While debates over the greatest guitarist of all time will always persist, Billboard has shifted the focus to their instruments.
The publication recently released a list of the 100 most iconic guitars ever, curated by a panel of journalists, experts, and guitarists spanning various musical genres. Fans were also invited to submit their suggestions. Notable guitarists who contributed to the selection include Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Joe Satriani, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Jack White, among others.
So, which guitar earned the title of the most iconic? The top spot is claimed by Jimi Hendrix’s 1965 Fender Stratocaster, famously known as “Monterey.” This is the guitar Hendrix famously set ablaze at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
Coming in at #2 is Willie Nelson’s 1969 Martin N-20, nicknamed “Trigger,” followed by Eddie Van Halen’s legendary homemade “Frankenstein” guitar at #3, renowned for its distinctive red, black, and white design.
The top five is completed with B.B. King’s signature “Lucille,” a series of Gibson guitars, and Chuck Berry’s 1955 Gibson ES-350T.
Other notable guitars that made the list include Angus Young’s Gibson SG at #6, David Gilmour’s 1969 Fender Stratocaster “The Black Strat” at #7, Jeff Beck’s 1954 Les Paul “Oxblood” at #12, and Brian May’s The Red Special, which he built with his father, at #14.
