1. Tommy Emmanuel

Known for his virtuosic fingerstyle technique and energetic performances, Tommy Emmanuel is a master of the acoustic guitar. His ability to seamlessly blend melody, harmony, and rhythm is truly awe-inspiring. By studying his playing, you can learn how to incorporate percussive elements into your own fingerstyle arrangements.

2. Don Ross

Don Ross is a Canadian fingerstyle guitarist known for his innovative approach to the instrument. He often incorporates alternate tunings and tapping techniques into his playing, creating a unique and dynamic sound. By listening to Don Ross, you can learn how to think outside the box and push the boundaries of traditional fingerstyle guitar.

3. Andy McKee

Andy McKee gained viral fame with his performance of “Drifting” on YouTube, showcasing his incredible fingerstyle skills. He is known for his use of extended techniques, such as harp harmonics and slap harmonics, to create rich and textured sounds on the guitar. By studying Andy McKee’s playing, you can learn how to expand your sonic palette and experiment with new sounds.

4. Sungha Jung

As a YouTube sensation, Sungha Jung has gained a massive following for his beautiful fingerstyle arrangements of popular songs. His precise technique and emotive playing have captivated audiences around the world. By listening to Sungha Jung, you can learn how to arrange songs for solo guitar and create captivating performances.

5. Kaki King

Kaki King is a pioneering fingerstyle guitarist known for her innovative use of the guitar as a percussive and melodic instrument. She often incorporates open tunings and unconventional playing techniques into her music, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar. By studying Kaki King’s playing, you can learn how to approach the guitar with creativity and originality.

6. Antoine Dufour

Antoine Dufour is a Canadian fingerstyle guitarist known for his intricate and emotive compositions. His melodic playing and technical prowess have earned him a dedicated following among fingerstyle guitar fans. By listening to Antoine Dufour, you can learn how to craft beautiful and expressive melodies on the guitar.

7. Erik Mongrain

Erik Mongrain is a French-Canadian fingerstyle guitarist known for his percussive and dynamic playing style. He often uses tapping and slapping techniques to create rhythmic textures on the guitar. By studying Erik Mongrain’s playing, you can learn how to add depth and complexity to your fingerstyle arrangements.

8. Jon Gomm

Jon Gomm is a British fingerstyle guitarist known for his soulful playing and powerful vocals. He often combines fingerstyle guitar with singing to create intimate and emotional performances. By listening to Jon Gomm, you can learn how to blend guitar and voice seamlessly and convey emotion through your playing.

9. Preston Reed

Preston Reed is a pioneering fingerstyle guitarist known for his innovative percussive techniques and complex compositions. His rhythmic playing and percussive slaps on the guitar create a full and dynamic sound. By studying Preston Reed’s playing, you can learn how to incorporate percussive elements into your fingerstyle arrangements and create a full-bodied sound on the guitar.

10. Samantha Fish

Samantha Fish is a blues guitarist known for her soulful playing and powerful vocals. She often incorporates fingerstyle techniques into her bluesy guitar playing, creating a unique and dynamic sound. By listening to Samantha Fish, you can learn how to infuse your fingerstyle playing with soul and emotion.