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)
Noel Gallagher
This is Noel Gallagher, known as the central figure of the British rock band Oasis.
He’s a semi-hollow guitar enthusiast who uses a variety of models—including the ES-355—from brands like Gibson, Epiphone, and Rickenbacker.
George Harrison
George Harrison, who played lead guitar for The Beatles, was also a devoted user of semi-hollow guitars alongside John Lennon.
He can be seen using various semi-hollow models from makers such as Höfner, Gretsch, Gibson, and Rickenbacker.
Shinichi Ubukata
Shinichi Ubukata, the guitarist of the rock band Nothing’s Carved In Stone and ELLEGARDEN.
His energetic playing is striking.
He owns many guitars, including Gibson ES-335s and ES-355s.
For many people, he’s the first guitarist who comes to mind when thinking of rock players on semi-hollow guitars.
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry, the father of rock ’n’ roll.
In his early days he played full-hollow guitars, but from the 1970s onward he used semi-hollow models, notably the legendary ES-335.
That semi-hollow sound really suits oldies and bluesy tunes.
Kenichi Asai
When it comes to Japanese guitarists who are devoted Gretsch players, this is the person who comes to mind.
As the former frontman of Blankey Jet City, he’s been active in many projects, and he has fairly consistently used a Gretsch Tennessean.
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.
Brian Setzer
Speaking of Brian Setzer, the former Stray Cats super guitarist, he uses a Gretsch semi-hollow.
Paired with his Fender Bassman amp, it produces a rounded, lustrous tone that I think truly matches his playing style.