Lee Ritenour (born 1952, USA) is a versatile jazz and fusion guitarist with a career spanning more than five decades. Known as “Captain Fingers” for his smooth, precise style, he began as a session musician in Los Angeles. He played on over 3,000 recordings with artists like Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and Barbra Streisand.
His solo career grew with albums such as Captain Fingers (1977) and Rit (1981), where he blended jazz, pop, and funk. In 1991, he co-founded the jazz supergroup Fourplay with Bob James, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason, shaping the sound of modern smooth jazz.
Ritenour earned Grammy recognition, including a win for Harlequin (1986). He also supports young musicians through competitions and workshops. With his balance of technical mastery and melody, Ritenour remains one of the most admired jazz guitarists of his time.