Artist info
One of the major jazz guitarists, one of most influential jazz musicians in jazz history. He taught himself guitar in 1943, using his thumb rather than a pick. Montgomery developed this technique not for technical reasons. He worked as a machinist and practiced guitar late at night. He used his thumb to play more quietly just to keep his neighbors from complaining.Most often Montgomory played Gibson guitars (ES-175, L-5CES).
He died young (45 years) of a heart attack. However, Montgomery's influence is still felt on many guitarists.