Guitar Legends: The Les Paul Shredders Who Define the Craft

The classic Les Paul guitar has made its mark on the world of rock and metal music as a powerful and versatile tool for virtuoso guitarists who can shred with unmatched skill. Many renowned musicians have made significant contributions to the music industry by showcasing their technical prowess on these iconic instruments.

Notable Les Paul Shredders

From the legendary Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash to the blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa, here are some of the standout musicians who have used Les Paul guitars to their fullest potential:

S Dangerously Talented Guitarists

Slash - As the guitarist of Guns N' Roses, Slash is renowned for his iconic riffs and solos, often played on a Les Paul. Joe Bonamassa - A blues-rock virtuoso, Bonamassa frequently plays Les Pauls and is known for his technical prowess and emotive playing. Zakk Wylde - Known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society, Wylde's heavy and aggressive style is often showcased on his signature Les Paul models. Jimmy Page - The legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin is famous for his use of Les Pauls, especially during the band's classic era. Gary Moore - The late guitarist was celebrated for his incredible technique and expressive playing, often using a Les Paul. Kirk Hammett - The guitarist of Metallica is frequently seen using Les Pauls, especially during the band's earlier years, and is known for his intricate and fast solos. Dimebag Darrell - While primarily associated with Dean guitars, Darrell also played Les Pauls and was recognized for his shredding and heavy riffs in Pantera. Myles Kennedy - Known for his work with Alter Bridge and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy, he showcases his shredding skills on Les Pauls.

The Importance of Setup for Faster Playing

Playing the Les Paul fast and with maximum control requires the right setup. Factors such as low action, a relatively straight neck, and properly sized/crowned frets play a crucial role in achieving the best performance. These instruments are not without their challenges, however, as the larger and heavier body of a Les Paul may be less comfortable for some players.

Regardless of the challenges, the right setup enables musicians to perform technical solos at a high speed. For instance, while Telecasters are not typically associated with speed, they can be adept for live performances, providing the necessary control and fast playing ability.

Studio Versus Live Performance

When it comes to studio sessions, guitarists often prioritize precision over adding extra notes. For instance, during 99% of studio sessions, the goal is to play the right notes and get them right on the first take, as clients usually prefer clean and well-executed performances.

Modern recording techniques have also evolved in such a way that high-quality studio tone is not always necessary, as many producers and engineers prefer to add effects like gain, delay, and distortion during the mixing phase. This secondary processing allows producers to achieve the desired effect even if the original recording is clean and straightforward.

As a session player, the musician's role is to execute the music correctly and efficiently. Hence, they must focus on playing the music as intended and delivering a clean and flawless performance. In many cases, session guitarists are not involved in the final product's creative decisions and are only responsible for delivering a quality performance.

Conclusion

The Les Paul guitar is a symbol of technical excellence and is widely acclaimed among virtuoso guitarists. From Slash to Kirk Hammett, these musicians have shown the world how to use the Les Paul's potential to its fullest, creating memorable solos and performances that have left an indelible mark on rock and metal music.