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 (ages 21–30) who master the distinctive SG model, known for its unique looks and sound
Bernard Sumner
Bernard Sumner—guitarist for the quintessential post-punk band Joy Division and widely known as the frontman of New Order.
He’s used a variety of guitars, but even back in the Joy Division era, he was often seen with an SG.
Patrick Stump
When it comes to 2000s emo bands, Fall Out Boy is the one that comes to mind.
The frontman of Fall Out Boy is Patrick Stump.
You often see him with various guitars, but in the early days after their debut, he frequently used an SG.
Susumu Nishikawa
Shin Nishikawa, known as a Japanese guitarist, is also a guitarist whose trademark is the SG.
His sound, which reflects influences from British rock, is well-regarded.
What’s more, he reportedly picks so hard that a single song can wear out his pick.
Wataru Ujihara
I’m the vocalist and guitarist of the Japanese three-piece rock band DOES, and I write lyrics and compose music.
Before DOES went on hiatus, I formed a band called THE BUCKS.
In most of the music videos I’ve released, I mainly play a Gibson SG, and I use it quite frequently in live performances as well.
Kelly Jones
Hailing from Wales, Stereophonics are a quintessential band of 2000s alternative rock.
Their frontman, Kelly Jones, is known for primarily using an SG.
He’s also often seen with hollow or semi-hollow body guitars.
Atsushi Horie
A Japanese alternative rock band formed in 1998, centered around Atsushi Horie.
They primarily use an SG for live performances, music videos, and recordings, making it something of a symbolic emblem for the group.
Joe Gosney
Joe Gosney, the guitarist of the Brighton, England band Black Peaks, is an SG player who effortlessly delivers hard-hitting guitar phrases heavily influenced by Mastodon.
Though the band isn’t very well-known in Japan, they’re signed to the prestigious Rise Records, and their songs are all remarkably polished!