I Should Have Just Learned How to Play the Organ: Interview with Charlie Hunter

Charlie Hunter is widely considered the pioneer of six-, seven- and eight-string – ‘hybrid’ – guitar playing. His distinctive technique combines guitar parts with bass lines and percussive elements, allowing him to function as a complete rhythm section. He has worked alongside an array of celebrated artists, spanning jazz, funk, soul and fusion settings, and has fronted many successful solo, duo and trio projects of his own. In this interview, Hunter reveals his general philosophy towards music-making, discusses his distinctive playing technique and unpacks his personal approach to learning to play – and advancing – ‘hybrid’ guitar. Furthermore, he elaborates upon more general performative concepts such as developing interdependence and the consideration of role within an ensemble and stresses the importance of continually maintaining a presence with the drummer.