Gibson es 175

Best Jazz Guitars - Top 12

Jazz guitars are renowned for their smooth tones, responsiveness, and versatility.

In this article, we present a curated list of the 12 best jazz guitars available today.

Each guitar comes with a short description, highlighting its unique features, followed by the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.

1. Gibson ES-175

The Gibson ES-175 is a legendary jazz guitar known for its warm, full-bodied tone and exceptional sustain.

Its semi-hollow body design and dual humbucker pickups deliver a classic jazz sound.

The ES-175 is versatile, capable of producing a wide range of tones suitable for various jazz styles.

Pros:

  • Iconic design.
  • Versatile sound.
  • Respected heritage.

Cons:

  • High price.
  • Heavier weight compared to some models.

Famous Users:

  • Joe Pass.
  • Pat Metheny.
Gibson es 175

2. Ibanez LGB30 George Benson

The Ibanez LGB30 George Benson is an affordable signature model designed in collaboration with jazz legend George Benson.

It features a comfortable, slim neck profile for effortless playability. The floating humbucker pickup provides warm, articulate tones.

The guitar's solid construction and reliable electronics make it a dependable choice for jazz enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • Comfortable playability.
  • Reliable electronics.

Cons:

  • Tone may lack warmth compared to high-end options.
  • Limited tonal versatility.

Famous Users:

  • George Benson.
  • Earl Klugh.
Ibanez lgb30 georges benson

3. Gretsch G2622 Streamliner

The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner is a budget-friendly jazz guitar with a classic hollow body design.

It produces a distinctive, warm jazz tone thanks to its Broad'Tron humbucker pickups.

The guitar's versatile sound makes it suitable for jazz, blues, and rock genres. Its aesthetic appeal and vintage-inspired design add to its charm.

Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • Distinctive sound.
  • Versatility.

Cons:

  • Potential feedback issues at higher volumes.
  • Stock pickups may not satisfy all players.

Famous Users:

  • Jim Campilongo.
  • Emily Remler.
Gretsch g2622 streamliner

4. Gibson ES-330

The Gibson ES-330 is a classic hollow body guitar that offers a warm and articulate tone, making it highly sought after by jazz guitarists.

It features a fully hollow body construction, P-90 pickups, and a comfortable neck profile.

The ES-330's lightweight design and resonance contribute to its lively and dynamic sound.

Pros:

  • Classic hollow body design.
  • Warm and articulate tone.
  • Lightweight construction.

Cons:

  • Limited sustain compared to guitars with a solid center block. 
  • Potential feedback at high volumes.

Famous Users:

  • Grant Green.
  • Jim Hall
Gibson es 330

5. Heritage H-575

The Heritage H-575 is a meticulously crafted jazz guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern playability.

It produces exceptional tonal quality and resonance, thanks to its solid spruce top and curly maple back and sides.

The H-575's elegant design and superb build quality make it a favorite among discerning jazz players.

Pros:

  • Exceptional craftsmanship.
  • Excellent tonal quality.
  • Solid construction.

Cons:

  • Higher price.
  • Limited availability compared to mass-produced brands.

Famous Users:

  • Kenny Burrell.
  • Ed Cherry.
H 575 heritage guitars

6. D'Angelico EXL-1

The D'Angelico EXL-1 is a jazz guitar that exudes vintage charm and elegance.

It features a single-cutaway, fully hollow body design with a spruce top and maple back and sides.

The guitar's balanced tone, comfortable playability, and versatile sound make it well-suited for a range of jazz styles.

Pros:

  • Elegant design.
  • Versatile.
  • Comfortable playability.

Cons:

  • Limited color options.
  • Pickups may lack clarity for some players.

Famous Users:

  • Jimmy Raney.
  • Joe Pass.
D angelico exl1 guitar

7. Gibson L-5 CES

The Gibson L-5 CES is a flagship jazz guitar, widely considered one of the finest instruments in the jazz world.

Its rich, full-bodied tone, excellent projection, and sustain make it an iconic choice for professional jazz guitarists.

The L-5 CES features a carved spruce top, maple back and sides, and high-quality electronics.

Pros:

  • Rich tone.
  • Exceptional craftsmanship.
  • Iconic design.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Heavier weight compared to some models.
  • Famous Users: Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino.
Gibson wes montgomery L5 ces

8. Ibanez GB10 George Benson

The Ibanez GB10 is a signature model guitar designed in collaboration with renowned jazz guitarist George Benson.

It is a hollow-body electric guitar that combines traditional jazz tones with modern playability. 

Pros:

  • Versatile Jazz Tones:
  • Comfortable Playability: The guitar features a comfortable neck profile and an accessible upper fret range.
  • Quality Construction

Cons:

  • Limited tonal range.
  • Higher price tag.

Famous Users:

  • George Benson
  • Pat Metheny
  • Larry Carlton
Ibanez gb10 georges benson

9. Eastman AR372CE

The Eastman AR372CE is an affordable jazz guitar that doesn't compromise on quality. Its fully hollow body construction and high-quality tonewoods contribute to its warm and rich jazz tone.

The guitar offers solid construction, dependable hardware, and good overall playability, making it an excellent value-for-money option.

Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • Warm tone.
  • Solid construction.

Cons:

  • Less brand recognition.
  • Finishing may be less refined.

Famous Users:

  • John Pisano
  • Peter Bernstein.
Eastman ar372ce

10. PRS SE Hollowbody II

The PRS SE Hollowbody II is a versatile jazz guitar with a semi-hollow construction.

It combines the warmth and resonance of a hollow body with the sustain and stability of a solid body guitar.

The guitar's balanced and articulate tone, along with its solid build quality, make it suitable for various genres beyond jazz.

Pros:

  • Versatile.
  • Balanced tone.
  • Solid build quality.

Cons:

  • Less resonance compared to fully hollow guitars.
  • Higher price.

Famous Users:

  • Tim Pierce.
  • David Grissom.
Prs se hollowbody

11. Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II

The Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II is a vintage-inspired jazz guitar known for its warm and mellow tone.

Its Canadian wild cherry archtop and back, along with a floating P-90 pickup, deliver rich, resonant sounds ideal for jazz and blues genres.

The guitar offers great value for money without compromising on quality.

Pros:

  • Vintage-inspired design.
  • Warm tone.
  • Great value for money.

Cons:

  • Limited tonal versatility.
  • Potential quality control issues.

Famous Users:

  • Bill Kirchen.
  • Duke Robillard.
Godin 5th avenue kingpin

12. Ibanez Artcore AF95

The Ibanez Artcore AF95 is a budget-friendly hollow body jazz guitar that delivers a smooth and expressive tone.

Its hollow body construction contributes to its warm and resonant sound, while the comfortable neck profile ensures easy playability.

The guitar offers good versatility for jazz and other musical styles.


Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • Smooth tone.
  • Good playability.

Cons:

  • May require some setup adjustments.
  • Not as high-end as other options.

Famous Users:

  • John Scofield.
  • Pat Metheny.
Ibanez af95

Conclusion:


Choosing the right jazz guitar is a personal decision that depends on your preferences, playing style, and budget. Consider the pros and cons of each guitar to find the instrument that aligns with your musical goals and provides the desired tonal characteristics for your jazz performances.

  • Guitar Scale Dictionary

    This E-book is a printable PDF method including over 700 scale diagrams and formula charts for guitarists.
  • Guitar Chord Dictionary

    This PDF eBook provides over 550 guitar chord shapes. This is the perfect reference guide to understand how chords are built and how to play them on the guitar neck.
  • 30 Groovy Jazz Guitar Licks

    This downloadable package contains a PDF WITH audio files giving access to 30 groovy guitar phrases mixing jazz, blues and funky licks for beginners.
  • 172 Arpeggio Shapes For Guitar

    This printable PDF is a method dedicated to guitarists of all styles who want to learn build and play the most important types of arpeggios.
  • 126 Triad Chord Shapes

    This handbook for guitar players is intended both for teachers and students. It includes 126 guitar shapes for mastering triads.
  • Major Scale Harmonization

    This package provides a printable PDF with exercises and audio files to learn how to harmonize the major scale with 3 note chords and their extensions.
  • 30 Minor Arpeggio Licks

    This package includes a printable PDF method containing 30 exercises with tabs, staves and audio files for practicing minor arpeggios on guitar.
  • II V I Bundle - 170 Exercises

    This bundle contains 4 PDF methods for a total of 170 exercises with tabs, staves, analysis & audio files for practicing scales, arpeggios licks & chords over the 2-5-1 progression.
  • Diatonic Licks Bundle

    This package contains 120 jazz guitar lines based on diatonic modes as Mixolydian, Dorian and Ionian. PDF format with tabs, audio files and analysis.
  • 30 Smooth Jazz Guitar Licks

    In this package you'll get a printable PDF Method with tabs, notation, analysis, scale shapes and audio files for practicing 30 smooth jazz guitar licks.
  • 40 II V I Jazz Guitar Licks

    This pdf method for guitar contains fourteen 2 5 1 jazz guitar lines with tab, standard notation, analysis, scale charts and audio files.
  • 50 II-V-I voicings

    This printable PDF guitar method provides 50 exercises with audio files, analysis, tab and staves for learning major 2-5-1 chord voicings.
  • 40 Minor 2 5 1 Chord Voicings

    This PDF method contains 40 exercices with tabs, scores and audio files for practicing jazz guitar chords over the minor 2 5 1 progression.
  • 40 Minor II V I Licks

    This guitar method is a printable PDF with tabs, diagrams, theory and audio files providing 40 minor 2 5 1 jazz patterns.
  • 40 Mixolydian Jazz Guitar Lick

    PDF guitar method with tabs, audio files and theory providing 40 dominant jazz guitar lines for teachers and students.
  • 40 Minor Jazz Guitar Licks

    This printable guitar method in PDF format contains 40 easy minor jazz guitar lines based on the Dorian mode.
  • 40 Major Jazz Guitar Licks

    Printable PDF eBook method containing 40 major jazz guitar licks with tab, standard notation and audio files for beginners and intermediates.
  • Guitar Walking Bass Lines

    This jazz guitar method about walking bass lines and chords is available as a PDF files containing 35 exercises with tabs, analysis and audio files
  • 101 Dominant Arpeggio Patterns

    This printable PDF method provides 101 dominant arpeggio exercises with tab, theory and standard notation for the jazz, blues and rock guitarist.
  • 49 Essential Jazz Lines

    This printable eBook method in PDF format provides 49 jazz solo transcriptions of the greatest jazz musicians. Tab, standard notation, audio files & analysis.
  • 11 Jazz Blues Studies

    11 jazz blues chord studies with tabs, standard notation, analysis, and audio recordings and PDF.
  • 10 Easy Fingerstyle Blues

    This PDF with Tabs and audio files provides 10 easy acoustic fingerstyle blues guitar studies for kids and beginners.
  • 25 Altered Jazz Guitar Lines

    This PDF eBook method contains 25 altered jazz guitar licks with tabs, patterns, scale charts and audio files to master, apply and develop the altered scale.
  • 40 Blues Dominant Patterns

    This printable method is available as a PDF file containing 40 easy dominant jazz-blues guitar lines with tabs, standard notation, analysis, audio files and scale charts.
  • Mastering Pentatonic Scales

    This jazz guitar method is an eBook available as a PDF with standard notation, guitar tabs, diagrams, analysis, audio files and backing tracks. You will find in this booklet 25 easy jazz guitar lines with theory using common and rare pentatonic scales.
  • 25 Soul Jazz Guitar Licks

    You will find here an eBook available in PDF containing 25 soul jazz and hard bop guitar licks in the style of Grant Green, Melvin Sparks, George Benson. These jazz lines come with tabs, standard notation, guitar neck diagrams, backing track for practice and 25 audio files for each riff.
  • 25 Diminished Patterns

    This eBook PDF with audio files contains 25 dominant diminished jazz guitar patterns using the half-whole diminished scale and diminished 7th arpeggios.
  • 6 Tritone substitution licks

    This Printable PDF eBook available for free download contains 6 easy jazz guitar licks with tabs/notation, youtube video link and analysis about the tritone substitution.
  • 10 Minor 7 Arpeggio Patterns

    This printable PDF eBook offers 10 easy minor 7 arpeggio patterns with its related YouTube video for beginner guitarists.
  • 10 Easy Major 7 Arpeggio Licks

    This is a printable PDF for beginner jazz guitar players providing 10 easy licks to practice major 7 arpeggios.
  • 10 Chord Melody Lines

    Within this package, you'll discover a set of ten chord melody exercises for beginners. Printable PDFaudio files, a backing track, and a link to the associated YouTube video.
  • 10 Minor Blues Scale Licks

    You'll find here a PDF with 10 easy jazz guitar licks to practice the minor blues scale on guitar.
  • Mini Lesson 01 (ML 01)

    You'll find a mini guitar lesson about walking bass lines and chords containing a PDF with tab, score analysis, shapes, a video and a guitar pro file.
  • Mini Lesson 02 (ML 02)

    In this mini jazz guitar lesson you will learn how to play easy and cool jazz lines over basic chord changes found in jazz. Pdf, tab and video included.
  • Mini Lesson 03 (ML 03)

    With this short lesson you will learn how to play and connect basic guitar arpeggios over a diatonic chord progression.
  • Mini Lesson 04 (ML 04)

    This is a downloadable package with PDF, Tab, guitar pro file and video to practice guitar arpeggios over a jazz blues chord progression.
  • Mini Lesson 05 (ML 05)

    This downloadable package provides a PDF with Tab/score, a guitar pro file and a short video for practicing guitar arpeggios on a jazz blues progression in Bb.
  • Mini Lesson 06 (ML 06)

    This package for guitarists contains a PDF with tab, video, backing track and guitar pro file for practicing arpeggios over a basic jazz blues progression.
  • Mini Lesson 07 (ML 07)

    With this mini guitar lesson you will learn how to superimpose arpeggios over a diatonic chord progression. Video, pdf, jamtrack and guitar pro file included.
  • Mini Lesson 08 (ML08)

    Mini lesson with PDF, guitar pro file, video and backing track for practicing scale and arpeggio connections over a Bb jazz blues progression.
  • Mini Lesson 09 (ML09)

    This mini lesson is a downloadable package containing a PDF, video, backing track and guitar pro file of a jazz blues progression study in B.
  • Mini Lesson 10 (ML 10)

    This mini guitar lesson provides a printable PDF with tab/notation, video, backing track and guitar pro file for practicing open triads over Fly Me To The Moon.
  • Mini Lesson 11 (ML 11)

    This guitar lesson is a package inlcuding a PDF transcription with analysis, a short video, a backing track and a guitar pro file to learn to play jazz solo lines over Blue Bossa.
  • Guitar Arpeggios Poster

    This giant guitar poster for any guitar player, student or instructor contains colorful arpeggio diagrams. Giant size 24 x 36 inches (60 x 90 cm).
  • Guitar Scales Poster 24*36

    Guitar posters and wall art with eighteen neck diagrams representing the most used scales in music.
  • Guitar Chord Poster

    This printed color posters contains 63 guitar chord diagrams for jazz players, students, teachers and schools.
  • Guitar Modes Poster

    Guitar reference posters and wall art about modes of the major scale for guitar teachers, students and music schools.
  • Melodic Minor Modes Poster

    Educative and decorative giant guitar poster with neck diagrams, interval names about the seven modes of the melodic minor scale.
  • Pentatonic Scale Guitar Poster

    This guitar reference poster shows the positions and intervals of the major pentatonic scale.
  • Guitar Notes Poster

    This is a giant poster showing the notes on the guitar fret board and their positions on a musical staff.
  • Triads Guitar Poster

    This reference poster show the positions and intervals of the main triads used on guitar. This is a useful tool for guitarists, teacher and students.
  • Four Archtop Guitars Poster

    This is a decorative poster with four archtop jazz guitars. Several size and colors in landscape format available on Teespring and redbubble.
  • Intervals On Guitar - Poster

    This giant poster for guitar provides neck diagrams with interval positions.

jazz guitars best jazz guitars guitar reviews jazz guitarists Gibson ES-175 Ibanez LGB30 Gretsch G2622 Gibson ES-330 Heritage H-575 D'Angelico EXL-1 Gibson L-5 CES Fender Eastman AR372CE PRS Godin 5th Avenue Ibanez Artcore AF95

Add a comment

 

WELCOME,

CLICK THE IMAGE TO GET YOUR FREE PDF

Free pdf guitar