Ressurrecting this thread because I'm currently listening to TWO underappreciated guitar players right now. They both happen to be in the same band:
XTC
•Dave Gregory and Andy Partridge

Gregory was recruited as the lead guy, because he is an amazing virtuoso. But if you listen to the records that came out both before and after he left the band, it's obvious that Partridge could easily hold his own, as well. Such a great band.