Data Insight

Guitar Gear by Genre

Blues guitarists gravitate toward Fender tweed. Metal players stack high-gain Marshalls. But does the data agree? Here's what professional guitarists actually use — sorted by genre.

Blues

56 artists

Tweed and blackface Fenders dominate — warm clean headroom for authentic blues tone.

Amps

  1. #1
    Fender Twin Reverb11 artists
    Eric ClaptonDavid GilmourDerek TrucksRoy Buchanan
  2. #2
    Fender Bassman8 artists
    Jimi HendrixDavid GilmourB.B. KingJack White
  3. #3
    Fender Super Reverb7 artists
    SRVRobben FordGary Clark Jr.Mike Bloomfield
  4. #4
    Marshall JCM8006 artists
    SlashJack WhiteGary MooreJoe Perry
  5. #5
    Marshall Super Lead 100W "Plexi"4 artists
    Jimi HendrixJimmy PageJoe PerryJohn Sykes

Pedals

  1. #1
    Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer8 artists
    Buddy GuyDan AuerbachSonny LandrethAndy Timmons
  2. #2
    MXR Phase 907 artists
    David GilmourSlashGary MooreJerry Garcia
  3. #3
    Boss DD-3 Delay6 artists
    Sonny LandrethAndy TimmonsEric GalesJohn Scofield
  4. #4
    Dunlop Cry Baby Wah5 artists
    SlashJimmy PageJohn MayerGary Clark Jr.
  5. #5
    Vox Wah (V846)4 artists
    Jimi HendrixEric ClaptonSRVRory Gallagher

Guitars

  1. #1
    Fender Stratocaster9 artists
  2. #2
    Gibson ES-3357 artists
  3. #3
    Gibson Les Paul Standard5 artists
  4. #4
    Fender Telecaster5 artists
  5. #5
    Gibson Les Paul3 artists
Artists in this genre:
Jimi HendrixEric ClaptonDavid GilmourSRVSlashJimmy PageJohn MayerAngus YoungCarlos SantanaMark KnopflerB.B. KingRobben FordJack WhiteJeff BeckGary Clark Jr.Gary MooreGuthrie GovanEric JohnsonJoe BonamassaDerek TrucksWarren HaynesDuane AllmanRoy BuchananMatt SchofieldScott HendersonMike BloomfieldJohnny WinterRory GallagherAlbert KingKeith RichardsPeter GreenJerry GarciaRobin TrowerChuck BerryJoe WalshPeter FramptonBuddy GuyDan AuerbachJoe PerryMuddy WatersJohn Lee HookerRobert JohnsonJohn SykesBo DiddleyElmore JamesSon HouseT-Bone WalkerFreddie KingSteve CropperSonny LandrethAndy TimmonsDanny GattonEric GalesJohn ScofieldLarry CarltonMike Stern

Rock

77 artists

Marshalls and Fenders reign, with wah and fuzz as the core pedal choices.

Amps

  1. #1
    Fender Twin Reverb18 artists
    Eric ClaptonDavid GilmourThe EdgeFrusciante
  2. #2
    Marshall JCM80014 artists
    SlashJack WhiteGary MooreNoel Gallagher
  3. #3
    Marshall Super Lead 100W "Plexi"9 artists
    Jimi HendrixJimmy PageJoe PerryJ Mascis
  4. #4
    Marshall Super Lead 100W7 artists
    Eric ClaptonGary MooreMike BloomfieldJohnny Winter
  5. #5
    Vox AC307 artists
    Jimmy PageThe EdgeKurt CobainNoel Gallagher

Pedals

  1. #1
    MXR Phase 9014 artists
    David GilmourSlashEVHTony Iommi
  2. #2
    Dunlop Cry Baby13 artists
    Randy RhoadsAlex LifesonPete TownshendJoe Perry
  3. #3
    Boss DD-3 Delay11 artists
    Alex LifesonMike McCreadyPrinceNuno Bettencourt
  4. #4
    Dunlop Cry Baby Wah9 artists
    SlashJimmy PageJohn MayerJames Hetfield
  5. #5
    Boss CE-2 Chorus7 artists
    David GilmourAlex LifesonLindsey BuckinghamSteve Howe

Guitars

  1. #1
    Fender Stratocaster16 artists
  2. #2
    Gibson Les Paul Standard10 artists
  3. #3
    Gibson ES-3357 artists
  4. #4
    Fender Telecaster6 artists
  5. #5
    Gibson Les Paul5 artists
Artists in this genre:
Jimi HendrixEric ClaptonDavid GilmourSlashJimmy PageEVHJohn MayerAngus YoungTony IommiJames HetfieldCarlos SantanaMark KnopflerBrian MayTom MorelloSteve VaiZakk WyldeRobben FordThe EdgeJack WhiteJeff BeckGary MooreJoe SatrianiFruscianteKurt CobainDimebagEric JohnsonNoel GallagherAlex TurnerJosh HommeJoe BonamassaDerek TrucksWarren HaynesJohnny MarrDuane AllmanJonny GreenwoodMike BloomfieldRitchie BlackmoreJohnny WinterRory GallagherKeith RichardsPeter GreenJerry GarciaRobin TrowerChuck BerryNeil YoungJoe WalshPeter FramptonRandy RhoadsAlex LifesonPete TownshendDan AuerbachJoe PerryMike McCreadyPrinceFrank ZappaNuno BettencourtJ MascisLindsey BuckinghamTrey AnastasioDave MurrayMichael SchenkerAce FrehleyPaul GilbertJohn SykesSteve HoweBo DiddleyBuddy HollyLes PaulDave NavarroSteve ClarkAlbert LeeSonny LandrethAndy TimmonsDanny GattonDick DaleEric GalesUli Jon Roth

Metal

34 artists

High-gain heads and noise gates — the pursuit of maximum distortion and articulation.

Amps

  1. #1
    Marshall JCM80011 artists
    Adam JonesGary MooreJerry CantrellKim Thayil
  2. #2
    Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier5 artists
    James HetfieldKirk HammettJohn PetrucciDave Mustaine
  3. #3
    Marshall Super Lead 100W "Plexi"5 artists
    Michael SchenkerAce FrehleyJohn SykesSteve Clark
  4. #4
    Marshall JCM800 22034 artists
    Zakk WyldeMarty FriedmanJason BeckerBuckethead
  5. #5
    Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+2 artists
    James HetfieldKirk Hammett

Pedals

  1. #1
    MXR Phase 907 artists
    EVHTony IommiGary MooreRandy Rhoads
  2. #2
    Dunlop Cry Baby7 artists
    Randy RhoadsAlex LifesonJerry CantrellNuno Bettencourt
  3. #3
    Dunlop Cry Baby Wah5 artists
    James HetfieldTom MorelloAdam JonesJoe Satriani
  4. #4
    Boss DD-3 Delay5 artists
    Alex LifesonJerry CantrellNuno BettencourtPaul Gilbert
  5. #5
    Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor4 artists
    James HetfieldKirk HammettZakk WyldeAdam Jones

Guitars

  1. #1
    Fender Stratocaster5 artists
  2. #2
    Gibson Les Paul Custom4 artists
  3. #3
    Gibson Les Paul Standard4 artists
  4. #4
    Gibson ES-3353 artists
  5. #5
    Gibson Flying V2 artists
Artists in this genre:
EVHAngus YoungTony IommiJames HetfieldKirk HammettTom MorelloZakk WyldeJohn PetrucciAdam JonesGary MooreJoe SatrianiDimebagMarty FriedmanTosin AbasiJason BeckerBucketheadRitchie BlackmoreDave MustaineRandy RhoadsAlex LifesonYngwie MalmsteenJerry CantrellKim ThayilNuno BettencourtDave MurrayMichael SchenkerAce FrehleyPaul GilbertJohn SykesDave NavarroSteve ClarkMisha MansoorPliniUli Jon Roth

Alternative

23 artists

Unconventional tones: Big Muffs, chorus pedals, and amps pushed to the edge.

Amps

  1. #1
    Fender Twin Reverb9 artists
    The EdgeFruscianteKurt CobainJohnny Marr
  2. #2
    Marshall JCM8008 artists
    Jack WhiteBillie JoeBilly CorganNoel Gallagher
  3. #3
    Vox AC305 artists
    The EdgeKurt CobainNoel GallagherAlex Turner
  4. #4
    Hiwatt DR1033 artists
    Billy CorganRobert FrippKim Thayil
  5. #5
    Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus3 artists
    Johnny MarrRobert FrippRobert Smith

Pedals

  1. #1
    Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi7 artists
    Jack WhiteBilly CorganAlex TurnerJosh Homme
  2. #2
    Boss DD-3 Delay5 artists
    Jerry CantrellMike McCreadyJ MascisThurston Moore
  3. #3
    Dunlop Cry Baby Wah4 artists
    The EdgeBillie JoeFruscianteBuckethead
  4. #4
    Boss DD-3T Digital Delay4 artists
    Billie JoeNoel GallagherJosh HommeJohnny Marr
  5. #5
    MXR Phase 904 artists
    FruscianteJosh HommeJerry CantrellMike McCready

Guitars

  1. #1
    Fender Stratocaster6 artists
  2. #2
    Fender Jazzmaster4 artists
  3. #3
    Fender Telecaster3 artists
  4. #4
    Gibson Les Paul2 artists
  5. #5
    Gibson Les Paul Junior2 artists
Artists in this genre:
The EdgeJack WhiteBillie JoeBilly CorganFruscianteKurt CobainNoel GallagherAlex TurnerJosh HommeJohnny MarrRobert FrippJonny GreenwoodBucketheadNeil YoungJerry CantrellDan AuerbachMike McCreadyKim ThayilJ MascisThurston MooreRobert SmithDave NavarroAdrian Belew

Progressive

24 artists

Complex rigs with envelope filters, pitch shifters, and high-headroom clean amps.

Amps

  1. #1
    Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus4 artists
    Robert FrippJohn McLaughlinSteve HowePat Metheny
  2. #2
    Fender Twin Reverb3 artists
    David GilmourFruscianteJonny Greenwood
  3. #3
    Marshall JCM8003 artists
    Adam JonesBilly CorganAdrian Belew
  4. #4
    Hiwatt DR1033 artists
    Billy CorganRobert FrippAlex Lifeson
  5. #5
    Marshall JCM800 22033 artists
    Marty FriedmanJason BeckerBuckethead

Pedals

  1. #1
    Boss CE-2 Chorus4 artists
    David GilmourAlex LifesonSteve HoweAndy Timmons
  2. #2
    Dunlop Cry Baby Wah3 artists
    Adam JonesFruscianteBuckethead
  3. #3
    DigiTech Whammy3 artists
    BucketheadTrey AnastasioAdrian Belew
  4. #4
    Dunlop Cry Baby3 artists
    Alex LifesonFrank ZappaJohn McLaughlin
  5. #5
    Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi2 artists
    David GilmourBilly Corgan

Guitars

  1. #1
    Fender Stratocaster8 artists
  2. #2
    Gibson Les Paul Custom2 artists
  3. #3
    Fender Telecaster2 artists
  4. #4
    Fender Stratocaster "The Black Strat"1 artist
  5. #5
    Fender Stratocaster "Red Strat"1 artist
Artists in this genre:
David GilmourSteve VaiJohn PetrucciJeff BeckAdam JonesBilly CorganGuthrie GovanFruscianteMarty FriedmanTosin AbasiRobert FrippJason BeckerJonny GreenwoodBucketheadAlex LifesonFrank ZappaTrey AnastasioJohn McLaughlinSteve HowePat MethenyAdrian BelewAndy TimmonsMisha MansoorPlini

Country

14 artists

Tweed amps and minimal pedals — clean, chimey, and dynamically expressive.

Amps

  1. #1
    Fender Twin Reverb7 artists
    Brad PaisleyRoy BuchananKeith RichardsJerry Garcia
  2. #2
    Carr Rambler2 artists
    Brad PaisleyGuthrie Govan
  3. #3
    Fender Deluxe Reverb2 artists
    Brad PaisleyDanny Gatton
  4. #4
    Fender Vibrolux1 artist
    Mark Knopfler
  5. #5
    Music Man 212 HD-1301 artist
    Mark Knopfler

Pedals

  1. #1
    Boss CE-2 Chorus3 artists
    Steve HoweVince GillDanny Gatton
  2. #2
    Ernie Ball Volume Pedal2 artists
    Mark KnopflerNeil Young
  3. #3
    Hermida Audio Zendrive2 artists
    Brad PaisleyGuthrie Govan
  4. #4
    Xotic SP Compressor2 artists
    Brad PaisleyGuthrie Govan
  5. #5
    Echoplex EP-32 artists
    Eric JohnsonSteve Howe

Guitars

  1. #1
    Gibson Les Paul Custom3 artists
  2. #2
    Fender Telecaster3 artists
  3. #3
    Gibson ES-335 (various)2 artists
  4. #4
    Gibson ES-1752 artists
  5. #5
    Fender Stratocaster (1937 National)1 artist
Artists in this genre:
Mark KnopflerBrad PaisleyGuthrie GovanEric JohnsonRoy BuchananKeith RichardsJerry GarciaNeil YoungSteve HoweChet AtkinsLes PaulAlbert LeeVince GillDanny Gatton

Jazz / Fusion

32 artists

Clean, warm tone through low-wattage amps — the guitar alone does the talking.

Amps

  1. #1
    Fender Twin Reverb6 artists
    Derek TrucksWes MontgomeryChet AtkinsBarney Kessel
  2. #2
    Polytone Minibrute4 artists
    George BensonJim HallJoe PassKenny Burrell
  3. #3
    Dumble Overdrive Special3 artists
    Eric JohnsonScott HendersonLarry Carlton
  4. #4
    Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus3 artists
    John McLaughlinSteve HowePat Metheny
  5. #5
    Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III2 artists
    Tosin AbasiPlini

Pedals

  1. #1
    Boss DD-3 Delay4 artists
    Al Di MeolaJohn ScofieldLarry CarltonMike Stern
  2. #2
    Hermida Audio Zendrive3 artists
    Guthrie GovanDerek TrucksScott Henderson
  3. #3
    Dunlop Cry Baby3 artists
    Frank ZappaJohn McLaughlinJohn Scofield
  4. #4
    Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer3 artists
    Danny GattonJohn ScofieldLarry Carlton
  5. #5
    Ibanez Tube Screamer2 artists
    Carlos SantanaRobben Ford

Guitars

  1. #1
    Gibson ES-1755 artists
  2. #2
    Gibson ES-3353 artists
  3. #3
    Fender Telecaster3 artists
  4. #4
    Fender Stratocaster3 artists
  5. #5
    Gibson L-5 CES3 artists
Artists in this genre:
Carlos SantanaB.B. KingRobben FordJeff BeckGuthrie GovanEric JohnsonDerek TrucksTosin AbasiScott HendersonFrank ZappaTrey AnastasioJohn McLaughlinWes MontgomeryDjango ReinhardtSteve HoweCharlie ChristianChet AtkinsLes PaulPat MethenyGeorge BensonPaco de LucíaAl Di MeolaBarney KesselJim HallJoe PassGrant GreenDanny GattonJohn ScofieldKenny BurrellLarry CarltonMike SternPlini

Funk / Soul

11 artists

Funky auto-wahs and clean amps — the rhythm guitar as a percussion instrument.

Amps

  1. #1
    Fender Twin Reverb4 artists
    Nile RodgersChuck BerryPrinceJohn Scofield
  2. #2
    Fender Super Reverb3 artists
    Robben FordGary Clark Jr.Steve Cropper
  3. #3
    Howard Dumble Overdrive Special1 artist
    Robben Ford
  4. #4
    Marshall JTM451 artist
    Gary Clark Jr.
  5. #5
    Vox AC301 artist
    Gary Clark Jr.

Pedals

  1. #1
    Boss DD-3 Delay2 artists
    PrinceJohn Scofield
  2. #2
    Dunlop Cry Baby2 artists
    PrinceJohn Scofield
  3. #3
    Ibanez Tube Screamer1 artist
    Robben Ford
  4. #4
    Boss DD-3 Digital Delay1 artist
    Robben Ford
  5. #5
    Strymon Timeline1 artist
    Robben Ford

Guitars

  1. #1
    Gibson ES-3353 artists
  2. #2
    Fender Stratocaster3 artists
  3. #3
    Fender Telecaster2 artists
  4. #4
    Robben Ford Signature "Starlight"1 artist
  5. #5
    Gibson SG Standard1 artist
Artists in this genre:
Robben FordGary Clark Jr.Nile RodgersScott HendersonChuck BerryPrinceBo DiddleyGeorge BensonSteve CropperCurtis MayfieldJohn Scofield

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