Who's Playing What? A Guide To The Guitars Of The Pros

Eric Clapton performs his slow-handed magic on his. Even with just nine fingers, Jerry Garcia kept countless Deadheads dancing as he played with his. At the mere sight of his, the King of Rock-n-Roll could make a grown woman faint. Of course, I'm talking about guitars. Professional musicians have been stroking and strumming, picking and playing the world's greatest guitars and making the world's greatest music. If you want to play like the pros, you're going to need to know what guitars are rocking their worlds.

Since 1946, Fender guitars have defined rock-n-roll. Fender's line of world-famous instruments, such as the TelecasterŽ, StratocasterŽ, Precision BassŽ, and Jazz BassŽ guitars have rocked the world stage for decades. From the very beginning with Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, and Muddy Waters to the modern maestros such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kurt Cobain, and Eric Clapton, Fender guitars are a must for the serious professional and aspiring amateur!

A Guitar Named After A World War I Battleship - What Will They Thin Of Next?

The dreadnought guitar was made famous by the Martin Guitar Company. Since just about that same time, the best and brightest guitarists throughout the 20th and 21st centuries have shown why a Martin guitar means excellence. Martin musicians include a who's who of guitar greats from Jimmy Buffet, Neil Diamond, and Ben Harper to Tracy Chapman, Elvis Costello, and Jerry Garcia. When you throw in such rock icons and string virtuosos as Michael Hedges, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Willy Nelson, Tom Petty, and Neil Young, you'll begin to understand that you're in good company when you go with a Martin.

Gibson Supplies The Who's Who Of Stars

Starting making guitars way back in 1936, the Gibson Guitar Company has been making some of the world's finest guitars for nearly 70 years. Most famous for its Les Paul line of guitars, Gibson has been the guitar of choice for such musical legends as Earl Scruggs, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley. When you add two of the most talented Beatles to the mix, George Harrison and John Lennon, as well as Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, you're talking a guitar that shines out as one of the best of the best.

For those of you who are looking for a less mainstream guitar choice, don't fret; Ibanez, maker of all manner of musical instruments, is known as the perfect guitar for the select. With such guitar icons as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Pat Metheny, and Boz Scaggs on board with Ibanez, you can rest assured that you'll be able to get your strum on just fine with this highest quality of guitars.

Yamaha Makes More Than MotorBikes

Beginning in 1887, Yamaha started making world-class instruments. Granted they didn't start producing their guitars for years to come, but nobody would argue with the fact that Yamaha guitars are some of the best in the world. With an attention to detail that is second to none, Yamaha is a guitar to watch. But, if you want to listen, don't take my word for it. Lee Ritenour, Edwin McCain, Keb Mo, and Richie Sambora will gladly show you how diverse Yamaha can be.

If you're ready to rock like the superstar, get strapped with a guitar of the pros. With so many great brands to choose from, be sure to ask your local guitar store expert for their recommendations to get the best guitar for your money. When you take into consideration your playing style, experience, and budget, you're sure to find the perfect guitar and start playing like the pros in no time at all! Rock on!

Jon Butt is the publisher of Musical Instruments Guide , a free resource dedicated to all things musical. From electric guitars to drum sets, tubas to bagpipes, and every musical accessory in-between, the Musical Instruments Guide is packed full of informative articles, find top-rated musical instruments and online merchants