“Eric Gales’ rendition of Hendrix’s Little Wing sounds like the gates of heaven opening up”: Melanie Faye names 13 guitarists who shaped her sound

Melanie Faye.

At the age of 26, Huntsville, Alabama-born Melanie Faye has a social media following in the hundreds of thousands and a signature guitar, D’Angelico’s Deluxe Melanie Faye, which is one hell of a jazz box.

“The guitar has completely become an extension of myself,” the neo-soul virtuoso says. “So I may not have conscious thoughts about a guitar when I’m picking one up. The guitar has always been at the forefront of my intersectional identity – I never did quite fit in growing up.”