Charlie Byrd holds a unique place in jazz history. He famously played fingerstyle on a nylon-string classical guitar, at a time when most jazz guitarists favored archtop electrics with steel strings. Byrd’s approach was rooted in serious classical study – he trained with Sophocles Papas in Washington, D.C. and

In this episode of The Guitar Journal podcast, I sit down with the incomparable Adam Levy—guitarist, songwriter, educator, and all-around creative force. You’ve likely heard Adam’s playing on Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me, or in collaborations with Tracy Chapman, Vulfpeck, or Liz Wright. Beyond his impressive

Discover the top 10 nylon-string guitars for jazz in 2025—warm tone, great playability, and picks for every budget.