The current world of guitar is a strange one indeed. The charts are dominated by synthesizers – even the rock charts – yet guitar is as popular as ever. Some might even say more popular. There are even more guitar heroes than ever before.

Don’t see them? You’re still looking for them on MTV, the radio, or on concert stages, aren’t you? Instead, take a look at YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. These platforms are perfect for delivering musical statements in the post-album era.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jasmin L (@vinterdvala)

Instagram Guitar

There are mind-blowing players from a slew of genres finding success online. Players as diverse as Mary Spender, Justin Johnson, Ola Englund, Laura Cox, Martin Miller, Brandon Acker, and Matthew Scott have built music empires.

But one style stands above the rest, even earning the nickname “Instagram Guitar.” That style is Neo-Soul.

The sound of Neo-Soul, a blend of jazz, funk, and R&B, is nothing new. You could argue players like George Benson, Curtis Mayfield, and Paul Jackson Jr. have played it since Charlie Christian funkified jazz guitar. It also often features programmed beats, synth pads, and ear-candy melodies. A few years ago, we would have called this smooth jazz, and hardcore jazzers would call it sellout pop. Just ask Benson.

But today, Neo-Soul reigns supreme.

Harnessing social media’s direct audience connection, Neo-Soul players like Mateus Asato, Melanie Faye, Arianna Powell, and Kerry “2 Smooth” Marshall have absolutely exploded. Their sultry melodies, addictive tones, and impressive techniques became a staple of the platforms. They’re also bridging the gap between the instrument and modern hip hop, pop, and electronic music.

The trend didn’t stop with the social media stars. A-list bands like Snarky Puppy, Vulfpeck, and The Funky Knuckles also incorporate the style while dominating YouTube guitar lists.

Why do players and non-players alike love Neo-Soul guitar so much? Probably because it effortlessly blends all of the best elements of our instrument into beautiful and impressive music.

The 5 Elements of Neo-Soul Guitar

• Gorgeous Guitar Tone
• Jazz Complexity
• R&B Groove
• Funky Fun
• Shred-like Technicality

Gorgeous Guitar Tone

No style or genre will ever succeed if it doesn’t sound good, right? Neo-Soul doesn’t have to worry about that. Somehow, darn near every Neo-Soul player worth their salt exudes addictive guitar tones.

Each player has their own take on the sound. Many lean on the classic Strat in-between setting, while others want the warmth and fullness of a humbucker-equipped hollow body. There really are no rules. That said, there are some commonly shared elements that Neo-Soul players embrace.

Clean Amp Tones

The first is a squeaky clean tone. That’s not surprising as the genre is a direct descendent of jazz, funk, and soul, all famous for their clean guitar. Many famous examples were recorded directly to the console with no amp or amp simulation; think Prince, Nile Rogers, and Cory Wong.

Getting this sound is relatively easy. Grab a guitar amplifier that delivers a clean tone you love. Plug in your favorite guitar and tweak the EQ for a warm sound with some top-end detail.

Reverb

As far as effects go, you really only need one; Reverb. It is especially important to social media-based solo guitarists. It fills out their tone while adding a touch of vintage vibe. You’ll find nearly every Neo-Soul player on YouTube with plenty on tap. From old-school springs to warm hall settings, it’s always giving them added character and space.

No matter your reverb flavor, if you’re after the solo, Neo-Soul thing, don’t be afraid to crank up the mix. You should be good as long as it doesn’t overtake the music itself.

Tech Tips:

Compression is another good effect to have on hand. It evens out a clean guitar tone’s extreme dynamics when used correctly. But be careful. Too much compression and you’ll squeeze the life out of your lines.

Jazz Complexity

While “Instagram Guitar’s” tones are a big reason for its popularity, it’s also harmonically complex. You’ll definitely need more than a familiarity with power chords to pull off. This is where jazz’s heavy influence makes its appearance.

Even in a 30-second clip, Neo-Soul guitarists often glide effortlessly through a deep catalog of chord inversions, melodies, and connecting lines, while mixing in various modes, scales, and chromaticism. They’re also often taking care of the melody, harmony, and bass lines all at once.

What separates Neo-Soul players from straight-ahead jazzers – we might piss off some jazz fans here – is that they do all of this while always keeping the music sexy as hell.

Speaking of which…

R&B Groove

Another part of Neo-Soul guitar’s appeal is its slinky, sexy grooves. While note choice gives it its elegance, the groove is what gives it its name. It’s also the driving force behind some of its trademark characteristics and techniques.

According to bass legend Larry Graham, he created his revolutionary slap bass technique out of necessity. He started slapping the strings with his thumb and popping the higher strings with his forefingers to mimic a drum groove when there wasn’t a drummer on the gig.

Neo-Soul guitar took the lesson to heart. No matter how complex the passage, they create ways to keep on the groove. Often utilizing bass-like slapping, their arrangements keep your butt moving as if listening to an entire band.

Funky Fun

On the other side of the Neo-Soul coin are the funk-infused players. While ascribing to all of the complexity and groove, they put a premium on bounce and energy. The tightly connected guitar community of Cory Wong, Mark Lettieri, Vulfpeck, and The Fearless Flyers are perfect examples.

While not dedicated Neo-Soul players, their funky, jazzy stylings share many influences with the genre, and it plays a massive role in their music. But instead of sultry, smooth R&B lines, it’s humor, joy, and the power of The-1 that pushes them forward.

Shred-like Technicality

Wait,…shred? Yes. Shred.

For any guitar style to catch on with other players, it needs to have an element of “look what I can do.” Prog Metal, another of social media’s massive guitar networks, is proof. If you’re a metalhead, you get it. But if you’re not, you can still appreciate the art form’s immense technical abilities and precision.

Neo-Soul has plenty of this flash, just in its own way. Executing its encyclopedia of chords can be challenging enough, but “Instagram Guitarists” combine them with lightning-fast runs and chordal flourishes. They cover bass lines, percussive rhythms, and melodies simultaneously. And they do it all with clean, unforgiving guitar tones.

The Future of Neo-Soul Guitar

True, social media is so full of Neo-Soul players that the style’s become synonymous with Instagram. Its overabundance is a lot like 1980s shred where everyone was trying to break the land speed record. But, like in the ’80s, you can not deny the immense talent these players possess.

Shred’s original heyday burned bright and fast. Yet, unlike its high-intensity tones and go-for-broke attitude, Neo-Soul is all about the vibe. Whether funky, sultry, or jazzy, “Instagram Guitar” its a joy to experience, and that keeps people coming back. So, while all styles eventually progress and evolve, here’s to Neo-Soul sticking around a while longer.

Let’s Talk Tone!

Do you have questions or comments? Don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email us here. And check out the rest of the Seymour Duncan blog to get deep on our products, artists, news, and new releases.