Yes, Michael Imperioli plays guitar, and he learned it specifically for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos
Michael Imperioli is a trained guitarist who picked up the instrument to authentically portray his character in the HBO series. He did not play guitar before landing the role, but he committed to learning it well enough to perform convincingly on screen. The guitar became part of Christopher's identity in the show—a detail that made the character feel more real to viewers and to Imperioli himself as an actor.
Imperioli has continued to play guitar after The Sopranos ended in 2007. He has performed at charity events and has spoken in interviews about his genuine love for the instrument. His playing is competent rather than virtuoso-level, but it is real—not a case of a hand double or overdubbed music standing in for his own work.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Imperioli learned guitar specifically to play Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos, not before he was cast.
- He performs his own guitar parts in the show rather than using a hand double or studio musician.
- Imperioli has continued playing guitar after the series ended and has performed at public events.
- His skill level is solid enough to play on camera but not at a professional touring musician's level.
How Imperioli Learned Guitar for the Role
When Imperioli was cast as Christopher, the writers and producers wanted the character to have depth beyond the typical mobster archetype. Part of that vision included making Christopher a musician—someone with a creative side that conflicted with his life in organized crime. Imperioli took on the challenge of learning guitar to make that aspect of the character authentic.
He worked with a guitar instructor to develop enough skill to perform scenes convincingly. The goal was not to become a concert guitarist but to play well enough that viewers would believe Christopher could pick up a guitar and play a few chords or a straightforward song. Imperioli practiced enough to reach that level and to feel comfortable holding and playing the instrument on set.
The time investment paid off. Scenes where Christopher plays guitar feel natural because Imperioli is actually playing, not faking it. That authenticity comes through on screen and adds to the character's believability.
Guitar Scenes in The Sopranos
Christopher's guitar appears throughout the series as a recurring element of his character. In some episodes, he plays for himself or others as a way to decompress or express emotion. The guitar becomes a symbol of the part of Christopher that wants to be something other than a criminal—a creative outlet that represents his internal conflict.
One of the most memorable uses of the guitar comes in scenes where Christopher is alone or with people he trusts. The instrument humanizes him in moments when the show might otherwise present him as purely violent or ruthless. Imperioli's actual playing makes these scenes work because the audience can sense that he is genuinely engaged with the music, not just going through the motions.
Imperioli's Playing Style and Skill Level
Imperioli's guitar playing is straightforward and unpretentious. He plays basic chords and straightforward melodies—the kind of thing a dedicated amateur guitarist would know after a few years of practice. He does not attempt complex fingerstyle work or advanced techniques on the show, which fits Christopher's character as someone who plays for personal expression rather than technical mastery.
In interviews, Imperioli has described his playing as something he enjoys but does not claim to be exceptional at. He is honest about his limitations while also being clear that he genuinely loves the instrument. That balance between confidence and humility mirrors how many people relate to playing guitar—it is a skill he developed and continues to use, but not his primary profession.
Imperioli's Guitar Work After The Sopranos
After the series ended, Imperioli did not abandon the guitar. He has performed at charity events and fundraisers, playing for audiences in a low-key, informal setting. These performances show that his interest in guitar was not just a job requirement but something that stuck with him as a genuine hobby and passion.
He has also spoken about guitar in podcasts and interviews over the years, discussing what the instrument means to him personally and how learning it changed his approach to acting. The experience of becoming a guitarist for a role taught him something about committing to a character's details—a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career.
Why the Guitar Mattered to Christopher's Character
The writers of The Sopranos understood that Christopher needed layers. On the surface, he is a violent criminal trying to climb the mob hierarchy. But underneath, he is a young man with artistic impulses and a desire to create something meaningful. The guitar represents that internal struggle—the part of him that could have become a musician or artist if his life had taken a different path.
By having Imperioli actually play, the show gave that aspect of Christopher's character real weight. It was not just a prop or a throwaway detail. The guitar became a genuine part of how viewers understood who Christopher was, and Imperioli's commitment to learning the instrument made that possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Michael Imperioli play guitar before The Sopranos?
No. Imperioli learned guitar specifically for the role of Christopher Moltisanti. He had no prior experience with the instrument before being cast on the show.
Does Imperioli play guitar in real life now?
Yes. He has continued to play after the series ended and has performed at charity events and public appearances. He has spoken about genuinely enjoying the instrument and the role it plays in his life outside of acting.
Is Michael Imperioli a professional guitarist?
No. His playing is at a solid amateur level—competent enough to perform on camera and at informal events, but not at a professional touring musician's standard. He plays for personal enjoyment rather than as a career.
Did a hand double or studio musician play guitar for Christopher on the show?
No. Imperioli performs his own guitar parts in The Sopranos. The show used his actual playing rather than overdubbing or using a stand-in.
What kind of guitar does Christopher play on The Sopranos?
Christopher plays an acoustic guitar in most scenes. The specific model varies, but it is a standard acoustic instrument that fits the character's casual, personal approach to music.