Freddie Greene
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Freddie Greene was a prominent rhythm guitar player during the swing era of the 1930s. He only played an acoustic guitar. He was part of Count Basie's revolutionary rhythm section.
The style that he championed is still common among jazz rhythm guitarists. Unlike gypsy jazz rhythm guitar that plays on the syncopated rhythm, his style is to play straight quarter notes that follow the chord progression of the song.Since he played an acoustic guitar in a Big Band, he had to strum harder, to project his sound better.
What separated Greene from the rest of rhythm guitarists is his perfection of the style. Sevenths, sixths, ninths, and minor chords were all commonly used and beautifully placed. Many of the songs he played complement the rest of the band well, but could stand on their own.
