11 Iconic Guitars and the Legendary Guitarists Who Shaped Music

When it comes to legendary guitarists, their instruments are often as iconic as the artists themselves. These guitars, with their unique stories and designs, have played a pivotal role in shaping the history of rock and roll. From custom builds to serendipitous discoveries, let’s delve into the world of these legendary guitars and the musicians who made them famous.

Table of Contents

Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstrat

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized guitar playing with his Frankenstrat. Born out of frustration with conventional instruments, he sought the tone of a Les Paul and the playability of a Fender Stratocaster. The result was a guitar that not only combined these elements but also featured a tremolo system that allowed him to take divebombing to new heights. The iconic striped finish, initially an afterthought, set him apart from imitators.

Peter Green’s Greeny

In 2014, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett acquired Greeny, a 1959 Les Paul that originally belonged to Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green. This guitar’s neck pickup had broken and was repaired incorrectly, creating the signature out-of-phase tone Green utilized on tracks like “Black Magic Woman.” Between Hammett and Green, it found a temporary home with former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore. Hammett, using Greeny as his primary touring guitar, made it one of the most visually and sonically recognizable Les Pauls globally.

Brian May’s Red Special

Brian May, the iconic guitarist of Queen, embarked on a remarkable journey when he and his father built the Red Special when he was just 15. They crafted every part of the guitar, from the neck made from an old fireplace to the body hewn from an oak table. Their bespoke tremolo unit featured motorbike valve springs, and even the fretboard marker dots were repurposed from old pearl buttons. The Red Special’s unique construction yielded a truly distinctive sound.

James Hetfield’s ‘Eet Fuk’ ESP

James Hetfield, frontman of Metallica, wielded his famous ‘Eet Fuk’ ESP guitar, originally emblazoned with “EET FUK SLEEP,” a humorous reference to his favorite activities. This instrument closely resembled the Gibson Explorers Hetfield had used previously, but with a twist: the neck inlays featured raised middle fingers instead of traditional dots. It was built by ESP in 1987, perfectly timed for Metallica’s ascent to MTV fame with the “One” video, and became Hetfield’s go-to for the Black Album.

B.B. King’s Lucille

B.B. King affectionately bestowed the name “Lucille” upon all of his guitars. This moniker originated from a dramatic event when King rushed back into a burning building to rescue his beloved Gibson during a 1949 fire. The blaze had started due to a dispute between two men over a woman named Lucille. King’s iconic black Gibson ES-355, the basis for Gibson’s official Lucille model in 1980, remained his trusted companion throughout his career until his passing in 2015.

Randy Rhoads’ Polka Dot Flying V

In the early ’80s, Randy Rhoads sought to infuse metal with flamboyance, diverging from the genre’s prevailing all-black aesthetics. Inspired by Eddie Van Halen’s quest to combine the best of Gibson and Fender, Rhoads reached out to LA luthier Karl Sandoval, resulting in the creation of his iconic polka dot Flying V. The polka dots became synonymous with Rhoads’ brand, capturing his unique style and showmanship.

Jimmy Page’s Double-Necked Gibson

Although Jimmy Page acquired his double-necked Gibson after Led Zeppelin IV was recorded, it became inseparable from his image, particularly during the iconic performance of “Stairway to Heaven” in the concert film “The Song Remains the Same.” The EDS-1275, introduced in 1963, allowed Page to replicate both 12-string and 6-string guitar sounds, making it an essential tool for live performances of Zeppelin classics.

Rick Nielsen’s Five-Necked Hamer

Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick took a playful jab at the excesses of stadium rock by commissioning Hamer to build a five-necked guitar. While it appeared as a gimmick, Nielsen found practical use for the instrument. Despite its comedic appearance, he continues to use it regularly in live performances, showcasing his irreverent spirit.

ZZ Top’s Spinning Guitars

In 1983, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons had a whimsical request for luthier Dean Zalinsky: he wanted guitars encased in sheepskin, an idea that emerged from his purchase of sheepskins in Scotland. Zalinsky embraced the challenge, crafting all-white guitars with the album title “Eliminator” painted down the necks. The spinning effect seen in the “Legs” video was a ZZ Top creation, achieved by mounting the guitars on rotating belt buckles.

Jimi Hendrix’s Burnt Strat

Jimi Hendrix‘s 1967 Monterey Pop festival performance marked a guitar revolution. He hand-painted his Fender Stratocaster with floral designs using nail varnish, creating a monstrous sound. While lesser guitarists struggled with the Strat’s idiosyncrasies, Hendrix harnessed them, even incorporating electrical interference into his performances. Despite its significance, Hendrix unceremoniously set the guitar ablaze after its sole concert appearance, a testament to his transcendental connection with music.

Prince’s ‘Cloud’ Guitar

In 1983, Prince approached Minneapolis guitar shop Knut Koupée with an unconventional request: he wanted a guitar modeled after the cloud-shaped Sardonyx bass used by André Cymone in Prince’s “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad” video. Luthier Dave Rusan crafted three Cloud guitars for “Purple Rain” by modifying unsold O’Hagan guitars, effectively recycling parts to create a distinctive instrument. Prince played the original Cloud as his primary guitar until dramatically smashing it onstage during the 1986 “Parade” tour.

Notable mentions

Eric ClaptonKnown as “Slowhand,” Eric Clapton is a British blues rock guitarist renowned for his soulful and emotive playing. He gained fame as a member of bands like The Yardbirds, Cream, and Derek and the Dominos before launching a successful solo career. Clapton’s mastery of the blues and rock genres has left an enduring mark on the history of guitar playing. Iconic songs like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven” showcase his exceptional talent and songwriting skills.
Carlos SantanaCarlos Santana is celebrated for his fusion of rock, blues, and Latin American influences. His distinct guitar tone, characterized by the use of sustain and feedback, has made him one of the most recognizable guitarists in the world. Santana’s breakthrough came at Woodstock in 1969, and he went on to create timeless hits like “Smooth” and “Black Magic Woman.” His ability to infuse spirituality into his music has set him apart in the world of guitarists.
Stevie Ray VaughanStevie Ray Vaughan, often referred to as SRV, was a Texas blues guitarist who revitalized the blues genre in the 1980s. His fiery and virtuosic playing, combined with a soulful voice, made him a true guitar icon. Vaughan’s album “Texas Flood” is a classic in the blues genre, and his live performances, such as “Live at the El Mocambo,” showcased his immense talent. Tragically, his life was cut short, but his impact on modern blues guitarists is immeasurable.
Joe SatrianiA virtuoso known for his instrumental guitar albums, Joe Satriani has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument. Often referred to as “Satch,” he is renowned for his lightning-fast technique and innovative use of effects pedals. Satriani’s album “Surfing with the Alien” catapulted him to fame, featuring the iconic track of the same name. As both a solo artist and a guitar instructor, he has influenced countless guitarists with his unique style.
Nancy WilsonAs the co-founder of the rock band Heart, Nancy Wilson has played a pivotal role in the world of rock guitar. Known for her intricate acoustic and electric guitar work, she has contributed to Heart’s timeless hits like “Barracuda” and “Crazy On You.” Wilson’s ability to blend folk-inspired acoustic guitar with hard-hitting rock riffs has set her apart as a trailblazing female guitarist in a predominantly male-dominated field. Her enduring influence on rock music continues to inspire aspiring guitarists.

Honourable mention

Noel Gallagher

A favourite guitarist of music critic, promoter and British media guru Mark Boardman who says “Noel has shaped the British music scene since the 90’s and has influenced thousands of people to play the guitar”.

Background: Born on May 29, 1967, in Manchester, England, Noel Gallagher is best known as the chief songwriter and lead guitarist of the British rock band Oasis. Alongside his younger brother, Liam Gallagher, who served as the band’s lead vocalist, Oasis became one of the most prominent and influential rock bands of the 1990s.

Musical Achievements: Noel Gallagher’s songwriting prowess played a crucial role in Oasis’s meteoric rise to fame. His ability to craft anthemic, emotionally charged songs with catchy melodies became a hallmark of the band’s sound. Oasis’s debut album, “Definitely Maybe” (1994), and the follow-up, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” (1995), are considered iconic albums of the Britpop era. Hits like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova” are timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Influence: Noel Gallagher’s songwriting and guitar playing have had a profound impact on subsequent generations of musicians. His songwriting style, characterized by honest, relatable lyrics and memorable hooks, has inspired countless songwriters across various genres. Gallagher’s guitar work, while not overly technical, is known for its melodic sensibility and the ability to create memorable riffs and solos that complement the songs perfectly.

Solo Career: After Oasis disbanded in 2009, Noel Gallagher embarked on a successful solo career with his band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. His solo albums, including “Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds” (2011) and “Chasing Yesterday” (2015), have continued to showcase his songwriting talents and have garnered critical acclaim.

Legacy: Noel Gallagher’s contributions to music extend beyond his own performances. Oasis’s impact on the Britpop movement and the broader rock scene of the 1990s is undeniable. Their music and Gallagher’s songwriting have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Noel Gallagher’s ability to write songs that resonate with audiences on a personal level has ensured his lasting influence in the world of music.

These iconic guitars and the legendary musicians who played them have left an indelible mark on the world of music. They remind us that innovation, creativity, and a touch of eccentricity can lead to the creation of instruments that become as legendary as the artists themselves.