Adam Hawley is a contemporary jazz guitarist and producer known for his groove, melodic sense, and tone. Over the years, he’s built a strong presence in modern jazz through his recordings, live performances, and a run of multiple Billboard #1 smooth jazz singles. Early in his career, he released music on the label of Maurice White and went on to work with artists including Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole, and Dave Koz.

We caught up with Adam to talk about his approach to tone, writing, and the gear behind his sound. Check out his Q&A below.

PRS: Your music sits right in that pocket between groove, melody, and sophistication. When you're writing, how do you keep it interesting musically while still making it feel effortless to the listener?

Adam: Thank you! I credit it to doing a great deal of listening to great guitarists, and even though I'm not the best singer, I took vocal lessons and used to music-direct choirs. Additionally, my first guitar teacher, Greg Stipkala in Oregon, had me transcribe great guitarists, but would always have me sing the solo before trying to play it. Melody is key!

PRS: When you sit down to write, what usually sparks the idea first: a groove, a chord progression, or a melody?

Adam: I've composed in all these different ways, but the most common is having a groove set up. Then I can be inspired to write a compelling melody that fits the track. However, one of my biggest hits, "I Don't Mind," started with a 5-note motif, no chords, no groove, and I had to do the opposite! It was a fun challenge making a track around that melodic idea.

PRS: As both a guitarist and producer, you’re shaping the whole track. How does producing influence the way you approach your guitar parts?

Adam: Producing is a major influence on my guitar parts; as opposed to playing something self-serving or flashy, I'm always trying to find the best part for the track. Sometimes a rhythm guitar track can be very forward, but most often I'm looking for small, compact guitar parts to support the other instruments and the melody.

PRS: Your phrasing always feels really intentional. Where do you think that sense of space and timing comes from? Who are some of your influences?

Adam: Thank you. Yes, I'm usually trying to create something new each time I play as opposed to regurgitating licks. My influences are quite varied depending on the genre. I hate to leave anyone out, but I can definitely list Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and Robben Ford as major factors in my playing.

PRS: Do you remember the first time you picked up a guitar from PRS Guitars? What stood out to you?

Adam: I do! I was in rehearsals for the Dance Again 2012 tour with Jennifer Lopez; we were about to do 5 continents and ended up falling head-over-heels for the Hollowbody II and the DGT at the Burbank, CA showroom! Shout out to Winn and Bev at PRS for the support over the years! I appreciated the craftsmanship, attention to detail, versatility, and evenness across the fretboard, allowing me to cover all the sounds necessary for that tour and beyond.

PRS: Your Hollowbody II Piezo gives you that warm, smooth tone but still cuts through the mix and allows you to dig in. How do you typically use the piezo? Are you blending it with the magnetic pickups, on its own path, or just for articulation on clean parts?

Adam: I have been using the piezo at church when there is no time to switch between guitars. It allows me to play a verse section acoustically and then switch the magnetic pickups on the prechorus or chorus and rock out! It's crucial to be able to cover both parts.

PRS: Your playing moves easily between melodic lines and rhythmic comping. What is it about your PRS guitars that helps you cover that range?

Adam: That's the thing, with both the Hollowbody II and the DGT I can get so many sounds; instead of fighting the guitar, I can effortlessly switch tones. My clean lead is on the front pickup, I'm often doing rhythm with both pickups, and any lead tone, the distortion or overdrive, I'm typically on the back pickup.

PRS: What’s been inspiring you lately when you sit down to write or record?

Adam: Inspiration strikes differently every day; sometimes I'm inspired while scrolling socials, sometimes it's seeing another act play live, sometimes it's diving into the record bin and finding something compelling. But bottom line, I'm always writing, either for myself or for the many artists I've been fortunate to produce for.