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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Guitarists Who Use the Legendary Telecaster Loved by Vocalists Too (11–20)
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters, the American blues singer known as the “Father of Chicago Blues.” Behind his edgy, daring performances was the Telecaster.
Its gritty tone paired with his punchy vocals shakes you to the core.
“Hoochie Coochie Man” is a track where you can fully savor his signature playing.
James Burton
This is guitarist James Burton, nicknamed “Mr.
Telecaster.” He’s also famous for a technique called “chicken picking,” which uses a metal pick.
He’s such a virtuoso that he even served as the bandleader for Elvis Presley.
The season of farewellAsako Miyazaki
SHISHAMO is an all-female three-piece rock band.
Their songs feature a classic, three-piece-style guitar rock sound that’s truly compelling.
That sound shines thanks in large part to their excellent guitar tone.
Ever since their debut, guitarist and vocalist Asako Miyazaki has stuck with her trusty Telecaster.
Building on that crisp, cutting tone, she skillfully deploys effects depending on the song.
If you’re a SHISHAMO fan, using the Telecaster as a clue might help you discover your next favorite band!
Message In A BottleAndy Summers
Best known as the guitarist for The Police, he hails from Lancashire, England, and is said to have played in clubs as a jazz guitarist from his teenage years.
After joining The Police, he achieved great success, thanks in part to his distinctive approach that differed from conventional rock guitar.
Following the band’s breakup, he collaborated with a variety of artists, composed film scores and TV themes, and pursued work beyond music as a writer and photographer.
During his time with The Police, his main guitar was a brown sunburst Telecaster Custom.
Mike Stern
Mike Stern, one of the leading guitarists in the jazz fusion scene, favors a Telecaster-style YAMAHA Pacifica as his signature model.
In this genre, many guitarists tend to use Stratocaster-type guitars, and Stern himself was a Strat user early in his career.
However, he later switched to a Telecaster equipped with a humbucker pickup in the neck position, a style that has been carried over to his YAMAHA signature model.
Very, very strongKazuyoshi Saito
When you think of singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito, what kind of guitar comes to mind? Many people probably picture an acoustic guitar.
However, Saito also has many electric-guitar songs.
As you’d expect from a true guitar enthusiast, he skillfully plays a wide range of instruments—Strats, Les Pauls, Flying Vs, and more—the deeper you look, the more you find.
A Telecaster is also one of his favorites.
In the song “Very Very Strong,” he plays his beloved Telecaster, which he acquired in the U.S.
in ’99.
Guitarists who use the legendary Telecaster—an instrument beloved even by vocalists (21–30)
Shigeru Kishida
The main guitar of Shigeru Kishida, vocalist and singer-songwriter of Quruli, is also a Telecaster.
The video shows a rock-heavy era of Quruli from when Shonen Yoshida—who wasn’t in the band for even a year—was a member.
The Telecaster’s nostalgic, full-bodied sound fits Quruli’s music perfectly.