Guild Guitars have been strummed, picked, and adored by many legendary musicians over the years. Their unique sound, unparalleled craftsmanship, and vintage appeal have made them a staple on stages and in recording studios.
So, which music legends have been stricken by Guild fever?
1. Richie Havens
Remember the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969? Richie Havens was the guy who kickstarted that magical musical journey.
With his powerful voice and a distinctive open tuning style, Havens made the Guild D-40 his go-to acoustic guitar. His passionate performances and that iconic Guild sound are forever etched in the annals of music history.
2. Nick Drake
The late Nick Drake, an English singer-songwriter, was known for his melancholic melodies and hauntingly beautiful songs. Throughout his tragically short career, he was often seen playing a Guild M-20.
The warmth and depth of the M-20 perfectly complements his style, giving his tracks a distinctive, emotional sound.
3. Paul Simon
One-half of the iconic duo, Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon’s songwriting prowess is the stuff of legends. And what was his trusty companion during those soulful songwriting sessions? A Guild F-30.
The clarity and resonance of this guitar suited Simon’s fingerpicking style and helped produce some of the most memorable folk-rock tracks of the era.
4. Tom Petty
Tom Petty, the heartland rock hero, was often seen rocking out with a 12-string Guild F-512. The full-bodied sound and the rich harmonics of the Guild perfectly captured the essence of Petty’s timeless tunes.
It was this unique sound that became a signature for many of his hit tracks.
5. Bonnie Raitt
Blues sensation Bonnie Raitt isn’t just known for her powerful vocals, but also her masterful slide guitar skills. And what’s her guitar of choice for those soulful slide sessions?
A Guild F-50R.
The guitar’s jumbo body and rich tone made it a perfect match for Raitt’s bluesy renditions.
6. Bert Jansch
Hailing from Scotland, Bert Jansch was a force to be reckoned with in the folk music world. His unique blend of jazz, blues, and folk, combined with his unparalleled fingerpicking skills, made him stand out.
And the Guild D-55 was often his weapon of choice. This guitar, with its clear tones and superb sustain, was tailor-made for Jansch’s style.
7. Billie Joe Armstrong
It might come as a surprise, but the frontman of the punk rock band Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong, is a Guild enthusiast! While he’s mostly known for his electric performances, when it’s time for an acoustic jam, he often reaches for his Guild D35 SB and Guild DV52.
8. David Nail
Country star David Nail, known for hits like “Let It Rain” and “Whatever She’s Got,” is another Guild aficionado. The warm and robust sound of Guild guitars, especially the D-55 model, complements his rich vocals.
9. Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters, a name synonymous with the blues, has strummed quite a few guitars in his time. But did you know he played a Guild on occasion? While not his primary, the Guild he wielded, brought a unique sound to his electric blues tracks.
10. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie used a Guild JF6512 on MTV Unplugged, filmed on January 30, 1990, to perform Rude Mood and Pride and Joy.
The guitar is part of Guild’s top-of-the-line models. It features a spruce top and sides, a maple back, an abalone rosette, and an ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl blocks and abalone triangle inlays.