Guitarists (Jazz) for hire in London

Hire a Jazz Guitarist in London

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 drive of gypsy jazz in the Django Reinhardt tradition, the players available near you cover a broad range of jazz styles. For a broader search that includes classical, acoustic pop and rock, see our main guitarists for hire page, and if you want a fuller sound with several musicians, our jazz bands page lists trios, quartets and larger ensembles.

Booking a jazz guitarist for a wedding

Jazz guitar suits the parts of a wedding day that call for relaxed, sophisticated background music. A drinks reception is the most common booking, where the music sets the tone as guests mingle. It also works well through a wedding breakfast or an afternoon reception, and some players will cover the ceremony itself with softer standards or bossa nova. If you have a particular song in mind for a processional or a first dance, raise it early so the guitarist has time to prepare an arrangement. Our wedding musicians page lists other instrumental acts in the area that pair well with a jazz guitarist across the day.

Jazz styles to listen for

Most jazz guitarists build a set around standards from the Great American Songbook, pieces like Autumn Leaves, Fly Me To The Moon and Misty, and then vary from there. Some lean towards bossa nova in the Jobim tradition, some towards swing, and some towards gypsy jazz, which is faster, more percussive and built on acoustic tone rather than a smooth electric sound. If that is the style you are after, the gypsy swing bands are worth comparing as well. Tone varies as much as repertoire, depending on whether the player uses an acoustic archtop, a nylon-string guitar or a hollow-body electric, so the audio and video clips on each profile are the fastest way to judge the sound before booking.

Corporate events and private parties

Jazz guitar is a natural fit for corporate entertaining, where the music has to lift the room without overwhelming conversation. Drinks receptions, formal dinners, product launches, gallery openings and client hospitality all suit a solo player. The instrument takes very little space, needs minimal setup and works in both intimate rooms and larger spaces with moderate amplification. Many players also offer an expanded line-up, adding a second guitarist for rhythm or a double bass and drums for a full trio, so it is worth asking what each act can field beyond the solo format.

What a jazz guitarist costs

Jazz guitarists in London currently range from £170 to £1,770, with an average of £300. Price depends on the length of the performance, the day of the week, travel distance and whether you want a duo or trio rather than a solo player. Weekend weddings in peak season sit at the higher end, while shorter corporate sets and midweek bookings are usually more affordable. Use the price comparison section on this page to see how rates vary between the acts near you, and contact individual guitarists for an accurate quote.