A musical revolution that transformed sound itself, the guitar emerged from ancient origins to become the most beloved instrument in history.

Its versatile tone and timeless form have created legends across every genre and generation – from blues pioneers such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and B.B. King through to jazz virtuoso Django Reinhardt and the genius of Les Paul in helping create Gibson’s first solid-body electric guitar; key figures such as Sister Rosetta Tharp and Chuck Berry in blending blues, country and R&B to help give us rock ‘n’ roll; the distinctive four-, six- and 12-string Rickenbackers that defined the Beatles’ look and sound; and the timeless Fender Telecasters, Stratocasters and Precision basses that played such vital roles in the hands of Hank Marvin, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, James Jameson, Jeff Beck and Nile Rodgers in expanding the boundaries of Sixties/Seventies rock and soul.

Enduring symbols of creativity, passion, excitement and artistic expression, these iconic instruments have continuously evolved and progressed over the last 100 years yet remain faithful to their fundamental promise: to move hearts and inspire new generations – Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr, Davy Knowles, Cory Wong, Hisako Ozawa, Julian Lage – of guitar legends.

Stunningly illustrated, Guitar Legends and Their Iconic Instruments takes a close look at the visionary designs that shaped the history of modern music and transcended their craftsmanship to become cultural icons.