Music Blog: Unique Guitarists

by Finn Charlton

I need a break from the work blogs, so thought I'd share some music I love. I've themed this one as "unique guitarists": guitarists who have a unique life story and way of playing.

Django Reinhardt:

Django is a legend of jazz guitar, so much so that he practically founded the genre of "gypsy jazz" in 1930's France. This success came even after losing the use of the fourth and fifth finger on his left hand - meaning he had to significantly adapt his playing style. You can see this in the video above.

Blind Willie Johnson:

Blind Willie Johnson lost his sight (as his name suggests) at a young age. This didn't stop him from becoming a massively influential blues guitarist. His style was often reliant on slide guitar: the use of a hard "slide" with the fretting hand. You can hear this in the track above.

Seasick Steve:

One slide guitarist likely influenced by Willie Johnson is Seasick Steve. During a period of homelessness he handcrafted makeshift guitars that he still uses during performances. You can hear a song using (and about) one of them above.

Mdou Moctar:

This Saharan blues guitarist has one of the most unique electric guitar styles I have ever seen. Watch the guitar solos in the above track to see what I mean!