Icons of Rock: The Most Legendary Electric Guitars
The electric guitar is one of the most iconic instruments in the history of rock music. First rising to prominence in the 1950s, the electric guitar became a defining symbol of rock and roll and has remained integral to the development of rock music ever since.
While acoustic guitars had been around for centuries, it wasn't until the 1930s that guitar makers started experimenting with pickups and amplification, allowing guitarists to play louder and with more sustain. This paved the way for the first production electric guitars like the Fender Esquire and Broadcaster models in the late 1940s.
Over the following decades, numerous brands and models of electric guitars were created and rose to legendary status, shaping the sound of rock music. Guitars like the Gibson Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, and Gibson SG became instruments of choice for famous guitarists and allowed for the evolution of rock into new genres and subgenres. Their iconic body shapes and trademark tones are instantly recognizable.
In this article, we will explore some of the most legendary electric guitars that have left an indelible impact on rock music. From their origins and unique specifications to their influence on guitarists and rock culture, these iconic instruments have rich histories behind their enduring popularity. Their continued legacy is a testament to the innovation and artistry that make the electric guitar a cherished instrument worldwide.
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most iconic and influential electric guitars ever made. First introduced in 1952, the Les Paul has been the guitar of choice for countless rock legends and continues to be hugely popular today.
History and Origins
The Les Paul was the result of a collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the legendary guitarist Les Paul. Gibson had wanted Les Paul to endorse a new solid-body guitar since the 1940s. In 1951, Gibson finally unveiled the Les Paul guitar, which incorporated Les Paul's innovative design ideas like a solid mahogany body and distinctive single-cutaway shape.
Early Les Paul models like the 'Goldtop' are now highly desired by collectors and players. By 1957, Gibson introduced the 'Les Paul Standard' which added features like a sunburst finish and humbucker pickups. This is the model that became the quintessential Les Paul guitar shape and sound.
Innovative Design Features
Part of what makes the Les Paul so iconic is its innovative design that was ahead of its time. The solid mahogany body gave the Les Paul a thick, warm tone unlike anything else. It also featured a set-in maple neck for stability and sustain.
The Les Paul truly revolutionized electric guitars with its humbucker pickups. Unlike the single-coil pickups of the era, the humbuckers had two coils to cancel noise and create a powerful, thick tone. This allowed the Les Paul to cleanly amplify the rich overtones of overdriven tube amps.
Gibson also added other clever touches like a stopbar tailpiece for better tuning stability and control knobs mounted on a discrete pickguard. These features came together to make the Les Paul a versatile and playable guitar.
Famous Players
The Les Paul has been the go-to guitar for countless rock legends spanning generations. Early adopters like Duane Allman and Eric Clapton helped establish the Les Paul as a premier blues-rock guitar.
Later, guitar heroes like Jimmy Page, Slash, Zakk Wylde, and Billy Gibbons wielded Les Pauls to forge the sound of heavy rock. The thick, singing tone of Les Pauls has remained an integral part of rock music ever since.
Other notable Les Paul players across genres include Jeff Beck, Bob Marley, Les Paul himself, Neal Schon, Gary Moore, and Pete Townshend. The Les Paul remains a staple guitar heard on stages and recordings around the world.
Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster, often simply called the Strat, revolutionized both music and guitar design when it was introduced in 1954. Designed by Leo Fender as an upgrade from his revolutionary Telecaster model, the Stratocaster became renowned for its sleek, contoured body shape and versatile tone.
The Stratocaster was the first guitar to feature three pickups and a spring tension tremolo system, allowing guitarists to bend the pitch of notes or entire chords with the flick of the tremolo bar. This gave guitarists new creative options and led to the Strat becoming a favorite of surf rock bands in the 1960s.
The Strat's bolt-on maple neck provided smooth playability, while the solid alder body gave it a snappy, bright tone perfect for cutting through the mix. Fender's innovative use of a tremolo system integrated into the bridge was a game-changer, ushering in a new era of expressive, vibrato-rich guitar solos.
Soon after its release, the Strat rose to stardom after rockabilly guitarist Buddy Holly began using it extensively. However, the Strat truly became an icon of rock once Jimi Hendrix exploded onto the 1960s music scene. Hendrix pioneered a revolutionary style of guitar playing where the guitar became an extension of himself. The Stratocaster was his instrument of choice, which he pushed to new sonic extremes using feedback, distortion, and guitar pyrotechnics never heard before.
Other famous Strat players include Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, and John Frusciante. The Stratocaster remains Fender's most popular and iconic model, cementing its status as one of the most legendary electric guitars of all time. Its versatile sound and smooth playability make it a staple instrument across nearly every musical genre today.
Gibson SG
The Gibson SG electric guitar model was introduced in 1961 as the Gibson Les Paul SG. It was designed as a thinner, lighter, updated alternative to the Les Paul model, with innovative features like beveled edges for comfort and double cutaways for easier access to upper frets.
The SG body shape, reminiscent of a rounded violin or f-hole archtop, represented a dramatic departure from previous Gibson designs. The slim mahogany body and reduced weight made the SG more comfortable for extended playing sessions. The neck joint was also updated to allow easier access to higher frets.
Some of the notable musicians who embraced the Gibson SG include Eric Clapton, who used an SG nicknamed "The Fool" during his time with Cream. Angus Young of AC/DC is also forever associated with the SG, using various SG models throughout his career for both lead and rhythm work. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath tuned his SG down significantly to create his signature heavy tone. Other famous SG players include Robby Krieger of The Doors, Frank Zappa, and Derek Trucks.
The Gibson SG design proved highly influential, showing that a classic single cutaway guitar shape could be reimagined to better suit the needs of musicians. More than 60 years after its introduction, the Gibson SG remains an iconic electric guitar model, beloved for its lightweight versatility and timeless rock 'n roll vibe.
Fender Telecaster
The Fender Telecaster was developed by Leo Fender in California in the late 1940s and launched in 1950 as the first commercially successful solid body electric guitar. Its simple yet innovative design featured a single cutaway slab body made of ash or alder, typically with a maple neck and fretboard.
The Telecaster had several innovative design features that contributed to its legendary sound and playing feel. It utilized a bolt-on neck joint that allowed easy neck removal and adjustment. The bridge had three adjustable saddles for precise string intonation, while the strings fed through the body aumenting resonance. It also had a revolutionary single coil pickup that produced the signature sparkling Telecaster tone.
The Telecaster soon became an icon used by famous musicians in many genres. Country artists like James Burton, Buck Owens, and Waylon Jennings popularized the bright, cutting tone of the Tele for chicken pickin' lead and rhythm playing. Blues guitarists like Albert Collins and Muddy Waters relied on its bold midrange punch. Rock guitar gods like Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Bruce Springsteen, and Syd Barrett incorporated the Tele into their gritty, aggressive playing styles. As one of the first mass produced solid body electrics, the Fender Telecaster left an enormous imprint on music history.
Gibson Flying V
The Gibson Flying V was one of the most radical and innovative electric guitar designs of the 1950s. First released in 1958, the Flying V was part of Gibson's "Modernistic" series, along with the Explorer, aimed at attracting younger guitarists.
History and Origins
The Flying V was designed by Gibson president Ted McCarty, who was seeking a modern and high-tech design. The angular "winged" shape was inspired by the popular Gibson Explorer model. It was also partly influenced by the sci-fi and space age trends of the 1950s.
Despite its bold futuristic design, the initial release of the Flying V was unsuccessful. It was discontinued in 1959 due to poor sales. However, the model gained popularity later on and was reissued in 1967 after guitarist Lonnie Mack played one.
Innovative Design Features
The Flying V had several innovative design elements that contributed to its avant-garde shape. It had no waist or contours like other guitars at the time. The pointed wings allowed easier access to the higher frets, making it appealing for lead guitar playing.
The V-shaped body was lighter and well balanced compared to Gibson's L-series guitars. The "polepiece" pickups were unconventionally angled, following the sloped shape of the wings. This gave the Flying V a unique and aggressive tone.
Famous Musicians Who Used It
Once revived in 1967, the Flying V became an icon of heavy metal and hard rock music. Blues guitarist Albert King became forever associated with the Gibson Flying V.
Jimi Hendrix posed with a Flying V for a 1967 photo shoot and recorded with one. Marc Bolan of T. Rex helped popularize the model in the glam rock scene of the 1970s. Later famous players included Lenny Kravitz, Dave Mustaine, and James Hetfield.
Today, the Gibson Flying V remains one of the most recognizable guitar shapes, representing a bold step forward in electric guitar innovation.
Gibson Explorer
The Gibson Explorer was first introduced in 1958 and represented a radical departure from traditional guitar designs. The angular, asymmetrical shape was considered very futuristic and "space age" looking at the time.
The Explorer featured several innovative design elements. It had a solid mahogany body with beveled edges and pointed cutaways to improve access to the higher frets. The neck joined the body at the 24th fret, allowing extremely high notes to be played. The headstock was positioned on the same plane as the neck instead of angled backwards. This improved the stability of the neck and enhanced tuning stability.
Though it wasn't immediately embraced, the Explorer gained popularity among rock and metal guitarists who were drawn to its aggressive look and sound. Prominent early adopters included Dave Davies of The Kinks. As the sound of rock grew heavier in the 1970s, the Explorer became synonymous with metal and hard rock. Famous Explorer players include James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Uli Jon Roth of Scorpions, Rick Derringer, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, and Steve Clark of Def Leppard.
The Explorer's radical design and full, aggressive tone has cemented its status as an iconic rock guitar. Models with humbucking pickups deliver the thick, meaty distortion that has become an essential part of heavy metal's sound. The Explorer represents a pivotal moment in electric guitar history and remains a staple instrument for hard rock and metal guitarists.
Rickenbacker 360
The Rickenbacker 360 electric guitar, introduced in 1958, takes its name from its semi-hollow thinline design with two cutaways allowing easy access to the higher frets. This guitar is most famously associated with Roger McGuinn of The Byrds and John Lennon of The Beatles.
The Rickenbacker 360 was designed by German luthier Roger Rossmeisl, who had previously worked for Rickenbacker in the 1950s. The innovative design featured a solid center block running through the middle of the guitar's hollow body. This improved sustain and removed feedback issues associated with fully hollow guitars. The slim, semi-hollow maple body contributed to the signature jangly, bright tone associated with Rickenbacker guitars.
When Roger McGuinn, lead guitarist of The Byrds, began using a Rickenbacker 360 in 1964, its chiming sound became an integral part of the folk-rock sound. The Beatles took note, with both John Lennon and George Harrison acquiring 360s. Lennon used his extensively on The Beatles' 1965 hit "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away." Both McGuinn's and Lennon's use of the Rickenbacker 360 contributed greatly to its popularity and status as an iconic guitar of the 1960s rock era.
With its distinct tone and sleek, futuristic design, the Rickenbacker 360 earned a reputation as one of the most unique and influential electric guitars. Its innovative features paved the way for other semi-hollow thinline models, yet 50 years after its debut the 360 remains instantly recognizable by sight and sound. The 360's ringing, crystalline tone is an indelible part of the sound and spirit of 1960s rock and roll.
Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 is one of the most popular and iconic semi-hollow electric guitars ever made. First introduced in 1958, the ES-335 combined the warmth and rich tones of a hollowbody jazz guitar with the versatility and playability of a solid body electric.
History and Origins
The ES-335 was conceived by Gibson president Ted McCarty as an effort to create a more refined and advanced alternative to Gibson's earlier ES-225 model. The ES-335 featured a solid center block of maple running through the hollow center of the guitar, which provided more sustain and feedback control compared to fully hollow guitars. This innovative design allowed it to be played at high volumes with less feedback.
Gibson hired famous guitarist Mary Osborne to test prototypes of the ES-335 before release. Her input was extremely valuable in shaping the final production model. Once launched commercially in 1958, the ES-335 was an immediate hit among jazz, blues, and rock guitarists.
Innovative Design Features
Several design elements of the ES-335 set it apart from previous electric guitars. The semi-hollow thinline body provided a comfortable playing feel and reduced weight compared to solid bodies. The double humbucking pickup configuration gave it a thicker, warmer tone that appealed to many guitarists.
It also sported an elegant, futuristic asymmetrical double pointed shape called the "Florentine" cutaway. This distinctive look became an iconic signature of the model. The ES-335 also pioneered the use of stop tailpiece guitar bridges, which improved intonation compared to earlier trapeze tailpieces.
Famous Musicians Who Used It
The ES-335 quickly became a favorite of legendary guitarists in many genres. Blues icon B.B. King relied on an ES-335 as his main guitar for decades, affectionaly dubbing it "Lucille." The virtuosic jazz playing of Larry Carlton brought attention to the ES-335 in the 1970s.
Rock guitar gods like Chuck Berry, Dave Grohl, and Noel Gallagher of Oasis have also frequently played ES-335s. Its versatility and full-bodied tone made it appeal to many lead guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, and Otis Rush. The Gibson ES-335 remains an indispensable guitar model that shaped the sound of modern music.
Conclusion
The evolution of the electric guitar is filled with innovative designs that have shaped the history of rock music. From the smooth, rounded curves of the Gibson Les Paul to the edgy futurism of the Gibson Flying V, iconic models have left their mark on music culture.
The Fender Stratocaster became synonymous with guitar heroes like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Its comfortable contoured body and versatile tone catapulted it to stardom. The Gibson Les Paul's humbucking pickups and maple top produced the thick, singing tone that guitarists crave.
Other landmarks include the Fender Telecaster's simple yet elegant design, the Gibson SG's devilish pointed horns, and the Rickenbacker 360's jangly sound that defined bands like The Beatles and The Byrds. Each model contributed something unique while building off previous innovations.
Together, these legendary electric guitars provided the signature sounds behind decades of popular music. Their cutting-edge features inspired new playing techniques and enabled genres from rock n' roll to heavy metal. Even today, these iconic models are coveted for their historic status and unmatched tones. They represent the enduring creativity that makes the electric guitar a timeless instrument.