Wes Montgomery forever changed jazz guitar. Playing with his thumb instead of a pick, he created a warm, rounded tone that was instantly his own.

The instrument hasn’t always been a central player in jazz, but the best guitarists have taken up the challenge of finding their own way. Fourteen musicians and writers share their favorites. Credit..

Jazz guitar has always been a dynamic art form, adapting to new styles while staying rooted in tradition. From the early swing and bebop pioneers to today’s fusion innovators, guitarists have expanded ...