Western Australian musician Guy Ian Ghouse AM, best known for his musical partnership with Noongar singer Gina Williams and recordings of songs in Noongar language, has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Mr Ghouse, who was 56, became a Member of the Order of Australia in June.

His career saw him perform, record, teach and mentor around the world.

Mr Ghouse was born in Boorloo to Malaysian-born parents.

In 2010, the guitarist began performing with Ms Williams, the beginning of a partnership which would earn critical acclaim and many awards throughout their storied career.

The duo released four albums in Noongar, and were honoured no fewer than six times with the WA Music Industry Awards (WAMI) Indigenous Act of the Year award.

Mr Ghouse was a versatile and gifted artist, co-composing works for opera, theatre and festivals.

A 'Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse' social media account announced his passing on Friday afternoon.

"It is with the deepest of sadness that we announce that Guy Ian Ghouse AM took his last breath, surrounded by the love of his family this morning," the post stated.

"He was an adored son, brother, husband and father. His contribution to community will resonate for generations to come.

"Guy's loss will be felt far and wide. Those who were lucky enough to experience his skill and craft as a guitar player up close will all agree — there was none better.

"For those who were lucky enough to share his vision of music composition through performing his many varied works — none were more creative."

The post continued: "For the school kids and teachers who laughed at Uncle Guy's jokes and silliness — none were funnier. For those who experienced First Nation languages thought his work over more than 20 years — none were more passionate, or more effective. For those of us who simply knew the man — none were as caring, as gentle, as strong or as loyal as Guy."

"Guy has battled the worst of cancers for close to two years. Through all of that time, he never complained and he continued to work until as recently as two weeks ago," it read.

Boorloo music journalist Bob Gordon, a friend of the late Mr Ghouse, told ABC Radio Perth that his death was "everyone's loss" and described him as a "a brilliant musician and a brilliant man".

"He was a very kind and talented man. He was a pretty big guy with a big heart," Mr Gordon aid.

Mr Gordon said Mr Ghouse had an "ability on guitar that was second to none" and was a man with an "amazing sense of humour".