Molly Miller on Practice, Versatility, and Musical Freedom

Molly Miller is a Los Angeles-based guitarist, composer, and educator known for blending jazz, Americana, blues, pop, and even surf rock into a soulful, dynamic style. Whether leading the Molly Miller Trio or performing alongside other artists, her live shows are full of energy and creativity. A lifelong musician, she began playing at age seven in a family band, later diving into jazz and earning her BM, MM, and Doctorate in Musical Arts from USC.

Her career took off when she became the touring guitarist for Jason Mraz, a role she’s held for nearly a decade. Molly’s versatility has also led her to collaborate with artists like Zayn Malik, Shawn Mendes, and Scary Pockets. As a recording artist, her albums St. George and The Ballad of Hotspur showcase both her original compositions and inventive covers.

Beyond performing, Molly is a passionate educator. She serves as Chair of the Guitar Department at the Los Angeles College of Music, offers online lessons through platforms like Pickup Music, and teaches live courses such as Intro to Jazz 2. Her teaching, much like her Instagram videos, reflects the same inspiring spirit and love for music that defines her career.

🎸 Q & A

What does your current guitar practice routine look like?

I have my rituals, but there is some variation, depending on what is on the docket and where my head is at. When I pick up my guitar, I spend a little time just playing without any purpose other than to connect (maybe 3 minutes, maybe 3 hours).

Then I like to go into a few technical exercises that help me connect with my instrument (5 minutes-ish), read through some Bach and/or sight read, play a few tunes without judgement, and then dive in. Learn some songs, write some songs, play songs with a metronome, record myself and listen back, but really - I like to sit and play.

I like playing tunes and trying to find new ways to approach them. I love learning songs. I love writing songs. I love investigating songs. I love arranging songs. That’s what I do with my time with my instrument. Of course there are other days where I have to work on music for an upcoming gig - programming sounds, learning songs for an artist, sorting gear stuff etc.

The time I have with my guitar is sacred to me. Thanks to my mentor, Bruce Forman, I never really think of it as “practice” or “work”. I am always playing.

Your playing often bounces between rock and jazz. What advice do you have for guitar players that have more of a rock background, but want to learn jazz?

I wouldn’t get so caught up in pigeon-holing things like that. To me, it is all just guitar. The goal is to find your voice. It’s vital to study genres - listen and get the vocabulary and nuances down, but ultimately it’s just music.

For those who want to start diving into jazz (or any genre for that matter) - listen and find things that you connect with. Jazz is a huge genre. It’s like learning a language - listen, soak it up, and try to speak it. Same thing with any style of music. Listen to it, work on it alone, and play with other people (all three steps are vital). And most importantly - find the joy in it. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it. I also offer Intro to Jazz Classes…

You’ve played with artists from Jason Mraz to Zayn Malik (One Direction), as well as with your own band — how do you adapt your playing to such different contexts?

There are a few things that come to mind. First off, I love so many different genres. I listen to Indie, soul, country, jazz, pop, funk, hip hop etc. It all goes in my earholes and affects what I play. Also, I grew up playing a bunch of different styles. I was in jazz band in school and had a jazz combo with my brothers, played in a top 40’s band with siblings, was in rock bands with friends.

Even before college, my favorite music was very diverse - Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Wes Montgomery, Blink 182, Grant Green, Sublime, No Doubt. I was listening to and playing a huge mix of music. Then I went to USC for Studio Jazz Guitar. I studied a wide range of genres inside and outside of school. I was doing jazz casuals around town, backing artists, playing in an afro-beat funk band.

I love playing music- not genre specific. That’s always been true and always will be. I believe that playing a bunch of different music strengthens you - it’s like going to the gym and working out different parts of your body. You become stronger as a whole.

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

Gear. This is always evolving, though I do have some staples.

Guitars:

ES-335- My baby is my 1978 Gibson that I’ve had since I was 17. I also have a few other’s that I love.
Fender Telecaster - my 1952 reissue (Craigslist purchase - new 12” roasted maple neck, shell pink and relic by the previous owner) and my Danny Gatton Gold Tele that I got from String Tree).
Powers Electric- it’s a beaut!
Les Paul- I recently got the Mary Ford Gold Top and it’s a babe!
So many more.

Amps:
I am a Benson lady. I love my Monarch and Nathan Jr.

Pedals:

This is where it could get wild, so I will try and keep it reasonable to just what is currently on my board.

Earthquaker Devices - Dispatch Master (reverb/ delay)
Chase Bliss Audio - Dark World and Warped Vinyl (these have more knobs than what I normally go for, but they are also magic. Every setting is rad.)
Keeley Electronics - Oxblood and Noble Screamer
Benson - Germanium Preamp
Cory Wong Hotone - new add. I needed something that has volume and wah in one.
Strymon Electronics - Flint (I think it’s sort of the best trem)
JAM Pedals Waterfall. I love this modulation

I use the Line 6 Helix for when I am on the road with Zayn and Jason Mraz. It’s been great! I never thought I would go that route, but it not only makes my life easier, it also sounds great.

I could go into why I love everything above. But I just do. I like the way they sound. They feel good. They inspire me. And I like the people that make the gear too. It’s really cool how that works - I’ve met some incredible builders that not only make rad gear, but also are great people that I want to hang out with.

You know theory inside and out; yet your playing sounds really natural. When you sit down to write or compose new music, what do you think about? Do you exploring some idea that you understand from the theoretical side? Are you just jamming with no thought about theory? Is it a mix?

Learning theory is like learning new vocabulary. At first when you are using a new word, it may sound a little awkward. Then your knowledge deepens - you understand how to use it more freely; you put it in sentences without thinking “insert word here” etc.

When I compose music I do not think about theory in a conscious way. I love theory because I believe it frees you. Knowledge is power. It’s so cool to understand what you are doing. I don’t actively think - let me do this hip modulation that I learned in a theory class etc.

I know how certain sounds make me feel, so I will go to them because I am aiming to express that specific emotion. But also, I write because I am hearing something and following my ear- not my brain.

Some people think learning theory would make music less mysterious or magical or something - I feel quite the opposite. It just makes you more knowledgeable, gives you more options, and helps you understand what you are doing.

This started at USC. I was in a class called “Trio Ensemble” with Frank Potenza. Every week I would come to class with a chart and play with a bassist and drummer.

I’d create an arrangement where I would play the melody, take a solo, and try to make the whole thing engaging. In that trio format I was pushed to add chords to my melodies and solos. The classic example for chordal soloing is Wes Montgomery.

But also in that trio format, you need more than single notes throughout. Or rather - I wanted more. I heard more. I was highly encouraged by Frank to do so as well. This was a great class that helped shape my sound and ultimately my band, Molly Miller Trio.

What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?

Depends on the day. I love guitar more than ever. I feel like my love for music and my instrument have only grown. I don’t feel burnt out- quite the opposite really - I feel like the fire keeps growing. But of course there is an up and down to everything. I think that is just life though. I feel so lucky to have the career and life I have. I could speak to the challenges of touring or the lack of clarity of the future- but also, what a blessing to travel the world with my friends, playing music that I love. And no one knows the future. It would ruin it if we did. I’ve gotten better at embracing the yin with the yang (most days).

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

I am sorting my next record. I have a bunch of new tunes. I have been touring and testing the music out with Tamir Barzilay on drums and Andre de Santanna on bass. We have been putting out a bunch of live recordings in the meantime. They are up on YouTube and all streaming platforms - check them out!

I was going to go into the studio and cut my record in a couple days like I have in the past, but then I decided I wanted to change it up. I may have guests on some tunes or have more production. I have an idea of what it will be, but I am in a more open place, which I am really excited about.

In the meantime, I am playing a ton in and out of town. I got a couple of tours in October - one headlining and one I am opening for Jason Mraz and then playing with him as well. There are some murmurs of some other tours in 2026 that I am stoked about. I will post about it all as it happens. Sign up for my mailing list for updates as well!

⚡ Lightning Round

One album every guitarist should listen to?

Outside of mine? JK. Hmm so many. But today, I will say Naturally - JJ Cale or The Wildest Guitar- Mickey Baker

Desert island guitar and amp?

My 1978 Gibson ES-335 and Benson Nathan Jr

What guitarist should everyone know about?

Sister Rosetta Sharpe. She is my queen.

What are your preferred guitar strings & pick?

Strings: Ernie Ball Slinky (I use the 10, 10.5 and 11, depending on the guitar)
Pick: Fender Celluloid Confetti Heavy

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Guitar Course

Noteworthy 🗞️

Pete "Danish Pete" Honore posted a new video discussing Tone And Feel.
Guitar World interviewed Eric Johnson, discussing his days as a session guitarist, playing with Cat Stevens, getting fired by Donald Fagen, and more.
Fender introduced some new colors to their Squier Classic Vibe guitars, including Lake Placid Blue and Aztec Gold for the Custom SH Telecaster, and Shell Pink and Surf Green for their '50s HT Stratocaster.
Fender announced a new Dusk color for their Player II Modified series of guitars.
Gibson reintroduced the Tony Iommi signature humbucker pickup.
JHS Pedals founder Josh Scott is recovering after a serious cycling accident that left him with broken vertebrae, knee & shoulder damage, and stitches to his face. We wish Josh a fast and smooth recovery.

🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our free weekly guitar newsletter, and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘