Other Guitarists Worth
Studying
Ted Greene (September 26, 1946- July 23, 2005): One of the most accomplished players in jazz, Greene's use of counterpoint in his improvisation has been the source of inspiration for countless players since. He has also authored a work, Chord Chemistry, in which he broke down the construction of chords and in what ways they can be used in improvisation and composition.
Joe Pass (January 13, 1929- May 23, 1994): Also an immensely talented improviser, Pass made an extensive use of walking basslines, and use of a melodic style based on chords. He possessed an outstanding knowledge of chord inversions and progressions, and pushed the boundaries of solo jazz guitar.
Jean "Django" Reinhardt (January 23, 1910- May 16, 1953): Django is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Despite having diminished use of his ring and pinky fingers, he has become quite a technically accomplished guitarist, and has composed many jazz standards, such as "Nuages", "Djangology", Daphne", and "Minor Swing". He is also acclaimed for his emotional playing style.
Lenny Breau (August 5, 1941- August 12, 1984): Breau sported a virtuostic fingerpicking technique and 7-string guitar outfitted with a high A string. In his lifetime, he educated perhaps hundreds, if not thousands, of guitarists in his method which included a high degree of independence in his right hand, and the ability to create artificial harmonics.
George Van Eps (August 7, 1913- November 29, 1998): Authoring the Harmonic Mechanisms series, Van Eps has shone some light on his astoundingly complex style of play. He played the melody and rhythm at the same time, doing the work of two guitarists at once, although he looked at the guitar not in the same fashion as most people do; he merely considered it a "lap piano."