Lindsey Buckingham vs. Mark Knophler

[jeffles]

Fingerpicking is not the guitar style of choice for most rock guitar players, but two of the finest guitarist of the modern rock era use their fingers rather than a pick. They are Lindsey Buckingham and Mark Knophler. For anyone who isn't familiar with the latter, he is the guitarist/vocalist/songwriter of Dire Straits. As well as leading that band, Knophler has performed and produced for others, as well as recording his own solo albums.
I've often thought about who is actually a better guitar player, and its a tough one. I don't know if i can say who is better, since they are both tremendous. LB may be a better all around musician, which includes production and arrangment, and his voice is better than Knophler's, but I can't see how he's a better guitar player. I would place them on the same scale as guitarists.
I'd like to hear other people's thoughts are, keeping in mind that this is a LB message board and the opinions may be slightly biased...