Ask most rock fans to name their favorite guitar hero and they're likely to cite such legends as Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen or Eric Clapton, the latter of whom performs here Tuesday night at SDSU's Cox Arena.

But picking favorites is a highly subjective process.

A guitarist who makes one fan twist and shout with delight can make another cringe, sometimes for precisely the same reason. What one listener considers innovative, another may dismiss as derivative or worse. Good taste, or a lack thereof, may be an attribute to some, a deterrent to others. Ditto an unorthodox style or sound.

This list of 10 of my favorite guitarists salutes artists of singular creative vision and emotional impact. And while I am a great admirer of Hendrix, Allman and such pioneers as Muddy Waters, Charlie Christian and San Diego's Barney Kessel, my alphabetical list focuses on guitarists who, sadly, are not household names. (Apologies to Philip Catherine, Ike Turner, Johnny Marr, John Etheridge, Pat Martino, Lowell George, Fred Frith, Sonny Sharrock, Mike Stern, Lloyd Maines, Egberto Gismonti and others, who will have to wait for another article.)

King Sunny Ade: Intensely atmospheric, this Nigerian legend's joyous guitarwork is distinguished by a shimmering sound, intricate multiple melody lines and densely syncopated rhythms. Suggested album: "Juju Music" (Mango). Ade performs June 17 at Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay.

Ry Cooder: A master of eclecticism, Cooder excels whether playing rock, blues, ragtime, Hawaiian, Tex-Mex, gospel or, more recently, Cuban music. His past credits range from albums with Captain Beefheart and with the Rolling Stones to Flaco Jiminez and Gabby Pahinui. His ecstatic slide-playing is second to none. Suggested album: "Bop Till You Drop" (Reprise).

Ani DiFranco: Raw and menacing one moment, gentle yet vibrant the next, this charismatic singer-songwriter's electrifying acoustic guitar playing often renders her band unnecessary. Suggested album: "Dilate" (Righteous Babe).

Ollie Halsall: A favorite of such formidable guitarists as XTC's Andy Partridge, Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen and San Diego's Mike Keneally, Halsall (who died in 1992, at age 43) made three albums with the English band Patto in the early 1970s, then worked with Kevin Ayers, Boxer and other cult acts. His breathtaking fluidity and dazzling fusion of rock, blues, jazz and country was years ahead of its time. Suggested album: Patto's "Hold Your Fire" (Repertoire).

Bill Frisell: With his swelling, swooping style and highly textured but never predictable hornlike attack, America's most distinctive electric guitarist has a sound like no other. He's the missing link between Jimi Hendrix and jazz great Jim Hall. Suggested album: "This Land" (Nonsuch).

Allan Holdsworth: This English-born, North County-based virtuoso is revered by Eddie Van Halen, Carlos Santana, George Benson and many other top guitarists, but obscure to most listeners. Fiery and sophisticated, he combines the best of jazz and cutting-edge rock with breathtaking results. He is also the foremost guitar-synthesizer player on either side of the Atlantic. Suggested album: "None Too Soon" (Restless).

Albert Lee: Best known for his peerless work with Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and Joe Cocker, this longtime Everly Brothers band member is the leading guitarist in country and rockabilly, bar none. One listen and you'll know why he counts Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Keith Richards among his biggest fans. Suggested album: "Speechless" (MCA Master Series).

Joni Mitchell: One of pop's most influential singer-songwriters, Mitchell is also an audacious guitarist. Her use of jazz-inspired syncopations, alternate voicings and myriad tunings had a profound impact on Joan Armatrading, Michael Hedges and many more. Suggested album: "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" (Reprise). Mitchell performs tonight and tomorrow at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, and Saturday at Anaheim's Arrowhead Pond.

Jimmy Nolen: You may not know his name, but you know his trademark playing on such James Brown classics as "Cold Sweat" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," and on Johnny Otis' "Willie and the Hand Jive." An unsung guitar hero, and a vital pioneer of funk. Suggested album: "Star Time -- The Best of James Brown" (Polydor).

Richard Thompson: Like Joni Mitchell, this highly regarded Englishman is a superb singer-songwriter. He is also a remarkable acoustic and electric guitarist, and his seamless blend of Celtic, rock, blues, jazz and Middle Eastern stylings remains unrivaled. Suggested album: "Watching the Dark" (Hannibal). Thompson performs May 29 at Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay.