[Jotun]

Originally Posted by c312

I wouldn't, but that's my opinion....and the fact that without him, Steve Vai would be sitting at a desk somewhere. Les Paul is responsible for a large aspect of modern music, so even if he didn't play the guitar as fast as Vai, he'll still probably win because of all he's done.

You can't prove that. Not every guitarist was influenced by Les Paul. I wasn't. I have respect for the guy, but I have a lot more respect for guitar plays such as Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Jason Becker, and Steve Vai.

Whether or not Steve Vai was influenced by Les Paul or not is irrelevant, as far as we know, to his success. Other players influenced him as well, especially Satriani and Frank Zappa, so saying that if Les Paul didnt influence him he would be sitting at a desk now isnt true at all.