Favorite Solo Guitar Shredder?

Steve Vai could have been first if it wasn't for Jason.

Then it depends on the mood. 

I've gone through a Malmsteen phase, a Vinnie Moore phase, a Satriani phase, a Bumblefoot phase and an IA phase. Marty Friedman, his first solo album is awesome, his work with Megadeth (on the 3 first albums at least) is awesome, and Cacophony is great. Just not my favorite shredder is all. Although his work on RiP might just be among the ten finest lead works in metal. I've went through a Chastain phase as well but this was more of a HEAVY METAL with awesome female vocals (LEATHER FOR EVER <3 ) phase rather than a shredder phase.

Ι really like Buckethead but I've only heard a fraction of his work - but that RULES. I say fraction of course but in reality it's about twice the material I've heard from Becker, so... Anyway, he rules too. 

Tafolla to me is more his work with Jag Panzer (The Fourth Judgement in particular with the MONSTER solos) and less so his infra-blue album (which is good). 

Tony McAlpine is OK but I always thought was one step down from the above players. 

The Great KAT, hahahaha. I like more her crazy persona than her music, although Worship Me Or Die I thought had its funny moments. Years later I was sent her Guitar Goddess EP (first promo I ever received!) and it was beyond terrible, I mean excruciatingly bad. First promo ever and I did not write a review for it.

Joe Stump is the only one I haven't sat down to listen to, he always gave me a Michael Angelo vibe and one Michael Angelo type of shredder is more than enough.

Paul Gilbert should have been on this list. GREAT player, great solo albums, great albums with Racer X and the mainstream success with Mr. Big. Ritchie Kotzen is also a very diverse and interesting player and Nuno Bittencourt of Extreme has some CRAZY COOL stuff.

For me it's a three-way tie between Malmsteen, Satriani, and Buckethead.