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How I Became An SG Guy | Norm Rosenfield

The Unstoppable Rise of the Gibson SG:  A Lightweight Guitar with a Heavyweight Impact.

My first good electric guitar was a Gibson SG (solid-body guitar) that my neighbor across the street sold me when I was in high school. It was cherry starburst, just like the SG that Frank Zappa, Pete Townsend, and Carlos Santana played. It weighed about the same as an acoustic guitar — six pounds. I thought all electrics weighed that much until a friend let me try out his Les Paul and I was shocked; although it weighed only three pounds heavier than my guitar, the Les Paul’s distribution made it feel like you were carrying 15 pounds on your shoulder. Instantly I became an “SG guy.”

Turned out I was in good company. The following is my tale about the legendary guitar that has left an indelible mark on the music scene. Strap yourself in as we journey through time. Let’s discover the fascinating popularity of the Gibson SG, a guitar beloved by guitarists all over the world.

Our story begins with Pete Townshend, the driving force behind the Who. In 1968 he embraced the SG's fiery spirit to ignite stages around the globe. His energetic performances and smashing guitar chords became legendary. The Gibson SG became an extension of Pete's rebellious soul, fueling his powerful anthems.

Around the same time, Los Angeles guitarist Robby Krieger, the guitar virtuoso of the Doors, found his muse in the Gibson SG. As he weaved bluesy and psychedelic melodies, the SG became his loyal companion. Robby's distinctive sound, rooted in the SG's versatility, helped define the band's iconic sound.

Enter Frank Zappa, the avant-garde musical genius. With a classic mahogany double-horned Gibson SG in hand, he fearlessly pushed boundaries in popular music. His complex melodies and intricate compositions showcased the SG's limitless potential. Frank’s SG was featured in much of his mid-1970s work.

Angus Young, the electrifying co-founder and lead guitarist of AC/DC began playing his SG around the late 1960s and early 1970s. Picture Angus in his schoolboy outfit, shredding on his Gibson SG. His raw energy and scorching solos have made him one of the greatest rockin’ riff guitarists of all time. It's no wonder the SG has become synonymous with his electrifying persona.

Next, we meet Tony Iommi, the mastermind behind Black Sabbath's heavy metal revolution. Tony's guitar riffs and dark melodies laid the foundation for the entire genre. Armed with his trusty Gibson SG in 1970, he crafted the quintessential heavy metal sound, captivating audiences worldwide. The SG became a symbol of power and darkness, and Tony wielded it with unparalleled finesse.

Carlos Santana, the mesmerizing guitar maestro, seamlessly blended rock, blues, and Latin American influences. With the Gibson SG as his weapon of choice, Carlos created soul-stirring melodies that transcended genres. The SG's melodic and versatile nature allowed him to express his emotions with unmatched grace, as featured in his 1969 Woodstock performance.

We can't forget the quiet Beatle, George Harrison, whose gentle touch on the SG spoke volumes. George's melodic and introspective guitar playing, showcased in iconic Beatles tunes, captured the hearts of millions. His connection with the SG symbolized a moment of transcendence, leaving an everlasting impression on the world of music.

In the Rolling Stones’ classic period (1969-1974), Mick Taylor delivered inspired melodic improvisation. His solos flowed from his fingers like champagne. Check out the Rolling Stones' live album "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!" — it was recorded during their U.S. tour in 1969, when Mick was partial to his SG. The majority of the recordings took place on November 27 and 28, 1969, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Released on September 4, 1970, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock albums of all time.

Last but not least, there is Derek Trucks, the maestro of slide guitar, who also found solace in the Gibson SG. His soulful and emotive playing with the Allman Brothers Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band has consistently mesmerized crowds. With the SG in his hands, Derek creates musical landscapes to this day that transport listeners to another realm.

Now you can hopefully fathom the magnitude of the Gibson SG's impact on music and the music industry. It truly deserves a place in the pantheon of all-time iconic electric guitars.