There can’t be many people who’ve not fantasised about becoming a guitar hero. Standing proudly onstage, thrashing out blistering power chords loud enough to make the paint peel from the walls. And there are a number of truly great electric guitars that have stood the test of time.
One of the most famous electric guitars is the Fender Stratocaster. Originally designed in 1954 the Fender Stratocaster was the guitar played by the late great Jimi Hendrix amongst others. This is also the guitar selected by Pete Townsend of the Who and, of course, Eric Clapton. The Fender Strat is as popular today as it ever was which is understandable as this guitar is truly a design classic.
Another well known and popular electric guitar from Fender is, of course, the Telecaster. This beautifully simple instrument was first introduced as the Broadcaster in late 1949 and has been in continuous production ever since. There are many talented and well known guitar players who prefer to play Fender Teles. One of the most well known is, of course, Keith Richards who takes to the stage with an array of Telecasters, open tuned to a ‘G’ chord for that classic Rolling Stones sound.
If we are talking about classic guitars we must of course mention the fantastic Gibson Les Paul. This is another truly great electric guitar, first made back in the 1950s and in continuous production ever since. Jimmy Page, of Led Zeppelin and Yardbirds fame, is just one guitarist who loves the Gibson Les Paul. The sound of this great instrument was heard everywhere in the song ‘Alright Now’ by the band Free, played by the late Paul Kossoff and a modern day player of this great guitar is Slash of Guns’n'Roses fame.
Since I’ve given a mention to two Fenders its only fair that I should talk about two great Gibsons. I could have chosen the fantastic ES335, a favourite with many great guitarists, including BB King but instead I have chosen the exceptional Gibson SG. This distinctive looking solid body electric guitar was introduced in the early 1960s to compete with the popular Fender Strat. This is the guitar chosen by Angus Young of Australian rock band ACDC. It was also the guitar of choice for Tony Iommi, guitarist in the well known rock band Black Sabbath.
These days there are just so many excellent electric guitars but, for me, these four are the top models that have stood the test of time.
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