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 versatile sound: Famous guitarists who use semi-hollows (11–20)
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.
Neil Young
Neil Young, a Canadian singer-songwriter who may be underappreciated but is also an excellent guitarist.
He plays various guitars, but he has long favored the Gretsch White Falcon, and you can often see him using it.
Eddie Cochran
Eddie Cochran, the legendary rock ’n’ roller who was active in the 1950s and left this world at the young age of 21.
He influenced numerous rockabilly artists, and the fact that so many of them favor Gretsch guitars may well trace back to him.
Tom SawyerAlex Lifeson
In this Rush song, the guitar shown in the music video is his signature model, the ES-355.
Its pure white body, gold metal hardware, and tortoiseshell pickguard exude the presence of a true king.
It’s a beloved instrument he used for many years during his tenure, and it’s a very famous classic among semi-hollow guitars.
The core of Rush’s sound was built on the tone of this guitar.
A nearly identical Les Paul–style version appeared later as well, so you could say this model became his icon.
Ti PunchYosuke Konuma
Yosuke Onuma is a Japanese jazz guitarist active on the global stage.
While many jazz guitarists use semi-hollow or full-hollow guitars, Onuma is also a devoted semi-hollow player.
In the jazz world, even those in their 40s are called “young,” and born in 1974, Onuma is very much considered a “young” artist.
He started out playing rock guitar and has performed frequently in clubs, creating a style that isn’t confined to the boundaries of jazz yet overflows with its essence.
He has performed at Live Spot RAG many times.
He’s also handsome—truly an artist doubly blessed by the heavens.
Johnny Marr
Johnny Marr, famous as the guitarist of The Smiths and a pioneer of UK alternative and indie rock.
He often plays a Fender Jaguar, but during The Smiths era he frequently used semi-acoustic guitars like Rickenbackers and the ES-335 as well.
With elegant looks and highly adaptable sound, here are famous guitarists who use semi-hollow guitars (21–30)
Ulful Keisuke
He is the guitarist for Ulfuls and also serves as the band’s leader.
He is widely known by many nicknames, such as “Mr.
Smile,” “The Smiling Guitarist,” and “Naniwan Guitar.” His trademark is a ten-gallon hat.
He is active in a wide range of fields, including working as a radio DJ.
Even after Ulfuls went on hiatus, he continued to work energetically as a solo artist.