My 2021 Tash Sultana

This year saw the Australian singer-songwriter make an international breakthrough with the album Terra Firma. And yet, Tash says, “I’ve only really been recognised as a guitarist recently.”

- Jonny Scaramanga

Total Guitar readers voted you the number two guitarist of 2021, second only to Jake Kiszka... That is actually very lovely to be honest. I wasn’t really expecting anything from it. On the nominations list there were a lot of incredible guitarists with a lot of longevity, like your Santanas and John Mayers and all of that. And Jake Kiszka, he’s a good guitarist. Actually, he’s a very good guitarist. I quite like Greta Van Fleet. So thank you to everyone who voted for me because I really wasn’t expecting this. Do we get a cute sticker or a lollipop something?

We’ll see what we can do. Who have been the standout guitarists for you in 2021?

I’m very heavily inspired by John Mayer actually, and Santana, which is why I thought that was really cool to be with them on the list. I’m more of a rhythm player, as well as lead, but in terms of rhythm guitar playing I really like Cory Wong a lot. I think it’s just really groovy, really tidy guitar playing. People sometimes think that rhythm is easier. I actually think it’s harder to be a pocket rhythm player because there’s just a lot to say in holding down the groove.

How would you describe your style of playing?