The 5 Most Famous Electric Guitars of All Time (with voting!)

This is a tough one. There are quite a few of these types of articles out there and they all play safe. For me, this is about passion, creativity, influence and uniqueness. Maybe it’s a kind of magic? (damn, I think I might just have sold myself out there at the first hurdle, but we’ll keep on fighting to the end!)

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Justin has played the guitar since 1986. His music tastes span from Metal to Rock and Jazz to Dubstep, with his favorite bands being the likes of Underworld, Iron Maiden, and Zero 7.

Since 2007, Justin has expertly managed CMS solutions such as WordPress and Magento, and has been overseeing 15+ websites. Justin is also fluent in coding languages from HTML to C++ (also talks guitar), he’s crafted content for sectors ranging from luxury yachts to fashion.

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Editing & Research: Teemu Suomala

I first grabbed the guitar in 2009. I started this website in January 2020 because I couldn’t do window installation anymore due to my health problems. I love guitars and have played dozens and dozens of different guitars through different amps and pedals over the years, and also, building a website interested me, so I decided to just go for it! I got lucky and managed to get awesome people to help me with my website.

I also got lucky because I have you visiting my website right now. Thank you. I do all this for you guys. If you have any recommendations, tips, or feedback, just leave a comment, I would love to chat with you. I have also been fortunate to produce content for several large guitar websites, such as Songsterr, Musicnotes, GuitarGuitar, and Ultimate Guitar.

I spend my spare time exercising and hanging out with my wife and crazy dog (I guess that went the right way…).

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I needed to set some parameters, otherwise this just got too tough for me to do. I have my favorites, but many are not even on this list. The first 4 are in no particular order, but the last is, for me at least, the most unique, influential, creative and, quite possibly, the best guitar of all time

Let’s get into this, and remember to form opinions and SHOUT about them in the comments. I am not right, this is not gospel (you’ll see what I did there too), but I’m writing this, not you. Fancy your go? Please do, in the comments. Let’s debate this forever and learn more and more about the beating heart of our love of everything “guitar”.

Keith Richards and the Micawber Telecaster

Starting here because we can all hear that chugging, iconic, riff that opens Jumping Jack Flash. I doubt there is a guitarist here that didn’t wish they could, for just a second, be as iconic as Keith Richards in a bandana, forcing this riff out into the open to loosely lock in with the band. Sure, Keith is not the greatest guitarist ever, he isn’t even the greatest guitarist in the Rolling Stones (bite me! (in the comments)), but he has every inch of what this is all about. Legend status.

Why the Micawber Telecaster is Unique

Micawber has traveled a long way from stock featuring an ash body and a one-piece maple neck with a walnut “skunk stripe”. It has a standard 25½ inch scale length and made the butterscotch finish the most idolized finish for a telecaster. The neck is standard but with one missing inlay dot at the seventeenth fret.

Custom elements include the replacement of pickups, tuners, and bridge components.

On the electronics front, the guitar boasts

• a pedal steel-style single coil pickup at the bridge
• a Gibson PAF humbucker at the neck.
• a standard three-way selector switch, as well as volume and tone controls.

The bridge has been replaced with a Schecter brass model with five saddles. The control surface and barrel knobs are chrome, and it features chrome Sperzel tuners.

A huge amount of this “legend” comes from the recording of the album “Exile on Main Street” when Richards removed the top E string and moved to an open G tuning. This allowed him more freedom to hit the strings he wanted. The tone of Micawber has become synonymous with Keith Richards’ playing style, contributing to The Rolling Stones’ iconic sound. Micawber has been a voice of rock ‘n’ roll for over half a century!

Micawber’s influence can be heard in countless rock ‘n’ roll songs, from the infectious riffs of “Satisfaction” to the gritty blues of “Start Me Up.” Its impact on rock ‘n’ roll history is undeniable, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic electric guitars of all time.

History and significance of Micawber

Richards’ Micawber Telecaster holds significant historical and cultural significance. Micawber (named after a Charles Dicken’s character in David Copperfield) was a 27th birthday gift from Eric Clapton. Its unique modifications, combined with Richards’ playing style, have helped shape the sound of rock ‘n’ roll. The guitar’s iconic design and raunchy sound have made it a symbol of rebellion and rock music, cementing its place in music history and countless bedroom walls!

Influence on other iconic guitarists and music genres

The influence of Micawber extends beyond Keith Richards and rock ‘n’ roll. Many iconic guitarists cite Richards as a key influence, recognizing the impact of his sound and style on their own music including:

• Bruce Springsteen
• Joe Walsh (Eagles)
• Johnny Marr (The Smiths)
• Joe Perry (Aerosmith)
• Slash (Guns N’ Roses)
• Jack White (The White Stripes)

Want to try making your own? Pick up a Squier CV Tele and follow this blog!

BB King’s Companion – Lucille

BB King’s iconic guitar, Lucille, holds a special place in the world of electric guitars. Known for its warm, full-bodied tone, Lucille has become synonymous with the blues and BB King’s legendary sound. BB King made the Gibson ES355 his with both Gibson and Epiphone offering a ES355 Lucille edition.

Blues Music and the Influence of Lucille

Launching from the base of our “special” entry at the end of our piece, BB King, with his iconic guitar, Lucille, became one of the most influential figures in blues music. His soulful playing style, coupled with Lucille’s warm tone, captivated audiences and inspired countless guitarists.

BB King and Lucille are amongst the most cited guitarist/guitar combinations for musical influences in the history of rock. The birth of rock, and through that heavy metal, in the 50s and 60s can all be traced back to guitarists like BB King and “Lucille”.

The story behind BB King’s iconic “Lucille” guitar

The story behind BB King’s iconic guitar, Lucille, is amazing. BB King named the guitar after a near-death experience he had while performing in a nightclub. A fight broke out, and the building caught fire. BB King barely escaped, but he couldn’t leave without his guitar. From that moment on, he referred to his guitar as Lucille, as a reminder of the importance of music in his life.

Lucille’s history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of BB King. The guitar has played a significant role in his music, shaping the sound of his iconic blues style.

Impact on the development of blues and rock music

BB King and Lucille were a profound influence central to the evolution of blues to rock music. With “Lucille” in hand, King pioneered a new era of electric guitar playing, revolutionizing the genre with his expressive bends and smooth phrasing. His groundbreaking technique set the stage for generations of rock guitarists., from Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix, who drew inspiration from his gentle evolution of the blues sound.

Not only did BB King’s instrumental prowess shape the sonic landscape of rock music, but his soulful delivery and poignant lyrics also left an enduring mark on the genre. Songs like “The Thrill Is Gone” showcased his ability to convey raw emotion, setting a new standard for vocal expression in rock. Moreover, his charismatic stage presence and engaging persona captivated audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a legendary figure in rock music history.

Key features and specifications of Lucille

Lucille, BB King’s iconic guitar, stands apart from a standard ES-335 in several key aspects, making it a unique instrument tailored to King’s preferences and playing style. One of the most noticeable differences lies in Lucille’s design, as it lacks the traditional F-holes found on the body of a standard ES-335. This modification was made to minimize feedback issues, particularly during live performances where King often played at high volumes. By eliminating the F-holes, Lucille achieves a more controlled and consistent sound, allowing King to express himself with clarity and precision even in the midst of loud amplification.

Furthermore, Lucille boasts custom modifications and personalized setup details that further distinguish it from a standard ES-335. These modifications include a Varitone switch, allowing King to access a wide range of tonal colors and textures with ease.

The legacy of Lucille in the world of electric guitars

The legacy of Lucille, BB King’s iconic guitar, extends far beyond the world of blues. The Gibson ES-335 has become a much sought after guitar across many genres including blues, rock and jazz. Guitarists who cite BB King as their influence include:

• Eric Clapton (The Yardbirds, Cream)
• Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)
• Jimi Hendrix (The Experience)
• Angus Young (AC/DC)
• Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
• The Edge (U2)
• Carlos Santana

The guitar’s influence can be seen in the playing styles of guitarists of different genres, from blues to rock to jazz. Its warm, expressive tone continues to captivate audiences and inspire guitar players to this day. Lucille stands as a testament to BB King’s music, guitar playing, and the power of the electric guitar.

If you want a bit of the action both Gibson and Epiphone have BB King models.

Find the Epiphone B.B. King Lucille Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar here

Or the Gibson Custom B.B. King Lucille Legacy Electric Guitar here

*Consider all links in this post to be affiliate links. If you purchase, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. It helps us to keep the lights on, thanks! 🙂

Hank Marvin’s Fiesta Red Strat – The Sound of the Shadows

This is controversial in the extreme, yet I can justify why THIS is the only Stratocaster in the top 5 and why Blackie is sitting in our “also rans”. I need to run a disclaimer right now. I’m not into The Shadows. I totally understand why Hank Marvin is responsible for what he has done for rock music. He is the reason for almost EVERY household rock guitarist from the UK from the late 50s onwards.

Hank Marvin’s Fiesta Red Stratocaster has engraved its legacy in the music world. This iconic guitar has captivated guitarists across genres. It spawned one of the earliest big sellers for Squier and is reputed to be the first Fender Stratocaster in the UK, imported by Cliff Richards for Hank. Pretty much EVERY Strat player from the late 50s onwards looked up to Hank Marvin and wanted THAT red Strat!

The list of famous guitarists who cite Hank Marvin as one of their key influences

This is where you get schooled. I remember when I discovered this list, just how broad it was and how many of my heroes occupied this list. For that I have to tip my hat at Hank Marvin and his Fiesta Red Stratocaster.

Hank Marvin’s influence on guitar playing has resonated with numerous legendary guitarists, shaping their musical journeys in profound ways. Really this is just a list of about EVERY hero you have ever looked up to. For them, Hank and that Stratocaster was their teenage bedroom wall. You’ll even see why Blackie is not our focus Stratocaster. Are you ready?

• George Harrison (The Beatles)
• Eric Clapton (The Yardbirds, Cream)
• Jeff Beck (The Yardbirds)
• Jimmy Page (The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin)
• Brian May (Queen)
• Pete Townshend (The Who)
• Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
• David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)
• Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
• Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple)
• Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)
• Steve Howe (Yes)
• Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)

His distinctive style of music and innovative use of the electric guitar continue to be influential across different genres, including rock, country music, and beyond. This illustrious list of guitarists emphasizes the lasting impact of Hank Marvin on the world of guitar playing and music.

Some personal quotes to give you perspective.

Brian May on Shadoogie “The whole thing sounds so incredibly evolved and steams through like a juggernaut. HOW DID YOU GUYS DO THAT? How did you become so flawlessly epic so fast? What inspired you? Cheers, Hank. Honoured to know you.”

Peter Frampton on the Fiesta Red Strat “I used to draw it during maths class!”

Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music “Growing up in South America in the late 50s/early 60s, your records were one of the few possible to listen to, they really inspired me.”

Carl Verheyen, Supertramp “Hank has one of the most iconic Strat sounds of all time.”

The Fiesta Red Strat’s Distinctive Features

This is the thing. There is very little that is distinctive about this guitar, bar the biblical list of guitarists it influenced to pick up the guitar. When you look at that list you seriously wonder how rock music would look if Hank Marvin hadn’t strapped that Red Strat on and showed us how melodic leads could change the face of rock music.

Want to thank a guitarist for your massive dive bombing? Hank Marvin to Eric Clapton “When I got the first Strat we’d ordered it with a ‘tremolo arm’, I was intrigued. None of us had seen one before or really knew what it did”

If you are in Perth, Western Australia, you can drop in on this legend at a local music shop where Hank’s son works!

Peter Green’s – “Greeny” Les Paul

“Greeny,” Peter Green’s legendary Les Paul, holds a storied history steeped in musical excellence. Originally owned by Fleetwood Mac’s Jeremy Spencer, the guitar found its way into the hands of Peter Green in 1969, becoming synonymous with his distinctive tone and emotive playing style.

Despite changing hands over the years, Greeny remains an iconic instrument revered by musicians and fans alike, a testament to Peter Green’s enduring legacy in the world of blues and rock music.

Famous Music Moments Recorded with Greeny

This guitar took the legend of the Fleetwood Mac sound and moved it through rock and blues history. Here are some of the songs recorded on this legendary guitar:

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers – The Super-Natural

Fleetwood Mac – Black Magic Woman

Gary Moore – Parisienne Walkways

Gary Moore – Need Your Love So Bad

Kirk Hammett – The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)

Joe Bonamassa – Midnight Blues live at the Royal Albert Hall

At this point I need to state that I could carry on all day bringing you seminal performances on this guitar. The sheer range of people that have played this single guitar and the list of tracks that it has been used to get the best for is reason enough for it being the most important Les Paul ever.

Unique features and design of the guitar

“Greeny,” stands out as a truly unique instrument due to its series of modifications and distinctive characteristics. Originally a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Greeny underwent significant alterations, including the installation of two Gibson PAF humbucking pickups from a 1959 Gibson ES-335, replacing its original P-90 pickups. Additionally, the guitar’s sunburst finish was stripped away, revealing its natural wood grain, while its neck was shaved for a slimmer profile. These modifications, coupled with Greeny’s association with Peter Green’s emotive playing style and iconic sound, contribute to its status as a one-of-a-kind Les Paul.

Peter Green and Greeny’s Influence on Guitar Music

• Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy)
• Carlos Santana
• Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
• Joe Bonamassa
• Jon Mayall (Bluesbreakers)
• Eric Clapton (The Yardbirds, Cream)
• Jimmy Page (The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin)
• Kirk Hammett (Metallica. Well, he owns this guitar!)
• Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow)
• Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake, died a few years ago, search up his guitar collection….)
• John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
• Snowy White (Thin Lizzy)

Current ownership and value of the guitar

Peter Green’s legendary “Greeny” guitar, now in the hands of Metallica’s guitarist Kirk Hammett, holds an estimated value of $2 million. This iconic instrument, prominently used by Green during his time with Fleetwood Mac, boasts unique modifications, including a removed neck pickup and a stripped original finish. Despite its astronomical worth, Hammett intends to continue playing this piece of music history instead of stowing it away as a collector’s item. The guitar’s historical significance and exclusive alterations make it an incredibly valuable and cherished asset within the music world.

Since the latest purchase and use by the thrash legend, Gibson has released 3 versions of this iconic and under-sung Les Paul. For those with shallower pockets (they still need to be relatively deep) there is the Epiphone Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard version, for those in need of the extras that the Gibson name on the headstock brings can double their budget and sling the Gibson Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul Standard version.

Finally, if you want to get as close to the original as possible without having to pry it from Kirk Hammett’s black nail polished fingers then you can sell a kidney for the Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard version completed with every known ding and scratch the original sports!

Spotlight on Brian May’s Red Special

Right, I sold it hard. For me this has to be number 1 for some very simple reasons.

• It has been impossible to replicate perfectly.
• It is one of a kind.
• It is played by one person and, in my opinion, should be sent off with Brian after his final encore.

I have worshipped Brian May since I got handed a bootleg copy of “Live Killers” my Dad bought back from a business trip to Iraq when I was 5.

Most of all has to be the story of a father and son making something together. If there was ever a sign of a thing of true beauty coming from the love of a parent and child, Red Special needs to be at the top of that list. It is so good that you will struggle to find many images of Brian May with anything else bar an acoustic or, rarely, his Telecaster for “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”.

The Uniqueness of the Red Special

What sets the Red Special, also known as “Fireplace” and “Old Lady”, apart from other electric guitars is its unique sound and pairing with the VOX AC30. Partly due to financial constraints and also due to May’s desire for a unique instrument, Brian and his father decided to build something special in August 1963. Something that would become an integral part of rock history, completing their project in October 1964.

The guitar’s neck was fashioned from the wood of a century-old fireplace mantel, a piece saved from disposal by a family friend, a table and some random pieces of wood laying about. Despite the challenges posed by the wood’s age and condition, including wormholes that May filled with matchsticks, they meticulously shaped it to their vision, adding a 24-fret oak fingerboard with unique mother-of-pearl inlays.

The body of the Red Special was constructed from blockboard with oak inserts, derived from an old table, and finished with a mahogany veneer, giving it the appearance of a solid-body guitar. This DIY approach extended to the pickups; May initially attempted to wind his own but eventually settled on a set of Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, modifying them to reduce microphonics and achieve his desired sound.

The guitar’s custom tremolo system, crafted from a knife-edge and motorbike valve springs, and its innovative bridge, designed to maintain perfect tuning, underscore the unique character and functionality of the Red Special.

One of the most notable features of the Red Special is the series of phase switches, which enable May to alter the phase relationship between the pickups, resulting in a wide spectrum of tones ranging from thick and creamy to crisp and cutting. Finally, the Red Special boasts individual on/off switches for each pickup, granting May the ability to blend and layer different pickup combinations on the fly. These switches allow Brian to control his tone as he plays.

The Influence of the Red Special on Music

With a doubt Queen took the early 70s rock scene and slowly turned it upside down. With constant evolution and the ability to wander into any musical genre successfully, Queen has a back catalog that has influenced a huge variety of artists. With Brian’s ability to adapt the Red Special tone so meticulously to whatever idea the band had next, it was a rare moment when he had to sling another axe (Crazy Little Thing Called Love was actually recorded on a Fender Esquire that belonged to Roger Taylor, with them using Brian’s black telecaster for the live version).

For me, Red Special really IS Queen. It is a rare moment when you are not hearing the unique tones of this one of a kind guitar in a Queen song. Freddie was so flamboyant and was, without doubt, one of the reasons why Queen got noticed. Behind all of this was Brian May and the Red Special.

Brian May’s influence on guitar playing and music with the Red Special

Brian May’s playing style, coupled with his iconic Red Special, has left an indelible mark on guitar playing and music history. His innovative use of the guitar’s switches and knobs, combined with his distinctive sound, has influenced guitarists of all genres. Many guitarists have cited Brian May as one of their key influences, recognizing the impact he has had on guitar playing.

This list is a little like the Hank Marvin list, but the next generation. We can see a tree from Hank to every modern guitarist you want to cite as your influences. This includes:

• Steve Vai
• Joe Satriani
• Eddie Van Halen
• John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
• Slash (Guns N’ Roses)
• Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme)
• Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
• Sysnter Gates (Avenged Sevenfold)
• Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
• James Hetfield (Metallica, they cover a Queen song almost every gig. Stone Cold Crazy)
• Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
• Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
• Yngwie Malmsteem
• Chris Broderick (Megadeth)
• Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats)
• Rusty Cooley
• Mick McCready (Pearl Jam)
• Alex Lifeson (Rush)
• Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)
• Orianthi (Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper)
• Phil Collen (Def Leppard)
• Vivian Campbell (Rainbow, WhiteSnake, Def Leppard)

In reality, this list can go on. Personally, I accredit a HUGE amount of this respect to the amazing relationship between Red Special and the Vox AC30.

Honourable Mentions – Other Iconic Guitars

There are so many others. It was hard not to include all of these.

Eric Clapton’s – Blackie

Eric Clapton’s – Blackie has become a beloved choice among guitarists due to its warm tone and iconic design. Its sleek look and distinctive sound have left a lasting impact on numerous rock guitarists, setting it apart from other guitars. Renowned for its unique features and Claptons playing style, Blackie has been widely embraced across different music genres, solidifying its place in music history. With its enduring popularity, this iconic guitar continues to influence and inspire musicians worldwide.

Reason why it didn’t make the cut: Hank Marvin’s Red Special is at the very core of the Strat explosion in British guitar music in the 50s and 60s.

Eddie Van Halen’s – Frankenstrat

Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstrat, with its red and white striped paint job and custom neck, helped define the sound of 80s rock. It’s been a highly personal instrument for Eddie Van Halen, featured on his iconic recordings, including “Eruption.” The guitar’s unique design has inspired countless imitators and become an icon of rock guitar culture. Despite its popularity, the Frankenstrat remains a reflection of Eddie Van Halen’s singular style.

Reason why it didn’t make the cut: Eddie did so much for me, as he did for most modern guitarists, yet this guitar wasn’t entirely responsible for that. He moved about and changed his main guitar throughout his playing life.

You CAN get your hands on the nearest copy possible to this original monster, the EVH Striped Series Frankenstein Relic

Bo Diddley – Twang Machine

Bo Diddley’s “Twang Machine” is a legend in its own right. The distinctive twangy sound of this iconic instrument has left an indelible mark on music history, influencing numerous guitarists and music genres along the way. Its unique design sets it apart, making it an unforgettable piece of music culture. Bo Diddley’s “Twang Machine” has truly stood the test of time, cementing its status as a legendary instrument.

Reason why it didn’t make the cut: Just not enough influence. It was extremely unique, but didn’t inspire many people to make square guitars!

Randy Rhoads’ – Concorde

Randy Rhoads’ Concorde electric guitar boasts a truly unique design that sets it apart from the crowd of iconic guitars. With its unmistakable asymmetrical shape and pointed headstock, the Concorde immediately catches the eye of any guitar enthusiast. Rhoads’ signature polka dot finish adds an extra punch to its already iconic status. The Concorde remains a highly sought-after piece among metal guitarists and collectors, despite its limited production. It is now core to the Jackson range with versions across all their budget ranges.

Reason why it didn’t make the cut: We, so so sadly, never got enough Randy. This guitar is his legacy, but we’ll never know whether it would have stayed the test of time.

The Jackson USA Select Randy Rhoads RR1 is the closest we can get to owning this beast.

The Most Under-sung Famous Electric Guitar in History – Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s White Les Paul

I desperately wanted to include this guitar. The reality is that, while Sister Tharpe influenced just about everybody, there isn’t much of her music for us to check out. She was devoted to her life of spreading the word that being a famous musician was just not important. Whilst I am not religious, I have to admire this devotion and the joy for us knowing that she did it for the love of playing.

The history and significance of Sister Rosetta Sharp’s White Les Paul

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s white Les Paul, often referred to as her “main squeeze,” is captured the most often in the scant amount of media we have. Acquired in the 1960s, this guitar became synonymous with Tharpe’s dynamic stage presence and innovative musical style. With its distinctive tone and outrageous triple humbucker configuration, the white Les Paul served as Tharpe’s trusted companion, accompanying her on countless recordings and live performances. Its raw sound, coupled with Tharpe’s energetic playing, helped define the boundaries of gospel, blues, and rock music, cementing her status as a trailblazer and paving the way for future generations of musicians.

Top fact: This guitar was actually rejected by Les Paul. It later became the SG (Standard Guitar) that is so known and loved in Blues and Rock circles.

The impact of Rosetta and the White Les Paul

I can’t remember exactly where I first discovered Rosetta, but I remember being totally amazed that I wasn’t aware of this outstanding guitarist and passionate vocalist. He stage presence was so deeply engaging and the guitar was a part of Gibson history that I really didn’t know about.

Her impact on my outlook and understanding of rock guitar was fundamental. Suddenly, all the riff kings from the 60s and 70s started to make sense. Her driving rhythms and athletic solos stood out alongside her fierce vocal deliveries. I am not a religious man, as I have said, yet I wanted to stand up and praise the lord. Maybe if Rosetta Tharpe had been in my church when I was a teenager…..

While penning this post, I was sitting with my 12 year old daughter (drummer) watching TV. We switched over to YouTube and there was Sister Rosetta Tharpe with the infamous “Didn’t It Rain?” train station performance. I honestly thought my daughter would drift away. No! She was utterly transfixed. At the end she just said “That was amazing, I love that, I love what she’s doing!”.

For me, that is the real power of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She has inspired my daughter to believe. From a 60+ year old black and white gospel video on YouTube. THAT is power. THAT is influence.

I was in a thread on reddit talking about female guitarists. It was actually pretty good, with lots of suggestions. Not one was Sister Rosetta Tharpe. This is something that needs noting. She might well be responsible for the SG. She is definitely responsible for some excellent right hand technique and monster chugging riffs.

You can pick up the Gibson Custom 1963 Les Paul SG Custom Reissue 3-Pickup w/ Maestro Electric Guitar today and spark some magic moments of your own!

Conclusion

Whether it’s the legendary Micawber Telecaster, Hank Marvin’s Fiesta Red Stratocaster, Peter Green’s “Greeny” Les Paul, Brian’s “Red Special”, or Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s White Les Paul, each instrument tells a story of dedication, inspiration, and enduring legacy.

So, which iconic electric guitar is your favorite? Did it make this list? Can you argue with us on the Blackie/Fiesta Red debate? Is the Red Special the most iconic electric guitar in history? Which would be your #1 and why? Vote and Comment below and let us know!

Have your say!

I know that this post has my own personality in it. That is what guitars and guitar playing is all about. It is for you, our treasured visitors, to shape what Guitarist Next Door is all about. Now is your moment. Which guitar would you choose (vote) and why (comment)?

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