Tough call, but considering playing only I had to go with Beck.
Page would win out though if you include production skills.
IMO Clapton hasn't done anything interesting
since he kicked smack.
Well, that by it's self is no mean feat. And he does seem to be a more humbled person, afterwards.
Not to split hairs, but the OP asked "... Who do you
like best?" Not
necessarily who is the best guitarist, or best musician, or even the best person. "Liking" is about as subjective a thing as one can do, so one should not feel the need to justify one's choice by putting down other choices- much better to explain what it is about one's preference that you, well,
like.
So, (and trying to stay within the confines of what I stated, above,) I
like Clapton. For me, it goes beyond the music. His earlier guitar work, his kicking the habit and staying clean and sober- and his post-rehab humility, donating those guitars to be auctioned (and lending his name) to raise money for a rehab program, his reverence for the blues and blues musicians, and his willingness to sit down and play music with other gifted musicians (whom a lesser man might see as a threat,) and yes, even his more recent playing, all enter the picture, to my way of thinking.
