Guitar legend and MI instructor Jimmy Wyble passed away on Jan. 16, 2010 at the age of 87.

Recognized as one of the guitar world’s all-time greats and considered a genius by many of his peers, Jimmy’s career spanned over six decades. He first achieved recognition as a master of Western swing with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys before moving on the jazz world, where he toured and recorded with such artists as Benny Goodman, Red Norvo, Frank Sinatra, Barney Kessel, and Tony Rizzi’s Five Guitars while also working as a studio musician in Hollywood.

His students included such guitar luminaries as MI founder Howard Roberts and LA session ace and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. Jimmy was a visiting clinician in MI’s early days and from 2007-09 was a staff GIT instructor. His popular class, “The Art of Two-Line Improvisation” (based on his authoritative and highly acclaimed book of the same title), and Open Counseling sessions were perennial student favorites. 

Jimmy was a beloved teacher, extraordinary player, composer, humble mentor and dear friend whose influence and inspiration have moved the creative spirit of generations of GIT students and instructors alike. He will be profoundly missed.