George Van Eps

Originally a banjo player, George Van Eps became an important innovator in the world of jazz guitar. His use of the instrument's harmonic qualities and his development of the seven-string guitar, with its extended bass capabilities, represented a unique new approach. Although infrequent appearances kept him in relative obscurity for much of his career (he was active for most of the 20th century), Van Eps nevertheless had a lasting influence on jazz guitarists.