Funny that they included Satriani front and center. He's not even in the same league as those other two but his face/name is what sold that issue for most people I'd imagine.
I find Guthrie Govan music unattractive for my personal taste. Of course I admire his amazing skills, but I am talking about the music that I enjoy listening when I sit at the sofa.
On the contrary, I was immediately attracted to Nick Johnston compositions. Why? Because of the melodic contents of his songs. Nick Johnston (as Satriani, Vai, MacAlpine, Michael Lee Firkins, Jeff Beck, Jason Becker, Vinnie Moore, Malmsteen, etc.) uses remarkable melodies that are enjoyable, while I still haven't found a Govan's melody that I immediately memorize, enjoy repeating it on my head, and want to learn to play myself.
I once mentioned this issue, and I was invited to listen to this:
Yes! That contains some of the remarkable and melodic contents that I enjoy. But is that an isolated example? I still haven't found much beyond that. Just amazing playing that I enjoyed listening one time (I use to press FF on his videos), and I never felt the need to listen to it again. Super amazing playing from an astonishing musician, a real Maestro, but not memorable to me.
This immediately captured my attention. It is like it brings lost memories when I listen to it. I bought the album, the tabs, the backing tracks, his guitar lessons, I've spent months learning to play the songs... and I even bought a Schecter Nick Johnston USA! But I've never had that crush with Govan, even though both are bearded and tall.