Famous guitarists who use semi-acoustic guitars, known for their elegant looks and highly adaptable sound.
The semi-acoustic guitar, often called a “semi-acoustic” or “semi-hollow,” boasts an elegant, almost handcrafted look and a tone that sits between a solid-body and a hollow-body guitar.
Its history goes back to 1958, when Gibson introduced the legendary ES-335.
Since then, guitar makers have released countless models up to the present day.
“Semi-acoustic” isn’t the name of a single model but a term for a construction style, so each brand offers its own compelling lineup.
We’ve highlighted master guitarists who wield the semi-acoustic across a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and fusion.
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Elegant looks and highly adaptable sound make them irresistible: Famous guitarists who use semi-hollow guitars (1–10)
John Frusciante
John Frusciante, former guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
While his main guitar during his time with the band was a Stratocaster, the Gretsch White Falcon often made an appearance when he played mellow songs.
B.B. King
B.B.
King, known as the “Giant of the Blues,” played a Gibson semi-hollow ES-355 affectionately named “Lucille.” With the strap slung over one shoulder across his stout frame, the sound he produced was as sweet as whipped cream!
Yusuke Chiba
Yusuke Chiba, known for his work with THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT and The Birthday, is an avid user of Gretsch guitars.
Since forming The Birthday, he has often been seen with a Tennessee Rose, though he has used numerous semi-acoustic guitars over the years.
Elegant looks and highly versatile sound: Famous guitarists who use semi-hollows (11–20)
Eric Clapton
Speaking of Eric Clapton, his go-to guitar is the Stratocaster, but on his blues cover album “From the Cradle” he uses a Gibson ES-335.
No matter what he plays, Clapton is still Clapton, but it’s definitely a fresh change, isn’t it?
John Scofield
John Scofield—affectionately known in Japan as “Jon-Sco.” He often plays semi-hollow guitars, and when combined with his distinctive groove and phrasing, those semi-hollows seem to shine even more.
Pat Metheny
Fusion jazz guitarist Pat Metheny is also a devoted semi-hollow user, and he uses his Ibanez signature models in many situations.
The soft tone unique to hollow-body guitars really suits jazz, doesn’t it?
The PretenderDave Grohl
Dave Grohl—Foo Fighters’ vocalist and guitarist, known as the former drummer of Nirvana—is also a fan of semi-hollow guitars.
The footage shows his signature model: based on the Gibson ES-335, it features a metallic light-blue body, sharp diamond-shaped f-holes, and a Stratocaster-style neck—an exceptionally distinctive design.
This model originally began as Trini Lopez’s signature guitar; he was active in the U.S.
in the 1960s.
It was released as a signature model in the 1970s but was discontinued, then revived after Dave Grohl started using it.