John Pizzarelli 7-String Jazz Guitarist - I Got Rhythm

John Pizzarelli is easily one the greatest living 7-string jazz guitar players. He's got a thing for old jazz standards, and after hearing him sing and play, I can tell he really appreciates the history and gift of jazz music. And his guitar is super sweet. He's playing Moll guitars now, but he used to play a signature Benedetto model. Pretty awesome if you ask me.

Joe Pass on the Archtop Guitar

Joe Pass is easily one of my guitar heroes. This guy could do it all. He played with Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, and Louis Bellson among others. He recorded the first record on the Concord Jazz record label with Johnny Mathis. Walking basslines, melodies, counterpoint - he was the George Van Eps of 6-string guitar! Furthermore, he recorded several albums with the greatest jazz vocalist of all time, Ella Fitzgerald. There is something magical about hearing Joe Pass and Ella Fitzgerald perform together. Their duet of strings and voice is something that no one else can even come close to. If you don't have any other their albums or his albums, grab one today. They are spectacular.

My Favorite 7-String Jazz Guitarists

When it comes to 7-string guitar players, George Van Eps is the king of all. By far. No questions asked. He literally invented the concept of 7-string jazz guitar by drafting the specs for the first 7-string archtop with the luthiers at Epiphone back in the 1940's. George Van Eps had so much talent, imagination, and ingenuity, I doubt his skills will ever be matched. There are a few that come close. To name a few of my favorites: Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, Ron Eschete, Lenny Breau, Jimmy Bruno, Victor Baker, Alan de Mause, Howard Morgan, Ted Ludwig, and Jimmy Foster. There are many more, but these are my favorite 7-string players.