Guitar facts alert: pour yourself a cuppa and read these fascinating stories about famous guitars – from Fender guitars to Gibson – and the best guitarists of all time who played them.
Grab your pick, tune up your strings, and get ready to dip into the fascinating world of guitars.
From the legendary instruments that have graced the biggest stages to the quirky stories behind their names, this journey through guitar trivia is sure to ignite your curiosity and leave you humming a tune or two.
#1. Lucille: The Blues Guitar That Survived a Brawl
In the hands of blues legend B.B. King, his Gibson ES-335 electric guitar Lucille was more than just an instrument; she was an extension of his soul.
B.B. King’s guitar, Lucille, symbolizes his unwavering dedication to music. During a performance, a fight instigated by a woman named Lucille caused a fire. King saved his guitar from the flames and named it after her.
#2. Kurt Cobain’s 6-Figure Six-String
The Martin D-18E, Kurt Cobain’s sidekick during Nirvana’s unforgettable MTV Unplugged gig, wasn’t just strumming chords, it was making history.
Fast forward to 2020, this six-string superstar had everyone’s jaws dropping, not for a face-melting solo, but for its face-melting price tag at auction – a whopping $6 million!
Now that’s what we call a rockin’ investment.
#3. Trigger: The Country Star’s Faithful Companion
Country music icon Willie Nelson’s guitar, Trigger, is more than just an instrument; it’s like a beloved member of his family.
Named after a horse, Trigger has been by Nelson’s side for decades, accompanying him on countless performances and becoming a symbol of his enduring legacy.
Trigger’s worn-out body and countless stickers ooze charm and personality. You can tell that Willie Nelson has a deep connection to his music just by looking at it.
#4. Mayer’s Million-Dollar Melody Maker
The “Black1” Stratocaster, a special edition guitar of John Mayer’s, is a testament to Mayer’s musical genius and unique style.
Originally priced at $6,000, this rare gem now commands a price tag of nearly $20,000. The guitar, built in 2004, features specs taken directly from the Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster.
The aged Fender guitar’s noticeable feature is the finish, or the lack of it, done at Mayer’s request. If you’re looking for a custom Fender Strat with a worn-in look, there are plenty of guitars on the market that can help you channel your inner rock star.
Fender Custom Shop Beauties
Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop Relic
Fender Custom Shop Telecaster
#5. Eddie Van Halen’s Epic Frankenstrat
Eddie Van Halen, the maestro who transformed rock music with his pioneering guitar playing techniques, was closely associated with his unique guitar, the “Frankenstrat”.
Van Halen’s guitar, fondly referred to as “Frankie”, was more than just a musical device; it was a channel for Van Halen’s artistic expression.
From tapping to guitar harmonic techniques, the Frankenstrat was a vehicle for Van Halen’s innovative playing methods and played a significant role in shaping the sound of rock music.
#6. Les Paul: The Guitar That Rocked the World
The Les Paul guitar, created by the legendary Les Paul himself, is like the rock ‘n’ roll anthem of guitars. Gibson offers a wide range of Les Paul models, from the budget-friendly guitar Epiphone Les Paul to the real-deal Les Paul Standard.
Its solid body and unique humbucking pickups have powered many a memorable riff and solo, making it a go-to for guitarists across genres from rock to metal.
From the Jimmy Page to Guns ‘n’ Roses legend Slash, the Gibson Les Paul has etched its name in the annals of music history. And guess what? It’s still strumming along, inspiring new waves of guitarists to pick up the axe and rock on.
#7. The Beatles’ Rooftop Swan Song
On January 30, 1969, the Beatles gave their final public performance during a rooftop concert at their London headquarters, Apple Corps. This event has since become a defining moment in modern music history.
George Harrison’s Rosewood Telecaster electric guitar, a gift from his wife Pattie Boyd, played a starring role in the Fab Four’s rooftop concert.
This limited-edition Telecaster model, introduced by Fender in 1968, perfectly matched Harrison’s evolving musical style with its warm tone and distinctive rosewood body.
#8. Angus Young’s SG: A High-Voltage Icon
AC/DC’s Angus Young, famed for his Gibson SG guitar and bizarre schoolboy attire, has a unique stage presence. The schoolboy look was actuallys his sister’s idea, inspired by his after-school guitar sessions.
You can tell that he has a special connection with his first Gibson SG guitar since he still loves to play it to this day.
Young prefers the Gibbo SG for its lighter weight compared to the Les Paul, and he modified his SG by removing the pickup covers to give them more bite.
#9. Page’s Number One Partner in Rock
Jimmy Page’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, known as “Number One,” is a rock legend. This guitar, with its unique thin neck profile, was a gift from Joe Walsh and quickly became Page’s favourite.
Jimmy’s gorgeous Les Paul guitar is believed to have been used in every Led Zeppelin performance and recording from 1969 to the 2007 reunion.
#10. Left-Handed Hendrix Magic
Did you know that Jimi Hendrix was a lefty in a right-handed world? To play his guitar, he flipped it upside down and re-strung it to suit his left-handed style.
And get a load of this; playing his guitar upside down not only added to Jimi’s cool factor but also gave his sound a unique edge by altering the volume balance between the strings.
It was as if he was playing a completely different instrument!
#11. From Street Strumming to Stardom
Carlos Santana’s musical journey began on the streets, where he played his beat-up Gibson Melody Maker and serenaded passersby with his soulful tunes.
Carlos Santana’s unique blend of blues, jazz, and Latin rhythms captivated audiences with its infectious energy and melodic improvisation.
Thanks to his hard work and eventual collaboration with Paul Reed Smith, the PRS Santana II guitar was born, a testament to his humble beginnings and artistic mastery.
Santana’s guitar-playing mastery and music transcend borders, inspiring fans worldwide with his unique style and sound.
Summing it Up
As we bid farewell to these fascinating tales of legendary guitars and their owners, we’re left with a warm fuzzy feeling.
These guitars, with their quirks and charms, have not only shaped the sound of music but also captured the essence of the musicians who played them.
So, let’s raise a toast to these guitars, the silent stars of the music world, and the musicians who immortalized them with their melodies. May their stories inspire and entertain future generations of guitar geeks and music lovers alike.
