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Known for his innovative guitar work and unique sound, George Harrison significantly influenced The Beatles’ music. His selection of guitars was not just a personal preference but a pivotal element in crafting the band’s legendary tracks.
This article explores some of Harrison’s most iconic guitars.
George Harrison’s Most Iconic Guitars
- 1957 Gretsch Duo Jet
- 1962 Gibson J-160E
- 1963 Rickenbacker 360/12
- 1964 Fender Stratocaster (“Rocky”)
- 1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster
1957 Gretsch Duo Jet
| Model | 1957 Gretsch Duo Jet |
|---|---|
| Finish | Black |
| Years Used | 1961-1963, 1985-1987 |
| Famous Songs | “Please Please Me,” “Twist and Shout,” “I Saw Her Standing There” |
| Other Musicians | Klaus Voormann (briefly owned) |
The 1957 Gretsch Duo Jet was George Harrison’s first significant guitar, which he purchased secondhand in 1961. Known for its chambered mahogany body and Bigsby tremolo, it became a staple in the early Beatles recordings. Harrison used this guitar extensively in the band’s formative years, contributing to their signature sound on tracks like “Please Please Me” and “Twist and Shout.”
By 1963, Harrison had retired the Duo Jet, giving it to bassist Klaus Voormann, who kept it for two decades. In the mid-80s, Harrison reacquired the guitar and used it on his solo album Cloud Nine, even featuring it on the album cover.
1962 Gibson J-160E
| Model | 1962 Gibson J-160E |
|---|---|
| Finish | Sunburst |
| Years Used | 1962-1968 |
| Famous Songs | “Love Me Do,” “P.S. I Love You,” “Yellow Submarine” |
| Other Musicians | John Lennon |
The 1962 Gibson J-160E is one of the most iconic guitars used by George Harrison, and shared frequently with John Lennon. This unique acoustic-electric guitar featured a P-90 pickup, giving it a distinctive sound that contributed to many Beatles classics. It was notable for its use on every Beatles album, playing a crucial role in tracks such as “Love Me Do,” “P.S. I Love You,” and “Yellow Submarine.”
Harrison and Lennon purchased matching Gibson J-160Es upon signing their first recording contract in 1962. Although Lennon’s guitar was stolen in 1963, Harrison continued to use his throughout the band’s career, only moving on to other guitars around 1968 when he discovered the Gibson J-200.
1963 Rickenbacker 360/12
| Model | 1963 Rickenbacker 360/12 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Fireglo |
| Years Used | 1964 onwards |
| Famous Songs | “A Hard Day’s Night,” “If I Needed Someone” |
| Other Musicians | None |
The 1963 Rickenbacker 360/12 is a 12-string electric guitar that became one of George Harrison’s most iconic instruments. Its distinctive jangly sound was a key element in many Beatles songs, such as “A Hard Day’s Night” and “If I Needed Someone.” This guitar was a gift from the Rickenbacker company, given to Harrison during the band’s first visit to the United States in 1964.
The Rickenbacker 360/12 features a unique hollow body design with a “slash” sound hole, and its 12 strings provide a rich, full sound that contributed to the Beatles’ innovative musical style. Harrison’s use of this guitar helped popularize the 12-string electric guitar and influenced many other musicians.
1964 Fender Stratocaster (“Rocky”)
| Model | 1964 Fender Stratocaster (“Rocky”) |
|---|---|
| Finish | Hand-painted psychedelic design |
| Years Used | 1967 onwards |
| Famous Songs | “All You Need Is Love,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” |
| Other Musicians | None |
The 1964 Fender Stratocaster, famously known as “Rocky,” is one of George Harrison’s most distinctive and visually striking guitars. Harrison hand-painted this guitar with vibrant, psychedelic designs in 1967, reflecting the era’s artistic trends. “Rocky” made its first major appearance during the live satellite broadcast of “All You Need Is Love” in 1967.
This Stratocaster features a maple neck and alder body, standard to Fender Strats of the era, but it stands out due to Harrison’s custom artwork and the modifications he made to fit his playing style. The guitar was also prominently used in the recording of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and other tracks from the later Beatles period.
1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster
| Model | 1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster |
|---|---|
| Finish | Rosewood |
| Years Used | 1968-1969 |
| Famous Songs | “Get Back,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” “Let It Be” |
| Other Musicians | Delaney Bramlett (temporarily owned) |
The 1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster is one of George Harrison’s most iconic guitars, distinguished by its solid rosewood body. This custom-built prototype was gifted to Harrison by Fender and became prominently associated with The Beatles’ later works. It was used extensively during the Let It Be sessions and famously during the band’s rooftop concert in 1969.
The Rosewood Telecaster features a unique satin finish and offers a rich, warm tone that suited Harrison’s evolving style during the late 1960s. After The Beatles disbanded, Harrison gave the guitar to musician Delaney Bramlett, who made several modifications before it was eventually returned to the Harrison estate.
Conclusion
The distinctive sounds of The Beatles owe much to a few remarkable guitars. From the jangly brilliance of the Rickenbacker 360/12 to the psychedelic charm of the “Rocky” Stratocaster, each instrument brought something unique to the table.
These guitars weren’t just tools; they were extensions of artistic expression that shaped an era of music. Their legacy lives on, inspiring musicians worldwide and reminding us of the timeless creativity and innovation that defined one of the greatest bands in history.
