Even in the vibrant world of jazz, guitarists often find themselves in the shadows, with the spotlight more frequently illuminating the virtuosity of saxophonists and trumpeters. Historically, the guitar, stepping in for the banjo in jazz rhythm sections, was often seen as a supporting instrument, a rhythmic backbone rather than a leading voice for solo improvisation.
Django Reinhardt playing guitar
Another factor contributing to this historical perspective was the acoustic nature of early jazz guitars. Lacking amplification, they struggled to project above the brass and woodwinds, relegating them to a background role of chord strumming and rhythmic accompaniment.
However, the introduction of electric amplification in 1931 revolutionized the guitar’s role in jazz. The hollow-bodied electric guitar became an instant necessity for guitarists seeking to be heard amidst the powerful brass sections of the swing era big bands. Suddenly, not only could their rhythmic contributions be clearly heard, but the exciting possibility of guitar solos became a tangible reality. Despite this, the big band swing era, with its focus on horn interplay, meant that even the most talented jazz guitarists, like Freddie Green of the Count Basie Orchestra, primarily focused on rhythm and accompaniment, with solo opportunities remaining scarce.
Yet, exceptions emerged, most notably Django Reinhardt. This groundbreaking Belgian gypsy guitarist, performing primarily in smaller ensembles, redefined the guitar’s role in jazz. His extraordinary fretboard skills inspired guitarists worldwide and ushered in a new era of jazz guitarists: virtuoso soloists who were also adept rhythm players.
Charlie Christian emerged as the next pivotal figure. Joining Benny Goodman’s band, he astounded audiences with his horn-like soloing, characterized by single, fluid melodic lines. Christian’s advanced harmonic concepts foreshadowed the bebop era. Bebop, though spearheaded by horn players like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, still reserved space for some of the best jazz guitarists of the 1940s and 50s.
The 1950s witnessed a surge in talented jazz guitarists, but Wes Montgomery, a humble genius from Indianapolis, stood out. Rising to prominence as the 50s transitioned into the 60s, Montgomery, like his idol Charlie Christian, could deliver horn-like single-note melodies, but he uniquely incorporated chords and octaves into his improvisations. His breathtaking technique seemed almost superhuman, quickly establishing him as one of the greatest jazz guitarists ever.
Montgomery’s influence was immense, but the 1960s brought forth a new generation of jazz guitarists, such as Larry Coryell and John McLaughlin, who fused jazz harmony with the energy and volume of rock music.
Since then, jazz guitarists, Pat Metheny being a prime example, have become increasingly eclectic, drawing from diverse musical styles and sounds. However, they all share a common thread: their profound debt to the early pioneers who brought the jazz guitar from the background into the forefront.
Dive into the sounds of these legends with our best jazz guitarists playlist.
50: John Pizzarelli (Born 1960)
Growing up with a renowned guitar-playing father, swing specialist Bucky Pizzarelli, undoubtedly accelerated John Pizzarelli’s musical journey. He was performing with jazz luminaries like Benny Goodman and Clark Terry while still a teenager. Pizzarelli’s refined guitar work has graced recordings spanning diverse artists such as Stephane Grappelli, Rosemary Clooney, and Paul McCartney, solidifying his reputation as one of the top jazz guitarists of his generation.
Harvest Moon
49: Norman Brown (Born 1970)
Jimi Hendrix and The Isley Brothers initially inspired this Grammy-winning guitarist from Kansas City. However, hearing Wes Montgomery steered him towards jazz. In the 1990s, Brown launched his solo career, crafting a sophisticated blend of George Benson-esque melodic lines over smooth, sensual jazz grooves.
48: Mary Osborne (1921-1992)
Female jazz guitarists were, and still are, a rarity. Mary Osborne, hailing from North Dakota and influenced by ragtime and country music, was a formidable talent who could more than hold her own in a male-dominated field. Osborne captivated New York in the 1940s but unfortunately left behind only a limited number of recordings under her own name.
47: Russell Malone (Born 1963)
A highly sought-after sideman, Russell Malone’s extensive credits include collaborations with Jimmy Smith, Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Harry Connick Jr., and Sonny Rollins. This Georgia-born guitarist has also released a series of excellent solo albums. Malone’s approach to jazz guitar is rooted in tradition, embracing a straight-ahead, bop-infused style characterized by a warm, rich tone, Grant Green-inspired horn-like melodies, and subtle chord progressions.
46: Emily Remler (1957-1990)
The untimely death of Emily Remler, due to a heart attack, tragically cut short the career of this exceptionally talented guitarist. Beginning guitar at age 10, she drew inspiration from Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass. Remler carved her own niche among the best jazz guitarists, developing a distinctive style that merged a relaxed elegance and deep emotional expression with impressive fretboard mastery.
45: Charlie Hunter (Born 1967)
More Than This
44: Kurt Rosenwinkel (Born 1970)
Philadelphia’s Kurt Rosenwinkel embraces experimentation, incorporating effects pedals and guitar synthesizers, tools often shunned by traditional jazz guitarists. He is known for taking creative risks and venturing into diverse musical territories, including a notable collaboration with hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest and Q-Tip. Rosenwinkel is an unpredictable and consistently surprising player.
43: Julian Lage (Born 1987)
Leading the charge of the new generation of jazz guitar stars is Julian Lage. Hailing from Santa Rosa, California, he was a child prodigy who began working with vibraphonist Gary Burton as a teenager. Despite having only a handful of solo albums, Lage is rapidly gaining recognition for his exceptional skill, imaginative approach, and distinctive personal sound. Still early in his career, Lage possesses the potential to climb even higher among the ranks of the top jazz guitar players.
42: Earl Klugh (Born 1953)
A devotee of the nylon-stringed Spanish guitar, Detroit native Earl Klugh was inspired to play after seeing Chet Atkins on television. A gifted talent, he was mentored by jazz legend Yusef Lateef and played with George Benson before establishing his solo career in the late 1970s. Klugh’s playing is characterized by its tastefulness, sensitivity, and graceful, flowing fingerwork, a striking blend of simplicity and elegance.
Dance With Me
41: James “Blood” Ulmer (Born 1940)
James “Blood” Ulmer began as a conventional rhythm and blues guitarist but dramatically transformed his style in the early 1970s under the influence of free jazz innovator Ornette Coleman and his harmolodic concept. This led Ulmer to develop a unique and unconventional style defined by dissonant chords and fragmented melodic ideas. In recent years, Ulmer has revisited his blues roots, but his distinctive and unparalleled approach to jazz guitar remains a landmark among top jazz guitar players.
40: Eric Gale (1938-1994)
A highly sought-after session guitarist with perfect pitch, Eric Gale primarily worked in R&B and funk. However, as evidenced by his solo albums, he was also a skilled and agile jazz guitarist with a strong bebop influence. Underlying his sound was a deep blues sensibility, manifesting in a soulful, BB King-esque tone.
39: Eddie Lang (1902-1933)
Eddie Lang, born Salvatore Massarro, was a crucial architect in the evolution of big band swing guitar. Playing with Paul Whiteman’s and Bing Crosby’s orchestras in the early 1930s, Lang earns his place among the top jazz guitar players for his pivotal role in establishing the guitar as a legitimate jazz instrument, replacing the banjo. A significant influence on Django Reinhardt, Eddie Lang is rightly considered the “father of jazz guitar.”
38: Larry Carlton (Born 1948)
Like contemporaries Steve Khan and Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton was a top-call session guitarist in the 1970s. His distinctive jazz-infused blues-rock sound shaped iconic albums like Steely Dan’s The Royal Scam and Joni Mitchell’s Hejira. Carlton’s solo work leans towards fusion, with his early albums foreshadowing the smooth jazz genre.
37: Laurindo Almeida (1917-1995)
Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, self-taught Laurindo Almeida’s entry into the US music scene was through writing the successful song “Johnny Peddler.” He later joined Stan Kenton’s band and became a prolific recording artist and in-demand West Coast session musician. Comfortable with both acoustic and electric guitars, Almeida was a pioneer in blending jazz with Brazilian rhythms and melodies.
36: George Van Eps (1913-1998)
George Van Eps, born in New Jersey, developed a mellow, rounded tone. Initially drawn to the banjo, he switched to guitar after hearing Eddie Lang. Making his radio debut at 13, he gained prominence in the 1930s, playing in several big bands, including Benny Goodman’s. Van Eps designed his own seven-string guitar, adding lower bass notes and enabling his unique finger-picking style.
35: Sonny Sharrock (1940-1994)
Warren “Sonny” Sharrock, from New York, is unique among top jazz guitar players for starting his musical journey singing doo-wop in the 1950s. In the 1960s, he became a leading figure in avant-garde jazz guitar. Although the saxophone was his preferred instrument, asthma led him to the guitar. His signature style was loud and funky, incorporating horn-like lead lines and rock-style amplifier feedback.
34: Howard Roberts (1929-1992)
Phoenix, Arizona native Howard Roberts began playing guitar at eight and was a professional musician by 15. Moving to Los Angeles, he quickly became a sought-after session guitarist, joining the elite group known as The Wrecking Crew. A proponent of the West Coast “cool school,” Roberts’ style blended emotional restraint with technical brilliance. Besides numerous solo albums, he also produced records and appeared on songs by The Monkees and The Electric Prunes.
When The Sun Comes Out
33: Kevin Eubanks (Born 1957)
The nephew of jazz pianist Ray Bryant, Philadelphia-born Kevin Eubanks initially explored violin and trumpet before settling on guitar. His breakthrough came in 1980 when he moved to New York and played with Art Blakey. Eubanks released his debut album in 1983 and has been recording consistently since. A versatile guitarist comfortable with both electric and acoustic instruments, Eubanks combines flowing melodies with percussive effects and rich harmonies.
32: Bill Connors (Born 1949)
Bill Connors’ time with Return To Forever was brief but significant. Though overshadowed by his replacement, Al Di Meola, Connors played on their seminal Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy album. This Los Angeles guitarist earns his place among top jazz guitar players for his contribution to jazz-rock guitar. He developed a signature style fusing jazz harmonies and chord progressions with blues and rock elements.
31: Steve Khan (Born 1947)
The son of songwriter Sammy Cahn, Steve Khan excelled as a versatile studio sideman, working with artists from Steely Dan to Aretha Franklin, while also pursuing a solo career that earned him two Grammy nominations. In the 1970s, Khan successfully fused jazz with rock, later incorporating Latin rhythms and flavors into his expanding style. Still active, Khan remains a leading jazz guitarist.
30: Lee Ritenour (Born 1952)
Nicknamed “Captain Fingers,” LA-born Lee Ritenour recorded with The Mamas & The Papas as a teenager before becoming a sought-after session guitarist for artists like Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. Ritenour’s solo career took off in 1976, following a funkier, lighter fusion path than bands like Return To Forever. He was also a member of the influential smooth jazz group Fourplay.
29: Pat Martino (Born 1944)
Philadelphia’s Pat Martino, born Pat Azzara, is a musical chameleon, effortlessly transitioning between straight-ahead jazz, fusion, and post-bop. 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. Martino has also shared his knowledge through guitar instructional books.
Sunny
28: Ralph Towner (Born 1940)
Despite being recognized among top jazz guitar players, guitar wasn’t Ralph Towner’s first instrument. He started with trumpet, then piano, before settling on classical guitar, studying in Austria for two years. After playing with the Paul Winter Consort, Towner co-founded Oregon in 1970, an all-acoustic band blending chamber jazz with Eastern influences, a precursor to New Age music. While Oregon continues, Towner has also enjoyed a successful solo career, his refined and beautiful guitar work remaining a highlight.
27: John Abercrombie (1944-2017)
A prolific recording artist for ECM Records since the 1970s, New Yorker John Abercrombie cited Chuck Berry and Barney Kessel as influences. A member of jazz-rock pioneers Dreams, Abercrombie also played with Gil Evans and in the supergroup Gateway in the 1970s. He developed a warm, melodic sound infused with lyrical phrasing.
26: Bill Frisell (Born 1951)
Maryland-born Bill Frisell, a student of Johnny Smith and Jim Hall, has carved his own stylistic space by blending jazz with country, folk, and rock elements. His ability to create specific moods with effects is a key part of his signature sound. Frisell is an eclectic and versatile guitarist who has expanded the boundaries of the instrument.
25: Freddie Green (1911-1987)
South Carolina native Freddie Green was a cornerstone of the Count Basie Orchestra for nearly fifty years. Starting on banjo before switching to guitar, Green rose to fame in the big band swing era. Rarely soloing, Green focused on driving the rhythm section with his swinging chordal accompaniment. He defined big band guitar playing.
24: Herb Ellis (1921-2010)
A subtle country twang colors the bebop style of Texas guitarist Herb Ellis. He gained prominence as an essential member of the Oscar Peterson Trio in the 1950s. Ellis co-founded The Great Guitars, a jazz guitar supergroup, with Joe Pass, Charlie Byrd, and Barney Kessel.
Cocktails For Two
23: Al Di Meola (Born 1954)
New Jersey’s Al Di Meola is a fretboard speed virtuoso, fusing flamenco intensity with Santana-esque Latin rock energy. Discovered at 19, he replaced Bill Connors in Chick Corea’s Return To Forever and then built a successful solo career.
22: Lenny Breau (1941-1984)
From Auburn, Maine, Lenny Breau came from a country music family. He played in the family band as a teen but left after his jazz-influenced solos angered his father. Breau, technically brilliant, gravitated towards jazz and flamenco, creating a unique style rooted in his country background.
21: Mike Stern (Born 1953)
Born Mike Sedgwick in Boston, Mike Stern played fusion with drummer Billy Cobham in the 1970s before joining Miles Davis’ comeback band in 1981. Leaving Davis in 1983, Stern launched a solo career showcasing his ability to blend blues and rock power with jazz sophistication.
20: John Scofield (Born 1951)
Ohio-born John Scofield, like Mike Stern, played fusion with Billy Cobham and then replaced Stern in Miles Davis’ band. With his sharp tone and blues-infused bends, Scofield developed a distinctive style and has recorded across diverse genres, including funk, orchestral jazz, and country.
A Go Go
19: Charlie Byrd (1925-1999)
Virginia-born Charlie Byrd championed the nylon-stringed classical guitar in jazz. Studying with Spanish master Andre Segovia, Byrd made his mark in the late 1950s. His breakthrough album, Jazz Samba, with Stan Getz in 1962, fused jazz improvisation with Brazilian rhythms, establishing him as one of the top jazz guitar players. Byrd’s delicate, finger-picked sound is unique in jazz.
18: Allan Holdsworth (1946-2017)
British guitarist Allan Holdsworth advanced the vocabulary of jazz guitar using unusual scales and progressive rock influences, including effects pedals. Known for intricate finger-picking, he favored a smooth, legato melodic style, reflecting his interest in saxophone sounds.
17: Larry Coryell (1943-2017)
Often called “The Godfather Of Fusion,” Galveston-born Larry Coryell, replaced Gabor Szabo in Chico Hamilton’s band and became a leading figure in jazz-rock in the late 1960s. He led his fusion band, Eleventh House, in the 1970s and later formed The Guitar Trio with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía. Coryell, a bridge between jazz and rock, is remembered as one of the best jazz guitarists.
16: Jimmy Raney (1927-1995)
Jimmy Raney, from Kentucky, replaced Tal Farlow in the Red Norvo Trio. In the mid-1950s, he became a bandleader, topping DownBeat magazine’s Best Guitarist polls twice. His eloquent style, with clear melodies and cool harmonies, gained him many fans, and he recorded with Stan Getz, Oliver Nelson, and Eddie Harris.
15: John McLaughlin (Born 1942)
Miles Davis admired John McLaughlin so much he named a song after him. Before that, the Yorkshire-born guitarist was a top London session musician in the 1960s, playing on numerous pop and R&B records. He played with Tony Williams’ Lifetime before co-founding the influential fusion supergroup Mahavishnu Orchestra in the 1970s. Combining technical brilliance, emotional depth, and Indian music influences, McLaughlin remains one of the top jazz guitar players, a jazz-rock pioneer for decades.
14: Gabor Szabo (1936-1982)
Gabor Szabo, born in Budapest, blended Hungarian folk music, modal vamps, Indian ragas, and psychedelic sounds. This versatile guitarist significantly influenced Carlos Santana. His career took off with Chico Hamilton’s innovative jazz group in the early 1960s, followed by a successful solo career.
San Franciscan Nights
13: Johnny Smith (1922-2013)
Johnny Smith, from Birmingham, Alabama, was a gifted musician who learned guitar as a child. His versatility, ranging from swing and bebop to avant-garde classical music, made him highly sought after. Smith also composed the classic instrumental “Walk, Don’t Run,” a hit for Chet Atkins and The Ventures.
12: Stanley Jordan (Born 1959)
In 1985, Chicago-born Stanley Jordan caused a sensation with his Blue Note debut, Magic Touch. He showcased his unique tapping technique, playing melodies and chords simultaneously with both hands on the fretboard, much like a pianist. Jordan’s phenomenal talent earns him a place among the top jazz guitar players.
11: Tal Farlow (1921-1998)
North Carolina’s Tal Farlow was a self-taught guitarist who initially worked as a sign painter. Inspired by Charlie Christian, he built his first electric guitar. His solo career grew in the mid-1950s, earning him the nickname “The Octopus” for his large hands and incredible technical ability.
10: Pat Metheny (Born 1954)
Pat Metheny, from Missouri, cites Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall as key influences. His eclectic style blends lyricism, rich harmonies, and boundary-pushing experimentation. With 20 Grammy Awards, Metheny is not only one of the best jazz guitarists but also the most progressive guitarist in contemporary jazz.
9: Joe Pass (1929-1994)
New Jersey native Joe Pass, born Joe Passalaqua, began playing guitar at nine and was performing professionally by 14. A supremely versatile guitarist, he developed a unique style of playing melodic lines with chord progressions. Pass accompanied Ella Fitzgerald for many years and played extensively with Oscar Peterson.
Nature Boy
8: Kenny Burrell (Born 1931)
Detroit-born Kenny Burrell is a sought-after sideman and recording artist. Influenced by blues, Charlie Christian, and Django Reinhardt, he started guitar at 12 and debuted on record with Dizzy Gillespie at 20. A key figure in hard bop, Burrell plays soulfully and with swing. His credits include Sonny Rollins, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett.
7: Barney Kessel (1923-2004)
Barney Kessel, from Oklahoma, was a member of the LA session group The Wrecking Crew. He rose to prominence in the 1950s as a leader and sideman, famously accompanying Julie London on her Julie Is Her Name album. Known for his mellow sound and chord choices, Kessel played with jazz greats from Billie Holiday to Sonny Rollins.
6: Grant Green (1935-1979)
St. Louis-born Grant Green was a prolific Blue Note artist in the 1960s and early 70s. Influenced by bebop horn players, he favored single melodic lines over chords, a minimalist approach with blues phrasing often showcased in organ trios. Idle Moments is a great starting point to explore his work.
Idle Moments (Rudy Van Gelder Edition / Remastered 1999)
5: George Benson (Born 1943)
George Benson, from Pittsburgh, was influenced by Charlie Christian and mentored by Wes Montgomery, often considered Montgomery’s heir. A child prodigy, Benson became a jazz and soul superstar in the 1970s as a vocalist. A virtuoso guitarist, his signature is scat singing while mirroring the melody on guitar. Arguably the greatest living jazz guitarist.
4: Jim Hall (1930-2013)
Buffalo, New York-born Jim Hall, raised in Ohio, began guitar at 10. Hearing Charlie Christian profoundly influenced his style. Known for his warm sound, Hall mastered using space and tonal contrasts. His eclectic collaborations and diverse musical settings expanded the jazz guitar lexicon, solidifying his place among top jazz guitar players.
3: Charlie Christian (1916-1942)
Texas-born Charlie Christian revolutionized jazz guitar. Rising to fame with Benny Goodman from 1939-41, he pioneered the electric guitar in jazz, shifting it from rhythm to foreground as a solo instrument with horn-like single-note lines. A bebop precursor, Christian died young at 25 from tuberculosis.
2: Django Reinhardt (1910-1953)
Belgian-born Romani Django Reinhardt was the founder of European “hot” jazz in the 1930s. Despite playing with only two fingers and his thumb on his left hand due to injury, his technique was prodigious, combining speed, precision, and imagination. A true jazz giant whose playing remains astonishing.
1: Wes Montgomery (1923-1968)
Topping our list of top jazz guitar players is Wes Montgomery, a revered and influential genius from Indianapolis who couldn’t read music. Using only his thumb, Montgomery, inspired by Charlie Christian, developed an advanced harmonic style with block chords and octaves. His career was cut short by his early death, but his music and influence endure. Start with Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery.
Four On Six
Explore further into jazz with our features on the best jazz drummers and best jazz saxophonists.
