Charlie Hunter

Charlie Hunter is a guitarist, producer and composer celebrated for his innovative approach to the guitar. He gained widespread recognition for his unique style of playing an eight-string guitar, which he custom-designed, allowing him to simultaneously play bass lines, melodies, and chords. Hunter currently plays 6 and 7 string guitars made by Hybrid Guitars Co. Hybrid Guitars was founded in 2015 when he teamed up with luthiers Clay Conner and Wes Lambe to produce fanned-fret instruments to his specifications.

Hunter's eclectic style seamlessly blends elements of jazz, funk, blues, and rock, creating a sound that is distinctly his own. His mastery of the guitar and his ability to navigate complex rhythms have earned him acclaim from both critics and fellow musicians alike.

Over the course of his career, Hunter has released numerous solo albums and collaborated with a diverse array of artists. He is known for his improvisational prowess, often captivating audiences with his spontaneous compositions and improvisations.

During the 2019 pandemic, Hunter turned his attention towards music production and long-distance collaborations. This led to the creation of Wheelhouse Beats, a groundbreaking metronome app featuring some of today’s most notable drummers. Furthermore, Hunter founded SideHustle Records, his personal record label and artist development house. As a staunch advocate for artist rights, he gained control of his master recordings, which he subsequently remastered and reissued. SideHustle Records’ artist development house is committed to nurturing emerging talent. Occasionally teaming up with The Little Village Foundation, a non-profit organization known for its dedication to promoting and preserving diverse cultural expressions, Hunter works to amplify new voices and talents and build a more inclusive music community. His various collaborations are instrumental in escalating the careers of many budding artists, further establishing his reputation as a producer, collaborator and mentor.

Since 2022, Hunter has done a deep dive on Arthur “Blind” Blake and shares his discoveries on his Patreon page.

In 2024, Hunter continues to work with Victoria Victoria, Kurt Elling and SuperBlue, Butcher Brown, Jubu Smith & Calvin Napper, Sam Fribush, Maritzaida and Candice Ivory.