Ten great jazz guitarists

This is a brief look at some of the most important and influential jazz guitarists. Obvioulsy there are many more that could be included in this list but all of these guitarists deserve to be heard. I hope you enjoy learning about these great players.

Joe pass

Joseph Anthony Passalaqua, better known under his stage name of Joe Pass was one of the great early jazz guitarists. Born on January 13th 1929 Joe was a veteran of the jazz scene since the 1940's. Despite an early battle with drug addiction Joe Pass went on to achieve widespread recognition in the 1970's thanks partly to his manager who signed him to the Pablo label. He played on famous recordings with singer Ella Fitzgerald displayed his extraordinary solo guitar skills on the Virtuoso albums. In the later part of his career Joe showed a preference for solo guitar and his solo material is among some of the best music he recorded during his extensive career.

Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny is a well known American jazz guitarist, who was born August, 12 1954. As a guitarist, Metheny cites Wes Montgomery as his biggest early influence but he also cites many non guitarists such as John Coltrane as being an influence on his music. His early break came in 1975 when he joined Gary Burton's band and then recorded a trio record Bright Size Life with Jaco Pastorius.

He has toured almost non stop during his life and his music continues to fascinate fellow guitarists around the world.

John Scofield

John Scofield is on of the most unique voices in jazz guitar. After being educated in Berklee John went on to play and record with some of the biggest names in jazz including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorius. John Scofield toured and recorded with Miles Davis between 1982 and 1985. One of the things that makes him such and interesting guitar player is his willingness to experiment with new ideas and styles. Much of his playing has a real funk influence to it. He usually plays a custom Ibanez JSM100.

" It's a never-ending quest and adventure playing music. The more improvised it is, the better. It's different every night. It's just so much fun."

Pat Martino

Pat Azzara born in Philadelphia in 1944 went on to become one of the greatest and most virtuosic jazz guitar players. Pat Martino began playing guitar at 12 years old and left school in order to study music.

"I have always admired my father and have wanted to impress him. As a result, it forced me to get serious with my creative powers."

During his early teens Pat met John Coltrane with who he shared lengthy discussions about music. Martino was signed to Prestige Records at a young age recording several classic albums including Strings, El hombre and Desperado.

Pat suffered from a severe brain aneurism and was forced to undergo major surgery to save his life. The surgery left Pat with almost no memory and he was forced to piece his life back together and relearn the guitar. Martino made a remarkable recovery and after a break in his musical career came back stronger and more focused than ever. He began recording again in 1994 and has since released many successful albums.

Sylvain Luc

Sylvain Luc, born in Bayonne, picked up the guitar at only 5 years of age and recorded his first album at 9 years old. He grew up in a musical family and quickly became one of the most sought after French guitarists. He has travelled the world playing his own unique style of modern jazz.

Jim Hall

Jim Hall was educated at the Cleveland Institute of Music and studied classical guitar in Los Angeles. Jim moved to New York in 1960 to work with Sonny Rollins. He is famous for both is subtle guitar playing and arranging skills and his recorded collaborations with Bill Evans and Ron Carter are legendary.

"I don't really play fast, speed has never come easily for me. Little by little I pared down my playing to suit my personality"

Django Reinherdt

Born Jean Baptiste Reinhardt on January 24 1910 in a Gypsy encampment, Django Reinhardt went on to become one of the earliest guitar superstars. Django began playing music on an old banjo at just 12 years old.

Django suffered with severe burns to his left hand after a fire destroyed the Caravan the he shared with his wife. Despite his physical disability he persevered and overcame his limitations to develop and extraordinary technique. He was best known for playing gipsy jazz and swing music. His early recordings still sound great today which is a great testament to his amazing talent.

Wes Montgomery

Despite having very little ability at reading music Wes could pick up most musical ideas by ear. Wes started learning guitar in his late teens after being inspired by listening to Charlie Christian. He was well known for his use of octaves in his solos which he played with his thumb for a warmer sound. Montgomery's influence on other musicians is immense and he will always be remembered as on of the greatest early jazz guitarists. He passed away on June 15, 1968.

John Mclaughlin

John McLaughlin is one of the best jazz and fusion guitarists. He was born in England in 1942 quickly and gained notoriety playing with Miles Davis in the late 1960's. He moved to the United States in 1969 and went on to play with Tony Williams's lifetime and record several albums with Miles Davis during that period including Bitches Brew.

His group The Mahavishnu Orchestra allowed him to develop his fusion tendencies and the group experimented with jazz, rock and Indian influences. In the early 1980's he teamed up with flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola recording as the Guitar Trio. He has a really amazing technique and musicality which is evident in every record he makes.

Bireli Lagrene

Bireli Lagrene is a French guitarist and bassist who began playing guitar 4 years old and jazz at the age of 7. He was born to a gypsy family and plays fast swing music in the tradition of Django Reinhardt. His father was also a well-known guitarist and his brothers were also musicians. Despite a phenomenal technique it is his harmonic intellect that really makes him shine.

Take your time and get to know the sounds of these ten great players. You can learn a great deal from every one of them.