A guitarist who uses an Explorer-type (guitar)
From among Gibson’s electric guitars, I’ve compiled a list of guitarists who use the Explorer type.
Its avant-garde design reportedly didn’t make it very popular at first, but these days it’s a well-loved guitar used by many famous musicians.
- Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs
- A song with cool power chords
- From Fast Picking to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists
- Japanese shred guitarist
- Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who have etched their names into history.
- [Full of legendary guitarists!?] Left-handed guitarists roundup [2026]
- [2026] Extreme Technique! A Roundup of Overseas Technical Guitarists
- [Chosen by a jazz guitarist] 10 guitarists recommended by Katsuhide Wakui
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- Supreme guitar riffs from both Japanese and Western music: songs with badass intros
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Japanese Songs with Difficult/Technical Guitar Parts [2026]
- Even that overseas musician!? Popular cover versions of 'Itoshi no Ellie'
Guitarists who use Explorer-type guitars (1–10)
Rick Nielsen
Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick is known for using unusual guitars, such as oddly shaped models and ones with five necks.
Fond of check patterns, he incorporated them not only into his outfits but also into his guitars.
In this music video, a check-patterned HAMER Explorer-type guitar makes an appearance.
Allen Collins
When it comes to American Southern rock bands, many people probably think of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Allen Collins, one of the band’s three guitarists, was also a devoted user of the Explorer.
It really suited Allen Collins, with his slender, tall build.
Marty Friedman
As you all know, when it comes to Marty Friedman, it’s got to be that Jackson Explorer shape.
For a while he stepped away from Jackson and became a PRS player, but he’s back with Jackson now.
In this video, he plays the famous Tornado of Souls guitar solo from Megadeth, the band he handled guitar for in the ’90s.
Check out his distinctive picking technique!
Guitarists using the Explorer type (11–20)
The Edge
U2’s guitarist, The Edge, has long favored the Explorer.
In this video, his beloved Explorer is featured, and while the guitar itself is impressive, the towering rack system stacked up behind him is truly something.
You can see him actually playing from around 2:40.
Incidentally, this guitar was sold for $150,000 at an auction in 2008 to support people affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Eric Clapton
Some people might be a bit surprised, but believe it or not, there was a time when Eric Clapton used an Explorer.
He’s strongly associated with the Stratocaster, after all.
Fans who didn’t know this might find it a bit jarring, don’t you think?
Lee Malia
Lee Malia, guitarist of the hugely popular band Bring Me The Horizon.
He also admired James from Metallica and dreamed of owning an Explorer.
This is his signature model released by Epiphone.
It has a traditional look, but he apparently uses quite heavy strings to accommodate low tunings.
Gary Moore
Gary Moore is a hard rock guitarist from Northern Ireland, also known for his work with Skid Row and Thin Lizzy.
While Gary Moore is often associated with playing a Les Paul, he was also a devoted user of the Explorer.