Which jazz guitarist popularized playing with his thumb instead of a pick?

Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery popularized playing with his thumb instead of a pick.

Montgomery’s distinctive technique used the side of his right thumb to pluck the strings. This produced a warm, rounded tone that became one of the most recognizable sounds in modern jazz guitar. He also became known for octave playing, in which the same melody is performed simultaneously in two registers.

He was largely self-taught and developed his style while working in Indianapolis and touring with Lionel Hampton’s band. His recordings later combined jazz improvisation with accessible arrangements, helping him reach audiences beyond the traditional jazz market.

Other guitarists have used their fingers or thumbs, so Montgomery was not the first musician ever to do so. His importance lies in making the thumb technique a defining part of a highly influential professional jazz style.