George Benson
Solo
The jazz-pop crossover king and master of scat-singing guitar. Renowned for simultaneously singing and soloing with blazing speed and impeccable bop vocabulary. Pioneered smooth jazz through Ibanez hollowbodies and Fender cleans, proving jazz could reach mainstream audiences without sacrificing technical mastery or sophisticated harmonic approach.
SIGNATURE TONE
Warm, punchy, and incredibly articulate. A thick jazz tone with a bit of 'thud', achieved with flatwound strings, floating pickups, and a pick held at a unique angle.
SIGNAL CHAINS BY ERA
Explore how the rig evolved over time
Cookbook Era (1964-1970)
Straight-ahead jazz. Playing with Jack McDuff and early solo albums. Gritty, fast bop lines.
Breezin' Era (1976-1980)
The platinum breakthrough. Polished, smooth jazz tone using the Ibanez GB10 signature model.
Modern Era (2000-Present)
The legend. Still touring with his signature Ibanez guitars and Fender amps.