A guitar is a very personal extension of the person playing it. You have to be emotionally and spiritually connected to your instrument. I’m very brutal on my instruments, but not all the time.
-Eddie Van Halen
Here are a few iconic guitars you need to know of
Fender Stratocaster
- Guitar Type: Solid-Body Electric
- Legend Who Played It: Eric Clapton
It’s hard to overstate the influence of the Stratocaster. A tremendous pedigree of electric guitarists have made history on this type of guitar. It’s been reissued in hundreds of different designs and is by far one of the most popular types of electric guitars. The slanted, double-cutout body and three-pickup control setup give the Stratocaster both a visual signature and sonic versatility.
This guitar probably had its first major introduction to the public from Buddy Holly, but Clapton was one of its most influential proponents. Check out this clip from the song “The Weight” where Clapton pulls the soulful voice of this guitar into its full bloom.
Martin D-45
- Guitar Type: Steel String Dreadnought Acoustic
- Legend Who Played It: Neil Young
For most guitar enthusiasts today, this is what “playing the guitar” means: the snap and brightness of 6-string steel, which has strong projection and durability. Many guitarists favour the versatility and clarity of dreadnoughts, but especially singer-songwriters.
The Martin D-45 is one of the most common types of acoustic guitars. Check out Neil Young playing a well-loved song that he added to the Rock n’ Roll tradition, below.
Fender Telecaster
- Guitar Type: Solid-Body Electric
- Legend Who Played It: Buck Owens
The foundational favourite of country and rock guitarists, this model is known for its single cutaway body, 2 single-coil pickup system, and characteristic “twang.” Modern country greats like Brad Paisley have predecessors like Buck Owen to thank for popularizing this guitar. Check out Buck and his band playing “Act Naturally.”
1969 José Ramírez 1a “AM”
- Guitar Type: Classical Nylon Acoustic Dreadnought
- Legend Who Played It: Andres Segovia
Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and fingerstyle genius Earl Klugh favour classical guitars for their round, sweet tone and stability when playing complex lines. These tend to have higher actions (the distance between the strings and fingerboard) and wider necks than much other acoustics.
When played with the correct nail technique, they create an unmistakable tone that has been enjoyed by European audiences since the 1600s. For a taste of the secret sauce, listen to the grandfather of modern classical guitar playing the legendary tremolo piece, “Leyenda.”
Gibson ES-175
- Guitar Type: Hollow-Body Electric
- Legend Who Played It: Wes Montgomery
The Gibson ES-175 has become an iconic example that represents an entire class of guitars: hollow-body electrics. The rich, mid-range tone of these guitars was made legendary in jazz by players such as Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery. (Although the guitar has subsequently found its way into a myriad of other popular styles). Check out the haunting ballad “Round Midnight” below.
The National Style O
- Guitar Type: Resonator Acoustic
- Legend Who Played It: Son House
Resophonic guitars, made mostly by European companies, were favourites of the 20th-century Bluesmen. Every legendary country, blues, and rock musician drew inspiration from players of this style.
Son House was one of many legendary examples of Bluesmen who used open-tuned, resonator guitars. With their raw feeling and creative exploration with bottleneck slides, these players set the precedent for the coming generations of popular musicians. Keep in touch with the roots and watch Son House play “Death Letter Blues.”
Fender Precision Bass
- Guitar Type: 4 String Electric Bass
- Legend Who Played It: James Jamerson
Some discover the bass as a first instrument, and others as a crossover from the guitar. Jamerson actually started on the upright bass as a classical player on his path to becoming the legendary bassist that drove dozens of Motown hits.
His unmistakable warm, round tone was a combination of the bass’s design and special modifications like flat-wound strings and foam mutes. The hearts of many were won by his melodic bass style and thumpy drive as a rhythm player. Numerous legends even as great as Victor Wooten trace their devotion to bass to Jamerson’s influence.
The Höfner Bass
- Guitar Type: 4 String Electric Bass
- Legend Who Played It: Paul McCartney
The tone of this bass is instantly recognizable to any Beatles fan. The emphasis in the midrange and the plucky attack gave a unique flavour to dozens of Beatles songs, such as “When I’m 64.”
Paul also liked the balance it created on stage, given the fact that he played left-handed and the bass was asymmetrical body design. See this late performance of “Don’t Let Me Down” to feel the magic for yourself.
Maton EM-TE
- Guitar Type: Electric-Acoustic Dreadnought
- Legend Who Played It: Tommy Emmanuel
Maton guitars are typically outfitted with an internal microphone as well as a piezo saddle pickup. This allows for tremendous variety and clarity in the percussive tones Tommy Emmanuel gets out of his guitar while leaving his fingerstyle tone beautifully intact.
Be prepared to be blown away by his performance of “Mombasa,” and let your imagination stretch what you thought was possible with an acoustic guitar.
The 12 String Guitar
- Guitar Type: Steel String Dreadnought Acoustic
- Legend Who Played It: John Denver
Known for his melodies and lyrics, John Denver arranged his songs with an extremely wide instrumental palette. At heart, he was just a guy with a guitar singing to people, but the use of a 12 string brought a twist of flavour to his repertoire. Check out the orchestral version of “Annie’s Song” and be inspired.
Each of these guitars is famous because a great player created a moment with an audience that carried that memory with them long after. If you’re a guitarist, remember to take every opportunity to explore the different types of guitars on your journey.
Also published on Medium.