Artist rigs

What working guitarists actually play, cited from interviews, rig rundowns, and official press. Endorsed relationships and verified use are labeled on each artist's page.

Showing 14 guitarists tagged Classic rock.

• Angus Young

  AC/DC

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Angus Young uses with AC/DC on his Gibson SG. Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042). With citations.

• Billy Gibbons

  ZZ Top

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Billy Gibbons uses with ZZ Top on his 1959 Les Paul 'Pearly Gates'. Dunlop Reverend Willy Extra Light (.007–.038). With citations.

  Endorsed · paid relationship documented

• Brian May

  Queen

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Brian May uses with Queen on his hand-built Red Special guitar. Optima Gold .009–.042 + sixpence pick. With citations.

  Endorsed · paid relationship documented

• Chuck Berry

  SoloThe Chuck Berry Trio

  

  Documented string gauges and tunings Chuck Berry used on his Gibson ES-355 / ES-345 / ES-350T archtop electrics. Light-gauge electric strings + standard E tuning + the foundational rock-and-roll lead vocabulary. With citations.

• David Gilmour

  Pink FloydSolo

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings David Gilmour uses with Pink Floyd and on his solo records. GHS Boomers David Gilmour Signature (.010–.048). With citations.

  Endorsed · paid relationship documented

• Eric Clapton

  Soloex-Creamex-Yardbirdsex-Derek and the Dominos

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Eric Clapton uses on his Fender Stratocaster (Blackie / Brownie / current sigs) and acoustic Martin. With citations.

• George Harrison

  The BeatlesSoloThe Traveling Wilburys

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings George Harrison used with The Beatles and across his solo catalog. Gibson catalog flat-tops + open D slide work + Rickenbacker 360/12 12-string electric. With citations.

• Jeff Beck

  SoloJeff Beck Groupex-YardbirdsBeck, Bogert & Appice

  

  Documented string gauges and tunings Jeff Beck used on his Fender Jeff Beck Signature Stratocaster. Ernie Ball Slinky base in standard E, with thumb-and-fingers right-hand approach. With citations.

  Endorsed · paid relationship documented

• Jimi Hendrix

  The Jimi Hendrix ExperienceBand of GypsysSolo

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Jimi Hendrix used with The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys on his Fender Stratocasters. Fender Rock 'n' Roll .010-.038 + Eb standard tuning. With citations.

• Jimmy Page

  Led ZeppelinSoloex-Yardbirds

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Jimmy Page used with Led Zeppelin on his Les Pauls and Telecasters. Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042). With citations.

• Joe Bonamassa

  SoloBlack Country Communion

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Joe Bonamassa uses on his Les Pauls and vintage Strats. Ernie Ball Burly Slinky (.011–.052). With citations.

  Endorsed · paid relationship documented

• Keith Richards

  The Rolling StonesSoloX-Pensive Winos

  

  Documented string gauges, tunings, and the famous five-string open-G setup Keith Richards uses with The Rolling Stones. Ernie Ball Regular Slinky base, custom configurations on his Telecaster Micawber. With citations.

• Pete Townshend

  The WhoSolo

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Pete Townshend uses with The Who. Light-to-medium gauge strings + Schecter signature Telecaster + various Gibson and Fender catalog instruments. With citations.

  Endorsed · paid relationship documented

• Slash

  Guns N' Roses

  

  Documented string gauges, brands, and tunings Saul 'Slash' Hudson uses with Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, and his solo band. With citations.

  Endorsed · paid relationship documented