Besides Django Reinhardt, are there any other greats that I should try learning? I’d prefer stuff that sounds good as a solo guitar, but I’m open to anything.
Bucky Pizzarelli is the first name that comes to mind. Mel Bay still publishes ‘Masters of the Plectrum Guitar’, which is edited by Bucky, and has some of the classic stuff from George Barnes, Dick McDonough, Carl Kress. The book is about 3/4 solo material with some duets at the back.
Frank Vignola is another: there are a couple of books and teaching videos out there.
Django’s specific style is referred to as Gypsy guitar these days, and I know there are quite a few books and vids covering that style from Mel Bay and Homespun. Most fun thing to do there is to hook up with a bassist, a violinist and a couple of guitarists and just play some of the Quintet de Hot Club de Paris rep…
Hope this helps,
Le Ministre
It depends on what you are trying to do - M Le Ministre offers great suggestions (although I don’t think of Django as swing but he is so brilliant I shouldn’t be nit-picking).
Charlie Christian is the original swing master, playing with Benny Goodman - look for a CD with a sextet featuring them - good stuff. There are a number of modern players who have updated the style, but it depends on whether you are a straight flat-picker or you play fingerstyle or a hybrid of the two. Tuck Andress of Tuck and Patti is a monster; Duke Robillard is also amazing - Duke’s Blues is a great, great CD.
If you like swing arrangements with a blusey feel the official name is “Jump Blues” and T-Bone Walker is the undisputed master. His Complete Imperial Recordings is the master class CD for that. If you want the ultimate lesson for How Its Done™ look no further.