Even the very best jazz guitarists often find themselves in the shadows, with less fanfare compared to the celebrated horn players of the genre – particularly the iconic saxophonists and trumpeters. This might stem from the historical role of the guitar, which, succeeding the banjo in jazz ensembles, was initially seen more as a rhythmic support instrument than a leading voice for solo improvisation.
Django Reinhardt playing guitar, black and white photo
Django Reinhardt, a pioneering figure who redefined jazz guitar as a solo instrument.
Another factor that kept jazz guitarists from the forefront in the early days was the acoustic nature of their instrument. Unlike the piercing sound of brass and woodwinds, the acoustic guitar struggled to project over the ensemble. While horn sections took center stage, guitarists were often relegated to strumming chords and providing rhythmic accompaniment.
The advent of electric amplification in 1931 marked a pivotal shift for the guitar in jazz. The hollow-bodied electric guitar quickly became indispensable for guitarists striving to be heard amidst the brass-heavy big bands of the swing era. Suddenly, not only could their rhythmic contributions become distinctly audible, but the prospect of playing melodic solos became a tangible and exciting possibility. However, the very nature of big band swing, with its emphasis on horn interplay and powerful rhythm, meant that even the most proficient jazz guitarists of the time, like Freddie Green of the Count Basie Orchestra – a true luminary of the swing guitar – were rarely featured for extended solos, nor did they necessarily seek them out.
However, there were always exceptions pushing the boundaries. Enter Django Reinhardt, the groundbreaking Belgian-Romani guitarist. Playing in smaller groups, Reinhardt revolutionized the guitar’s role within jazz. His astonishing fretwork became a beacon for guitarists everywhere, paving the way for a new generation of jazz guitar heroes: virtuoso soloists alongside masterful rhythm players.
Charlie Christian emerged as the next monumental figure in jazz guitar. His tenure with Benny Goodman’s band was nothing short of revolutionary. Christian astounded audiences with his ability to improvise single-note melodic lines with horn-like fluency and phrasing. His advanced harmonic concepts foreshadowed the bebop movement. While bebop was primarily a horn-driven revolution spearheaded by saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, it still carved out space for some of the most exceptional jazz guitarists of the 1940s and 50s.
The 1950s witnessed an explosion of talent in jazz guitar, but one figure stood apart: Wes Montgomery, a humble genius from Indianapolis. Rising to prominence as the 50s transitioned into the 60s, Montgomery, much like his idol Charlie Christian, possessed the ability to craft single-note melodies with horn-like precision. However, Montgomery uniquely integrated chords and octaves into his improvisations. His breathtaking technique seemed almost supernatural, solidifying his reputation as one of the best jazz guitarists ever to grace the stage.
Montgomery’s influence was profound and far-reaching. The 1960s then ushered in a new wave of jazz guitarists, including innovators like Larry Coryell and John McLaughlin, who fused jazz’s complex harmonic language with the raw energy and volume of rock music.
Since then, jazz guitarists, exemplified by artists like Pat Metheny, have become increasingly eclectic. They draw inspiration from a vast spectrum of musical styles and sounds. Yet, they are all united by a common thread: their deep respect for the pioneers who brought jazz guitar from the background into the spotlight, solidifying its place as a vital and expressive voice within the genre.
Explore our curated playlist of best jazz guitarists while you read.
50: John Pizzarelli (born 1960)
Growing up with a renowned guitar-playing father, swing specialist Bucky Pizzarelli, undoubtedly accelerated this New Jersey guitarist’s musical journey. He was performing with jazz luminaries like Benny Goodman and Clark Terry while still a teenager. Pizzarelli’s refined and tasteful guitar work has enhanced recordings across diverse genres, collaborating with artists ranging from Stephane Grappelli and Rosemary Clooney to Paul McCartney. This has cemented his reputation as one of the best jazz guitarists of his generation, known for his impeccable technique and sophisticated musicality.
49: Norman Brown (born 1970)
Jimi Hendrix and The Isley Brothers initially shaped the musical landscape for this Grammy-winning guitarist born in Kansas City. However, hearing Wes Montgomery irrevocably changed his artistic direction. In the 1990s, Brown launched his solo career, presenting a smooth and seductive blend of George Benson-esque melodic phrasing layered over compelling smooth jazz grooves. His music is characterized by a warm tone and accessible melodies, making him a prominent figure in contemporary jazz guitar.
48: Mary Osborne (1921-1992)
Female instrumentalists have historically been underrepresented in jazz, but Mary Osborne, a remarkable guitarist hailing from North Dakota, was an exception. With musical roots intertwining ragtime and country, she could more than hold her own against her male counterparts. Osborne captivated New York audiences in the 1940s, though she unfortunately made only a handful of recordings as a leader. Despite this, her powerful playing and pioneering spirit secured her a place in jazz guitar history.
47: Russell Malone (born 1963)
While highly sought-after as a sideman, with credits including jazz legends like Jimmy Smith, Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Harry Connick Jr., and Sonny Rollins, this Georgia-born guitarist has also crafted a compelling series of solo albums. Malone adopts a more traditional, direct, bebop-influenced approach to jazz guitar. He favors a rich, mellow tone, skillfully merging Grant Green-inspired, horn-like melodic lines with subtle and sophisticated chord voicings. His playing exemplifies classic jazz guitar with a modern sensibility.
46: Emily Remler (1957-1990)
The world mourned the premature loss of Emily Remler, a gifted guitarist from Manhattan who began playing at the age of ten. Though influenced by her heroes, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, Remler carved her own unique space among the best jazz guitarists. She developed a distinctive style that blended a graceful fluidity and deep emotional expression with virtuosic fretboard mastery. Her recordings remain a testament to her exceptional talent and potential.
45: Charlie Hunter (born 1967)
Pushing the boundaries of conventional guitar playing, Rhode Island native Charlie Hunter prefers custom-built seven and eight-string instruments. These unique guitars allow him to simultaneously play bass lines and create complex contrapuntal textures. After a stint with Michael Franti’s The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy in the early 90s, he established a solo career, spending five years with Blue Note Records. Hunter’s music defies easy categorization, fusing his jazz foundation with elements of funk, R&B, rock, and pop, making him a truly unique voice among contemporary jazz guitarists.
44: Kurt Rosenwinkel (born 1970)
Breaking away from purist jazz guitar conventions, Philadelphia native Kurt Rosenwinkel embraces effect pedals and guitar synthesizers – tools often avoided by straight-ahead jazz musicians. He is known for taking creative risks and exploring diverse musical landscapes. His collaborations extend beyond traditional jazz, famously including work with hip-hop icons A Tribe Called Quest and Q-Tip. Rosenwinkel’s unpredictable and experimental approach makes him a constantly evolving and surprising player.
43: Julian Lage (born 1987)
Leading the charge for a new generation of jazz guitar stars, Julian Lage hails from Santa Rosa, California. A child prodigy, he began working with vibraphone master Gary Burton while still in his teens. Despite a relatively small discography of solo albums, Lage’s reputation is rapidly growing, fueled by his remarkable skill, boundless imagination, and the creation of a distinctly personal sound. Though still early in his career, Lage possesses the hallmarks of a talent destined to climb even higher among the ranks of the best jazz guitarists.
42: Earl Klugh (born 1953)
A devoted disciple of the nylon-string Spanish guitar, Detroit-born Earl Klugh was inspired to pick up the instrument after watching country guitar legend Chet Atkins on television. Displaying prodigious talent early on, he was mentored by jazz great Yusef Lateef and later performed with George Benson before establishing himself as a solo artist in the late 1970s. Klugh is celebrated for his refined and sensitive musicianship, crafting graceful and fluid fingerstyle passages. His distinctive sound is a captivating blend of simplicity and elegance.
41: James “Blood” Ulmer (born 1940)
Beginning his musical journey as a conventional rhythm and blues guitarist, James “Blood” Ulmer underwent a radical stylistic transformation in the early 1970s. He became deeply influenced by free jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman and Coleman’s revolutionary harmolodic concept – a unique system for collective improvisation. This led Ulmer to develop a highly individualistic idiom characterized by dissonant chords and fragmented melodic ideas. In recent years, Ulmer has revisited his blues roots, yet his unconventional and groundbreaking approach to jazz guitar remains unparalleled, solidifying his place among the most unique voices in jazz history.
40: Eric Gale (1938-1994)
A highly prolific session guitarist with perfect pitch, Eric Gale’s primary musical domain was R&B and funk. However, as evidenced by his solo albums, Gale was also a masterful jazz guitarist with a deep understanding of bebop vocabulary. At the heart of his playing was a profound blues sensibility, manifesting in a soulful, plaintive tone reminiscent of B.B. King. His versatility and soulful approach made him a sought-after session musician and respected jazz artist.
39: Eddie Lang (1902-1933)
A crucial architect in the evolution of big band swing guitar, Eddie Lang (born Salvatore Massarro) played with Paul Whiteman’s and Bing Crosby’s orchestras in the early 1930s. He earns his place among the best jazz guitarists due to his pivotal role in establishing the guitar as a legitimate jazz instrument, effectively replacing the banjo. A significant influence on Django Reinhardt, Eddie Lang is rightfully celebrated as the “father of jazz guitar,” paving the way for generations of guitarists to come.
38: Larry Carlton (born 1948)
Like his contemporaries Steve Khan and Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton was a premier session guitarist in the 1970s. His distinctive, jazz-infused blues-rock sound became a defining element on seminal albums like Steely Dan’s The Royal Scam and Joni Mitchell’s Hejira. Carlton’s solo work has leaned more towards fusion, with his early albums foreshadowing the development of smooth jazz. His signature tone and melodic phrasing have made him a highly influential and respected guitarist across genres.
37: Laurindo Almeida (1917-1995)
Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, self-taught Laurindo Almeida’s entry into the US music scene was marked by his composition of the commercially successful song “Johnny Peddler,” a hit for The Andrews Sisters. He later joined Stan Kenton’s band and, in addition to a prolific recording career, found extensive work as a session musician on the West Coast. Equally adept with acoustic and electric guitars, Almeida was a true pioneer, seamlessly blending jazz with Brazilian rhythms and harmonies.
36: George Van Eps (1913-1998)
Known for his mellow and full-bodied tone, New Jersey-born George Van Eps initially gravitated towards the banjo. However, upon hearing Eddie Lang play with big bands, he switched to the guitar. He made his radio debut at the young age of 13 and, as his reputation grew in the 1930s, performed with several prominent big bands, including Benny Goodman’s. Van Eps designed his own seven-string guitar, adding lower bass notes, which enabled him to develop his unique fingerpicking style and richer harmonic textures.
35: Sonny Sharrock (1940-1994)
Uniquely among the best jazz guitarists, Warren “Sonny” Sharrock from New York City began his musical journey singing doo-wop in the 1950s. In the 1960s, he emerged as a leading figure in avant-garde jazz guitar. While initially drawn to the saxophone, inspired by John Coltrane, asthma prevented him from pursuing woodwind instruments. Instead, he turned to the guitar, developing a signature style characterized by loud, funky, horn-like lead lines and rock-influenced amplifier feedback. His intense and unconventional approach redefined the boundaries of jazz guitar.
34: Howard Roberts (1929-1992)
From Phoenix, Arizona, Howard Roberts received his first guitar at eight years old and was working professionally by 15. He moved to Los Angeles and quickly became a sought-after session musician, joining the elite group known as The Wrecking Crew. A proponent of the West Coast “cool school” of jazz, Roberts’ style blended a detached emotional coolness with impressive technical dexterity. Beyond his numerous solo albums, he also worked as a record producer and contributed to recordings by artists outside of jazz, such as The Monkees and The Electric Prunes.
33: Kevin Eubanks (born 1957)
The nephew of jazz pianist Ray Bryant, Philadelphia-born Kevin Eubanks came to the guitar after initially experimenting with violin and trumpet. His breakthrough arrived when he moved to New York in 1980 and joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Eubanks released his debut album in 1983 and has been consistently recording ever since. A versatile guitarist comfortable with both electric and acoustic instruments, Eubanks combines fluid melodic lines with crisp percussive elements and rich harmonic depth.
32: Bill Connors (born 1949)
Although his time with Return To Forever was brief and often overshadowed by the subsequent arrival of Al Di Meola, Bill Connors played on the group’s seminal album Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy. He secures his place among the best jazz guitarists for his significant contribution to the evolution of jazz-rock guitar. This Los Angeles guitarist developed a distinctive and recognizable style, fusing jazz chromatics and sophisticated chord changes with elements of blues and rock.
31: Steve Khan (born 1947)
The son of renowned songwriter Sammy Cahn, Steve Khan excelled as a versatile studio guitarist. His credits range from Steely Dan and Bob James to Billy Joel and Aretha Franklin. He also pursued a solo career that garnered two Grammy nominations. In the 1970s, Khan successfully merged jazz with rock and later incorporated Latin influences, expanding his stylistic palette. Still actively recording, Khan remains a leading figure in contemporary jazz guitar.
30: Lee Ritenour (born 1952)
Nicknamed “Captain Fingers,” LA-born Lee Ritenour recorded with The Mamas & The Papas while still a teenager before becoming an in-demand session guitarist. His clients included Frank Sinatra, Barry White, and Aretha Franklin. Ritenour’s solo career took off in 1976, following a fusion path that was funkier, more accessible, and less grandiose than bands like Return To Forever. He is also a former member of the influential smooth jazz group Fourplay, demonstrating his versatility and wide appeal.
29: Pat Martino (born 1944)
This Philadelphia guitar master (born Pat Azzara) is a musical chameleon, effortlessly transitioning between straight-ahead jazz, fusion, and post-bop styles. He honed his skills with soul-jazz artists Willis Jackson, Brother Jack McDuff, and Richard “Groove” Holmes before launching his solo career in the late 1960s. Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Martino has also authored instructional books on guitar playing, solidifying his legacy as both a performer and educator.
28: Ralph Towner (born 1940)
Despite his current standing among the best jazz guitarists, guitar was not Ralph Towner’s first instrument. He began with trumpet, then piano, before ultimately settling on classical guitar, which he studied in Austria for two years. After gaining experience with the Paul Winter Consort, Towner co-founded Oregon in 1970. This all-acoustic band blended chamber jazz with Eastern musical elements and is considered a precursor to New Age music. While Oregon remains active, Towner has also enjoyed a fruitful solo career. His striking guitar work, characterized by its clarity and crystalline quality, continues to be admired for its beauty and innovation.
27: John Abercrombie (1944-2017)
A prolific recording artist for Manfred Eicher’s esteemed ECM label since the 1970s, New Yorker John Abercrombie cited Chuck Berry and Barney Kessel among his early influences. A former member of the pioneering jazz-rock band Dreams, Abercrombie also collaborated with Gil Evans and the supergroup Gateway in the 70s. He developed a warm, subtle sound characterized by melodic lyricism and a pastel-like tonal palette, making him a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz guitar.
26: Bill Frisell (born 1951)
A student of jazz guitar giants Johnny Smith and Jim Hall, Maryland-born Bill Frisell has carved out a unique stylistic niche by blending jazz with elements of country, folk, and rock music. His ability to evoke specific moods and atmospheres through effects is a key component of his signature sound. Frisell is an eclectic and versatile guitarist who has significantly expanded the sonic boundaries of the instrument, influencing countless contemporary players.
25: Freddie Green (1911-1987)
Hailing from South Carolina, Freddie Green was a long-standing and essential member of the Count Basie Orchestra, dedicating nearly half a century to the ensemble. He started on banjo before transitioning to the six-string guitar and rose to prominence during the big band swing era. Rarely taking solos, Green focused on driving the rhythm section with his flowing and powerfully swinging chordal accompaniment. He is considered the definitive voice in big band rhythm guitar playing, setting the standard for generations.
24: Herb Ellis (1921-2010)
There’s a subtle but distinct country twang embedded within the bebop-rooted style of this celebrated Texas guitarist. Herb Ellis gained widespread recognition for his indispensable presence in the Oscar Peterson Trio during the 1950s. Alongside fellow guitar luminaries Joe Pass, Charlie Byrd, and Barney Kessel, Ellis co-founded The Great Guitars, a jazz guitar supergroup, further cementing his legacy as a leading figure in jazz guitar.
23: Al Di Meola (born 1954)
A true virtuoso of speed and technique, New Jersey’s Al Di Meola fused the passionate intensity of flamenco music with the raw energy of Santana-esque Latin rock. He was discovered at age 19, replacing Bill Connors in Chick Corea’s Return To Forever, and subsequently launched a highly successful solo career. Di Meola’s dazzling technique and genre-bending approach have made him a highly influential figure in fusion guitar.
22: Lenny Breau (1941-1984)
From Auburn, Maine, and born into a family of country musicians, Lenny Breau was a member of his family’s band as a teenager. However, he departed after a jazz-infused solo angered his father. Technically brilliant, Breau gravitated towards jazz and also incorporated flamenco influences, resulting in a unique personal style that retained his country roots. His innovative techniques and harmonic sophistication made him a cult figure among guitarists.
21: Mike Stern (born 1953)
Born Mike Sedgwick in Boston, Mike Stern played in drummer Billy Cobham’s fusion band in the 1970s before joining a resurgent Miles Davis during his comeback period in 1981. After leaving Davis in 1983, Stern embarked on a solo career, blossoming into a well-rounded guitarist who seamlessly blends the raw power of blues and rock with jazz’s advanced harmonic language. His energetic playing and genre-crossing approach have made him a prominent figure in contemporary jazz.
20: John Scofield (born 1951)
Like his contemporary Mike Stern, Ohio-born John Scofield played fusion with Billy Cobham and then succeeded Stern in Miles Davis’s band for two years. With his distinctive, slightly acerbic tone and blues-influenced string bending, Scofield developed an instantly recognizable style. He has recorded across a breathtaking range of styles, from jam band funk and orchestral jazz to country music, showcasing his remarkable versatility and enduring creativity.
19: Charlie Byrd (1925-1999)
A passionate advocate for the acoustic, nylon-string classical guitar in jazz, Virginia-born Charlie Byrd studied with Spanish master Andrés Segovia. He began making his mark as a recording artist in the late 1950s. His major mainstream breakthrough was the groundbreaking album Jazz Samba, recorded with saxophonist Stan Getz in 1962. This album fused jazz improvisation with Brazilian rhythms, instantly establishing him as one of the best jazz guitarists. Byrd’s delicate, fingerpicked sound is truly unique in jazz.
18: Allan Holdsworth (1946-2017)
A musical innovator, British jazz guitarist Allan Holdsworth expanded the vocabulary of the instrument using unconventional scales and incorporating elements from progressive rock, including effects pedals. While often employing intricate fingerpicking, he favored a smooth, legato melodic articulation, reflecting his fascination with the saxophone’s sound. His groundbreaking techniques and unique harmonic concepts have profoundly influenced generations of guitarists.
17: Larry Coryell (1943-2017)
Often called “The Godfather Of Fusion,” Galveston-born Larry Coryell (real name Laurence Van DeLinder III) replaced Gabor Szabo in Chico Hamilton’s band and rose to prominence in the late 1960s as a pioneer of jazz-rock fusion. He led his own fusion band, Eleventh House, in the 1970s and later formed The Guitar Trio with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía. Coryell’s influential career bridged the gap between jazz and rock, solidifying his place as one of the best jazz guitarists of all time.
16: Jimmy Raney (1927-1995)
Jimmy Raney from Kentucky succeeded Tal Farlow in the Red Norvo Trio. He branched out as a bandleader in the mid-1950s, twice topping DownBeat magazine’s Best Guitarist polls during that era. His eloquent style, characterized by clear melodic lines and sophisticated harmonies, garnered him many fans. His extensive recording credits include collaborations with Stan Getz, Oliver Nelson, Lalo Schifrin, and Eddie Harris.
15: John McLaughlin (born 1942)
Miles Davis was so captivated by John McLaughlin’s guitar playing that he named a song after him on Bitches Brew. Before that, the Yorkshire-born guitarist made his name as a sought-after session musician in London during the 1960s, appearing on numerous pop and R&B recordings. He played with Tony Williams’ Lifetime before co-founding the influential jazz fusion supergroup Mahavishnu Orchestra in the 1970s. Combining technical brilliance with deep emotional expression and a genuine appreciation for Indian music, McLaughlin remains one of the best jazz guitarists globally, leading the way in jazz-rock for over five decades.
14: Gabor Szabo (1936-1982)
With his fusion of Hungarian Gypsy folk music, extended modal vamps, Indian ragas, and psychedelic textures, Budapest-born Gabor Szabo significantly influenced Mexican guitar icon Carlos Santana. His rise to prominence was accelerated by his role in Chico Hamilton’s groundbreaking jazz group in the early 1960s, before launching a successful solo career. Szabo’s unique blend of influences created a distinctive and lasting impact on jazz guitar.
13: Johnny Smith (1922-2013)
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Johnny Smith was a precociously talented musician who learned guitar as a child while spending time in local pawnshops. His remarkable versatility allowed him to excel in various genres, from touring with a hillbilly band to embracing jazz and even avant-garde classical music. Smith was also a notable composer. His 1954 classic song “Walk, Don’t Run” became an instrumental standard, popularized by Chet Atkins and later The Ventures.
12: Stanley Jordan (born 1959)
In 1985, Chicago-born Stanley Jordan, then only 26, caused a sensation with his Blue Note debut LP, Magic Touch. This album showcased Jordan’s revolutionary technique of tapping the guitar fretboard with his fingertips to produce sound. His exceptional dexterity allowed him to play melodies and chords simultaneously with both hands, much like a pianist. Jordan’s phenomenal talent rightfully places him among the best jazz guitarists, pushing the boundaries of guitar technique and expression.
11: Tal Farlow (1921-1998)
North Carolinian Talmadge Farlow was a self-taught guitarist who initially worked as a sign painter during the day and a musician at night. Inspired by Charlie Christian’s playing with Benny Goodman, he built his first electric guitar himself. His solo career gained momentum in the mid-1950s, and he quickly earned the nickname “The Octopus,” referring to his large hands and astonishing technical prowess. Farlow’s fluid lines and impressive technique made him a standout figure in jazz guitar.
10: Pat Metheny (born 1954)
This chameleon-like guitarist from Missouri, whose album credits range from David Bowie and Joni Mitchell to Ornette Coleman, cites Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall as key influences in shaping his unique style. Lyrical, harmonically rich, and constantly pushing musical boundaries, Metheny’s genre-defying music is difficult to categorize. However, it has earned him 20 Grammy Awards. Not only one of the best jazz guitarists in history, Metheny is arguably the most progressive and innovative guitarist in jazz today.
9: Joe Pass (1929-1994)
Born Joe Passalaqua in New Jersey, with Sicilian heritage, Joe Pass began playing guitar at nine and progressed so rapidly that he was performing professionally by 14. A supremely versatile guitarist, he developed a unique and innovative solo guitar style. He could articulate melodic lines using sophisticated chord progressions and walking bass lines simultaneously. Pass spent many years accompanying singer Ella Fitzgerald and frequently performed with pianist Oscar Peterson, solidifying his reputation as a master accompanist and soloist.
8: Kenny Burrell (born 1931)
A highly sought-after sideman and accomplished recording artist in his own right, Detroit-born Kenny Burrell drew inspiration from blues music, as well as Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. He began playing guitar at 12 and made his recording debut at 20 with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Burrell became a central figure in the hard bop movement, capable of playing with both soulful depth and hard-swinging energy. His extensive credits include collaborations with Sonny Rollins, Donald Byrd, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett, demonstrating his versatility and enduring appeal.
7: Barney Kessel (1923-2004)
A member of the 1960s LA session musician collective known as The Wrecking Crew, Barney Kessel, originally from Tuskegee, Oklahoma, rose to prominence in the 1950s as both a leader and sideman. He famously accompanied singer Julie London on her iconic 1955 LP, Julie Is Her Name, which featured “Cry Me A River.” Fittingly for one of the best jazz guitarists, Kessel played with the giants of jazz, from Billie Holiday to Sonny Rollins. He was known for his mellow tone and sophisticated chord voicings.
6: Grant Green (1935-1979)
A prolific recording artist for Blue Note Records during the 1960s and early 70s, St. Louis-born Grant Green was influenced by bebop horn players. He adopted a linear approach to the guitar, emphasizing single melodic lines over chordal accompaniment. His minimalist, “less-is-more” aesthetic, characterized by blues-infused phrasing, was often highlighted within the organ trio setting. Idle Moments is an excellent entry point into his distinctive and influential style.
5: George Benson (born 1943)
Influenced by Charlie Christian and mentored by Wes Montgomery (often considered Montgomery’s heir apparent, a high compliment for any jazz guitarist), Pittsburgh-born George Benson was a child prodigy. He became a jazz and soul superstar in the 1970s when he transitioned to vocals. A highly skilled guitarist in the soul-jazz tradition, Benson’s signature technique involves scat singing while simultaneously playing the melody on guitar. He is arguably the greatest living jazz guitarist, admired for his virtuosity, soulful playing, and crossover appeal.
4: Jim Hall (1930-2013)
Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Ohio, Jim Hall began playing guitar at 10. Hearing Charlie Christian for the first time was a life-altering experience that profoundly influenced his own style. Known for his warm, mellow tone, Hall was a master of utilizing space and creating subtle tonal contrasts. He earns his place among the best jazz guitarists due to his eclectic collaborations and diverse musical settings, significantly expanding the expressive possibilities of the jazz guitar.
3: Charlie Christian (1916-1942)
A true revolutionary in jazz guitar, Texas-born Charlie Christian rose to fame in Benny Goodman’s band from 1939-41. He pioneered the electric guitar in jazz, taking it from a primarily rhythmic role into the foreground as a solo instrument. His horn-like, single-note melodic lines transformed jazz guitar. An early innovator of what would become bebop, Christian tragically died of tuberculosis at only 25, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire guitarists today.
2: Django Reinhardt (1910-1953)
The founding father of swing-influenced European “hot” jazz in the 1930s, Belgian-born Django Reinhardt, of Romani heritage, possessed prodigious technical ability despite playing with only his thumb and two middle fingers. A fire had paralyzed the other two fingers on his left hand. He combined speed, precision, and dazzling dexterity with profound imagination and deep emotion. A true jazz giant, Reinhardt’s playing remains astonishing and continues to influence guitarists across genres.
1: Wes Montgomery (1923-1968)
Topping our list of the best jazz guitarists of all time is the revered and profoundly influential Wes Montgomery, an Indianapolis fretboard genius who could not read music. Using only his calloused thumb to pick notes, Montgomery was inspired by the bebop horn-like phrasing of his idol, Charlie Christian. However, he developed a more advanced harmonic style that incorporated block chords and parallel octaves. He died too young, but his music and influence endure. Start with Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery and delve deeper to appreciate his unparalleled genius.
Explore further into the world of jazz by discovering the best jazz drummers and best jazz saxophonists of all time.
