What Makes a Great Guitarist? Sean Hurwitz Weighs In

Hey y’all!

A while back, I dove into what makes a great guitarist in a blog piece with guitarist and artist Tom White. That convo really got me thinking about:

What actually separates “good” producers, engineers, and musicians from the great ones?

What are the real hallmarks?

I figured it was time to revisit that question- and who better to unpack it with than another incredible guitarist?

I had an absolute blast catching up with Sean Hurwitz (Smash Mouth, Enrique Iglesias, Gin Blossoms) to get his take.

I asked him:

“In your opinion, what are the hallmarks of a GREAT guitarist?”

Sean Hurwitz on the Hallmarks of a Great Guitarist

He said: “When I think about what makes a great guitarist, I immediately think of the legendary players I grew up listening to—and even more that I’m discovering now

With that said, I’d like to point out that you don’t need ALL the skills I’m gonna mention in order to be a VERY successful guitarist/musician. Sometimes, the passion OR the tone OR the technical side could be all you need in order to shine in your own unique way. You may not need them all in order to be successful. But they’re sure nice to have. :)

A great guitarist isn’t just someone who can shred and look cool while doing it. It's about having a unique combination of technical skill, musicality, and emotional depth that elevates their playing. Here are, in my mind, the hallmarks of a great guitarist:

Technical Abilities: Knowing the Neck Inside Out

The foundation of any great guitarist is their command over the instrument.

They know the neck inside out and can handle fast riffs, chord changes and interesting techniques smoothly, staying spot-on and in the pocket every time.

After all, you’re playing with other people. Gotta make sure you’re locked in with them too.

Feel and Expression: Emotion Is Everything

Perhaps the most defining trait of a great guitarist is their ability to evoke emotion through their playing. It's not just about technical proficiency, but how they make every note memorable. A great guitarist can make a single note or a simple riff resonate deeply with listeners, tapping into raw human emotion.

I’ve seen it and heard it time and time again over the years.

Versatility: Bridging Genres Creatively

I don’t think one necessarily needs to be fluent in all genres in order to be amazing at one of them. But having a good understanding of how the guitar fits into many genres can allow the guitarist to bring fresh elements to every piece they play.

They make that genre “their own” in a way.

Creativity and Innovation: Breaking the Mold

Great guitarists aren't afraid to push boundaries. They experiment with different styles, techniques, and sounds, often making it their own as I mentioned. Whether it's bending the rules of music theory, creating sick riffs, or using new techniques they may pick up from across the genres and then change them around, they set trends rather than follow them.

Stage Presence: Owning the Moment

A great guitarist shines in live performances. Their confidence, energy, and connection with the crowd make the show unforgettable. Whether they’re playing in an intimate setting or a massive arena, their ability to engage with the crowd and deliver a truly memorable performance elevates them above other musicians.

The best guitarists out there have an awesome combo of amazing skills AND some incredible feel. They don’t just play music—they play in a way that makes memories for life.”

Why Emotion Stands Out Most

After reading Sean’s answer, one thing really stuck with me: the ability to evoke emotion. At the end of the day, no matter what role we’re playing—whether we’re producing, engineering, performing, or singing—we’re all just trying to help the music say something. Something real, that moves people.

To sum it up, Sean’s breakdown of the hallmarks of a great guitarist is such a solid reminder. Indeed, technical skills and stage presence are important- but above all, it’s about connection.

Big thanks to Sean for sharing his insight- it was such a fun and thoughtful convo.

Catch y’all in the next blog!