| In finding the best jazz guitars, it is important to look at | | | | guitars. The solid body electric guitar appeared in the |
| some of the historical icons in the genre. The tone of | | | | jazz world, much due to the efforts of Les Paul. |
| any jazz instrument is of the utmost significance. Many | | | | These instruments got rid of the two things that no |
| famous jazz guitarists have developed signature | | | | jazz guitarist wants - feedback and lack of sustain. |
| sounds that have come to be viewed as standards in | | | | Solid body electrics play an important role in jazz, and |
| jazz music. | | | | one of the most notable instruments is the Gibson Les |
| By looking at players who made a distinct mark on | | | | Paul guitar. Many more affordable imitations of this |
| jazz with their signature tones and techniques, you can | | | | instrument are also popular choices for jazz guitarists, |
| discover the reasons behind their choice of guitar, and | | | | like ESP and Heritage guitars. |
| this might influence your decision. | | | | Django Reinhardt |
| Charlie Christian | | | | Django Reinhardt revolutionized the world of jazz. He |
| Charlie Christian was the first musician to make a | | | | was an acoustic guitar man, and he played a flat-top |
| name for the electric guitar in jazz. His work was so | | | | acoustic guitar made by Selmer, which was capable |
| pivotal that jazz enthusiasts often talk about jazz | | | | of resonating above the large bands in Europe. The |
| "before Charlie Christian" and jazz "after Charlie | | | | instrument is commonly known as a Maccaferri, which |
| Christian." He played a critical role in developing the | | | | happened to be the last name of the creator. While |
| type of jazz known as bebop. Guitar legends like B.B. | | | | Selmer is not necessarily a leader in the guitar world |
| King and Eric Clapton followed in his footsteps and | | | | (only about 1,000 of this particular model were |
| learned their craft from the efforts of Charlie Christian. | | | | manufactured), other companies have created |
| Charlie Christian was an arch-top man. He is the | | | | successful models that are similar to Django |
| reason that the Gibson ES150 is such a legendary | | | | Reinhardt's instrument. Typical acoustic guitars that are |
| instrument. The arch-top guitar became a standard | | | | commonly found in jazz music include Gallato and |
| piece of equipment in jazz music. It features a hollow, | | | | Dell'Arte models. |
| resonant body, and f-holes. They are designed to | | | | The best jazz guitars are designed with the |
| produce a clear voice with little sustain that is free of | | | | functionality of the music in mind. Jazz should not be |
| distortion or feedback. If you want to focus on | | | | distorted or heavy, and the guitar does not typically |
| maintaining a traditional jazz sound, then an arch-top | | | | play a role that requires a great deal of sustain. |
| guitar is definitely the way to go. | | | | Arch-top, solid body electric, and flat-top acoustics can |
| Les Paul | | | | all accommodate the needs of the genre, and the best |
| Les Paul was not only a jazz guitarist, but he was an | | | | instruments are the ones that have stood the test of |
| innovator who actually made some of the best jazz | | | | time, yet still come out on top! |