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)
Larry Carlton
Larry Carlton, a master guitarist who represents the fusion jazz world, is also a devoted semi-hollow guitar user.
Not just him—many jazz guitarists tend to use semi-hollow or fully hollow guitars.
Fast playing with that rounded tone is really pleasing to listen to.
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.
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?
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?
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.
Haruichi Shindo
A Japanese musician, lyricist, composer, music producer, and author, active across a wide range of fields.
He owns many guitars and plays various instruments, including Telecasters, Les Pauls, and semi-acoustics.
He has also had an endorsement contract with Gibson and has extensive experience with a large number of instruments.