Tone Timeline
Steve Hackett — Tone Evolution
Steve Hackett pioneered tapping, sweep picking, and orchestral guitar textures with Genesis before those techniques had names. His playing on Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is some of the most imaginative in progressive rock — simultaneously delicate and powerful, using a Les Paul into a Marshall but shaped by classical guitar training.
1970–1977: Genesis Classic Period
Hackett joined Genesis in 1970 and appeared on Nursery Cryme through Wind & Wuthering. Selling England by the Pound (1973) and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974) are his finest work — "Firth of Fifth" features an extended classical-influenced guitar solo that remains a progressive rock touchstone. His technique included two-handed tapping (predating Van Halen), harmonics, and classical right-hand fingering on electric guitar.
Signal Chain
1975–present: Voyage of the Acolyte / Solo Career
↑ Solo career confirmed dual electric/classical identity — Hackett is unique in operating credibly in both worlds simultaneously.
Voyage of the Acolyte (1975) was Hackett's first solo album while still in Genesis — it showed the range of his classical/rock synthesis. After leaving Genesis in 1977, he built a substantial solo career across rock and classical guitar. Defector (1980) remains a favourite among progressive rock fans. Hackett has consistently worked in both electric rock and nylon-string classical contexts.
Signal Chain