Jordan Waters is a guitarist, songwriter, and artist whose playing is grounded in feel, intention, and a strong connection to the music. Originally from Maryland, she picked up the guitar at 11 and quickly grew into a versatile player with a natural sense of groove.

At 19, she stepped onto a major stage performing with Lizzo which helped launch her touring career. Since then, Jordan has continued to grow as both a player and artist, using her platform to inspire others.

We caught up with Jordan to talk about her approach to playing, writing, and tone. Check out her Q&A below.

PRS: You picked up the guitar at 11 and were already on a major stage with Lizzo by 19. What clicked for you during that stretch that made you realize this was something you could really do?

Jordan: I come from a family of singers and musicians, so I was always encouraged to pursue being an artist. When I picked up my first guitar, that dream expanded even more. Then I found artists like Tori Kelly and John Mayer, and watching their journey, from creating in their rooms to performing in arenas, made me realize that path was actually possible.

PRS: Your playing always feels really locked; you have a great sense of feel. Who are some players that have inspired you?

Jordan: My top 3 inspirations are John Mayer, Mateus Asato, and Tori Kelly. Tori inspired me from a singer-songwriter perspective, especially in the way she uses guitar to support her voice. Mateus inspired me to play with more intentionality and feeling. His lines are so soulful and expressive, and that honestly shaped how I approach my own playing today. John Mayer challenged me. I would study his live performances on YouTube and try to learn the chords by ear, practicing them until I got them right. His chord work was more complex than anything I was doing at the time, so it really pushed me to grow and reach another level as a guitarist.

PRS: When you’re building a part, what are you listening for: tone, space, groove?

Jordan: I’m mainly listening for tone, space, and melody. I like to approach guitar the way I would approach vocals, so I build parts that feel expressive and intentional. I’ll layer melodies and supporting chords, but I’m always mindful to leave space so the part doesn’t feel crowded. That process is one of my favorite parts of recording.

PRS: What do you look for in a guitar that makes you want to keep playing it?

Jordan: The tremolo is a big factor for me. It’s almost make or break when I’m choosing a guitar. I rely on it for expression, so it has to feel smooth, stable, and stay in tune. Beyond that, I’m really drawn to the feel and sound of PRS guitars. The necks are comfortable, the tone is versatile, and there’s a responsiveness and bounce that just makes the guitar feel alive.

PRS: Do you remember the first time you picked up a PRS? What model was it, and what stood out right away?

Jordan: The first PRS I picked up was the Fiore, which Chris Payton helped me pick out, along with Winn, Ed, and Q during rehearsals for Lizzo! It became my main guitar, which we chose for my first big tour, and I played it throughout the year-long tour and on multiple one-off events after. I still play it to this day. What really stood out was the responsiveness and resonance. There’s a snap and almost elastic bounce under my fingers that makes everything feel effortless, especially when I’m playing faster lines. The neck feels smooth and low-friction, the trem system is stable, and the neck profile sits really naturally in my hand.

I’ve also played the Silver Sky, including at the Houston Rodeo in March 2026. That guitar has a really clean build, with articulate single-coil tones that are a perfect bright balance. It’s one of those guitars that just feels solid and dependable, especially in a live setting.

PRS: What do you love most about your PRS guitars?

Jordan: The playability, versatility, and reliability. They feel really fluid and easy to move around on, with a neck that’s comfortable and natural in my hands. Tone-wise, they’re super versatile with a lot of clarity, so they work in different settings and sit really well in a mix. Overall, they’re just really consistent and dependable, especially live, which is important to me. They also have a warmer, fuller tone that’s perfect for when I'm recording in the studio, building parts, creating solos, and making loops.

PRS: What’s coming up for you next?

Jordan: I’ll be playing behind Tori Kelly on her 2026 summer tour, opening for Forrest Frank, which I’m really excited about. It’s a full-circle moment for me, being able to play alongside someone who inspired me early on. I’m looking forward to growing as a musician, performing for new audiences, and continuing to build from there.