Bands & artists like Les Paul

If you like Les Paul, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

Artists to try next

Chet Atkins

Chet Atkins

Guide

Known for his fingerstyle guitar technique and blending of jazz with country, Chet Atkins shares a similar rhythmic complexity and melodic interplay.

classical music country music jazz
Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt

Guide

A pioneer of gypsy jazz, Reinhardt's intricate guitar work and vibrant improvisation mirror the dynamic textures found in Les Paul's compositions.

Gypsy jazz Romani music bebop
T-Bone Walker

T-Bone Walker

Walker’s pioneering electric blues guitar work incorporates complex rhythms and harmonies that align well with Les Paul’s dynamic soundscapes.

blues jazz
Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny

Guide

Metheny’s fusion of jazz with various genres features intricate melodies and harmonies that echo the vibrant interplay found in Les Paul's music.

Latin pop hard bop jazz
John McLaughlin

John McLaughlin

Guide

McLaughlin's work in jazz fusion showcases complex structures and virtuosity that parallel the rhythmic intricacies Les Paul is known for.

ethno jazz jazz jazz fusion
Bill Frisell

Bill Frisell

Guide

Frisell's eclectic mix of jazz, folk, and blues creates a rich sonic landscape reminiscent of the layered textures in Les Paul's recordings.

jazz post-bop progressive jazz
Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola

Guide

Di Meola's fast-paced, intricate guitar work blends jazz and world music influences, creating a vibrant sound that aligns with Les Paul's style.

jazz jazz fusion
Larry Coryell

Larry Coryell

Guide

As a key figure in jazz fusion, Coryell's innovative guitar techniques and harmonic explorations reflect the complexity found in Les Paul's music.

blues jazz

Common questions

Who sounds like Les Paul?

Artists similar to Les Paul include Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt, T-Bone Walker and Pat Metheny. Each shares elements of Les Paul's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is Les Paul?

Les Paul is primarily known for jazz. With a penchant for rhythmic complexity and layered textures, Les Paul's music pulsates with dynamic interplay between melody and harmony, creating a vibrant soundscape that captivates.

Where should I start if I like Les Paul?

If you enjoy Les Paul, start with Chet Atkins — their album "The Atkins-Travis Traveling Show" is a great entry point. Known for his fingerstyle guitar technique and blending of jazz with country, Chet Atkins shares a similar rhythmic complexity and melodic interplay.