Hendrix inspired me, but I was still more into Wes Montgomery. I was also into the Allman Brothers around the time of those albums.
Ritchie BlackmoreI can imagine that Rod Stewart likes giving autographs because he's pure showbusiness.
Ritchie BlackmoreListening to as many guitar solos as possible is the best method for someone in the early stages. But saxophone solos can be helpful. They're interesting because they are all single notes, and therefore can be repeated on the guitar. If you can copy a sax solo you're playing very well, because the average saxophonist can play much better than the average guitarist.
Ritchie Blackmore