A feature on guitarists who use the famed Telecaster—an instrument beloved even by vocalists
A biting, thick low end and a bright, sparkling high end that rings out crisply.
And a uniquely emotional sound—possible only on this guitar—created by the half-tone combination of the rear and front pickups.
Born as the Broadcaster before the name change, this guitar already boasts over 50 years of history, yet it continues to be produced without changing its shape.
Loved for so long, it’s used by countless guitarists around the world and in Japan.
From among the innumerable Telecaster lovers, we’ll introduce some especially famous guitarists along with their characteristic sounds.
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Feature on guitarists who use the legendary Telecaster—an instrument loved even by vocalists (1–10)
Tatsuro Yamashita
Tatsuro Yamashita always favors his Fender Telecaster.
It seems he’s been devoted to the Telecaster since the 1970s.
He occasionally uses a Stratocaster as well, but in any case, he seems to prefer Fender.
Musicians really do have their favorite instruments, don’t they? It’s probably from that Fender Telecaster that so many of those songs were born.
Richie Kotzen
Ritchie Kotzen is a popular guitarist who combines a bluesy feel with solid fast-playing technique.
While he may not have the image of an all-out metal shredder, you can sense technical elements throughout his performances.
In Japan, he’s known for his work with MR.
BIG, where he joined as Paul Gilbert’s successor.
He has also showcased his vocals both in The Winery Dogs—a band he formed with bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Mike Portnoy—and in his solo projects.
Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer, the vocalist and guitarist of The Clash—an English rock band active in the 1970s alongside the Sex Pistols—played a Telecaster for many years, wearing down its finish and giving it a distinctive character.
A signature model that recreates that look has been released.
Guitarists Who Use the Legendary Telecaster Loved by Vocalists Too (11–20)
Steve Cropper
This is the American musician Steve Cropper.
He’s a world-famous Telecaster player who was selected for Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” In the past, he also contributed to works by the Japanese rock musician Kiyoshiro Imawano.
Roy Buchanan
This is Roy Buchanan, a pioneering figure of the Telecaster sound.
He was from the United States and was active as a blues musician.
He was also selected by Guitar Player magazine as one of the “50 Greatest Tones of All Time.”
Albert Collins
Albert Collins, a blues guitarist and singer from Texas, nicknamed “The Iceman.” He’s known for his fingerstyle playing and his unconventional Open F minor tuning.
He originally aimed to be an organist, but after his organ was stolen he gave up and became a guitarist instead.
Fate works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?
Bruce Springsteen
Among his songs, one of the most famous is surely “Born in the U.S.A.” His image—wearing a denim jacket, passionately singing while playing a Telecaster—is truly striking and gives off a quintessentially American vibe.
It feels like Bruce Springsteen has become a brand unto himself.