guitarist
gih-TAH-rihst
Guitarist (noun) means a person who plays the guitar. Example: “The band's lead guitarist wrote most of the riffs.”
noun
1
A person who plays the guitar.
"The band's lead guitarist wrote most of the riffs."
"She has been a professional guitarist for over twenty years."
How to use guitarist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who plays the guitar, whether as a hobby or professionally.
Common pairings
lead guitarist
rhythm guitarist
session guitarist
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Word forms
- Plural
- guitarists
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The band's lead _____ wrote most of the riffs.
Etymology
From "guitar" plus the agent suffix "-ist."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “guitarist” mean?
The word “guitarist” means a person who plays the guitar. In plain terms, someone who plays the guitar, whether as a hobby or professionally.
How do you pronounce “guitarist”?
“Guitarist” is pronounced gih-TAH-rihst (/ɡɪˈtɑɹɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “guitarist” in a sentence?
Here is “guitarist” used in a sentence: “The band's lead guitarist wrote most of the riffs.”
What part of speech is “guitarist”?
“Guitarist” is a noun.
Is “guitarist” a common word?
“Guitarist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a guitarist and a guitar player?
Both terms describe someone who plays the guitar, but "guitarist" is the more formal, professional-sounding label often used in music credits and reviews, while "guitar player" is a more casual, everyday phrase. In practice the two are interchangeable and mean the same thing.
What is the difference between a lead guitarist and a rhythm guitarist?
A lead guitarist typically plays melodies, riffs, and solos that stand out in a song, while a rhythm guitarist focuses on chords and strumming patterns that support the band's overall groove. Both are guitarists, but the terms describe their role within a group rather than a different type of musician.
Do you need to read music to be called a guitarist?
No, being a guitarist simply means you play the guitar; it does not require the ability to read sheet music. Many guitarists learn by ear, from tablature, or through improvisation rather than formal music notation.
