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John Jorgenson

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Photo: mediakit JohnJorgenson.com

John Jorgenson is widely regarded as one of the most versatile guitarists of his generation. While many players become known for mastering a single style, Jorgenson has achieved world-class status in country, rock, bluegrass, gypsy jazz, swing, and even classical-influenced music.

Some of the highlights of his career include:

  • The Desert Rose Band (1986–1994): As a founding member alongside Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, Jorgenson helped define the sound of modern country rock. During this period he won the Academy of Country Music’s Guitarist of the Year award three consecutive years.
  • The Hellecasters: Along with Will Ray and Jerry Donahue, he formed one of the greatest guitar trios ever assembled. Their blend of country, rock, jazz, and fingerstyle virtuosity made albums like The Return of the Hellecasters essential listening for guitar enthusiasts.
  • Elton John’s guitarist: Elton John originally hired him for what was planned as an 18-month tour, but Jorgenson remained for about six years, performing on tours, television appearances, and recordings. He later reunited with Elton for selected dates on the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
  • Gypsy jazz ambassador: Inspired by Django Reinhardt, Jorgenson became one of America’s foremost gypsy jazz musicians through the John Jorgenson Quintet, helping introduce the style to new audiences. He even portrayed Django Reinhardt in the 2004 film Head in the Clouds.

What makes him especially remarkable is that guitar isn’t even his only instrument. He’s also an accomplished player of:

  • Mandolin
  • Pedal steel guitar
  • Dobro
  • Mandocello
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Piano
  • Upright bass
  • Bassoon

That breadth of musicianship explains why artists as diverse as Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Luciano Pavarotti, Barbra Streisand, Earl Scruggs, and Tommy Emmanuel have all worked with him.

Playing style

Jorgenson has extraordinary technical facility, but what stands out is his ability to sound authentic in completely different genres.

  • Country: Crisp Telecaster picking with clean articulation and inventive double-stops.
  • Gypsy jazz: Lightning-fast alternate picking, sweeping arpeggios, and the unmistakable Django-inspired acoustic tone.
  • Rock: Tasteful melodic solos rather than excessive speed.
  • Bluegrass: Flatpicking that rivals specialist acoustic players.

Unlike many virtuosos, he rarely sounds like he’s “showing off.” His improvisations are highly melodic and always serve the music.

Where to start listening

If you’d like to hear different sides of his playing, I’d recommend:

  • Desert Rose Band – “One Step Forward” – classic country-rock lead guitar.
  • The Hellecasters – The Return of the Hellecasters – jaw-dropping instrumental guitar interplay.
  • John Jorgenson Quintet – Franco-American Swing – superb gypsy jazz.
  • Brad Paisley – “Cluster Pluck” – a Grammy-winning gathering of elite country guitarists featuring Jorgenson alongside Brent Mason, Albert Lee, Vince Gill, James Burton, Steve Wariner, and Redd Volkaert.

Among professional guitarists, Jorgenson is often described as a “musician’s musician”—someone whose name may not be widely known outside guitar circles, but whose versatility, tone, and musicianship earn enormous respect from fellow players.




Website John: https://johnjorgenson.com/


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Jonny Buckland

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Jonny Buckland is the lead guitarist and co-founder of Coldplay, and he’s one of the most influential atmospheric guitarists of the past 25 years. While he isn’t known for flashy solos or technical showmanship, his melodic, textural approach has shaped Coldplay’s sound from the beginning and inspired countless alternative and indie guitarists. We’re thankful for the support.

Early career

Jonathan Mark Buckland was born in London in 1977 and grew up in North Wales. He began playing guitar at age 11 after being inspired by bands such as U2, The Stone Roses, and My Bloody Valentine. Later, while studying mathematics and astronomy at University College London, he met Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, with whom he formed Coldplay.

Playing style

Buckland’s guitar philosophy is very much “less is more.” Instead of filling songs with notes, he creates memorable hooks and shimmering textures that complement Chris Martin’s vocals.

His signature elements include:

  • Clean, chiming tones
  • Extensive use of delay to create rhythmic echoes
  • Reverb for spaciousness
  • Sparse, melodic lead lines
  • Arpeggiated chord patterns
  • Occasional slide guitar

His style is frequently compared to The Edge of U2, but Buckland tends to be even more understated. Rather than making the guitar the centerpiece, he uses it to create atmosphere and emotional momentum.

Signature gear

Buckland is closely associated with the 1972 Fender Telecaster Thinline, although he also uses Fender Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Stratocasters, and Gibson ES-335s. His sound relies heavily on delay and modulation effects, with pedals such as the Line 6 DL4, Strymon Timeline, BOSS RV-3, MXR Phase 90, and Ibanez Tube Screamer appearing in his rig over the years.

Essential guitar tracks

If you want to hear why guitarists admire him, these songs are excellent examples:

  • “Shiver” – energetic alternative-rock riffs with expressive bends.
  • “Yellow” – one of modern rock’s most recognizable guitar motifs.
  • “Don’t Panic” – bright, intertwining arpeggios.
  • “Politik” – dramatic textures and powerful dynamics.
  • “In My Place” – a perfect example of melodic economy.
  • “Clocks” – subtle guitar layers supporting the iconic piano.
  • “Fix You” – restrained playing that builds beautifully with the song.
  • “Violet Hill” – one of his heavier, more aggressive performances.
  • “Charlie Brown” – shimmering delay-driven lead work.
  • “Adventure of a Lifetime” – inventive rhythmic guitar integrated with funk influences.

Why guitarists respect him

Among guitar players, Buckland is often praised less for technical virtuosity than for his taste. His parts are immediately recognizable, and he consistently finds lines that elevate a song without overpowering it. Discussions among guitarists frequently describe him as proof that memorable tone, phrasing, and songwriting can matter more than speed or complexity.


Photo: WikipediA


Jonny’s choice:


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Tiago Skiter

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