About

Over the past four decades, Guthrie Trapp has established himself as one of the most respected and distinctive guitarists of his generation. His remarkable life story and musical journey continue to evolve in unexpected directions, driven by an unwavering passion for artistry, authenticity, and lifelong growth.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, and raised in the Flora-Bama region of the Gulf Coast, Guthrie fell in love with music at an early age. His parents, Joe and Mary, immersed him in a wide variety of musical styles, laying the foundation for the eclectic voice he would later develop. At six years old, he began playing the harmonica. Three years later, he picked up the guitar and spent countless afternoons making music with his uncle Jerry. By the age of 12, he had joined his first band and was performing regularly in local clubs, festivals, and talent competitions, winning consecutive statewide championships on both mandolin and guitar at ages 15 and 16.

At 18, Guthrie made his first trip to Nashville to record on Gove Scrivenor’s album Shine On, alongside guest artists John Prine, Nanci Griffith, and Ray Flacke. Soon after, he formed the duo Filthy Rich with singer-songwriter Nick Branch, touring throughout the United States and Europe for several years before relocating to Nashville full-time in 2001.

From humble beginnings in Music City, Trapp has built a truly remarkable career, one defined by artistic integrity, meaningful collaborations, and an ever-expanding musical universe.

His Nashville career took a significant leap forward when he landed the coveted guitar chair with honky-tonk legend Don Kelley at Robert’s Western World, quickly establishing himself as one of the city’s most exciting young guitarists. That momentum led to an invitation to join Patty Loveless’ touring band, while also contributing to her acclaimed albums Mountain Soul II and Dreamin’ My Dreams.

As his reputation continued to grow, one of Guthrie’s lifelong heroes, Dobro master Jerry Douglas, invited him to join his band. During a six-year tenure, they toured internationally and recorded acclaimed albums including Jerry Christmas and Glide. The Jerry Douglas Band appeared at some of the world’s premier festivals and venues, including Bonnaroo, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Radio City Music Hall, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and a three-month tour opening for Paul Simon.

One of Guthrie’s earliest Nashville recording sessions paired him with legendary bassist Willie Weeks and the late Ian Wallace on drums, foreshadowing the extraordinary collaborations that would follow.

A chance meeting with John Oates at Telluride in the early 2000s developed into a long lasting friendship and creative partnership. Together, they have recorded numerous projects and toured extensively as an acoustic duo.

Throughout his career, Guthrie has performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists, including Billy Gibbons, Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, John Oates, Tony Rice, Earl Scruggs, Sam Bush, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Delbert McClinton, “Cowboy” Jack Clement, and many others.

In recent years, Guthrie has enjoyed an especially rewarding collaboration with Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top, who has become one of his strongest advocates. When asked about Guthrie’s playing, Gibbons simply replies, “Guthrie Trapp? He’s off the chain, man!”

While building an extraordinary career alongside many of music’s most celebrated artists, Guthrie has remained deeply committed to forging his own artistic path. As a solo artist, composer, recording artist, and educator, he has earned equal recognition for his original music and his unique approach to teaching the guitar.

His educational work has reached hundreds of thousands of players around the world through some of the most successful and highly regarded online guitar courses ever produced. He has also served as a consultant for many of the world’s premier guitar workshops.

Most recently, Guthrie launched Trapped In Nashville, a boutique educational experience that is redefining what a modern guitar workshop can be. Built around practical application, real-world musical situations, and an intentionally curated group of just 35 attendees, the inaugural event sold out almost immediately and has quickly become one of the most talked-about guitar experiences in the world.

His solo releases include Pick Peace and Life After Dark, along with In Stereo, a collaborative album with renowned session guitarist Tom Bukovac. Most recently, Guthrie joined Tom Bukovac and Jedd Hughes for the acoustic trio album Trifecta, released on July 1, 2026.

Beyond performing and recording, Guthrie has been featured twice at the Country Music Hall of Fame and twice on A Prairie Home Companion. For three years, he hosted his own talk show and live music series on Acme Radio and has appeared on countless podcasts, interviews, clinics, corporate speaking engagements, and educational events throughout his career.

Today, Guthrie continues to write, record, perform, and teach while remaining guided by curiosity, authenticity, and a deep belief in the power of music to connect people. With an entrepreneurial spirit, an open mind, and an unwavering commitment to meaningful relationships, his creative journey continues to expand.

As Guthrie often says, “The adventure continues.”

Guthrie Trapp is an internationally respected guitarist, composer, recording artist, and educator whose career has been defined by artistic integrity, authenticity, and a lifelong passion for music. Since relocating to Nashville in 2001, he has performed and recorded with many of the industry’s most celebrated artists, including Billy Gibbons, Vince Gill, John Oates, Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Jerry Douglas, and many others.

In addition to his work as a performer and recording artist, Guthrie has become one of the world’s most respected guitar educators through his acclaimed courses, mentorship programs, and the immersive Trapped In Nashville workshop experience. Whether on stage, in the studio, or teaching, he remains committed to inspiring others through great music, meaningful relationships, and authentic artistry.