Electric guitars have been an integral part of modern music for decades, with a wide range of models from various brands to choose from. However, certain guitars have emerged as favorites among professional musicians, and have become iconic instruments in their own right. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top electric guitars used by professionals.
1. Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster has been used by countless musicians since its introduction in 1954. With its sleek, comfortable design and versatile sound, it’s a favorite among guitarists in all genres of music. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan are just a few of the many guitarists who have made the Stratocaster their go-to instrument.
2. Gibson Les Paul
Another iconic guitar is the Gibson Les Paul, introduced in 1952. It’s known for its warm, rich tone and is popular among rock and blues guitarists. Slash, Jimmy Page, and Joe Perry are just a few of the many guitarists who have made the Les Paul their guitar of choice.
3. PRS Custom 24
The PRS Custom 24 is a relatively new guitar, first introduced in 1985. It’s known for its beautiful craftsmanship and versatile sound. Many guitarists appreciate its ability to play both heavy distortion and clean tones. Carlos Santana and Mark Tremonti are just a few of the many guitarists who have adopted the PRS Custom 24.
4. Ibanez JEM
The Ibanez JEM is a signature model of guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, introduced in 1987. It’s known for its unique design, featuring a monkey grip handle and a floral patterned finish. It’s also known for its excellent playability, thanks to its thin, flat neck and low action.
5. Gibson SG
The Gibson SG was first introduced in 1961 as a redesign of the Les Paul. It’s known for its slim, lightweight design and bright, aggressive sound. Angus Young of AC/DC is perhaps the most famous guitarist associated with the SG.
6. Fender Telecaster
The Fender Telecaster was first introduced in 1950 and is known for its simplicity and clarity of sound. It’s a favorite among country and indie guitarists, and has been used by Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, and Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead.
7. Gretsch Duo Jet
The Gretsch Duo Jet was introduced in 1953 and has a unique, retro style. It’s known for its clear, punchy sound, and has been used by George Harrison of the Beatles, Chet Atkins, and Neil Young.
9. Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 was introduced in 1958 and is known for its semi-hollow body design, which gives it a warm, resonant sound. It’s been used by guitarists in many genres, including blues, jazz, and rock. BB King, Larry Carlton, and Eric Clapton are just a few of the many guitarists who have made the ES-335 their guitar of choice.
10. Music Man StingRay
The Music Man StingRay was first introduced in 1976 and is known for its unique sound and design. It has a single humbucking pickup and an active preamp, which gives it a powerful, punchy sound. John Petrucci of Dream Theater is perhaps the most famous musician associated with the StingRay.
11. Rickenbacker 330
The Rickenbacker 330 was first introduced in 1958 and has a unique, retro style. It’s known for its bright, jangly sound, which has made it popular among guitarists in the indie and alternative rock genres.
12. Gibson Flying V
The Gibson Flying V was first introduced in 1958 and has a distinctive, futuristic design. It’s known for its bold, aggressive sound, which has made it a favorite among heavy metal guitarists. Jimi Hendrix, Randy Rhoads, and Kirk Hammett are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Flying V.
13. Fender Jaguar
The Fender Jaguar was first introduced in 1962 and has a unique, offbeat design. It’s known for its bright, twangy sound, which has made it popular among indie and alternative rock guitarists. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Johnny Marr of The Smiths are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Jaguar.
14. Gibson Firebird
The Gibson Firebird was first introduced in 1963 and has a distinctive, reverse-body design. It’s known for its bright, cutting sound, which has made it popular among rock and blues guitarists. Johnny Winter and Dave Grohl are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Firebird.
15. Ibanez RG
The Ibanez RG was first introduced in 1987 and has become a staple of heavy metal guitar playing. It’s known for its fast, slim neck and powerful sound. Steve Vai and Paul Gilbert are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the RG.
16. Fender Jazzmaster
The Fender Jazzmaster was first introduced in 1958 and has a unique, offbeat design. It’s known for its warm, mellow sound, which has made it popular among jazz and indie rock guitarists. Elvis Costello and J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Jazzmaster.
17. PRS SE Custom 24
The PRS SE Custom 24 is a more affordable version of the Custom 24 and has become a popular choice among guitarists on a budget. It’s known for its versatile sound and beautiful design.
18. Epiphone Les Paul
The Epiphone Les Paul is a more affordable version of the Gibson Les Paul and has become a popular choice among beginners and budget-conscious guitarists. It’s known for its warm, rich tone and classic design.
19. Gibson Explorer
The Gibson Explorer was first introduced in 1958 and has a distinctive, angular design. It’s known for its powerful, aggressive sound, which has made it popular among heavy metal guitarists. James Hetfield of Metallica and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Explorer.
20. Fender Mustang
The Fender Mustang was first introduced in 1964 and has a unique, short-scale design. It’s known for its bright, jangly sound, which has made it popular among indie and alternative rock guitarists. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Adrian Belew are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Mustang.
21. Gibson SG Junior
The Gibson SG Junior is a stripped-down version of the SG, with just one pickup and no fancy hardware. It’s known for its raw, powerful sound, which has made it a favorite among garage rock and punk guitarists.
22. Gretsch White Falcon
The Gretsch White Falcon is a beautiful, high-end guitar that’s become a symbol of rock and roll glamour. It’s known for its clear, warm sound and luxurious design. Brian Setzer and Neil Young are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the White Falcon.
23. Rickenbacker 360
The Rickenbacker 360 was first introduced in 1964 and has a unique, retro design. It’s known for its bright, chimey sound, which has made it popular among jangle pop and indie rock guitarists. Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Tom Petty are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Rickenbacker 360.
24. Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 is a semi-hollow body guitar that was first introduced in 1958. It’s known for its warm, mellow sound and classic design, which has made it popular among jazz, blues, and rock guitarists. B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Chuck Berry are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the ES-335.
25. Fender Telecaster Thinline
The Fender Telecaster Thinline was first introduced in 1968 and has a semi-hollow body design. It’s known for its bright, twangy sound and classic design, which has made it popular among country and rock guitarists. Keith Richards and Jonny Greenwood are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Telecaster Thinline.
26. Gibson ES-175
The Gibson ES-175 is a hollow body guitar that was first introduced in 1949. It’s known for its warm, mellow sound and classic design, which has made it popular among jazz guitarists. Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the ES-175.
27. Fender Stratocaster Plus
The Fender Stratocaster Plus was first introduced in 1987 and features advanced electronics, such as Lace Sensor pickups and a TBX tone control. It’s known for its versatile sound and classic design, which has made it popular among a wide range of guitarists. Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck are just a few of the many guitarists who have played the Stratocaster Plus.
28. Gibson Les Paul Studio
The Gibson Les Paul Studio is a more affordable version of the Les Paul and has become a popular choice among intermediate-level guitarists. It’s known for its warm, rich tone and classic design.
29. PRS Custom 22
The PRS Custom 22 is a high-end guitar that’s known for its beautiful design and versatile sound. It features a unique 22-fret neck and PRS’s signature bird inlays.
30. Fender Precision Bass
The Fender Precision Bass, also known as the P-Bass, was first introduced in 1951 and is the first commercially successful electric bass guitar. It’s known for its thick, punchy sound and classic design, which has made it popular among rock, funk, and jazz bassists. James Jamerson and John Paul Jones are just a few of the many bassists who have played the Precision Bass.
31. Music Man StingRay
The Music Man StingRay is a high-end bass guitar that’s known for its powerful sound and beautiful design. It features a unique active preamp system that allows for precise control over tone and volume. Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tony Levin are just a few of the many bassists who have played the StingRay.
The electric guitars and basses mentioned above have been used by some of the most influential guitarists and bassists in the history of music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these instruments offer a wide range of sounds and styles to choose from, making them essential gear for any guitarist or bassist.