Slash, the legendary lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, has been synonymous with rock music for decades. His unique sound, style, and swagger have inspired countless aspiring guitarists worldwide. One of the most frequently asked questions among guitar enthusiasts is: what guitar does Slash use? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Slash’s guitars, exploring his favorite models, and the key factors that contribute to his distinctive sound.
The Birth Of A Legend: Slash’s Early Years And Guitars
Saul Hudson, better known by his stage name Slash, was born on July 23, 1965, in Hampstead, London. He began playing guitar at the age of 14 and quickly became enamored with rock music. Slash’s early influences included legends like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck. These iconic guitarists not only shaped his musical style but also inspired his choice of instruments.
Slash’s first guitar was a used, single-cutaway, copy of a Gibson Les Paul. However, it wasn’t until he acquired his first Gibson Les Paul Standard that he truly found his voice. This guitar, a 1985 model, was the starting point for Slash’s lifelong love affair with Gibson.
Slash’s Favorite Guitars: A Brief Overview
Throughout his career, Slash has played a variety of guitars, but some models have become closely associated with his sound and style. These include:
- Gibson Les Paul Standard
- Gibson Les Paul Custom
- Gibson Slash Les Paul Standard
- B.C. Rich Warlock
These guitars, particularly the Gibson Les Paul Standard, have been Slash’s go-to instruments for most of his performances and recordings.
Gibson Les Paul Standard: The Holy Grail of Guitars
The Gibson Les Paul Standard is widely considered one of the greatest electric guitars of all time. Its rich, warm tone, and versatility have made it a favorite among many legendary guitarists, including Slash. The Les Paul Standard features a mahogany neck and body, a carved maple top, and two humbucker pickups.
Slash’s fondness for the Les Paul Standard stems from its wide range of tonal possibilities. He often uses the guitar’s warm, clean tones to create soaring melodies and its heavy, overdriven tones to unleash face-melting solos.
Slash’s Signature Guitars: A Collaboration With Gibson
In 2008, Gibson Guitars collaborated with Slash to create the Slash Les Paul Standard. This signature model was designed to meet Slash’s exacting standards and features a unique combination of classic and modern appointments.
The Slash Les Paul Standard boasts a mahogany neck, a carved maple top, and two Seymour Duncan Slash Signature pickups. These pickups are designed to produce a rich, articulate tone with a warm, smooth quality.
The Slash Les Paul Standard has become a highly sought-after model among guitar enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique tone and stunning looks make it an excellent addition to any guitarist’s arsenal.
Slash’s Custom Guitars: One-Offs And Limited Editions
In addition to his signature models, Slash has also played a variety of custom-made guitars throughout his career. These one-off instruments have been designed to meet specific tonal and aesthetic requirements.
One notable example is the “Appetite” Les Paul, a custom-made guitar built by Gibson for the 20th anniversary of Guns N’ Roses’ iconic album, “Appetite for Destruction.” This guitar features a stained top, a mahogany neck, and a pair of Slash’s signature pickups.
B.C. Rich Warlock: A Black Beauty
The B.C. Rich Warlock is another guitar that has been closely associated with Slash’s sound and style. This instrument features a unique, pointy body shape and a pair of humbucker pickups.
Slash has used the Warlock on several occasions, including during Guns N’ Roses’ “Use Your Illusion” tour. The guitar’s aggressive tone and striking looks make it an excellent choice for high-energy performances.
Slice Of Heaven: The Amps And Effects Behind Slash’s Tone
While guitars play a crucial role in shaping Slash’s sound, his amplifier and effects choices are equally important. Throughout his career, Slash has used a variety of amps and effects to create his distinctive tone.
- Amps: Marshall, Mesa/Boogie, Bogner
- Effects: Electro-Harmonix, Ibanez, Dunlop
Slash’s favorite amp is the Marshall JCM Slash Signature. This amp is designed to produce a rich, overdriven tone with a smooth, warm quality. He often uses this amp in conjunction with his signature pickups to create a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Effects: A Key Part Of Slash’s Tone
Effects pedals play a crucial role in shaping Slash’s tone. He often uses a variety of pedals to create different textures and sounds.
- Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi: a classic fuzz pedal used to create heavy, distorted tones
- Ibanez Tube Screamer: a overdrive pedal used to add warmth and sustain to his tone
- Dunlop Cry Baby: a wah pedal used to add expression and emotion to his playing
These effects pedals, in conjunction with his signature guitars and amps, help Slash create his iconic sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Slash’s guitar choices play a crucial role in shaping his distinctive sound and style. From his beloved Gibson Les Paul Standard to his signature models and custom-made instruments, each guitar has contributed to his unique tone and aesthetic.
By understanding the guitars behind Slash’s sound, guitar enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for his music and the art of guitar playing. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, Slash’s story is a testament to the power of music and the impact one person can have on the world.
With his signature models and custom-made guitars, Slash continues to inspire new generations of guitarists. As his legacy continues to grow, so does the allure of his guitars. If you’re lucky enough to own a Slash signature model, consider yourself part of a select group of guitar enthusiasts who have experienced a “Slice of Heaven.”
What Type Of Guitar Is Slash Known For Using?
Slash is particularly known for using the Gibson Les Paul guitar. This model has become an integral part of his iconic sound and is often considered his signature instrument. Throughout his career, Slash has been known to use various Les Paul models, including the 1959 Les Paul Standard.
Slash’s love for the Gibson Les Paul can be attributed to its versatility and rich, full-bodied sound. He has often incorporated this guitar into his music, using it to record many of his hit songs with Guns N’ Roses. The Gibson Les Paul has become synonymous with Slash’s style and is widely regarded as one of the key factors behind his distinctive sound.
What Other Guitars Has Slash Used In His Career?
Apart from the Gibson Les Paul, Slash has also used various other guitars throughout his career. One notable example is the B.C. Rich Warlock, which he used during the early days of Guns N’ Roses. This guitar, with its unique design and aggressive sound, was an integral part of the band’s initial image.
Slash has also used other guitars such as the Gibson ES-335, the Gibson SG, and the Martin D-28. He often selects the guitar based on the specific sound or tone he wants to achieve in a particular song. This versatility has allowed him to experiment with different sounds and styles, making him one of the most legendary guitarists of all time.
What Amplifier Does Slash Use?
Slash has often been associated with the Marshall amplifier. The Marshall JCM800 and Marshall AFD100 (Appetite for Destruction 100) are two notable models that he has used during his career. The JCM800 is particularly known for its powerful and rich sound, which complements the Les Paul guitar perfectly.
Slash’s preference for the Marshall amplifier can be attributed to its unique tone and the way it enhances the guitar’s sound. He often uses the amplifier to create overdriven and distorted tones, which are characteristic of his style. This combination of guitar and amplifier has helped shape his sonic identity.
What Effects Does Slash Use In His Music?
Slash often incorporates various effects into his music, including the wah-wah pedal, the distortion pedal, and the delay pedal. He is particularly known for using the Cry Baby wah-wah pedal to create distinctive, vocal-like sounds in his solos. This pedal has become an essential component of his signature sound.
Slash also uses other effects such as reverb, chorus, and harmonizer to create depth and richness in his music. However, he tends to use these effects sparingly, often opting for a more stripped-down and natural sound. The careful balance of effects has helped him achieve a distinctive and recognizable sound.
Has Slash Ever Used Any Custom Or One-of-a-kind Guitars?
Yes, Slash has used custom and one-of-a-kind guitars throughout his career. One notable example is the Slash Signature model, designed by Gibson in collaboration with Slash. This limited-edition model features a unique combination of specifications and aesthetic details chosen by Slash himself.
Another example is the Swamp Ash Snakepit Les Paul, which was made by luthier Max Baranet. This custom guitar features a unique Swamp Ash body and was one of the guitars used by Slash during the Snakepit era. Custom and one-of-a-kind guitars have allowed Slash to experiment with different sounds and tones, further expanding his sonic horizons.
How Does Slash Approach Guitar Maintenance And Setup?
Slash has always been meticulous about his guitar maintenance and setup. He often relies on his trusted guitar technicians to keep his instruments in top condition. A well-maintained guitar is essential to ensure that it performs optimally, allowing Slash to focus on his music.
Slash’s approach to guitar setup is quite straightforward: he prefers a relatively simple and straightforward setup. He is not too concerned with advanced or innovative features; instead, he relies on a tried and tested setup that has worked for him over the years. He believes in letting the guitar speak for itself, rather than over-accessorizing it with various gadgets and features.
Are There Any Emerging Guitar Trends That Slash Has Been Experimenting With?
While Slash is known for his familiarity with classic guitars and amplifiers, he has occasionally experimented with emerging trends. In recent years, Slash has been spotted using various digital gear and software to create new sounds and textures. This experimentation has allowed him to explore new sonic possibilities.
However, Slash has always been known for being true to his roots, and his love for classic guitars and amplifiers remains unchanged. He continues to find inspiration in traditional guitarists and their unique approaches to music, demonstrating that sometimes, the simplest and most time-honored methods are still the most effective.