description Django Reinhardt Overview
Django Reinhardt was a Belgian-born guitarist who co-founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934 and became a pioneer of Gypsy jazz.
help Django Reinhardt FAQ
Why is Django Reinhardt central to Gypsy jazz?
Reinhardt co-founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934 with violinist Stéphane Grappelli. His acoustic guitar style, fast single-note runs, and swing rhythm became the model for what is now often called Gypsy jazz or jazz manouche.
How did Django Reinhardt play after injuring his hand?
A fire badly injured Reinhardt's left hand when he was young, leaving two fingers with limited use. He adapted by building a highly personal technique around his index and middle fingers for fast lead lines.
What Django Reinhardt recordings should a beginner hear first?
Start with 1930s Quintette du Hot Club de France recordings such as Minor Swing, Nuages, and Djangology. They feature Reinhardt's guitar with Stéphane Grappelli's violin in the small-group format that made him famous.
Did Django Reinhardt play electric guitar late in his career?
Yes. After World War II, Reinhardt experimented with electric guitar and absorbed bebop-era ideas, though his 1930s acoustic work remains his best-known legacy.
explore Explore More
Similar to Django Reinhardt
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
