williams’ band, a Gibson SG around his neck, Small Stone Phaser and Marshall stack in tow, at the intimate club My Father’s Place in Roslyn, NY, was something I’ll never forget. He ripped a hole in the guitarist’s-space-time-continuum that night! And we’ve never been the same... ... Allan Holdsworth changed the way people play the electric guitar, both musically and physically. He is a true genius." - Joe Satriani