Jazz Guitarists for Hire

Hire a Jazz Guitarist in the UK

Jazz guitarists are one of the most versatile solo acts for events where you want live music that adds atmosphere without dominating the room. Whether it is the smooth tone of a hollow-body electric in the style of Wes Montgomery and George Benson, or the rhythmic energy of gypsy jazz in the Django Reinhardt tradition, the players on this page cover a broad range of jazz styles suited to weddings, corporate events and private parties across the UK. For a broader search that includes classical, acoustic pop and rock styles, see our main guitarists for hire page. If you are looking for a fuller jazz sound with multiple musicians, our jazz bands page lists trios, quartets and larger ensembles.

Jazz guitar for weddings

Jazz guitar works particularly well during the parts of a wedding day that call for relaxed, sophisticated background music. A drinks reception is the most common booking, where the music helps set the tone as guests mingle and conversation flows. Jazz guitar also suits a wedding breakfast or afternoon reception, and some players will cover the ceremony itself with softer standards or bossa nova pieces. If you have a specific song in mind for a processional, first dance or other key moment, most jazz guitarists are happy to prepare an arrangement, though it is best to raise this as early as possible so they have time to rehearse. For broader wedding music options, our wedding musicians page lists other instrumental acts that complement a jazz guitarist at different points in the day.

Styles and repertoire

Most jazz guitarists build their setlists around standards from the Great American Songbook and the jazz real book, including pieces like Autumn Leaves, All The Things You Are, Fly Me To The Moon and Misty. Beyond this core repertoire, many players also perform bossa nova (Jobim, Gilberto), gypsy jazz (Django Reinhardt, Stochelo Rosenberg) and swing, and some incorporate funk, Latin and blues influences into their playing. A growing number of jazz guitarists also offer jazzier interpretations of well-known pop songs, which can be a good option if you want the sophistication of a jazz sound with melodies your guests will recognise. Each player's style and tone will differ depending on whether they perform on an acoustic archtop, a nylon-string classical guitar or a solid or hollow-body electric, so listening to the audio and video clips on their profiles is the best way to judge the sound before you book.

Corporate and private events

Jazz guitar is a natural fit for corporate entertaining, where the music needs to enhance the room without overwhelming conversation. Drinks receptions, formal dinners, product launches, gallery openings and client hospitality events are all settings where a solo jazz guitarist works well. The instrument takes up minimal space, needs very little setup time and produces a sound that suits both intimate rooms and larger event spaces with moderate amplification. Some jazz guitarists also offer expanded lineups with a second guitarist to comp (play the rhythm while they take the melody), or a small ensemble with double bass and drums for a fuller jazz trio sound. If you want that kind of setup, it is worth asking individual acts what options they offer beyond the solo format.

What to expect when you book

A typical jazz guitarist booking covers two sets of around 45 minutes within a two-to-three hour window, with background music played from a speaker between sets. Most players are self-contained and bring their own amplification, so you will not normally need to provide a PA unless the venue is very large. If your event is outdoors, discuss this in advance: electric jazz guitars and amplifiers need mains power, and weather can affect both the instrument and the performance. Smart-casual dress is the default for most jazz guitarists, but if your event has a specific dress code or theme, mention this at the booking stage.

Jazz guitarist pricing

Jazz guitarist prices currently range from £100 to £2035, with an average of £342. The main factors that affect price are the length of the performance, the day of the week, travel distance and whether an expanded lineup (duo or trio) is requested. Weekend wedding bookings during peak season will be at the higher end, while shorter corporate sets and midweek events are usually more affordable. Use the price comparison section on this page to see how rates vary across the listings, and contact individual acts for an accurate quote.