Ten Essential Jazz Guitarists to Know

Here is another of my endless lists of artists you should know in a certain genre. I enjoy doing these because if you are interested in a certain style, this will give you an idea of where to start. As alway, the artists are in no particular order. Just a list of great artists in the genre.
1. Charlie Christian
All discussion of jazz on a guitar starts right here with Charlie. He was an originator and innovator in the genre. Using the guitar as a solo instrument in jazz was not really done that much before him. He used chord voicings that were like a little horn section, playing chord solos on the amplified electric archtop guitar, with the swing of a Coletrain or Monk. All jazz guitarists can trace at least some of their technique and style to Charlie Christian.
2. Wes Montgomery
Described as a natural extension of Charlie Christian, Wes picked up the torch and carried it forward. Wes used a heavy tone and a thumb stroke to produce his trademark tones. Soloing in single notes, octaves and then chord fragments, Wes played difficult passages with the upmost of ease. I recommend ALL of his recordings. I have never been disappointed by a Wes Montgomery recording. The Riverside sessions, as well as the Verve sides, were are great. Wes is my all time favorite guitarist and jazz artist.
2. Barney Kessel
An early electric guitarist, Barney Kessell was both a commercial studio musician and a sought- after jazz player. In the era after Charlie Christian, Kessell picked up the torch of the jazz guitar and carried it forward. He cut his teeth performing with greats like Artie Shaw and Oscar Peterson. In the 70s, Kessel played with a guitar trio with Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd. Talk about an all-star team! I loved Kessel's smooth "west coast" style.
3. Herb Ellis
Herb played Bop with a western drawl, they say. Including elements of bop and western swing style riffs, Herb was an excellent guitarist. Herb has done trio work with Joe Pass and Barney Kessel, and his fluid style rings through. Herb played with Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, and a myriad of others.
4. Joe Pass
Joe was a great guitarist and creator of his own "virtuoso" style, as can be heard on his "Vitruoso" album series on Pablo records. He would play impossible arrangements of standards on the solo guitar, unaccompanied. In a group setting, Joe played with Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn, as well as Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. His expressive solo runs on guitar and beautiful chord voicings. You gotta check out some Joe!
5. Django Reinhardt
Here is a pre-electric guitarist who had a great influence on the jazz scene. He used an "outside the box" approach to solos and melodies that hearkened back to his gypsy soul. Django took the humble accoustic guitar and put it front and center on the bandstand alongside "serious" jazz instruments. He passed away at the dawn of the electric age, but his style and influence will not be forgotten.
6. Jim Hall
I include Jim Hall because I like his non-flashy style of playing. His style is more laid back and he likes to create beautiful sonic landscapes with his chords. Jim does not try to impress with hot licks, but to find the right chord and tone to fit the song. He is creates some of jazz guitar's most beautiful music because of his fundamental style.
7. Kenny Burrell
Duke Ellington listed Kenny as his favorite guitar player. Not a bad endorsement. No doubt it was for his tasteful, swinging style and cool bop. He played on sesions with Dizzy Gillespie, Coltrane and Billie Holiday to name a few. Kenny did a lot of nice solo work as well as the sides he cut with the aforementioned jazz legends.
8. Pat Martino
Pat has been a great innovator in jazz guitar, emerging in the 60s. Pat incorporated jazz, rock and world music into his style, and created something entirely new. Pat had a stroke at age 36 and had to completely relearn the guitar. He did, and is still a great guitarist.
9. Pat Metheny
Pat is not afraid to take chances. That is for sure. Like artillery, some of it hits the target and some of it doesn't. Pat is both a talented player and fearless innovator. That said, be careful of his material because some of it is very challenging to the listener. Pat brings modern- era playing into jazz guitar using world, avant garde, rock etc. into his technique.
10. Al Di Meola
I put Al on the list because it's my list and I wanted him there... But seriously, I have been a fan of Al's beautiful playing since I caught on with him in the 70s with Return to Forever. Al plays a fusion of world, flamenco, latin and classic jazz riffs and blends them into a nice mix. One of the most melodic and romantic players of the modern era.
These are the guys I would check out if I was interested in getting into a jazz cd collection and liked guitar music. There are an incredible amount of great jazz guitarists, and I had to leave a lot of greats off the list, but these are the ten I feel have had the most influence. Happy Listening!