Since its debut in 1954, Fender’s Stratocaster has remained an electric guitar beloved by players around the world, securing an unshakable position as a staple model.
It’s such a standard instrument that you see it in live footage and promotional videos everywhere, and you could even say it’s invariably used in the music we listen to every day.
With high potential as a musical instrument and a beautiful form, this guitar is cherished by countless guitarists both overseas and in Japan.
Here, we’ll introduce some of the most renowned Stratocaster players—true masters of the instrument.
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John Frusciante
John Frusciante, a core member during the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ peak years, also uses a Strat as his main guitar.
He primarily plays a 1962 sunburst model, a memorable instrument that was gifted to him by bassist Flea when he rejoined the band in 1999.
Jimi Hendrix
Considered a godlike figure among rock guitarists, Jimi Hendrix created his unique sound by playing a right-handed Stratocaster flipped upside down.
He was also famous for performances where he played the guitar with his teeth or behind his back, set it on fire, and smashed it.
Countless Stratocasters must have been sacrificed.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, who continues to thrive as the guitar god, is also known as a master of the Stratocaster.
The famous intro and searing guitar solo of “Layla” were played on his Stratocaster.
In his early days, it seems he also had periods when a Gibson Les Paul and SG were his main guitars.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan was a blues guitarist from Texas.
Although the 1980s, when he was active, were the heyday of hard rock, he quickly rose to fame with his gritty, powerful blues sound.
He passed away in 1990 at the young age of 35, but he continues to influence many guitarists to this day.
Jeff Beck
In Japan, he is regarded as one of the three great rock guitarists alongside Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
After trying several types of guitars, he became a devoted user of the Fender Stratocaster from the Jeff Beck Group era onward.
Fender has also released a Stratocaster signature model for him.
John Mayer
Guitarist John Mayer is counted as one of the “three great contemporary guitarists.” Not only is his guitar playing extraordinary, but his songwriting abilities are also remarkable.
One of his main genres, the blues, is supported by numerous legendary musicians.
Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore, guitarist of Deep Purple who later led Rainbow, is also a master of the Stratocaster.
The famously iconic riffs of Smoke on the Water and Black Night were created on his Stratocaster.
He was also known for smashing his guitar at the end of shows.