I'm a guitar guy myself, my first was a Danelectro Pro 1 made circa 1965. I don't read music, and have been playing for years learning riffs and such via the "mimic" method... Listen and try, listen and try,etc..
To me, Ted's first solo album, with Derek St. Holmes is a classic, and for me anything on that album is what I would pick. "Queen of the Forest" maybe.... I don't know which one is the best..
As for Ted's guitar ability, he's a true master. It's hard to compare skill levels between guitar heroes like Carlos Santana, Leslie West, Peter Frampton, Jimmy Page.. They are all masters of the guitar, just with different styles. Take Randy Bachman, He doesn't hammer like EVH, but he's damn good nonetheless. Same with Bob Welch from the old Fleetwood Mac.
But all around off the hook in all apects and stuff that I believe.. Nuge is the man.
Fred Bear sends shivers down my spine when I listen to it. An uber-fan I used to know told me about when they recorded that song they didn't really write it, just started playing. Then there is the part with the feed-back that supposedly wasn't possible that that guitar & set-up. Think I need to fact check his story, would be cooler if it's true though.
Too many good songs to pick from.....Top 3 Ted tunes would have to be Great White Buffalo, Strangledhold, and Free For All
Saw him last 4th of July with my teenage son in Detroit. Great show.