Results for "Celebrating the Guitar Playing of Charlie Christian"

Video

Celebrating the Guitar Playing of Charlie Christian

Featuring the music of Charlie Christian
Duration: 11:00
July 29, 2025

Many know of guitarist Charlie Christian, but how many have studied his playing or even listened to one of his solos? Christian could be considered the most influential jazz guitarist ever. He demonstrated how a guitar with a pickup and amplifier could compete with horn players in playing fast, loud lead lines and solos. In addition, he contributed mightily to the vocabulary of bebop, including the insertion of upper chord extensions. This icon was born on July 29, 1916, became known for his work with Benny Goodman starting 1939, and died at the age of 25. Since there seem to be no video recordings of Christian, we here present a video of current teacher Nathan Borton explaining Christian's approach on "Grand Slam." If you’re looking for the real thing from the master, search YouTube for "Stompin’ at the Savoy (1941) - Charlie Christian."