Why Hollow and Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars Dominate in Jazz
For many jazz guitarists, the choice of a hollow or semi-hollow body electric guitar is a no-brainer. The warmth and resonance these guitars bring to their sound are perfectly suited for the smooth, mellow vibe of jazz music. Take my son, for instance, who performs jazz gigs regularly with his Gibson ES-137 Hollow body guitar.
The Unique Sound: Hollow and Semi-Hollow Guitars
Semi-hollow guitars, characterized by their hollow center section, offer a more mellow and resonant tone. This allows jazz guitarists like my son to create that signature warm, smooth sound that defines their music. The versatility of semi-hollow guitars extends beyond just jazz—they can be used for a wide range of styles, from Jazz Fusion to Bluegrass, and even for creative soloing.
The Evolution of Jazz Guitars
In the early days of jazz, the hollow body arch top guitar was the primary choice. This guitar became popular during the jazz era of the 1920s and was also the first popular electric guitar in the 1930s. As a result, the tones of the hollow body arch top electric guitar became the quintessential tone associated with jazz. However, the semi-hollow electric guitar was introduced in the 1950s, with the Gibson ES-335 by Ted McCarthy being a noteworthy example. Initially, these guitars were more popular among rock and blues musicians.
The Rise of Fusion and Hybrid Guitars
In the late 1960s, a new form of jazz called Fusion emerged, combining jazz with contemporary genres like rock and RB. Guitarists who played Fusion required a guitar that could handle the higher volumes, leading to feedback issues with hollow body guitars. As a result, semi-hollow and solid body electric guitars became preferred instruments for jazz musicians. Many guitarists found the flexibility to play both Fusion and traditional jazz with the same instrument, further cementing the association of hollow, semi-hollow, and solid body guitars with jazz.
The Versatility of Jazz Guitarists
Jazz guitarists do not adhere to a single type of guitar. While hollow body guitars were initially associated with jazz, the versatility of semi-hollow guitars and the adaptability of solid body guitars allowed jazz guitarists to explore a wide range of sounds and styles. Many jazz guitarists also play steel string flat top acoustic guitars and classical guitars with nylon strings.
The key point here is that it is not the type of guitar that makes the music jazz, but rather how the guitarist plays it. Whether it is a hollow, semi-hollow, solid body, or even an acoustic or classical guitar, the jazz is in the execution.
About the Author:
Our family's love for jazz extends through generations. I've been supporting my son's musical journey with guitars, from his Gibson ES-137 Hollow body to my Gibson ES-175 with flatwounds. The warmth and timbre of these guitars are really what it comes down to.