Daniel DeLorenzo on Practice, Creativity, and Staying Independent in Music

Daniel DeLorenzo is a jazz guitarist, composer, recording engineer, and teacher based in Pittsboro, North Carolina. He blends traditional jazz with a modern sound and is known for his expressive playing and creative improvisation. Daniel leads a versatile career, performing in duos, trios, and larger ensembles with bass, drums, horns, or Hammond organ.

He also teaches guitar online and in person, covering music theory, improvisation, composition, and performance. His students benefit from his experience as a recording engineer, learning both musical and technical skills, including music production software and studio techniques.

As a recording artist, Daniel has released several albums, including Strive (2018), How Thoughtful (2020), SomeKindaStory (2021), K.BYE (2022), HEY (2023), and We Probably Wouldn’t Get Along (2025). His music combines original compositions with jazz standards, often highlighting collaboration, improvisation, and a fresh, modern approach to jazz.

🎸 Q & A

What does your current guitar practice routine look like?

My practice is pretty flexible and changes with performance needs. Right now I'm spending lots of time on repertoire, writing tunes, and rhythmic study.

What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?

Be productive! Composing music, recording a song, sitting in on music outside of your comfort-zone are really good catalysts to encourage new practice.

If you're in a slump, it's likely you're not expanding your horizons and are visiting familiar material too often. If you have a musical goal (making a record/playing over a specific tune/writing new music) it will inform what you need to practice to achieve those goals.

What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?

I try not to over-judge my playing, so creativity can flow, while still being critical enough to keep my standards high.

What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?

My main rig is a Guild SC-1 with a humbucking Charlie Christian style pickup into a Quilter Aviator Cub, or a Mesa Boogie Rectoverb 25. I love the sound of the guitar plugged straight into an amp. Pedals come and go in my rig, but my favorite setup is just learning to command a guitar through an amp.

What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?

I'm still trying to figure that out. I'm 100% independent and my focus has mostly been on trying to make music to the best of my ability. I'm hoping with enough dedication to my craft opportunities to grow will continue to present themselves. Giving the musical moment my fullest attention is the most valuable thing that I can offer.

That said, I'd encourage anyone reading this to go check out some of my tunes wherever you stream music, or purchase some albums on Bandcamp as it helps me continue to make music!

Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?

I'd recommend getting to know players in your scene! There are lots of independent musicians making music in your backyard. It's a great opportunity to support new music, meet new players, and get yourself into new playing opportunities.

How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?

I love writing tunes with strong melodic/rhythmic hooks that can still be flexible and fun vehicles for collaborative playing in lots of different musical situations. If I write something that ticks all of those boxes, I feel pretty good about it. Good improv is like a song inside of the song and should also check a lot of those same boxes.

What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?

I released my 7th album ("We Probably Wouldn't Get Along") in April of 2025 and I'm currently writing the material that will be on an upcoming release. Hoping to hit the studio in late 2025 and release the new material in 2026!

⚡ Lightning Round

One album every guitarist should listen to?"

We Probably Wouldn't Get Along" - Daniel DeLorenzo

What guitarist should everyone know about?

Bola Sete

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