@@CHodgy Yes, I absolutely agree. But he is, in my opinion,...I play slide guitar...in a classical and progressive way because he didn't stick to just playing blues, The man. In my view of the slide guitar, Derek today is the best, most open to other languages and creative slide player. Of course, I don't know the world and I have serious doubts as to whether there aren't completely unknown musicians out there who are brilliant. Derek plays differently than anyone else who came before him, even those who influenced him. Derek has a lot of the Allman Brothers vibe, with or without slides, in his music. He has the same vibe as Duanne and Dickey Betts when they improvised. I don't love his tone, just as I didn't love Duanne and Betts's, but it was so striking and the language, especially Duanne's, so captivating, that I ignored my taste. It's natural because I've played with a Stratocaster all my life. Regarding SG, I had a 1973 SG Standard... my second guitar. Beautiful, but I didn't like the sound or her arm. And I also confess. I think the SG Custon...that little white one, is the most beautiful guitar there is.
I was at Woodstock and the sound Carlos Santana made was awesome. I stopped what I was doing and sat down for their entire show. On Sunday afternoon, I was hungry and tired and started walking out. I noticed a dude with a new Gibson SG. I asked him why he brought such a nice guitar out here. He said he was sitting right by the stage and when the Who ended their show it fell into his lap. That was hard to believe. About a year and a half later - I saw the Woodstock movie. sure as heck just like that guy said, the last thing Pete Townshed did was gently toss the SG over the front of the stage. Great memories.
I saw ACDC live this year. They are it. The greatest live Band of all time. Angus Solo towards the end of the Show was so captivating, he had the entire crowd in the palm of his hand
@@Les537but he hated that guitar and (supposedly) sabotaged it to force management/the band to buy him a Les Paul so we disqualify him on grounds of sacrilege!
So glad you mentioned Derek! And I didn’t know that Holdsworth used an SG even though my first (and still one of my main) electric guitars is an Ibanez AH10. So thank you for the great video.
@@heavenlyguitar5913 I saw Frank back in the mid 1970s and as a teenager thought they were way too loud! And distorted and a lot of things I can deal with better now. He was and doubtless still is an astounding guitar player.
A couple more honourable mentions: Glen Buxton of the Alice Cooper band made some of the 70's most righteous rock tones with a white SG custom. And Zal Cleminson used a variety of SGs with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band with Zal Cleminson on guitar were great live and put on a fantastic show. Zal would sometimes do a solo spot of 'April Kisses' (Eddie Lang) as a jazzy interlude within a rock gig.
And not one mention of Sam Houston Andrew and James Gurley of Big Brother and the Holding Company either. How long was Piece of My Heart, Ball and Chain, Summertime on radio rotation?
Micky Jones (RIP)- absolute SG genius, a true Welsh wizard. There is a story (true or not, I don't know), that Micky Jones redid Cipollina's solos on the Maximum Darkness album, because JC had been so out of his head during the recorded performance.
I've heard a slightly different story. Micky Jones only redid John Cipollina's parts on the song Bananas because JC used an ancient lap steel guitar that would not stay in tune so they could not use the track for the album. @@neilhughes9310
Wow. Not one mention of Sam Houston Andrew and James Gurley of Big Brother and the Holding Company. Cheap Thrills album went platinum. As if Piece of My Heart, Ball and Chain, Summertime etc. were not massive songs on rock rotation until it became known as classic rock. Sam and James both played SG's and the bassist Peter Albin often used an EB bass. Every guitar across the stage sporting that shape. All in cherry finish too. Badass.
Notables Glen Buxton Alice cooper(apparently taught the whole band) Rod Price Foghat (underrated as hell) Jake E Lee(monster player) Elliot Easton The Cars
@@jeffreyhall76 Yes, you’re absolutely right! That’s why I always liked the EB-3 SG style bass like Jack Bruce and Phil Lesh used. I liked SG’s in the mid 60’s (before Les Paul’s started getting reissued around 1968 and knowing what they were). So, as much as I like Paul’s the SG is a favorite.
In addition to Clapton, Zappa, and Townsend, I bought an SG back then with Jerry Garcia and Leslie West in mind. Jerry Garcia used an SG on Live Dead, probably the greatest Grateful Dead album. And Leslie West was a hero of mine.
I am a DeadHead & huge fan of Moutain. The Dead is a love hate thing but I tell anyone who will listen to check out Moutaln. At least the WoodStock set. Unreal.
Early on , John Cipollina lead guitar with SF 60’s band Quicksilver Messenger Service caught my ear with the killer piercing tone of his Gibson SG. I’m a drummer but I know tone and John had it in spades , always with an SG at his fingers. Saw Quicksilver in concert in ‘68. I don’t know the history of his SGs but you might wanna do a little research on him and his SGs. Sure sounds good especially on Quicksilvers’ first two albums. Good compilation you’ve got here in this video. Thanks 🥁🎸😎
John was Frank Marino's main inspiration and the reason why Frank plays an SG. John had some great moments on Man's live album Maximum Darkness from 1975.
For me, it's Pete Townshend. His tones on Live at Leeds are some of the best live tones I think ever recorded. Everything from glassy clean to sheer dirt with nothing but a cranked Hiwatt, SG Special and his fuzz pedal. Astounding. That's the very definition of getting the most out of the least amount of gear.
Great list! Glad to see Robby Kreiger getting some credit- an often overlooked but fantastically creative player. Also glad you put Alex Lifeson and his double-neck in there. Would LOVE to see a video on his guitars over the years.
Highly appreciated this vid, in particular the inclusion of Robby Krieger. Always playing to the song, something we all can learn from. Keep the great vids coming!
I would've put him much higher on the list myself. He got a lot of different guitar tones in the Doors, but they always sounded like him and nobody else.
Hey Keith @ Five Watt World - we are a bunch of nerds and know way to much about this stuff. 😀. You have built a fantastic channel - one of the best. Thanks for what you do.
Currently flying the flag for ladies with the blues I'd nominate Samantha Fish for an honourable mention. Yes she's best known for the cigar box guitar but her main squeeze in recent years has been a white SG. I'm currently having an SG built to my specs by a local luthier. I own two SGs but neither neck feels quite right so I had my DGT neck measured up as a template. It will be several months before I can play it because it will be finished in gold metal-flake but I'm not in any particular hurry. Nice list Keith.
Hi Keith! Thanks for this video! What a list! Glad you mentioned the great Frank Marino. The late John Cipollina was also a SG player. Carlos Santana also played an SG...And Paul McCartney's guitarist Brian Ray has a Gibson signature '62 SG Junior model...I own one too...Made in 1966...Thanks again!
RIP John Diggins (Jaydee Guitars), luthier to both Tony Iommi & Angus Young, who passed away on the 2nd of January this year. I was also suprised that Santana didn't make this list (or even honourable mentions!) seeing as you tend to like mentioning them in your other videos, but pleased that Sister Rosetta Tharpe got a shout-out, though personally I think she should have been on the actual list :)
Very informative and entertaining. I've always loved Zappa and his guitar tone. It's the reason I got an SG. A thing of beauty, even for a perpetual beginner.
Thanks Keith. I highly recommend "Shout, Sister Shout!" a biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. It explores the beginnings and back ground of rock and roll and also gives great insight into the role of women in music and what it was like to travel in the Jim Crow south. Peace
This is my favorite channel on TH-cam and that's saying something. Growing up I always hoped there was some sort of comprehensive history of various guitars, because I'd spend HOURS researching on Wikipedia and other sites to figure out where the heck things came from.
If we're ranking players by their influence on us, then for me, it has to be an SG player you've never heard of. My guitar teacher since I began a year and a half ago (in my early 60s) plays a cherry red SG in a local band who we often go see when they play gigs around town. I love watching him and aspire to be able to play like him someday.
I bought my 69 SG after seeing Terry Kath of Chicago playing "25 or 6 to 4." Admittedly he played a lot of different models including Strats and Tellies. But his cherry red SG fit some secret place in my mind.
I can totally relate to your early SG memories. My first internal image of an electric guitar is Duane Allman playing an SG. For me it's the quintessentially great looking guitar. Back in the early 80s when I was 15 I was hanging out in record shops and reading books about Mississippi blues. Why is the SG so mesmerizing to me? Perhaps it's the symmetric shape and the deep red color. SGs don't sound quite as fat as a Les Paul but that's OK for most styles. Owning 6 Strats but only one SG, I'll get another one for sure!
She not quite 18yrs. old, and hasn't really recorded and still finding her way. BUT! Grace Bowers is a force to be reckon with and with her '61 SG, Simply Amazing!!! And she's been playing since age 10? And was shredding that SG since age 16. Would love to see a short - history on 'five watt world' of this curly goldy locks SG lasse Nashville via L.A.
Frank Marino is light years from being "an honorable mention" considering the SG has been his main guitar for 50 years, compared to most on this list. Yeah his band may not have gotten the recondition they deserved but you can't be a student of the guitar and not know who Frank Marino is, especially during the 70's and 80's. You can't say Marino didn't influence people to play the SG, compared to most on this list. Lastly, just based on talent alone, Marino was a monster on the guitar. He's in my top 5 guitar players of all time.
I have what, to my best ability is SG special w P-90s, dot inlays, black lucite speed knobs... and looks like it had a long tremolo like a bigsby, that was removed, and a Leo Quan badass bridge added. Probably late 60's early 70s. Sounded and played F'ing great. Could easily bend the neck for effect with delay, etc, and just a solid overall guitar. Needs a serious fret job. And a refinish would be nice but...🥹
He used a white SG and a fan later made him a custom SG of zebrawood which he extensively used. Buck blasts most of the folks on the SG list into oblivion.
"Let's use it as a moment to practice enjoying each others opinions, cool" What a brilliant statement. It's very close to the remedy to what ails humankind.
Wow, Thanks a million Keith! See, I've been playing SG guitars since I was a Kid and for some reason I still do today. The first one was an original 74 with Bigsby and the harmonica bridge, the best sounding guitar I ever owned. And despite I had a bunch of Fender guitars and up to 3 Les Paul (Studio and Custom), it is the SG the one with a very special spot in my heart. Currently I play a Special made in Nashville, a regular one with 2 P90's and a sparkling burgundy red finish and let me tell you that somehow, If you fall in love with an SG, that love will last for the rest of your life. Thanks again for this Keith. It brings tears to my eyes. Much love as always from West Spain ❤
I really enjoyed this video Keith, thank you. Mom bought me my first electric guitar in 1968.. It was a red Melody Maker and a Gibson Sky mark amp. from a quaint little guitar shop in Tarzana CA called Ernie Ball. Yup before the strings and before the guitars Ernie ran a guitar store right next to a tiny karate school ran by a little known man named Chuck Norris. A few years later I changed the pickup to a hum bucket the pu cover was embossed, "Gibson." In 1973 I sold it and bought a 1968 SG Special and a 1966 Super Reverb . The SR didn't have a reverb tank in it so the seller threw in a little Fender Reverb unit. I still have that SG and the amp and reverb to this day. All my heroes played SG: Garcia, Santana, Cipollina, Zappa, townsend,...etc. Ill never sell it! Ill give it away when I'm too old to play.
I just realized something. You're the Jay Leno of guitars. Because you always have a denim shirt on. Plus you bring us history of a certain model of guitar. This is a complement my friend. Thank you for all you do man. Peace and love......
Tony Bourge of Budgie is another less well known player that I associate with the SG. He played an SG Special at all the Budgie gigs I saw. Tony's riffing style is often noted as influential by other players and Metallica covered Budgie's song 'Breadfan'.
Nicely Done! Have always loved the SG and have three currently including a '74. Have owned 6 or 7 over the years. First was a white '64 special I bought new with lawn mowing money and second was an original '61 with the sideways vibrato I bought from a bass player I worked with. Never was crazy about the '61.. never thought the sustain was very good and blamed the vibrato system. Wish I had all of the old ones back including a double neck I owned!
Thank you for including Robby, most people over look him. He was only the guitar player for the biggest American band from 67 to 71 lol! He is the reason I play an SG!!
My friends, Buddy Guy, and Carlos Santana. Oh, Sam Andrews Janis's guitarist from Big Brother. I still have my 1970 left-handed body with a right-handed neck cherry red SG. Love it and plan to get her fixed up for playing again. All the best. Jesse aka JediJabo.
Great video. It’s worth just noting, with much sadness that John Diggins died only a few weeks before this videos release. A lovely man and true supporter of the music that emanated from Birmingham and the UK. Making guitars for not only Iommi but also Angus Young and other stars such as level 42’s Mark King. Neither of the latter being from Brum of course. RIP John. A great British craftsman.
I had forgotten about Robbie Krieger, yeah he mainly played SG's. Rosetta!!! 1st one I always think of is Pete Townsend. Duane with Slide, Derek Trucks influenced of course. Tony Iommi and Angus, career SG'ers. Haa the old lemon Pledge Smell, no mistaking that one. And of Course JOHN CORDY rockin that vintage 68 SG on loan from Francisco!! Love these Videos.
The photo on the cover of Love it to Death…Mike Bruce and Glen Buxton with their SG’s. That is an all-time favourite for me, as are the guitar sounds on that album and the band’s follow-up, Killer. For me, that’s what heavy rock guitar is supposed to sound like. The SG is its own animal, and as classic as the Strat, Tele and Les Paul. Thank you for this video.
I was a teenager in the 90’s; my SG heroes were Evan Dando from The Lemonheads, Bill Janovitz from Buffalo Tom and Gary Louris from The Jayhawks. All doing the rootsy country-rock singer/songwriter (I guess they’d all be Americana if they came out now) thing with old SG’s. Love all SG’s but a Special with P90’s and a Vibrola the best. On a different tip - Ian MacKaye from Fugazi and Greg Sage from The Wipers were iconic punk rock SG players.
I fell in love with the SG seeing Peter Townshend and the brother who played with Slave. He had a 3 pickup version and Pete's was the first I saw with P90's.
A guy i worked with came up to me one day and said "you play guitar right?? I have one and i dont use it, ill bring it in tomorrow!!" The next day he brought in a black on black epiphone sg and gave it to me for nothing!! One of my favorite guitars ever!! Played like a frickin dream!!😁😁🤘🤘 I wrote this at the very beginning, im surprised you have a similar story!! Thats awesome!!😁😁
Just an amazing list Keith! I know that Carlos Santana was mentioned in your Yamaha video, but for his early work with an SG I would have included him here as well... as a list goes to 11 contender! For honorable mentions and a pair of Canadians to add to the Alex Lifeson inclusion... I would add prolific session guitarist and sideman Phil X, and guitarist/producer Colin Cripps for his love and incredible use of a '64 SG Standard and his time with Blue Rodeo, the Jim Cuddy Band, Crash Vegas, Junkhouse, and Bryan Adams to name a few. Cheers.
Great video! I was jamming with some friends a few years ago,and picked up a buddy's SG and I immediately connected with it. A few weeks later i bought one!
Well done! Dominic Troiano. I saw him playing a 60s SG special on stage with the James Gang. He used that guitar with Guess Who as well. Ronnie Montrose used an SG with the Edgar Winter Group, and also on his first album, Montrose (with Sammy Hagar on vocals). Around 1974 I purchased a 61' SG junior that had been converted into a Special with the original single coil in the bridge position and a bucker in the neck. I played for about 30 years. Wish I still had it.
I played one for 2 years in the early 70's. Then tried to buy it back for 25 years. I can't think of anyone to ad to the list. It seems like everyone has one, or two. It just depends on when they play them. 8) Thanks Keith, good video!! --gary
As a SG fanatic i'm very gratefull for this video, top quality as always. The number one SG player for me has to be Andy Cairns from Therapy?, he is the reason I picked up the guitar in the early nineties. I have tried a lot of models during the years, but I always return to the SG. Have been using a black Standard as my main live guitar for years, and have 2 Customs, a white and a silver sparkle one, to play at home.
One of my favorites as well. I have a later one with the large pickguard, and it has just the perfect neck profile that it doesn't to the "neck dive" that gives the SG a bad rap. I love it!
@@Ottophil That's awesome! I still have my same one and love it more than ever now that it has Mule pickups and correct wiring. If I ever find a better SG I'll get it, but this one isn't going anywhere for now.
I remember as a kid watching Zal Cleminson on stage with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band dressed as a Clown and playing a SG - that was the guitar for me ! His lead break on the track Anthem still gives me goosebumps ! Thanks for a lovely review and everyone that you mentioned, well let's just say they had style style !!
If you haven't seen Frank Marino live at the Agora show a few years ago, you are in for a treat. I have that version of Strange Dreams and Something is Coming Our Way on a loop. You all MUST find it on TH-cam!! In my opinion his best recorded live performance ever!
Rod Price comes to mind and almost everyone who played electric guitar in early '60s SF! I fell in love with the SG after seeing Robbie Krieger in '65. Bought one in '70 to learn on. I have owned many different guitars since then, but I always go back an SG. I have only 3 guitars now, all SGs (Standard, Special, and P90) and that'll do 'til I leave Earth.
Thanks for this, Keith. I love how a SG invites you to play the upper end of the fret board. Barry Goudreau from Boston is a very inspirational SG player. He really inspired me as a young guitar player.
Oh, my first electric guitar was a SG Copy by Sears (check the 1977 Christmas Catalog), nothing like a real SG, an absolutely horrible guitar, but I was too young to know better! In my current arsenal, I have a Pelham Blue SG Standard, that has an unusually beefy neck. I love it! Rock on, Brothers and Sisters!
Unbelievable how much Derek Trucks resembles Duane Allman. I read that often Gregg Allman would do a double take while playing on stage because he could see and hear his brother in Derek’s performance.
I feel like Glenn Tipton could've been mentioned, he's only used it in his early career but he was one of the metal pioneers, especially when it comes to soloing
Hello from North Carolina. In my humble opinion, Frank Moreno was one of the most under rated guitarist of the 70's, 80's, and part of the 90's! Frank did NOT get the recognition that he so much deserved, as some of his guitar playing was just out of this world!! All these SG players mentioned here were fantastic musicians no doubt about it, but Frank Moreno is by far in my top 3 favorite SG players, and is the main reason that I bought my first SG!! I'm now 64 years old and have been playing the guitar for 57 of those 64 years and have owned and still own a few SG's and have played hundreds of SG's although my main go to guitar is a Fender Stratocaster but I always take a SG or a Lester, or sometimes a V or an Explorer to use on certain songs. It's no doubt that the SG has been used and played by some of the best musicians and has been played on some of the best songs ever recorded! Frank Zappa also loved the old Carvin pickups and had installed them on some of his SG's. I also loved the SG that Frank Moreno had and used a LOT that had the 3 single coil pickups in it almost like a Stratocaster except the bridge pickup wasn't slanted like a regular Strat. I personally like to reverse slant the bridge pickup on a lot of my Stratocasters except for my vintage ones of course. My very first REAL guitar was a used white 1960 Stratocaster that I got when I was just 8 years old which I still have to this very day. I was born in 1960 so I figure it was just meant to be mine.
Keith that's the first reference to John Birch, the guitar maker, I have heard in nearly 40 years. He made guitars with solid maple, through-necks in England in the 1970's and made the ray gun guitar for the guy in Slade. I was making my first guitars at the time and went to his workshop in the Midlands to buy a couple of his stainless steel humbuckers, which I still have. I tried to buy some maple for a neck which he declined. So eventually I came to the US and maple is everywhere. He was the guy for a while but I haven't heard his name for years.
Jerry Garcia and John Chipolina, I owned 2, a 69’ junior and a 62’ reissue standard, played it for 22 years then sold it to a guitar player in the Elvin Bishop group - now I play a 335
Great lineup Keith! I saw Peter Frampton use an SG at a show at the Woodlands near Houston back in 2019. My first guitar teacher I had back when I was 14 or 15 had a couple of SG knock-offs. An Ibanez and an Aria Pro II.
For me, that was a perfect list! My first "decent" guitar was a 1964 SG Special bought used when I was 12 in 1966 so most of these guitarists were major influences for me.
John Cipolina of Quicksilver Messenger Service. They were the first of the San Francisco bands to sign a record deal. The Grateful Dead used to open for THEM. Speaking of the Dead, Jerry Garcia was known to play an SG from time to time.
Hi Kieth, I love your video! I don't often see the 61 les paul. I have owned mine since 1981. I'm the 3rd owner of serial # 6558. Its funny my serial # is only 4 digits. all the other 61 les paul sg's I have seen have 5 digits. I love to hear about your thoughts on that! I don't have much knowledge on the early 60's serial #.
Great video Keith. I really can't find a point of contention. I have PRS Santana, and I think Carlos be more associated with PRS -- Woodstock not withstanding. I would of liked seeing a mention for Buck Dharma though. I saw them, BOC, play Thousand Islands Music fest in '80. Probably 15 or 20 feet from the stage, and SG's were on clear display. Saw BOC lots so I am biased truth be told. Thanks. Five watt is aging like fine whisky...
Great video. One thing I'd think about is, for George Harrison it's also widely thought that George made the red Les Paul "Lucy" his main guitar when Clapton gave it to him during the White Album. It's also been said that Lennon commandeered the SG for some tracks on Revolver and quite liked the guitar, which could explain a photo of John later recording with an SG Junior on Sgt. Pepper.
Glad you mentioned Robbie Krieger who is overlooked as an SG player. He is the main reason I liked SG’s at 13 years old. Even though Hendrix only used SG’s occasionally, his white SG Custom did show up many times in videos and pics. The SG was popular in the San Francisco psychedelic scene because they had a more “hippie” body style, plus being more affordable to poor musicians (everywhere). Notable SF players were Sam Andrew and James Gurley of BBATHC with Janis Joplin and Barry Melton with CJATF. Even though Angus Young is a big user, it certainly wasn’t him that made me like SG’s in 1967.
@@KeeperOfPoops Since he was associated mainly with a Strat, not everyone always knew he also used an SG Custom. Interesting that the V, Strat and SG Custom were his main guitars.
Im so surprised that all these people commenting how surprised they are, are deaf, LISTEN to the beginning of the vid. Thanks for sharing what you believe are the 10 most influential, i found it interesting.
Great Vid, love the history. I was so glad to see Robbie Krieger included. Such a unique and stand out guitar player. I was lucky enough to see Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek play as The Doors of the 21st Century in something like 2005.
Great video. I do find it strange that everyone now loves AC/DC. But back in the 70s they were not so popular. I assume people thought Angus was a bit of a joke. I think, the Album If you want blood. Was the Album my life had been waiting for. Being from Wales, I would have to mention Tony Bourges from Budgie.......... keep up the great work 👍
I remember too, like you. Back in Black is the one that Really Broke them. It was Quite the comback since they lost their Lead singer and found someone who more or less Sang in the Same style.
I have beef, but it's hard to argue with your thoughtful analysis. Thanks for doing this. I would love to see a "Guitars of the Allman Brothers" at some point... penance - if you will - for your rankings or Duane and Derek. ;)
I sold Derek Trucks a '61 SG-L.P. & before that, Susan bought a '62 one w/ a pair of custom wound Duncans, done by Seymour himself for that specific SG-L.P. for Derek right before they did a Fox Theatre show here in St. Louis. The '61 was used extensively on the Grammy Winning album, "Already Free." He mentioned a year or so ago that he had started using the '62 in addition to the one mentioned, & the countless other Reissues. The pair of double creams shown in the one picture are probably a pair custom wound for us years ago, unless a very recent picture. Derek has something like 5 pairs of custom wound double creams well over 8k ohms each for us...
Mike Oldfield played a Gibson SG Special with wrap around bridge and single P-90 at 81' Live at Montreux. He may not have helped shape the world but he was no slouch and that performance is nothing short of amazing. And I do mean literally amazing
Christmas Day of 1982, when I opened the album cover of For Those About To Rock and saw these 5 men who looked absolutely invincible, I fell in love with the SG immediately. Finally had a chance to get one last year (61 reissue).
The SG is by far my favorite guitar to play, it’s light, thin, and the upper fret access is amazing. If that’s not enough they have excellent tone as well, lastly, they are indeed considerably less expensive than a Les Paul typically due to the lack of a carved top w/ maple.
I love my little SG. It's a Epiphonewith a cobalt blue with a black batwing pickguard. The thing literally plays like butta. It's so light and comfortable and no neckdive. I play Sabbath on it mostly, but it'll rock any type of music. Besides the Les Paul being my absolute favorite guitar ever, coming in at a close 2nd is the SG.😁🤘🎸
That was indeed an “easy” list! Coming in, my only questions were 1) will Robbie Krieger be included? and 2) will Angus or Tony be #1? Thanks for your work, KW. Always a treat.
Frank Marino's playing and sound knocked me out.I was also surprised by the strengthened Vibrola arm, which is comparable to Floyd Rose. Also, my favorite sound is BOSTON's Barry Goudreau.
Minor correction: Derek Trucks is not the son of late Butch Trucks.
He's the nephew of Butch Trucks.
Yup. Butch’s brother Chris is Derek’s dad.
@@savannahlt1 I think of Mike Campbell too when I play my SG.
came here to say the same thing
Also, he did not change the world.
@@CHodgy Yes, I absolutely agree. But he is, in my opinion,...I play slide guitar...in a classical and progressive way because he didn't stick to just playing blues, The man. In my view of the slide guitar, Derek today is the best, most open to other languages and creative slide player. Of course, I don't know the world and I have serious doubts as to whether there aren't completely unknown musicians out there who are brilliant. Derek plays differently than anyone else who came before him, even those who influenced him. Derek has a lot of the Allman Brothers vibe, with or without slides, in his music. He has the same vibe as Duanne and Dickey Betts when they improvised. I don't love his tone, just as I didn't love Duanne and Betts's, but it was so striking and the language, especially Duanne's, so captivating, that I ignored my taste. It's natural because I've played with a Stratocaster all my life. Regarding SG, I had a 1973 SG Standard... my second guitar. Beautiful, but I didn't like the sound or her arm. And I also confess. I think the SG Custon...that little white one, is the most beautiful guitar there is.
I'm SO excited you mentioned Sister Rosetta Tharpe! She was absolutely amazing, brilliant and incredibly inspiring!
When the Sister played, she always rocked the house. Talk about underrated...
Shout Out to Sister Rosetta!
Queen of rock n roll
Likewise! Nobody rocked an SG AND a fur coat like that trailblazing lady!
We need more women guitarist heroes!
I was at Woodstock and the sound Carlos Santana made was awesome. I stopped what I was doing and sat down for their entire show. On Sunday afternoon, I was hungry and tired and started walking out. I noticed a dude with a new Gibson SG. I asked him why he brought such a nice guitar out here. He said he was sitting right by the stage and when the Who ended their show it fell into his lap. That was hard to believe. About a year and a half later - I saw the Woodstock movie. sure as heck just like that guy said, the last thing Pete Townshed did was gently toss the SG over the front of the stage. Great memories.
Is it true that Pete threatened to kill anyone who climbed up onstage after the first couple times???
Let's remember Gary Rossington using his 1961 SG for his work on Freebird!!
Southern guys arent thought about alot
I saw ACDC live this year. They are it. The greatest live Band of all time. Angus Solo towards the end of the Show was so captivating, he had the entire crowd in the palm of his hand
I'm surprised Carlos Santana didn't make the list. I remember him playing one with P-90's early on. I know he played it at Woodstock.
@@Les537but he hated that guitar and (supposedly) sabotaged it to force management/the band to buy him a Les Paul so we disqualify him on grounds of sacrilege!
Yeah, no influence there
Yes but it wasnt a SG it was "a snake" trying to bite him and he had to allow it to not kill him by playing with it lol!!
But he is the very first name mentioned in this video. There he is at 0:33 with his SG Special at. Very first player shown.
Thank you for pointing out the obvious. Some viewers don't pay attention , apparently@@hyperluminalreality1
Carlos Santana at woodstock , my most vivid memory of an sg player.
Absolutely. He’s had a bigger impact on my playing than I could’ve ever imagined as a teen
Likewise. Can’t believe he didn’t make the top ten. He’s #1 imo
So glad you mentioned Derek! And I didn’t know that Holdsworth used an SG even though my first (and still one of my main) electric guitars is an Ibanez AH10. So thank you for the great video.
Frank Marino is probably the most underrated guitarist.
A Montreal boy too!
He could play anything. Blues, rock, classical and jazz. The man is amazing.
I saw Frank and Mahogany Rush in Regina when I was a teenager. He is not well and stopped touring a few years back. 🤔🎸
@@ToddSauve Will be praying for him.
@@heavenlyguitar5913 I saw Frank back in the mid 1970s and as a teenager thought they were way too loud! And distorted and a lot of things I can deal with better now. He was and doubtless still is an astounding guitar player.
A couple more honourable mentions: Glen Buxton of the Alice Cooper band made some of the 70's most righteous rock tones with a white SG custom. And Zal Cleminson used a variety of SGs with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band.
Buxton made me want a white SG.
The Alice Cooper band was enormous in the early 70s but are largely forgotten today.
Cleminson did the most wicked vibratos on those SGs.
Dont for get Gary Rossington
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band with Zal Cleminson on guitar were great live and put on a fantastic show. Zal would sometimes do a solo spot of 'April Kisses' (Eddie Lang) as a jazzy interlude within a rock gig.
Props for the Sister Rosetta Tharp mention - she was the baddest Rocker before Rock n Roll even existed. Her playing influenced countless musicians.
Not being an ass..but who?
@@johnfoskey7855 You're in luck then, google the sister playing the gospel song "Up Above My Head" you wont be disappointed.
John Cipollina, of Quicksilver Messenger Service and a special mention of one of the
SG-ingest band ever, the Welsh band MAN!
And not one mention of Sam Houston Andrew and James Gurley of Big Brother and the Holding Company either. How long was Piece of My Heart, Ball and Chain, Summertime on radio rotation?
Cippolina basically created the SF guitar sound, super vibrato. Great player.
Micky Jones (RIP)- absolute SG genius, a true Welsh wizard. There is a story (true or not, I don't know), that Micky Jones redid Cipollina's solos on the Maximum Darkness album, because JC had been so out of his head during the recorded performance.
Great list! Buck Dharma is the biggest one missing here IMHO, brilliant guitarist...
I've heard a slightly different story. Micky Jones only redid John Cipollina's parts on the song Bananas because JC used an ancient lap steel guitar that would not stay in tune so they could not use the track for the album. @@neilhughes9310
Wow. Not one mention of Sam Houston Andrew and James Gurley of Big Brother and the Holding Company. Cheap Thrills album went platinum. As if Piece of My Heart, Ball and Chain, Summertime etc. were not massive songs on rock rotation until it became known as classic rock. Sam and James both played SG's and the bassist Peter Albin often used an EB bass. Every guitar across the stage sporting that shape. All in cherry finish too. Badass.
Nice list Hypes!!
Holy hell, it's the man himself
Best Les Paul Double Cut players next week.
Notables
Glen Buxton Alice cooper(apparently taught the whole band)
Rod Price Foghat (underrated as hell)
Jake E Lee(monster player)
Elliot Easton The Cars
@jeffreyhall76 Michael Bruce rhythm guitar in original line-up for Alice Cooper used them.
@@scotthutchens1556 and their bassist. The entire band played SG’s
@@jeffreyhall76 Yes, you’re absolutely right! That’s why I always liked the EB-3 SG style bass like Jack Bruce and Phil Lesh used. I liked SG’s in the mid 60’s (before Les Paul’s started getting reissued around 1968 and knowing what they were). So, as much as I like Paul’s the SG is a favorite.
I couldn’t imagine any other SG player in #1 than Angus Young-thank you.
Please, did Angus invent a genre? It should have been Iommi, easily.
@@mattt2581 as much as Iommi helped revolutionize rock and metal, Angus revolutionized the Gibson SG, Angus is what comes to mind when you see an SG.
@@musical_willThat's relative of course. SG is Iommi in my mind.
Live "Faith Healer!"
@@mattt2581Angus plays blues based riffs and licks so unique to him he will always be one of the greats to use the SG or to ever play guitar
In addition to Clapton, Zappa, and Townsend, I bought an SG back then with Jerry Garcia and Leslie West in mind. Jerry Garcia used an SG on Live Dead, probably the greatest Grateful Dead album. And Leslie West was a hero of mine.
Me too, but Frank really sold me on the versatility of the SG (and tiny Pig Nose amps too)
I am a DeadHead & huge fan of Moutain. The Dead is a love hate thing but I tell anyone who will listen to check out Moutaln. At least the WoodStock set. Unreal.
Early on , John Cipollina lead guitar with SF 60’s band Quicksilver Messenger Service caught my ear with the killer piercing tone of his Gibson SG. I’m a drummer but I know tone and John had it in spades , always with an SG at his fingers. Saw Quicksilver in concert in ‘68. I don’t know the history of his SGs but you might wanna do a little research on him and his SGs. Sure sounds good especially on Quicksilvers’ first two albums. Good compilation you’ve got here in this video. Thanks 🥁🎸😎
John was Frank Marino's main inspiration and the reason why Frank plays an SG. John had some great moments on Man's live album Maximum Darkness from 1975.
For me, it's Pete Townshend. His tones on Live at Leeds are some of the best live tones I think ever recorded. Everything from glassy clean to sheer dirt with nothing but a cranked Hiwatt, SG Special and his fuzz pedal. Astounding. That's the very definition of getting the most out of the least amount of gear.
One of my favorites, Mick Taylor used an SG quite a bit before switching.
Great list! Glad to see Robby Kreiger getting some credit- an often overlooked but fantastically creative player. Also glad you put Alex Lifeson and his double-neck in there. Would LOVE to see a video on his guitars over the years.
May that vision of that early SG never fade. Thanks man. Great video.
I was binging live Black Sabbath videos from 1970 all day, and your video came up at just the perfect time. Tony Iommi!
⚡️🌟🤘⚡️
Great list! Thank you.
Highly appreciated this vid, in particular the inclusion of Robby Krieger. Always playing to the song, something we all can learn from. Keep the great vids coming!
I would've put him much higher on the list myself. He got a lot of different guitar tones in the Doors, but they always sounded like him and nobody else.
Hey Keith @ Five Watt World - we are a bunch of nerds and know way to much about this stuff. 😀. You have built a fantastic channel - one of the best. Thanks for what you do.
Currently flying the flag for ladies with the blues I'd nominate Samantha Fish for an honourable mention. Yes she's best known for the cigar box guitar but her main squeeze in recent years has been a white SG. I'm currently having an SG built to my specs by a local luthier. I own two SGs but neither neck feels quite right so I had my DGT neck measured up as a template. It will be several months before I can play it because it will be finished in gold metal-flake but I'm not in any particular hurry. Nice list Keith.
Hi Keith! Thanks for this video! What a list! Glad you mentioned the great Frank Marino. The late John Cipollina was also a SG player. Carlos Santana also played an SG...And Paul McCartney's guitarist Brian Ray has a Gibson signature '62 SG Junior model...I own one too...Made in 1966...Thanks again!
RIP John Diggins (Jaydee Guitars), luthier to both Tony Iommi & Angus Young, who passed away on the 2nd of January this year.
I was also suprised that Santana didn't make this list (or even honourable mentions!) seeing as you tend to like mentioning them in your other videos, but pleased that Sister Rosetta Tharpe got a shout-out, though personally I think she should have been on the actual list :)
Great list. Glenn Tipton was the guitarist that got me wanting an SG of my own when I was a teen. I still have it ❤
Very informative and entertaining. I've always loved Zappa and his guitar tone. It's the reason I got an SG. A thing of beauty, even for a perpetual beginner.
That wasn’t an SG that was a beast!
Thanks Keith. I highly recommend "Shout, Sister Shout!" a biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. It explores the beginnings and back ground of rock and roll and also gives great insight into the role of women in music and what it was like to travel in the Jim Crow south. Peace
This is my favorite channel on TH-cam and that's saying something. Growing up I always hoped there was some sort of comprehensive history of various guitars, because I'd spend HOURS researching on Wikipedia and other sites to figure out where the heck things came from.
Let's not forget Rod "the bottle" Price from Foghat.
If we're ranking players by their influence on us, then for me, it has to be an SG player you've never heard of. My guitar teacher since I began a year and a half ago (in my early 60s) plays a cherry red SG in a local band who we often go see when they play gigs around town. I love watching him and aspire to be able to play like him someday.
This is your most eloquent, "Don't hate on my list and show civility," request to date. Well spoken.
I bought my 69 SG after seeing Terry Kath of Chicago playing "25 or 6 to 4." Admittedly he played a lot of different models including Strats and Tellies. But his cherry red SG fit some secret place in my mind.
My friend, and musical mentor, bought an SG in 1972 and is still gigging with that guitar to this day.
I can totally relate to your early SG memories. My first internal image of an electric guitar is Duane Allman playing an SG. For me it's the quintessentially great looking guitar. Back in the early 80s when I was 15 I was hanging out in record shops and reading books about Mississippi blues. Why is the SG so mesmerizing to me? Perhaps it's the symmetric shape and the deep red color. SGs don't sound quite as fat as a Les Paul but that's OK for most styles. Owning 6 Strats but only one SG, I'll get another one for sure!
She not quite 18yrs. old, and hasn't really recorded and still finding her way. BUT! Grace Bowers is a force to be reckon with and with her '61 SG, Simply Amazing!!! And she's been playing since age 10? And was shredding that SG since age 16. Would love to see a short - history on 'five watt world' of this curly goldy locks SG lasse Nashville via L.A.
Frank Marino is light years from being "an honorable mention" considering the SG has been his main guitar for 50 years, compared to most on this list. Yeah his band may not have gotten the recondition they deserved but you can't be a student of the guitar and not know who Frank Marino is, especially during the 70's and 80's. You can't say Marino didn't influence people to play the SG, compared to most on this list. Lastly, just based on talent alone, Marino was a monster on the guitar. He's in my top 5 guitar players of all time.
I have what, to my best ability is SG special w P-90s, dot inlays, black lucite speed knobs... and looks like it had a long tremolo like a bigsby, that was removed, and a Leo Quan badass bridge added. Probably late 60's early 70s. Sounded and played F'ing great. Could easily bend the neck for effect with delay, etc, and just a solid overall guitar. Needs a serious fret job. And a refinish would be nice but...🥹
I can’t believe Buck Dharma of Blue Öyster Cult didn’t even get an honorable mention!
I think Buck Dharma mostly used Les Pauls back in the day- it was Eric Bloom that always had (and still does) the SG.
@@r.m.stuebe8102 he used a white SG through most of the early albums, even through Specters
That is correct Caleb. The very reason I had a white sg myself. On your feet or on your knees!@@calebhooper4266
He used a white SG and a fan later made him a custom SG of zebrawood which he extensively used. Buck blasts most of the folks on the SG list into oblivion.
These are HIS choices, his taste, not yours. He clearly stated that at the beginning of the video, right?
Perfect list! I’m so glad you included Zappa.
"Let's use it as a moment to practice enjoying each others opinions, cool" What a brilliant statement. It's very close to the remedy to what ails humankind.
Amen man
Wow, Thanks a million Keith! See, I've been playing SG guitars since I was a Kid and for some reason I still do today. The first one was an original 74 with Bigsby and the harmonica bridge, the best sounding guitar I ever owned. And despite I had a bunch of Fender guitars and up to 3 Les Paul (Studio and Custom), it is the SG the one with a very special spot in my heart. Currently I play a Special made in Nashville, a regular one with 2 P90's and a sparkling burgundy red finish and let me tell you that somehow, If you fall in love with an SG, that love will last for the rest of your life. Thanks again for this Keith. It brings tears to my eyes. Much love as always from West Spain ❤
I really enjoyed this video Keith, thank you.
Mom bought me my first electric guitar in 1968.. It was a red Melody Maker and a Gibson Sky mark amp. from a quaint little guitar shop in Tarzana CA called Ernie Ball. Yup before the strings and before the guitars Ernie ran a guitar store right next to a tiny karate school ran by a little known man named Chuck Norris. A few years later I changed the pickup to a hum bucket the pu cover was embossed, "Gibson."
In 1973 I sold it and bought a 1968 SG Special and a 1966 Super Reverb . The SR didn't have a reverb tank in it so the seller threw in a little Fender Reverb unit. I still have that SG and the amp and reverb to this day. All my heroes played SG: Garcia, Santana, Cipollina, Zappa, townsend,...etc. Ill never sell it! Ill give it away when I'm too old to play.
Great Video Keith. Todd Rundgren and Terry Kath would be on my list.
Gary Rosington's SG with the piece of wood to raise strings to play Freebird is cool also.
I just realized something. You're the Jay Leno of guitars. Because you always have a denim shirt on. Plus you bring us history of a certain model of guitar. This is a complement my friend. Thank you for all you do man. Peace and love......
Tony Bourge of Budgie is another less well known player that I associate with the SG. He played an SG Special at all the Budgie gigs I saw. Tony's riffing style is often noted as influential by other players and Metallica covered Budgie's song 'Breadfan'.
Nicely Done! Have always loved the SG and have three currently including a '74. Have owned 6 or 7 over the years. First was a white '64 special I bought new with lawn mowing money and second was an original '61 with the sideways vibrato I bought from a bass player I worked with. Never was crazy about the '61.. never thought the sustain was very good and blamed the vibrato system. Wish I had all of the old ones back including a double neck I owned!
Very happy to see your honorable mentions are spot on 😊
Thank you for including Robby, most people over look him. He was only the guitar player for the biggest American band from 67 to 71 lol! He is the reason I play an SG!!
Robby: The "Bossa Nova" beast ! I read he recently got his first (stolen) SG returned. A happy ending indeed!
My friends, Buddy Guy, and Carlos Santana. Oh, Sam Andrews Janis's guitarist from Big Brother. I still have my 1970 left-handed body with a right-handed neck cherry red SG. Love it and plan to get her fixed up for playing again. All the best. Jesse aka JediJabo.
Great video. It’s worth just noting, with much sadness that John Diggins died only a few weeks before this videos release. A lovely man and true supporter of the music that emanated from Birmingham and the UK. Making guitars for not only Iommi but also Angus Young and other stars such as level 42’s Mark King. Neither of the latter being from Brum of course. RIP John. A great British craftsman.
As an SG player I thank you for this . Your recollection of that early SG that made an impression on you , was heartwarming ❤
I had forgotten about Robbie Krieger, yeah he mainly played SG's. Rosetta!!! 1st one I always think of is Pete Townsend. Duane with Slide, Derek Trucks influenced of course. Tony Iommi and Angus, career SG'ers. Haa the old lemon Pledge Smell, no mistaking that one. And of Course JOHN CORDY rockin that vintage 68 SG on loan from Francisco!! Love these Videos.
The photo on the cover of Love it to Death…Mike Bruce and Glen Buxton with their SG’s. That is an all-time favourite for me, as are the guitar sounds on that album and the band’s follow-up, Killer. For me, that’s what heavy rock guitar is supposed to sound like. The SG is its own animal, and as classic as the Strat, Tele and Les Paul. Thank you for this video.
I was a teenager in the 90’s; my SG heroes were Evan Dando from The Lemonheads, Bill Janovitz from Buffalo Tom and Gary Louris from The Jayhawks. All doing the rootsy country-rock singer/songwriter (I guess they’d all be Americana if they came out now) thing with old SG’s. Love all SG’s but a Special with P90’s and a Vibrola the best.
On a different tip - Ian MacKaye from Fugazi and Greg Sage from The Wipers were iconic punk rock SG players.
Then you MIGHT appreciate this. When I think SG, first I think of Angus Young. Next I think of Matt Wilson from Trip Shakespeare.
I always think of Dando with a Les Paul. I was surprised that there was no mention of Kim Thayil of Soundgarden.
I fell in love with the SG seeing Peter Townshend and the brother who played with Slave. He had a 3 pickup version and Pete's was the first I saw with P90's.
I learned on an SG some 38 years ago and it’s still my go to.
Glad to see you guys doing this.
Your list: nailed it!
Thanks Pete!!
A guy i worked with came up to me one day and said "you play guitar right?? I have one and i dont use it, ill bring it in tomorrow!!" The next day he brought in a black on black epiphone sg and gave it to me for nothing!! One of my favorite guitars ever!! Played like a frickin dream!!😁😁🤘🤘
I wrote this at the very beginning, im surprised you have a similar story!! Thats awesome!!😁😁
Just an amazing list Keith! I know that Carlos Santana was mentioned in your Yamaha video, but for his early work with an SG I would have included him here as well... as a list goes to 11 contender! For honorable mentions and a pair of Canadians to add to the Alex Lifeson inclusion... I would add prolific session guitarist and sideman Phil X, and guitarist/producer Colin Cripps for his love and incredible use of a '64 SG Standard and his time with Blue Rodeo, the Jim Cuddy Band, Crash Vegas, Junkhouse, and Bryan Adams to name a few. Cheers.
Great video! I was jamming with some friends a few years ago,and picked up a buddy's SG and I immediately connected with it. A few weeks later i bought one!
I saw Townshend smash one in my high school gym in a November 1967 show. And I saw Pete Ham use George's in Kansas City in 1972.
Well done! Dominic Troiano. I saw him playing a 60s SG special on stage with the James Gang. He used that guitar with Guess Who as well. Ronnie Montrose used an SG with the Edgar Winter Group, and also on his first album, Montrose (with Sammy Hagar on vocals). Around 1974 I purchased a 61' SG junior that had been converted into a Special with the original single coil in the bridge position and a bucker in the neck. I played for about 30 years. Wish I still had it.
I played one for 2 years in the early 70's. Then tried to buy it back for 25 years. I can't think of anyone to ad to the list. It seems like everyone has one, or two. It just depends on when they play them. 8) Thanks Keith, good video!! --gary
As a SG fanatic i'm very gratefull for this video, top quality as always. The number one SG player for me has to be Andy Cairns from Therapy?, he is the reason I picked up the guitar in the early nineties. I have tried a lot of models during the years, but I always return to the SG. Have been using a black Standard as my main live guitar for years, and have 2 Customs, a white and a silver sparkle one, to play at home.
I have 3 SG’s its my favorite guitar ever. I love the weight and how they hang. The strap locations. The les paul electronics, without the arch top
One of my favorites as well. I have a later one with the large pickguard, and it has just the perfect neck profile that it doesn't to the "neck dive" that gives the SG a bad rap. I love it!
@@Mister_Samsonitei got a 4th SG since that comment. Still no dive on any of them. They are all heavy for SG’s but they are balanced well
@@Ottophil That's awesome! I still have my same one and love it more than ever now that it has Mule pickups and correct wiring. If I ever find a better SG I'll get it, but this one isn't going anywhere for now.
I remember as a kid watching Zal Cleminson on stage with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band dressed as a Clown and playing a SG - that was the guitar for me ! His lead break on the track Anthem still gives me goosebumps ! Thanks for a lovely review and everyone that you mentioned, well let's just say they had style style !!
If you haven't seen Frank Marino live at the Agora show a few years ago, you are in for a treat. I have that version of Strange Dreams and Something is Coming Our Way on a loop. You all MUST find it on TH-cam!! In my opinion his best recorded live performance ever!
Rod Price comes to mind and almost everyone who played electric guitar in early '60s SF! I fell in love with the SG after seeing Robbie Krieger in '65. Bought one in '70 to learn on. I have owned many different guitars since then, but I always go back an SG.
I have only 3 guitars now, all SGs (Standard, Special, and P90) and that'll do 'til I leave Earth.
Thanks for this, Keith. I love how a SG invites you to play the upper end of the fret board. Barry Goudreau from Boston is a very inspirational SG player. He really inspired me as a young guitar player.
Oh, my first electric guitar was a SG Copy by Sears (check the 1977 Christmas Catalog), nothing like a real SG, an absolutely horrible guitar, but I was too young to know better! In my current arsenal, I have a Pelham Blue SG Standard, that has an unusually beefy neck. I love it! Rock on, Brothers and Sisters!
Unbelievable how much Derek Trucks resembles Duane Allman. I read that often Gregg Allman would do a double take while playing on stage because he could see and hear his brother in Derek’s performance.
I feel like Glenn Tipton could've been mentioned, he's only used it in his early career but he was one of the metal pioneers, especially when it comes to soloing
Hello from North Carolina. In my humble opinion, Frank Moreno was one of the most under rated guitarist of the 70's, 80's, and part of the 90's! Frank did NOT get the recognition that he so much deserved, as some of his guitar playing was just out of this world!! All these SG players mentioned here were fantastic musicians no doubt about it, but Frank Moreno is by far in my top 3 favorite SG players, and is the main reason that I bought my first SG!! I'm now 64 years old and have been playing the guitar for 57 of those 64 years and have owned and still own a few SG's and have played hundreds of SG's although my main go to guitar is a Fender Stratocaster but I always take a SG or a Lester, or sometimes a V or an Explorer to use on certain songs. It's no doubt that the SG has been used and played by some of the best musicians and has been played on some of the best songs ever recorded! Frank Zappa also loved the old Carvin pickups and had installed them on some of his SG's. I also loved the SG that Frank Moreno had and used a LOT that had the 3 single coil pickups in it almost like a Stratocaster except the bridge pickup wasn't slanted like a regular Strat. I personally like to reverse slant the bridge pickup on a lot of my Stratocasters except for my vintage ones of course. My very first REAL guitar was a used white 1960 Stratocaster that I got when I was just 8 years old which I still have to this very day. I was born in 1960 so I figure it was just meant to be mine.
I bought my 1st SG because of the FRANKS... Zappa and Marino imho the best soloist SG players bar none... above the rest
This is a fantastic channel, not sure how I missed it for so long. Glad I have found it.
Keith that's the first reference to John Birch, the guitar maker, I have heard in nearly 40 years. He made guitars with solid maple, through-necks in England in the 1970's and made the ray gun guitar for the guy in Slade. I was making my first guitars at the time and went to his workshop in the Midlands to buy a couple of his stainless steel humbuckers, which I still have. I tried to buy some maple for a neck which he declined. So eventually I came to the US and maple is everywhere. He was the guy for a while but I haven't heard his name for years.
Jerry Garcia and John Chipolina, I owned 2, a 69’ junior and a 62’ reissue standard, played it for 22 years then sold it to a guitar player in the Elvin Bishop group - now I play a 335
Great lineup Keith! I saw Peter Frampton use an SG at a show at the Woodlands near Houston back in 2019. My first guitar teacher I had back when I was 14 or 15 had a couple of SG knock-offs. An Ibanez and an Aria Pro II.
For me, that was a perfect list! My first "decent" guitar was a 1964 SG Special bought used when I was 12 in 1966 so most of these guitarists were major influences for me.
John Cipolina of Quicksilver Messenger Service.
They were the first of the San Francisco bands to sign a record deal.
The Grateful Dead used to open for THEM.
Speaking of the Dead, Jerry Garcia was known to play an SG from time to time.
Actually, Quicksilver was the LAST of the original San Francisco bands to sign a record deal.
Hi Kieth, I love your video! I don't often see the 61 les paul. I have owned mine since 1981. I'm the 3rd owner of serial # 6558. Its funny my serial # is only 4 digits. all the other 61 les paul sg's I have seen have 5 digits. I love to hear about your thoughts on that! I don't have much knowledge on the early 60's serial #.
Great video Keith. I really can't find a point of contention. I have PRS Santana, and I think Carlos be more associated with PRS -- Woodstock not withstanding. I would of liked seeing a mention for Buck Dharma though. I saw them, BOC, play Thousand Islands Music fest in '80. Probably 15 or 20 feet from the stage, and SG's were on clear display. Saw BOC lots so I am biased truth be told. Thanks. Five watt is aging like fine whisky...
Great video. One thing I'd think about is, for George Harrison it's also widely thought that George made the red Les Paul "Lucy" his main guitar when Clapton gave it to him during the White Album. It's also been said that Lennon commandeered the SG for some tracks on Revolver and quite liked the guitar, which could explain a photo of John later recording with an SG Junior on Sgt. Pepper.
Glad you mentioned Robbie Krieger who is overlooked as an SG player. He is the main reason I liked SG’s at 13 years old.
Even though Hendrix only used SG’s occasionally, his white SG Custom did show up many times in videos and pics.
The SG was popular in the San Francisco psychedelic scene because they had a more “hippie” body style, plus being more affordable to poor musicians (everywhere). Notable SF players were Sam Andrew and James Gurley of BBATHC with Janis Joplin and Barry Melton with CJATF.
Even though Angus Young is a big user, it certainly wasn’t him that made me like SG’s in 1967.
I completely forgot Hendrix rocked an SG on some occasions, if it wasn't for Gibson recreating it as well as his V, I would've slept on that one
@@KeeperOfPoops Since he was associated mainly with a Strat, not everyone always knew he also used an SG Custom. Interesting that the V, Strat and SG Custom were his main guitars.
Glad you finally mentioned Tony, and Angus! 😅 I thought my heart was going to explode!
Derek Trucks for me.
Really enjoyed this so thanks Keith.
Im so surprised that all these people commenting how surprised they are, are deaf, LISTEN to the beginning of the vid.
Thanks for sharing what you believe are the 10 most influential, i found it interesting.
Great Vid, love the history. I was so glad to see Robbie Krieger included. Such a unique and stand out guitar player. I was lucky enough to see Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek play as The Doors of the 21st Century in something like 2005.
Great video. I do find it strange that everyone now loves AC/DC. But back in the 70s they were not so popular. I assume people thought Angus was a bit of a joke. I think, the Album If you want blood. Was the Album my life had been waiting for.
Being from Wales, I would have to mention Tony Bourges from Budgie.......... keep up the great work 👍
I remember too, like you. Back in Black is the one that Really Broke them. It was Quite the comback since they lost their Lead singer and found someone who more or less Sang in the Same style.
Another honorable mention would be Jerry Garcia. That SG shape is linked to the Doug Irwin Tiger and later Garcia guitars like the Cripe models.
I have beef, but it's hard to argue with your thoughtful analysis. Thanks for doing this.
I would love to see a "Guitars of the Allman Brothers" at some point... penance - if you will - for your rankings or Duane and Derek. ;)
I sold Derek Trucks a '61 SG-L.P. & before that, Susan bought a '62 one w/ a pair of custom wound Duncans, done by Seymour himself for that specific SG-L.P. for Derek right before they did a Fox Theatre show here in St. Louis.
The '61 was used extensively on the Grammy Winning album, "Already Free."
He mentioned a year or so ago that he had started using the '62 in addition to the one mentioned, & the countless other Reissues. The pair of double creams shown in the one picture are probably a pair custom wound for us years ago, unless a very recent picture. Derek has something like 5 pairs of custom wound double creams well over 8k ohms each for us...
Mike Oldfield played a Gibson SG Special with wrap around bridge and single P-90 at 81' Live at Montreux. He may not have helped shape the world but he was no slouch and that performance is nothing short of amazing. And I do mean literally amazing
Thanks for doing these histories. They are really fascinating.
Christmas Day of 1982, when I opened the album cover of For Those About To Rock and saw these 5 men who looked absolutely invincible, I fell in love with the SG immediately. Finally had a chance to get one last year (61 reissue).
Thanks Ricky W. for letting me play your ‘74 SG through your Traynor amp in 1977. Never forgot the bite that guitar had.
The SG is by far my favorite guitar to play, it’s light, thin, and the upper fret access is amazing. If that’s not enough they have excellent tone as well, lastly, they are indeed considerably less expensive than a Les Paul typically due to the lack of a carved top w/ maple.
I love my little SG. It's a Epiphonewith a cobalt blue with a black batwing pickguard. The thing literally plays like butta. It's so light and comfortable and no neckdive. I play Sabbath on it mostly, but it'll rock any type of music. Besides the Les Paul being my absolute favorite guitar ever, coming in at a close 2nd is the SG.😁🤘🎸
That was indeed an “easy” list! Coming in, my only questions were 1) will Robbie Krieger be included? and 2) will Angus or Tony be #1? Thanks for your work, KW. Always a treat.
Frank Marino's playing and sound knocked me out.I was also surprised by the strengthened Vibrola arm, which is comparable to Floyd Rose. Also, my favorite sound is BOSTON's Barry Goudreau.