Top 10 Jazz Guitarists That You Want To Know

[@emilbirk6144]

It honestly really hurt me when django wasn’t mentioned in this list, or Charlie Christian the two godfathers of jazz guitar

[@davidwalker5054]

any guitar poll without Django is not to be taken seriously

[@TheoryPhilosophy]

As an amateur jazz guitar player, I've found Emily Remler to be one of the most interesting jazz guitarists to learn from. Obviously she was heavily influenced by Wes and Grant, but there's something about her style that pushes the jazz/blues formula into new directions, and makes her music more melodically appealing (at least to me). Would have been cool to include her on a list like this to make more people aware of her, and possibly other women's, contribution to jazz. Thanks for everything, Jens! Keep rockin' n rollin'!

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks David, I choose to go with the people that I listened a lot to in this video, but Emily is certainly a great guitarist 🙂

[@adamfarkas7069]

Especially East to Wes. It’s magic.

[@johnlehman3099]

Howard Alden, George Van Eps, Jimmy Bruno and Graham Dechter.

[@seattlevegas66]

Yes! More videos on great players! Even the next 10 faves!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Thank you for sharing the legends that define and contribute to the smoothness and articulation of Jazz. The genre wouldn't be the same at all without them!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it Ron!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Of course!@@JensLarsen

[@georgedavis8412]

Django, Christian, Wes, Pass, Martino, Hall, and a cast of thousands.

[@RubinhoSilva01]

Joe Pass, Johnny Smith, Barney Kessel, Wes, Ted Greene, Helio Delmiro, Herbie Ellis, various...

[@JensLarsen]

Is this as controversial as the Rolling Stones list? Who are your favorite Jazz Guitarists? 🙂 Here's one of mine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnOyoYWva8ybgNU

[@alexladd6861]

It would have to be Grant Green, but if i had to pick someone who doesn't get enough recognition, I would have to pick Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell.

[@philodonoghue3062]

Freaky doppelgänger name Baden-Powell was a British Imperialist who founded the Boy Scouts after the first and second Boer Wars in South Africa where the poor physical of undernourished and physically broken down recruits from the industrial slums of the British big cities were no match for the sharpshooter horsemen of the Boer guerrilla Kommandos

[@alexladd6861]

Yes, the Brazilian Baden’s dad was an admirer of the British Baden. Strange name, I agree, but don’t hold it against him, listen to him, if you haven’t already. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZaboXWeZ7hgorMfeature=shared

[@JackTheSkunk]

My personal 10 favorites list always starts with the 3 George's....Benson, Barnes and Van Epps. Jim Hall, Jimmy Bruno, Johnny Smith, Howard Roberts, Lenny Breau, Ted Greene and gypsy jazzer Joscho Stephan (when he plays electric). Hungarian Elek Bacsik is another name that rarely comes up when talking about jazz guitarists. I always liked Jerry Hahn when he played with Gary Burton.

[@musicwerks]

Awesome line up of jazz guitarist - and yes, I too feel that Jim Hall is an awesome player. He can do so much with so little. I really like his work with just him and Ron Carter.

[@JensLarsen]

Indeed! 🙂

[@musicwerks]

@@JensLarsen Listened to Jim Hall "Jazz Guitar," (with out drums) definitely on my listening list now.

[@ramilak]

@jens definitely would love a modern guitarist video like this one. Thanks

[@NickGranville]

Agree with all your recommendations. Solid and cookbook were two albums which shaped my playing a lot. Legends, all of them

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Nick! Yes, those two are great!

[@schnirzelzwirn]

My favorites are almost all mentioned. I could add Ed Cherry to this list, for simplicity and originality of his ideas, phrasing, dynamics, tone and taste. Recommended album: It's all good". He toured wirh Dizzy Gilespie for a long time until his death. Thank you for the video and have a good time abroad!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you!😁

[@robertbalogh1656]

Pat Martino's first album was Strings in 1967.

[@JensLarsen]

Nope, it was El Hombre. You can look it up

[@beyto55362]

as a rocker and guitarist who playing rock, I always follow your videos about jazz scales and jazz guitar. Because I want to take control of instrument more

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you find them useful!

[@cabezadepez]

This is gold for begginers! continue with the moderns please!

[@alexsixstring]

I think Solid and Idle Moments from Grant Green are 2 of my favourite jazz albums, not just guitar jazz albums. You definitely should make a similar videos with new jazz guitarists like the ones you mentioned and maybe some more.

[@RobKandell]

I had to look it up to realize that Carl Perkins the jazz pianist was not Carl Perkins the early Sun Records rock’n’roll guitarist.

[@JensLarsen]

Haha! Yes somebody else also could not figure that out, I think

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

Although he's not one of those 'greats'' a massively overlooked guitarist of modern times is Sylvain Luc. Incredible chops and really inventive. Famous for his work with Bireli Lagrene on the album Duet. I know maybe this isn't the place for this but I just felt him worth nudging out there.

[@DadPhone-vr7oq]

Jens' little added comments can be pretty funny. I liked the person walking by in the background who is also "a Joe Pass fan," and thinks, "What an idiot!" about Jens. Funny!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! 🙂

[@aleksik4028]

Barney Kessel, Larry Coryell, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Stochelo Rosenberg, Jimmy Rosenberg, Bireli Lagrene.

[@SzabacsiNandor]

Peter Bernstein, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Jimmy Raney, Barney Kessel, Pat Martino, Mike Stern, George Benson

[@adamfarkas7069]

The Jim Hall album Concierto is an overlooked gem. It’s the tastiest album I have heard so far. Also features Chat Baker. Hall gives a masterclass of how a great guitarist is in love with music and not with his instrument in the first place. Great solos, remarkable balance throughout.

[@drewmfie]

i think you should make a video about your favourite jazz musicians who are not guitarists, i think it would be interesting.

[@JensLarsen]

That might be something to do 🙂 Who would you guess I listened to?

[@l.a.covers8400]

@@JensLarsen Bird and Diz, Oscar Peterson, maybe Monk

[@ronalda.saname396]

How can you forget Al DiMeola and Pat Methenty? My two favorites.

[@jeromemausling6324]

I would love to watch a video where you feature all these great players but break down their style in a comparative way. Perhaps showcasing their unique style/contribution by comparing their take on the same song

[@JensLarsen]

Not sure a 42 hour video is really what I feel like making right now 😁 but thanks for the suggestion

[@jeromemausling6324]

@@JensLarsen hahaha...point well taken. Perhaps a brief primer for plebs like me.

[@JensLarsen]

@@jeromemausling6324 I think there is a good chance it won't bet the video you hope it will be 🙂 Plus that in my experience, comparing artists tend to get very polarizing and give a lot of negative comments from people who get upset.

[@steellemonstudios]

“Amazing” video, Jens! Enjoy your trip!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Nick! 🙂

[@heinohermann6076]

Not to be forgotten… the other Joe, Joe Diorio. Check out his album “it’s about time”. Amazing and outstanding 🎶🎶

[@ChungiteApostle]

This list is great! Definitely got some music to put on my back log. I'd like to recommend Johnny Smith and Matteo Mancuso as favorites.

[@SimonBrisbane]

Great list and some fantastic homework for me to listen to them all. Thank you Jens. If you are not already familiar, another great worth checking out is Herb Ellis.

[@garrettbarley3391]

Grant green has great tone

[@ELMENDORFX]

Began an hour before finding this video and currently listening to Mr West Montgomery. Thank You

[@BeigeBunnyJazzCafe]

It's incredible how each guitarist has their own signature sound. If you could assemble a dream collaboration between two of these players, who would you choose and why

[@DadPhone-vr7oq]

Jens Larsen is amazing!

[@frankkubrick865]

Nice to see you outdoors for a change!!!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! Mostly I have to play, bringing and recording a guitar outside is not without complications 😁

[@kadourimdou43]

Pat Metheny George Benson Wes Montgomery Julian Lage Joe Pass John Scofield

[@dcjway]

Great list, nice to see a nod to Julian Lage, I love what he does.

[@JesusRamirez-vt6lk]

Jens, to me the two most underrated guitarist are Ronnie Jordan and Norman Brown. Smooth Jazz kings!

[@user-si9ri9qi8d]

We're not only interested in video about modern jazz guitar players - we demand it!

[@Greggers1516]

I love boss guitar by Wes

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, that's a great album!

[@BessieBopOrBach]

Jens, I can't imagine finding fault with these choices, but I'm shocked you didn't mention Charlie Christian. The Minton's/Monroe's recordings (on the album AFTER HOURS) are the Rosetta Stone to understanding Wes, Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, and the rest. Just incredible music.

[@JensLarsen]

I feel like I always talk about him, so I left him out this time 🙂

[@cbolt4492]

Loving the videos Jens! I have learned to much!! The roadmap has been transformational

[@JensLarsen]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JensLarsen]

I meant, Amazing! Thank you!

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Amazing video, thanks Jens

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@l.a.covers8400]

Another Martino Album i really love is Cream, I know its later on in his career but its always near and dear to me.

[@srpskihayk]

You were in Taiwan! I live in Taiwan and this is the first I heard you were here! The promotion here sucks. I don’t live in Taichung, so, maybe that’s why? This happened before. Came back from a holiday in the Netherlands, and same day we returned, Joe Satriani was playing here. I found out about it a few days after. Damn. Well, I hope you enjoyed Taiwan, or at least Taichung.

[@lawrenrich6419]

Funny video and good topic. Modern players would be ‘amazing’

[@JensLarsen]

👍🙏

[@jasonkeaton5140]

Do it! The modern stuffs. How about each decade? Jazz guitar of the 70sz 80s 90s lol.

[@Calbertone]

Very entertaining video Jens! It was quite amazing-17

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@davidtardio9804]

I’d like to hear your recommendations regarding more modern guitarists and then perhaps in another video you could talk about jazz trumpeters, saxophonists, etc that have influenced you.

[@donaldbass6737]

Glad you commented at the end about this video being about the “classical” Jazz Guitarists…cause I was wondering how Pat Metheny was left out.

[@JensLarsen]

Certainly, this video was a bit random with very little planning 😁

[@markrollinger5366]

Re: Barney Kessel, I knew the name, but never listened to him... Until I heard Julie Londons 1st album, "My Name is Julie". I think it has bass & drum, but sounds more like a guitar/vocal duet. Incredible guitar comp by Barney.

[@Trombonology]

I honestly have yet to delve into Hall, Martino, and Benson, although I've heard them, but I'm a big fan of all the others on the list. My tastes tend to lean toward the players who were prominent before the solo/trio/quartet jazz guitar records started to appear. Allan Reuss remains my favourite. Besides Pass, Kessel, Green, Burrell and Wes from the video, my A-listers include Carl Kress, Eddie Lang, Dick McDonough, George Van Eps, Charlie Christian and Django from earlier and René Thomas and Johnny Smith from the '50s. Contemporary players I'm into are Matt Munisteri, Joel Paterson, Pasquale Grasso, Whit Smith and Julian Lage. Tenor guitarist Tiny Grimes, who recorded from the '40s into the '70s, is another hero.

[@JensLarsen]

I suspect you will love Jim Hall with Art Farmer and Paul Desmond? I have to check out Tiny Grimes, I think I only hear one or two tracks

[@Trombonology]

@@JensLarsen Thanks, Jens! -- I'm sure I would, as I admire both of those guys; will check out the albums.

[@SimonBrisbane]

Benson is an absolute treat - enjoy!

[@Trombonology]

@@SimonBrisbane 👍

[@bhd7721]

​@@SimonBrisbane Isn't George Benson a Jehovah's Witness?

[@lestervasilda2081]

More videos likes this super nice 🎉

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you

[@ramilak]

This video was AMAZING

[@JensLarsen]

😁

[@lukewilliamsactual3691]

The founding fathers of jazz guitar are generally acknowledged to be Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. Both died relatively young (Christian at 25 and Django at 43) and were soon immortalized. George Barnes made the mistake of living to the ripe old age of 56 (old enough to be considered passe). IMO, he is just as important.

[@Marcosls2015]

Amazing Video Jens!! Always so interesting!

[@InformedMisery]

All good choices. I highly recommend Kenny Burrell Live at the Vanguard. I know you did a video on the tune Broadway from that album.

[@christoguichard4311]

Pass, Django, Wes 😊 The end. Taiwan looks nice 😁

[@brianmoffet7237]

Amazing.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you think so! 😁

[@josdurkstraful]

Amazing!!!!!!

[@JensLarsen]

👍🙂

[@Greggers1516]

I love George benson but what about this masquerade album, it’s amazing

[@JensLarsen]

Nice! That never did it for me 🙂

[@Greggers1516]

whaaaas, no breezin or affirmation?@@JensLarsen

[@bhd7721]

Isn't George Benson a Jehovah's Witnes

[@DookiedoohdahPRO]

amazing

[@Mikkokosmos]

Bushmills over Johnny Walker?! Now I'm offended! Nice mention of Lorne Lofsky I saw him play a lot when I lived in Toronto. And Vic Juris was an amazing player there are some KZbin videos of him playing that are absolutely amazing

[@JensLarsen]

Really, I thought that was such an obvious choice? 😁

[@Mikkokosmos]

@@JensLarsen I'm more of a Bourbon guy actually

[@JensLarsen]

@@Mikkokosmos Ok! I never found a bourbon that I really liked, but around here it seems to be Johnny Walker and Four Roses and nothing else. What's a good one to try?

[@Mikkokosmos]

@@JensLarsen Buffalo Trace is a good one and you don't have to sell your house to afford it either

[@JensLarsen]

@@Mikkokosmos I'll see if I can find that somewhere. I have a lot of Irish and British friends so I know more about those 😁

[@fenderlead1]

Kenny’s early album “at the five Spot Café” or something like that is great but you might not like the tone. Reminds me of early Grant Green which I absolutely absolutely love. Amazing!

[@JensLarsen]

I'll check it! "A night at the Vanguard" is one of my favorites 🙂

[@rockstarjazzcat]

lucky colleague! 🤙🏼

[@HandyL]

Bushmills! Hahaha, that’s my favorite whiskey, I drink it everyday 😳😆

[@JensLarsen]

Sounds nice, but possibly not very healthy 😁

[@HandyL]

Indeed…🫤😔

[@bosmith2587]

I think Ted Greene ought to be on this list, just for how different and absolutely otherworldly his kind of playing is, and how important he's been and continued to be as far as education (Chord Chemistry, Modern Chord Progressions).

[@ChristianSYLVOZ]

Astonishing players! 😅

[@RobKandell]

Thanks for the list. I’ve downloaded most of these already, despite being new to jazz. To risk getting the angry mobs after me, be them jazz or Brazilian… What’s your take on Luiz Bonfa? (I don’t see me catching up to him, but I’ve always loved Bossa Nova.)

[@JensLarsen]

You're welcome! Does Luiz Bonfa improvise?

[@RobKandell]

@@JensLarsen - Thank Dr. Linda Ferguson for the delayed response. (She would question everything to make sure you understood in depth.) Yes, he did, as did guys like Carlos Lira and Roberto Menescal, though Bonfa’s approach was far more traditionally classical in technique. Jazz became an influence on the Brazilian music at that time. The question enlightens more than the answer, and it gave me much to ponder on the rider over to meet my family. (American holiday today.)

[@kirilltregubov7341]

🙏

[@JensLarsen]

👍

[@EdgarBowlin]

Jens, I would love to hear your opinion of the modern Jazz guitarists as well. I'm 56, and I grew up listening to Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour, Scofield, Carlton, etc. Some of the new guys like Norman Brown have speed, but not very diverse in melody. I love Jim Hall who Pat Metheny held in high regard, not a fast player, but excellent melodic diversity, chord choices, etc.

[@larsfocken3456]

Listen to the Album “Dizzy‘s Big Four“ with Joe Pass. It’s incredible!

[@kevindonnelly761]

Doug de Vries

[@davemack6384]

I have yet to watch it and will add my 10 guitar players... 1- Ed Bickert 2-10 in no particular order herb ellis wes montgommery charlie christian george benson ted greene jim hall barney kessel tal farlow lenny breau hon mention to grant green, mike stern.....joe pass......ollie gannon

[@mathieuvaylet1782]

I prefer "full house" instead "smokin at the half note".... And i suggest " These rooms" from jim hall, with tom harrell : a real masterpiece !!!! Anyway your choices are spot on !!! 100%😅

[@vindknt]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video! I've always been so interested in jazz, but I didn't have the slightest clue of who to actually listen to. I just knew I liked it based on videos such as yours, and was always both left craving more, and scared to get into this massive genre. This will be of great help, for sure!

[@drewdietz2115]

Excellent video. What do you think about some contemporary musicians? Joyce Cooling or Chris Standring? Thank you

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I am not really into smooth jazz which I think they play? I don't really know them.

[@bobrich1950]

Jens, funny that you mention Joe Pass' Intercontinental album. I recall reading an article many years ago where Joe himself pointed to that album as perhaps his best recorded work. What's the old saying about great minds ??................. Good call sir.

[@JensLarsen]

Really!? That certainly fits with my taste 😂

[@bobrich1950]

@@JensLarsen Wish i could recall the article. But it's been too many years ago. Mabe a Google search would resurrect it. If i stumble upon it i'll pass it along. No pun intended. lol

[@hommedemystere]

Thanks for all the great content, Jens! I’ve been watching your vids for over five years, and have learned a lot! Also, thanks for posting the gear you use. I do have a question about this… do you use a teleprompter, and if so could you share?

[@JensLarsen]

Awesome! Thank you! In this video I am not scripted at all, that is also why I keep saying Amazing all the time 😁

[@hommedemystere]

@@JensLarsen 🤣

[@hommedemystere]

@@JensLarsen …but when you are scripted?

[@JensLarsen]

@@hommedemystere I do use one that I bought on Amazon, works with an iPad. was about a 100 USD if I remember correctly.

[@mikkelhenrichsen9459]

Thank you for your videos, they help a lot😊 do you know a good guitar turning for bb? I ask this, because I want too experiment with as many open strings as possible.

[@WBMS23]

Hey Jens where is the best place in your opinion to download/print sheet music for jazz standards?

[@JensLarsen]

I don't know, sorry.

[@CatrinaDaimonLee]

you left out one very important jazz guitarist - JENS LARSEN. i have seen your vids where you solo. inspiring stuff.

[@JensLarsen]

Haha! Thank you 😁 Not really sure I feel I should be on a list like that, but I do appreciate it!

[@Yourbankaccount]

how about one of the founders of bebop - Charlie Christian? There would be no Wes or George and tons of others without the guy

[@JensLarsen]

This is just my list, you can have your own. It's not like I never talk about Charlie Christian 😁

[@casandre2]

hvad med Charlie Christian???

[@jazzey69]

What about Django ? he is still my favorite alongside Joe pass and Wes...:-)

[@JensLarsen]

I never really listened to him that much, so it would be strange to include him

[@bhd7721]

What about Najee?

[@jazzey69]

I have never herd his work , now i will listen to him, Thank you..be well always...:-) @@bhd7721

[@davidfranklin8252]

Jens did anyone ever tell you that back in 1997 you looked just like Ringo Starr?

[@JensLarsen]

😂👍🙏

[@jerichothedrifter60]

Jens, how can you leave Howard Roberts off the list? HR Is a Dirty Guitar Player and Color Him Funky are mid 60s classics that guitar players have studied to death.

[@JensLarsen]

I never really got into his playing that much so it didn't really make sense to put him on my list

[@falsenotefest]

Hi Jens, please cheCk ............Pasquale Grasso..................INCREDIBLE (seems that Pat Metheny just said "that is the better guitarist I have ever ear in my life")

[@alexanderpotts8425]

came for grant green, stayed for dissing virtuoso 😂😂

[@JensLarsen]

😁🙏

[@Jacohard]

Hello teacher, I have a couple of jazz songs that I made, I would like you to give me your honest opinion, it would be very valuable to me

[@Jacko4859]

I’d say Allan Holdsworth is a guitarist everyone should at least know about personally. Even though he did not do the conventional bebop stuff this channel mainly focuses on, I’d still say he at least deserves a mention for what he has contributed to the guitar community in its entirety and his work in the fusion scene

[@JensLarsen]

Holdsworth is indeed great! I really love his playing 🙂

[@burtmantooth8913]

Hi bud

[@stephenpepper1790]

No Charlie Christian? Man……

[@Darrell-xj2gp]

Where's Tal Farlow on the list?

[@JensLarsen]

I never really listened to him, and went mostly with what I have checked out 🙂

[@golandamato4701]

Whyyyyy is he talking soooo ffff much????

[@makeajazznoiseYTstoleit]

Pat Martino is the only player on your list that I can bear to listen to. And specifically the Think Tank album is his best. All the others are hard pass

[@christopherbandini9756]

Joe Pass, Wes, Benson, Martino, Hall, Scofield, Abercrombie, Ellis, Kessell, Farlow and Remler. Current: Rosenwinkel, Grasso, Bailey, Bernstein, Kreisberg

[@davidsheriff9274]

How about Jesse van Ruller for another current guy?He's fantastic.

[@nigeljones1681]

Joe Diorio 🎵