Eddie Van Halen was the first guitar player to have a major impact on me. He's also had a major impact on the way rock guitar is played now, well if you don't count the stupid alternative crap. My fav albums(or cd's) from him are:
>Van Halen 1
>Women and Children First
>Fair Warning

For those of you that don't know, Randy Rhoads was killed in 1982. His playing was so fresh and new His playing has also made an impact on my playing. He is truly missed.

Yngwie is the King of shred, I know that there are others that can play just as fast, but he has something the others don't, and that is taste. You either love him or hate him. He has had a huge impact on my playing.