Who are your favourite electric guitar player and why?  

I like Satch a lot, it's quite difficult to choose a single guitar player.
But if it would have some categories this would be it.

For ballads: Joe Satriani
Techniques/Gizmos: Steve Vai
Classical type Electric player: Jason Becker
Fingerstyle: Andy Mckee and Sungha Jung (hahaha love this kid!)
Speed: Pablo Gilberto

The list can go on...

So many great choices here I can;t even beginning.

Jimmy Hendrix is clearly a staple that needs to be seen in this topic. The man was barely muscially trained and was just so amazing. His performance at Woodstock alone will be remember as one of the moments that brought this country to their knees.
While on the disscussion of Woodstock I would also have to go with Santana. He wasnt with the band that long I believe when that happened. It was also said he was forced to play early at Woodstock during the middle of tripping out on who knows what. He said his guitar was turning into a snake but he just kept holding on.
One current artist I really like is Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World. He always has solos that are on point without going over board and coming off as trying too hard.

I have loads but my absolute favourites are guitarists like Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Slash, David Gilmour, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Carlos Santana, John Mayer, Steve Gaines, John Frusciante, Brian May, Joe Perry, Mike McCready.