jazz guitar
what it is
The term jazz guitar may refer to either a type of guitar or to the variety of guitar playing styles used in the various genres which are commonly termed "jazz". The jazz-type guitar was born as a result of using electric amplification to increase the volume of conventional acoustic guitars. Conceived in the early 1930s, the electric guitar became a necessity as jazz musicians sought to amplify their sound.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make jazz guitar a playlist
turn these 30 artists into something you can press play on.
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questions
What is jazz guitar?
The term jazz guitar may refer to either a type of guitar or to the variety of guitar playing styles used in the various genres which are commonly termed "jazz". The jazz-type guitar was born as a result of using electric amplification to increase the volume of conventional acoustic guitars. Conceived in the early 1930s, the electric guitar became a necessity as jazz musicians sought to amplify their sound.
What are good jazz guitar albums to start with?
Try Breezin' by George Benson, Beyond The Missouri Sky (Short Stories) by Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny, Pat Metheny Group by Pat Metheny Group, and Secret Story by Pat Metheny.
Who are some women making jazz guitar?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/jazz-guitar/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making jazz guitar, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20