10 Best Jazz Guitarists of All Time & Their Guitars of Choices

Author: Tyler Connaghan

Tyler Connaghan is a guitarist, singer, producer, composer & engineer based in Los Angeles, California. Tyler has been playing the guitar since 2007. In between writing for guitar publications, he produces music for film and television. His favorite axe is his custom Pelham Blue Fender Stratocaster.

Expertise: music industry, producing, acoustic & electric guitars, songwriting

Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies, Music Industry

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While rock, blues, folk, and metal dominate the guitar spotlight, jazz guitarists have long demonstrated just how versatile the instrument can be. 

In this guide, I want to take you on a journey through the lives and times of 10 of the most renowned jazz guitar players in history. From Dixieland jazz to smooth jazz and modern jazz to modal jazz, we’ll delve into their stories and how they contributed to the world of jazz.

Our other Top 10 guitarist lists:

–10 Best Guitarists of All Time

–10 Best Blues Guitarists of All Time

–10 Best Rock Guitarists of All Time

–10 Best Metal Guitarists of All Time

Note! Reveal your top 10 list in the comments down below, we would love to hear it!

How Did We Choose The Best Jazz Guitarists

Here are five different ranking factors I used to qualify the best jazz guitarists.

• Technical Prowess: First, I looked at their mastery of the instrument, from speed to accuracy to versatility and beyond.
• Innovation/Creativity: Next, I looked at whether or not they pushed boundaries, introduced new ideas, or contributed to the evolution of jazz guitar.
• Legacy: I also considered their impact on other musicians and how their lasting legacy shaped the course of jazz history.
• Improvisational Skills: Next, I analyzed their ability to improvise both creatively and melodically, as I see this as a crucial aspect of jazz guitar playing.
• Musicality: Lastly, I looked at their emotional connection to the music and the encompassing musicality, such as phrasing, dynamics, or whether or not they could convey deep emotions through their playing.

10 Best Jazz Guitar Players of All Time

1. Wes Montgomery

Guitar of Choice: Gibson L-5 CES

Find our picks for the best Gibson guitars here.

Wes Montgomery was a profoundly influential jazz guitarist hailing from Indianapolis. Despite his inability to read music, his virtuosity on the fretboard was unparalleled, from every riff and rhythm. He used a unique thumb-picking technique inspired by the horn-like phrasing of his bebop idol, Charlie Christian, though took it a step further with an advanced harmonic style using block chords and parallel octaves.

His groundbreaking album “Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery” became a cornerstone of his legacy, showcasing his creative prowess. His untimely death was a great loss to the music world, but his influential contributions continue to resonate through generations of jazz guitarists who have been inspired by his trailblazing approach.

Check Montgomery playing here:

Strengths

• Brilliant improvisation capabilities
• Unique thumbing technique
• Soulful phrasing

Weaknesses

• Limited use of complex chord voicings

2. Django Reinhardt

Guitar of Choice: Selmer Maccaferri

A pioneer of 1930s European hot jazz, Django Reinhardt was a true prodigy. Despite having only the use of his thumb and two middle fingers on his left hand due to a fire-related injury, he defied all odds to achieve an astonishing level of speed, precision, and manual dexterity with his soling and licks. 

His playing technique was both imaginative and emotional, and you can feel it in his music. Regarded as a true jazz legend, his legacy continues to amaze and inspire.

Check Reinhardt playing here:

Strengths

• Exceptional speed and dexterity
• Influential gypsy jazz style

Weaknesses

• Limited complex chord ability due to hand injury

3. Charlie Christian

Guitar of Choice: Gibson ES-150

Hailing from Texas, Charlie Christian was a genuine revolutionary in the world of jazz guitar. His meteoric rise to fame came during his tenure with Benny Goodman’s band from 1939 to 1941. Christian’s groundbreaking contribution was pioneering the use of the electric guitar in jazz, a move that shifted its role from the rhythm section to the forefront as a valid solo instrument.

He infused his playing with horn-inspired single-note lines, ushering in a new era for the instrument and laying the foundation for what later evolved into bebop. Tragically, at the young age of 25, he succumbed to tuberculosis, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Listen Christian’s playing here:

Strengths

• Unique bebop phrasing
• Pioneered the use of amps
• Brought guitar to the forefront of jazz

Weaknesses

• Limited recordings available

4. Jim Hall

Guitar of Choice: Gibson ES-175

Jim Hall was born in 1930 in Buffalo, New York, and gained recognition in the 1950s as part of the Jimmy Giuffre Three. Later on, he collaborated with legendary musicians like Bill Evans and Paul Desmond and truly skyrocketed to jazz fame.

Hall’s signature warm and mellow sound sets him apart from the rest. He is a true master of using space and tonal contrast in his playing. Pair that with his ability to weave intricate musical stories, and it’s clear to see what made him a paragon of taste and sophistication.

Check Hall playing here:

Strengths

• One of the best accompanists
• Top improvisational skills
• Subtle playing style

Weaknesses

• Not very technically virtuous

5. Grant Green

Guitar of Choice: Gibson L-100

Grant Green’s soulful St. Louis blues style emerged in the 1960s, becoming synonymous with the hard-bop and soul-jazz movements. Born in 1935, Green’s prolific career included iconic albums like “Idle Moments” and “Street of Dreams.” 

His musical style was influenced by bebop brass players, which is why he adopted such a linear style, favoring single-line melodies over chords. Even with a less-is-more aesthetic, he often performed in an organ trio setting.

With an uncanny ability to convey emotion through each note, Green cemented his legacy as one of jazz’s greats.

Check Green playing here:

Strengths

• Bluesy style
• One-of-a-kind groove
• Soulful improvisation

Weaknesses

• Limited harmonic exploration

6. George Benson

Guitar of Choice: Ibanez GB10

Find our picks for the best Ibanez guitars.

George Benson’s smooth and soulful jazz-pop style brought him critical acclaim and made him one of the few guitarists on this list who achieved widespread commercial success. His career flourished with albums like “Breezin'” and “Give Me the Night.” 

Inspired by the likes of Charlie Christian and mentored by the legendary Wes Montgomery, many people call him Montgomery’s rightful successor. From a young age, he displayed prodigious talent, and as he grew older, he transformed into a jazz and soul sensation. By the 1970s, he was even beginning to embrace his vocals, especially in the scatting realm.

With his exceptional vocal ability and virtuosic guitar skills, it’s clear that he’s solidified his status as a true jazz icon.

Check Benson playing here:

Strengths

• Versatile performer
• Vocal-like phrasing
• Appealed to a broader pop audience

Weaknesses

• Was criticized for shifting toward pop

7. Kenny Burrell

Guitar of Choice: Gibson Super 400

With a career spanning over seven decades, Kenny Burrell’s velvety guitar tone and tasteful phrasing have captivated audiences worldwide. Born in 1931 in Detroit, Burrell’s journey with the guitar began at the tender age of 12. By 20, he made his recording debut alongside the eminent trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

His musical influences draw from a diverse palette, including blues music, though he also was said to have found inspiration in legendary guitarists like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. He would eventually go on to collaborate with artists like John Coltrane and Jimmy Smith resulted in timeless jazz classics like “Midnight Blue” and “Blue Lights.” 

In terms of his technique and sound, Burrell effortlessly transitions between soulful and hard-swinging playing styles. It’s truly hard to overstate his influence on jazz guitar.

Check Burrell playing here:

Strengths

• Exceptional blues style
• Angelic tone
• Sensitive playing

Weaknesses

• Was often overshadowed by flashier players

8. Joe Pass

Guitar of Choice: Joe Pass Emperor II

Next on our list, we have the great Joe Pass, known for his unrivaled solo guitar performance skills. He was born in New Jersey in 1929 and began his guitar journey at the tender age of nine. Progressing rapidly, he found himself performing gigs by the time he reached 14. His exceptional versatility as a guitarist was apparent, and he carved out a distinctive and innovative style, allowing him to articulate melodious lines through deft sequences of chord progressions.

After overcoming many personal struggles, he achieved fame in the 1970s with his innovative approach to chord melody playing. Though he used Fender guitars for a brief stint, he was most well-known for his signature models.

One big chunk of Pass’s musical included the many years spent accompanying Ella Fitzgerald, as well as the extensive musical partnership with the esteemed pianist Oscar Peterson. 

Joe Pass’s contributions to the jazz world have been nothing short of remarkable, and his “Virtuoso” series of albums remains a benchmark for solo jazz guitarists.

Check Pass playing here:

Strengths

• Untouched solo guitar skills
• Sophisticated music theory knowledge
• Simultaneous bassline playing

Weaknesses

• Did not play much with ensembles

9. Pat Metheney

Guitar of Choice: Ibanez PM200

Pat Metheney is a true pioneer of contemporary jazz. He was born in 1954 in Missouri and has crafted multiple Grammy-winning albums. Beyond his solo work, he has collaborated with luminaries like Jaco Pastorius and Herbie Hancock, fusing various genres and using modern technology to push the boundaries of jazz guitar.

Metheney also had several album credits in the pop world, ranging from collaborations with Joni Mitchell to David Bowie. It’s hard to boil his artistry down, though many describe it as a blend of lyricism and harmonic richness.

To this day, his genre-defying music resists easy classification, and yet, it has earned him a remarkable 20 Grammy awards. Regarded as one of the best jazz guitarists in history, Metheny also holds the distinction of being the most progressive guitarist in the contemporary jazz landscape. 

Check Metheney playing here:

Strengths

• Adventurous playing style
• Impressive technical skills
• Blended multiple genres

Weaknesses

• Some say his avant-garde style was too experimental

10. Barney Kessell

Guitar of Choice: Gibson ES-350

Barney Kessell’s impeccable technique and melodic inventiveness earned him the last spot on our list. Born in 1923 in Tuskegee, Oklahoma, Kessell’s work as a studio musician in the 1950s and ’60s solidified his place in jazz history. 

He eventually became a famed member of the 60s LA session group, The Wrecking Crew, showcasing his remarkable talent alongside some of the industry’s finest musicians. Notably, he made a memorable contribution to Julie London’s 1955 album, “Julie Is Her Name,” featuring the timeless track, “Cry Me A River.”

As one of the best jazz guitarists at the time, he had the privilege of performing alongside the jazz elite, such as Sonny Rollins and Billie Holiday, both of whom hailed him for his fluid sound and thoughtful chord selection. 

I highly recommend listening to his album “To Swing or Not to Swing,” as I believe it best exemplifies his exceptional musicality.

Check Kessel playing here:

Strengths

• Exceptional session musician
• Smooth, melodic style
• Prominent in the west coast jazz scene

Weaknesses

• Did not have a well-known solo career

Runner-Ups That Just Missed The List

Emily Remler

Guitar of Choice: Gibson ES-175

The jazz community mourned the loss of a gifted guitarist born in Manhattan, whose talent was tragically cut short by a heart attack. Her musical journey began at the tender age of 10, and throughout her career, she acknowledged the influence of jazz greats Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery. 

However, it was her own dedication to honing a distinctive style that elevated her to the ranks of the best jazz guitarists in history.

Emily Remler’s playing style is best described as a captivating blend of languid grace and emotional intelligence. She had a unique ability to express deep emotions through her guitar, and she possessed a virtuosic command of the fretboard. Unfortunately, even throughout her time, she never achieved the same mainstream recognition as the other guitarist on the list.

Pat Martino

Guitar of Choice: Gibson Pat Martino Signature Model

Born in Philadelphia in 1944, Pat Martino, born Pat Azarra, began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly gained recognition for his remarkable talent. He was given the title of a “musical shape-shifter,” with untouched dexterity and finesse. Throughout his career, he was able to effortlessly transition from straight-ahead jazz to fusion and post-bop styles, showcasing his versatility.

His early years were marked by valuable apprenticeships with esteemed soul-jazz musicians like Richard “Groove” Holmes and Willis Jackson. These experiences laid a strong foundation for his career, which took flight with his solo career in the latter half of the 1960s.

Martino’s passion for music and desire to share his knowledge eventually led him to write textbooks on various guitar-playing approaches. As an unparalleled guitar virtuoso with an insatiable curiosity for musical exploration, Pat Martino’s contributions to the jazz world have been immense, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring aspiring guitarists worldwide. Still, many critics say he lacks the emotional depth in his playing compared to other jazz greats, which is why he only made the runner-up list.

Johnny Smith

Guitar of Choice: Gibson Johnny Smith Model

Johnny Smith, born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1922, was an early pioneer of the jazz guitar. His smooth and lyrical style earned him the nickname “The Sound.” 

As a pre-teen, he found himself drawn to local pawnshops where he taught himself to play the guitar. His innate versatility became evident when he joined a hillbilly band on tour before eventually gravitating towards jazz. In fact, his early jazz career saw collaborations with iconic musicians like Stan Getz and Benny Goodman.

With a remarkable ability to effortlessly switch between various styles, including swing, bebop, and even avant-garde classical music, he quickly became a sought-after musician.

Aside from his impressive guitar skills, Smith was also a gifted composer. His timeless composition, “Walk, Don’t Run,” written in 1954, became an instrumental standard and achieved success as a hit for Chet Atkins.

Johnny Smith’s musical prowess and innovative compositions have left an enduring impact on the music industry. However, his limited experimentation within the various jazz styles keeps him off the main list.

Charlie Hunter

Guitar of Choice: Custom 7-String Guitar

Born in 1967 in Rhode Island, Charlie Hunter took a revolutionary approach to jazz guitar. He adapted his instrument, adding extra strings and combining bass and guitar elements into one performance, demonstrating incredible multitasking abilities.

Early on, he preferred his custom-built seven- and eight-string guitars, and by the early 1990s, he took his unique skills and gained recognition as a member of Michael Franti’s The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy before venturing into a successful solo career.

During his five-year stint at Blue Note, Hunter blended his jazz roots with a captivating fusion of pop, rock, and funk, resulting in an unparalleled and unclassifiable sound that set him apart as a truly unique voice.

Though his genre-defying style earned him a devoted fan base and solidified his place as a visionary musician in the realm of jazz, he never quite achieved the same level of mainstream success as his contemporaries.

Gabor Szabo

Guitar of Choice: Gibson SG

Gabor Szabo, born in Hungary in 1936, was a prominent jazz guitarist and composer. His distinct style melded jazz with elements of Hungarian folk music and psychedelic rock, creating a truly innovative sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

He was well known for his extended modal vamps, psychedelic tones, and Indian ragas. Even the legendary Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana talks about how much he was impacted by Szabo.

By the early 1960s, he gained prominence as a member of Chico Hamilton’s jazz group, though soon after, he ventured into a successful solo career.

With an unmistakable artistic vision, this Budapest-born guitarist’s contributions have left an enduring impact on the world of music. And even though he inspired countless musicians to embrace experimentation, the fact that he lies just outside the standard jazz realm is the only reason I decided not to put him on the top 10 list.

FAQ

Conclusion

Though I could easily list many more, these 15 jazz guitarists left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, each contributing unique styles and techniques to the genre’s evolution. From New Orleans, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, jazz is one of the most prominent American genres there is, and most of it wouldn’t be what it is today without these players.

Though many of them have passed, their musical legacies continue to inspire countless aspiring jazz musicians.

If you have any questions or thoughts, just leave a comment down below. Keep rocking!