Gibson’s Les Paul, alongside Fender’s Stratocaster, is one of the most iconic electric guitar models and is beloved by players around the world.
Originally released as an artist model named after the jazz guitarist Les Paul, its construction and the high-output pickups known as humbuckers pair exceptionally well with rock-style overdriven tones.
Thanks to that appeal, many guitarists have chosen it as their instrument of choice.
First manufactured in 1952, it may appear a bit “old-fashioned” from the perspective of the 2020s, more than half a century later, yet it also exudes the dignified presence of “the electric guitar.”
Here are some famous guitarists known for their use of the Les Paul.
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[The Regal Aura of a Classic Guitar] Guitarists Who Use Les Pauls (1–10)
Jimmy Page
A British guitarist famous in Japan as one of the world’s three greatest guitarists.
As the guitarist and leader of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin, he is one of the musicians who has had an enormous impact on the global rock scene.
He left behind many classic songs, and in Japan you often hear his music in a wide range of contexts, from commercials to variety shows.
His career took off remarkably early—astonishingly, the first record he played on reached number one on the charts when he was just 19.
With his trademark Les Paul slung low, his playing style exudes cool; he is a living legend in the world of hard rock.
Slash
The guitarist of the globally successful rock band Guns N’ Roses.
Recognizable by his top hat, sunglasses, and a low-slung Les Paul, he is a musician who works tirelessly not only with the band but also through solo projects and collaborations on major artists’ works.
His bluesy playing style, rooted in pentatonic scales and delivered with the sweet tone of a Les Paul, stood out even during the heyday of technical guitar playing, winning over many listeners.
He is a guitarist who showcased both the diversity of rock music and the greatness of classic sounds.
Joe Perry
When it comes to the guitarist of the great rock band from the U.S.
East Coast, Aerosmith, it has to be Joe Perry.
He’s also famous as a Gibson guitar collector and is said to own so many that even he can’t keep track of them.
Tak Matsumoto
The guitarist of B’z, the rock unit that has consistently led Japan’s rock scene since their debut.
Beyond his work with B’z, he remains active across a wide range of projects, including other bands and solo endeavors.
His impeccably precise technique and instantly recognizable, distinctive guitar tone—identifiable at first listen as Takahiro Matsumoto—have continued to influence countless guitarists.
In 1999, he was selected as a Gibson Les Paul signature artist—the fifth in the world and the first Japanese—making him truly one of Japan’s representative guitarists.
Les Paul
As his name suggests, he was the musician who created the Gibson Les Paul, a guitar that has now become a global standard.
In fact, his real name was Lester William Polsfuss, and Les Paul was his stage name—did you know that? As both the creator of a guitar that has become synonymous with rock and the pioneer who released the world’s first multitrack-recorded record, it’s no exaggeration to say that without him, today’s music scene might not have evolved as it has.
He was a figure who had a tremendous impact on the world of music both as a musician and as an innovator.
Maximum the Ryokun
Ryo-kun, who handles vocals, six-string guitar, and the younger-brother role in the Japanese rock band Maximum the Hormone, is also a devoted Les Paul user.
The Les Paul plays a big part in their hardcore, heavy, groove-laden sound.
They don’t appear in the media very often, but they are one of Japan’s most popular bands.
John Sykes
An England-born guitarist who mainly plays a black Les Paul Custom.
He is a prominent HR/HM musician known for joining world-famous bands such as Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, as well as for his work with Blue Murder, the band he founded.
In his solo project Sykes, he not only played guitar but also worked as a vocalist and singer-songwriter, making a name for himself in the rock world with his versatility.
He is a guitarist whose trademarks are massive riffs and technical guitar solos delivered with the dry tone of a Les Paul.