A guitarist who masters the SG model—a guitar with a distinctive look and sound.
The SG—one of Gibson’s most popular models—radiates a fierce individuality from its body shape alone.
Gibson is best known for the Les Paul, but the SG was created as the Les Paul’s successor.
It offers a different kind of appeal and has been loved by many guitarists.
Beyond being lighter than a Les Paul and easier to play in the higher frets, the SG is also beloved for what some consider drawbacks: its tendency toward neck-heaviness that can dip unless supported by the left hand, and its lively, mid-focused sound.
Here are some representative guitarists who favor the SG.
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Guitarists who master the uniquely styled and sounding SG model (11–20)
Jimmy Page
There may be mixed opinions on whether this should be included under SG, but please allow me to introduce it as an SG-type category.
It’s famous as the double-neck guitar used on Led Zeppelin’s greatest song, “Stairway to Heaven.”
Heavy SoulPaul Weller
In Japan, Paul Weller is known as the main vocalist and guitarist of the British pop-rock band The Style Council.
Influenced by mod artists such as The Who, he has remained true to his own stance regardless of trends, earning him the nickname “Modfather.” He is a devoted user of the Gibson SG, which traces its roots back to the Les Paul, and is one of the artists popular among Japanese listeners.
Whipping PostDuane Allman
The Allman Brothers Band is a rock group born from the forbidden meeting of blues and country.
Guitarist Duane Allman is also well known as a devoted SG player.
Those guitar solos that evoke slide guitar and blues harp tones are indispensable to the Allman Brothers Band’s songs.
Hailing from the American South, their sound really conveys the background of where they were born and raised.
It’s fiery!
Seiji
Guitar Wolf is a hard-edged garage punk band whose trademarks are leather jackets, leather pants, and sunglasses.
Seiji, the band’s frontman, also loves to play an SG.
The SG suits their rough, violent, and delinquent vibe perfectly.
The AnswerFrank Marino
Mahogany Rush is a Canadian rock band that was active in the ’70s.
The vocalist Frank Marino plays an SG! The SG’s characteristically bright midrange cuts through even the heaviest band mix and reaches your ears.
It delivers every single note of Frank’s unbelievably skilled, jaw-dropping technique without missing a beat.
If you want a band sound where the guitar takes center stage like Mahogany Rush, an SG is the perfect instrument!
Thom Yorke
Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead.
Early on, he had a strong image of using a Telecaster, but at some point I started seeing him with an SG more often.
Since the band keeps evolving musically, he might be changing his gear to match the sounds he’s after!
Guitarists (ages 21–30) who master the distinctive SG model, known for its unique looks and sound
Just Like a SoloBill Frisell
Bill Friedel is an American guitarist active since 1982.
He’s highly recommended for listeners who especially enjoy the most eccentric, boundary-pushing guitarists.
Often categorized as a jazz or fusion player, he has a free, one-of-a-kind style that transcends genre labels.
From fuzz-drenched tones to gorgeous delay textures, the sounds and phrases he draws from his SG seem limitless.
If you’re a guitar fan and haven’t heard of him yet, you’re missing out—he’s that much of a phenomenal master player.
