Didn't know about the astro thing. Not only is the guitar solo a superior work of art, but so is the entire Bohemian Rhapsody composition, from beginning to end.
As much as I like many other (Gtr based) bands of that era... Led Zep, Cream, Free, etc), Patto tops em all. Their 2'd album is as amazing (original & unique) a guitar album of that era as Jimi's first was. Jimi, Randy, & Ollie... RIP. This is from their first album:
).
There are hundreds of great guitarists out there, so (as a collector) I'll just mention a few, and some lesser-knowns.
Jimi Hendrix remains my own fave. When you consider he only recorded for a couple years, and look at what other artists have put out over long 40+ year careers, it's even more amazing. I was recently doing some writing (& research) on his relationship with Randy (Wolfe) Calif. (for some rare live tapes). Jimi gave Randy his nickname and wanted to bring him to London, but Randy was too young at the time. This was before anyone heard of Hendrix. Randy's own work is great too (with Spirit & others). I was also listening to a fave 45 (of that era) that Jimi produced (& played on) during that time with Eire Apparent: "R&R Band." Even most Hendrix fans are unaware of it.
There's only one other guitarist of that era (65-75) that I revere as much as Jimi... Ollie Halsall. Originally a drummer, vibe, & keyboard player, he took up guitar late. It's criminal he's never gotten the acclaim so many others have, although (today) he IS well appreciated by many professionals (from XTC to Cheap Trick). He did his best work with the band Patto, but worked with many artists & bands later. He never used ANY effects. And he produced an (emotional) response that (I find) only a few (rare) musicians had... like John Coltrane.
Some other great guitarists from that era that are lesser known but worth seeking out.... Stan Webb, Tony McPhee, Peter Green, Keith Cross, Dick Thompson, Snuffy Walden, Brian Godding, Tommy Bolin.
And in European & British Jazz-Fusion & Progressive-Rock... Alan Holdsworth, Terje Rypdal, Eddy Marron, Max Sunyer, Radim Hladik & Jukka Tolonen.
For Blues... Freddy King, Johny Winter, & Shuggie Otis.
For Jazz, I always found George Barnes as having the best Pure Tone. Just beautiful stuff. There's a couple of recordings (of duets) with Bucky Pizzarelli that I still have at the top of my want list. (anyone??) I'd also recommend Pat Martino, Zachary Breaux, and Larry Coryell.
For classical there's Elliot Fisk
For "outsiders" there's Steve Tibbetts, Glenn Phillips, and the amazing Michael Hedges (RIP).
And there's plenty of terrific young guitarists out there... here's one (Nori Bucci) (most of her orig u-tube vids are sadly gonzo... but Google saves "deleted" stuff
Jack is the Man. I concluded some time ago that he was in fact, the Architect of the Matrix!
Well he is the Jack of all Trades.
I played a few instruments back in the day, and was in a R&R band for a bit, but it was just amateur stuff for the love of it (HS & college). (although we got paid occasionally). But it was the collecting that became a life-long hobby. I was getting records from Europe... before it became cool. 
). And again, why she isn't as well known as, say, Bonnie Raitt.... who TF knows?
Thats awesome you had great timing.
Nah.... just a longtime music fan (nut) & collector (LPs, R:R & 45's).
The digital revolution allowed for more (& easier) contact among music lovers & many of us (around the globe) would discuss stuff on music boards. (less in recent years though). I used to make compilations (CDs) with background notes & we'd trade em... to expand one's experience & education. There's LOTS of stuff people miss, or are never aware of... schools & styles of music... musicians from other places... music is a big world. And if you appreciate classical, jazz, pop & rock... it's even bigger. I still find very cool things from the 30's (78's & obscure artists) or from other places & era's that keep you searching. Today there's less centralization (for new artists)... the outlets, magazines, tv shows, radio of olde... so it's (more) challenging to keep up with (all the) new stuff (talent) out there. The web is great... but it's also overwhelming.
I tend to appreciate the less-known artists... it's always interesting why certain people become huge stars... & others don't. Sometimes it's luck, sometimes being at the right place at the right time. But there are plenty of mediocre (IMO) "big name" actors and artists (er, Madonna?).
Hendrix was the real thing though, and he (maybe) changed (future) guitar playing more than anyone. BTW, that Randy Calif interview is here... those early years with Jimi. Sadly, Randy drowned ('97) trying to save his son in the Hawaiian surf. Spirit's album "12 Dreams of Dr Sardonicus" is worth hearing for anyone who missed it... Randy was the force behind it.
Frank Zappa was another fave of mine (of that era), but he became very well known over the years (thru his touring). But he was under most people's radar early on too.
I'll leave you with another fave (of that era)... I first saw her at UConn (live). Amazing performer (& great guitarist). And like Randy, she also played with Hendrix in NYC... before Jimi hit the big time
Oh boy, you're really tickling the memory banks here. Many years ago, while working in NY City, I took a walk at lunch time on E. 23rd Street. At the School of Visual Arts, there was a small hand lettered sign on the door, "Free concert today 12:30". Inside there was a small carpeted amphitheater and there sat perhaps 5 students watching plus Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, and Herb Ellis. They hadn't started to play yet. They were just conversing, happy to see one another. Then in walks Bucky Pizzarelli and they all kidded him about being late. I doubt if they were getting paid for this gig. It was more like they got together in just to jam for their own enjoyment and this was a good place to meet.
I'd forgotten about Lowell George...good call!