John Etheridge (London, 1948) is a British guitarist, composer and educator who has been a central figure on the UK jazz scene for over five decades. He rose to international prominence as Stéphane Grappelli's guitarist between 1976 and 1981, and is now the longest-serving member in Soft Machine's history, having joined in 1975 as Allan Holdsworth's replacement. His playing ranges freely across jazz, fusion, gypsy jazz and classical idioms; Pat Metheny has called him "one of the best guitarists".
Etheridge received the Jazz Lifetime Achievement Silver Medal from the Musicians' Company on his 78th birthday, in recognition of his contribution as a performing musician, composer and mentor.
Etheridge and guitarist Gordon Giltrap concluded their extensive '2 Parts Guitar' UK tour with two shows at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in London.
Etheridge and Gordon Giltrap announced a new '2 Parts Guitar' UK tour for October 2025, following the success of their joint tour in 2024.
In an interview, Etheridge stated that the American tour of Soft Machine in September/October 2024 might be his last in the US due to the logistical burden.
Soft Machine released the studio album Other Doors, of which Etheridge was co-producer, five years after the band's previous studio work.
