Greatest Jazz Guitarists II

The second leg of the list of the Greatest Jazz Guitarists ventures into the artists who learned and took inspiration from their predecessors and in turn took jazz guitar to a higher level. Many of the guitarist mentioned here ventured into the jazz fusion genre where they would combine the intricacies of jazz with other genres and sub- genres of music.

Stanley Jordan

While two hand tapping had been used to enable guitarist to play a flurry of notes at high speed with ease, no one but Stanley Jordan would push two hand tapping to such an advance level that he could use it as a primarily form of playing. Stanley’s technique is referred to as touch technique, and he uses it to produce some of the sweetest and most rhythmic tunes ever written.

John Scofield

John Scofield is the kind of perfectionist who goes on for years and years producing world class music, but yet may go unnoticed mainly due his simplicity and lack of flamboyance. For those looking for seriously good jazz music John Schofield is the first and final stop.

Pat Metheny

As the leader of the Pat Metheny Group, Pat is one of the most successful bandleaders of all time. A close insight into his playing will unveil guitar playing which is beyond belief. Be it shredding the guitar or playing hair raising melodies Pat can do it all.

John McLaughlin

John McLaughlin is such a versatile player that it is very difficult to pin him down to any individual genre. As a jazz guitarist, John could execute chord changes most could only play in their head, and as for his lead work, there is no point in discussing anything. Just listen!

Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola brings another meaning to the word technicality. Meola’s playing is at times terrifying, for he breezes through the seemingly impossible as if he were just walking in the park on a Sunday afternoon. For those of the opinion that they can play anything, try playing some Meola.

Allan Holdsworth

There are two titles to which Allan could hold indisputable claim. One; of being the greatest synth guitarist in the world and second; of being the greatest legato player in the world. By the way he’s already the best in the books of guitar legends such as Shawn Lane and Eddie Van Halen.

Larry Coryell

Like many artists of his time Larry too preferred to lead his own group rather than be confined within the predetermined boundaries of bands of the day. He gained international recognition when he became part of the infamous guitar trio along with fellow guitar virtuosos John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia.

Biréli Lagrène

Lagrène, the French gypsy guitarist has earned himself friends and fans in high places. John McLaughlin has given him the nod of approval and jammed with him on many occasions. He has kept the gypsy jazz tradition alive, which was once propagated by Django Reinhardt.

Frank Gambale

Aussie Viking Gambale could probably sweep across a hold fret board before one could say Sweep Picking. Gambale’s style is delightfully smooth as he has now reached an enviable level of improvisation.