I don't know if it is right to say so and  so is better than the others. String instruments are so diverse that one cannot set a standard. Plus, it is very subjective and deeply dependent on ones taste and style. If you ask who is the most influential, that is different (although still subjective).
Here's my top 5 picks.
1. Steve Vai - amazing guitar virtuoso.
2. David Gilmore - amazing guitar sound, brilliant spacing, and heart piercing melody
3. Tom Morello - simple set up amazingly technical
4. John Mclaughlin - I can't describe him
5. And probably million more whom I haven't heard of.