With its smooth melodies and overall complexity, jazz is a genre that reaches to touch the depths of your soul. A skillful jazz guitarist can draw out feelings often left unsaid. While there are many greats to choose from, we have chosen five great jazz guitarists to celebrate their contributions.

5. Grant Green – Born in St. Louis, MO in the early 1930s, Grant Green began playing guitar at a young age, and was playing professionally as early as age 13. In addition to being influenced by Charlie Christian, Green was fond of the work of saxophonist Charlie Parker. This admiration is often thought to have been the reason for his more linear approach to jazz guitar. Other styles that influenced Green include hard bop, soul, R&B, and blues. A Gibson ES-330 and the D’Aquisto New Yorker are examples of guitars that Green played during his career.  For an example of Grant Green’s style check out “Idle Moments.”
 
4. Charlie Christian – Taught by his father, Charlie Christian learned guitar to help support his family while growing up in Oklahoma City, OK.  Playing in the section of NE Second Street in Oklahoma City called “Deep Deuce,” Christian gained recognition and was brought to the attention of John Hammond.  It was through this connection that Christian was able to audition and then play with Benny Goodman.  Christian played a Gibson ES-150.  To hear Charlie in action, listen to “Solo Flight.”
 
3. Django Reinhardt – A virtuoso and pioneer of hot jazz guitar, Django Reinhardt captivates with his unique technique and improvisation.  Born in Belgium, Django and his family belonged to a group of gypsies.  Having musical influences early in life, Reinhardt was earning money through playing by 13 years old.  At 18, Django was severely injured in a fire that took the use of the third and fourth fingers of his left hand.  He picked up the guitar and taught himself to play despite the injury.  The video of “J’attendrai Swing” provides a great opportunity to see Django’s guitar technique.
 
2. Joe Pass – From the age of nine, Joe Pass began harnessing his musical abilities with the encouragement of his father.  Known for his use of walking bass lines, knowledge of chord inversions and progressions, and improvisation techniques, Pass has had a substantial influence on the genre.  He recorded with greats like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald throughout his career.  Guitars he played include the Fender Jazzmaster, Gibson ES175, and D’Aquisto guitars.  To hear a sample of Joe Pass’ work, listen to “All the Things You Are.”
 
1. Wes Montgomery – With his smooth melodies and easy technicality, Wes Montgomery earns the top spot in our list of top jazz guitarists.  A native of Indiana, Montgomery taught himself how to play guitar while listening to other guitarists, such as Charlie Christian.  He played without use of a guitar pick, which was unheard of during his time.  He also is attributed with developing the use of octaves while solo playing.  During his career Wes twice won the Grammy for “Best Instrumental Jazz Performance.”  Montgomery played a Gibson L-5CES guitar.  To hear the master at work, listen to “Round Midnight.”

 
Jazz music is known for its guitarists, and there is a long list of greats to consider.  These are our top picks, but we’d love to hear yours.  Who would be in your top five lists of all time great jazz guitarists?

Keep Rockin’!!!
Hands001 by Balloon Lady taken on June 16, 2007
Grant Green by superde1uxe taken on November 12, 2005