Neil Young is one of the most influential musicians in the industry, and we're fans of his work with Buffalo Springfield and his solo music. He's been nominated for 28 Grammys and has won 2 Grammys for best art director and best rock song. He's provided impressive and sincere lyrics and vocals throughout his career, including some amazing guitar skills. We rounded up 7 guitars Neil Young uses, and we think many of his fans would enjoy playing these. Whether you shop and buy one or even visit Sweetwater or Guitar Center's showroom to play, we know you'll have fun with these beauties.
1. Old Black Gibson 53 Les Paul as modified
The Scoop:
This used Gibson is a vintage pick. The electric guitar has been a confirmed Neil Young guitar for a while. The guitar is known for being a "gold-standard" guitar across many top-quality manufacturers. However, it's probably one of the most popular electric Gibson guitars. It is pricey, even in used condition, but the quality isn't cheap or poorly made. These guitars are built to last, and professionals love them dearly.
Key Features:
The Les Paul Gibson Traditional is a bit different than the Standard. This Traditional has a thick neck profile and has period-correct green keystone pegs. It's also a solid body, meaning there are no weight-relief holes.
2. Gretsch G6136-55GE Vintage Select 1955 White Falcon - Vintage White, Cadillac
The Scoop:
If you're a major Chet Atkins or George Harrison fan, you definitely understand the hype around Gretsch guitars. Their top-quality electric guitars are favorites amongst some absolute legends and for good reason. This Gretsch G6136-55GE Vintage Select 1955 White Falcon has a pair of TV T'Armond pickups that sound just like vintage ones.
Key Features:
Features on this Gretsch include a hollow body (a round down susceptible to feedback), which is a pretty popular pick for jazz and country music players. It also has a standard U-shaped maple neck and a highly playable ebony fingerboard. And of course, the details are impeccable. It's an attractive guitar, and who doesn't like a pretty guitar?
3. Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar - Natural
The Scoop:
Martin —the king of dreadnoughts for sure. The flagship dreadnought has some modern upgrades that players love, and the price reflects that. The nearly $10,000 acoustic guitar was also a pick for Gene Autry. Again, another favorite by some country music legends and collectors. A customer called it the guitar of all guitars and wrote, "I aspire to eventually on this guitar my entire life and finally was able to afford one. I currently own six Martin's and while they each have amazing tone and unique sound this one by far has everything you could ever want from a guitar."
Key Features:
Features to note are the East Indian rosewood body, mated by martin's coveted dovetail neck joint. You'll be in love when you hear how rich and full this guitar sounds! It's the best of the best, and performers all over the world are looking for this same guitar. It has a slimmer neck, making it super comfy to play for better speed and accuracy.
4. Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar - Natural
The Scoop:
Martin's D-28 is a popular dreadnought and is another pick for country, rock, and pretty much all genres, and of course some of the biggest artists in history, including Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and more. Even some of your favorites that play electric guitar pick up vintage acoustics. Whether it's for songwriting or acoustic gigs, the Martin D-28 is one of the best. It's much, much more affordable than the D-45 by the way.
Key Features:
The guitar features open-gear tuners, an aged toner top, antique white accents, and a faux tortoise pickguard. It's another guitar that has a modern neck designed for improved playability. Sweetwater says many guitarists call the D-28 their favorite Martin, so consider adding this dreadnought to your lineup.
5. Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Broadcaster Relic - Aged Nocaster Blonde
The Scoop:
This 70th anniversary of this redesign pays homage to the original "Broadcaster." Long story short, Fender didn't want to be sued by Gretsch for the name (re: Grtsch's Broadkaster drum set), so Fender referred to these as the "Nocaster," which we all know now as the Telecaster or Tele. This Tele is popular amongst all genres and is a sought-after electric for many seasoned guitarists. Just look at that lacquer finish.
Key Features:
The guitar sounds very similar to the original Tele—it has hand-wound Custom Shop '50–'51 Blackguard single-coil pickups. Sweetwater says the Custom Shop '50–'51 Blackguard pickups are the real deal for a vintage Broadcaster tone. The guitar's 2-piece select ash body provides a resonant musical sound and the riftsawn maple U-shaped neck allows for easy playing and prevents fatigue.
6. GUILD USA M-20 ACOUSTIC GUITAR
The Scoop:
Hardcore Guild fans may know this guitar as the "Nick Drake guitar" (on the album cover for Bryter Layter). The small-body guitar will be a great pick for concerts, beginners, or for anyone looking for a small guitar to travel with. The guitar looks and sounds vintage. It's still pretty popular to this day, luckily Sweetwater restocks this guitar. If you miss out, be sure to reserve yours risk-free.
Key Features:
It has a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, making it pretty sturdy for your strings. It's ideal for strumming and finger-style playing. The made-in-California guitar has a solid mahogany back, top, back, and sides, providing some of the best vintage sounds.
7. GIBSON EXPLORER ELECTRIC GUITAR
The Scoop:
Gibson's Explorer was introduced with the Gibson Flying V, another iconic-shaped guitar. The Explorer is one of the most recognizable electric guitars out there. Besides Young, other musicians that use the Explorer are Dave Grohl, Tom Morello, Slash, and Eric Clapton.
Key Features:
Gibson's electric guitar has a mahogany explorer body with a gloss finish and dual burstbackers with 2 volumes and 1 tone. Burstbackers are ideal for vintage sounds. It also has a mahogany neck with a slim taper profile that makes it easy to hold and play. And lastly, the Nashville Tune-O-Matic Bridge. Gibson says this is one of the most copied pieces of guitar hardware. It also comes with a hardshell case for easy transportation.
Neil Young Tour
Neil Young doesn't have any major tours planned in the near future, but if you're lucky you can catch him at the Greek Theatre in April 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Young will perform at "Light Up The Blues" a concert to benefit Autism Speaks. The lineup includes Stephen Stills, Judy Collins, Sheryl Crow, Chris Stills, Mike Campbell, Steve Ferrone, and more. Get tickets below.
Neil Young Greatest Hits Easy Guitar With Notes And Tab
Learning to play some of your favorite Neil Young songs will make practice something to look forward to. This book is a great pick for intermediate and advanced players or for anyone looking to add Neil Young to some setlists. 16 classics are in the book, including "After the Gold Rush," "Cinnamon Girl," "Harvest Moon," "Heart of Gold," and more. Photos and lyric sheets are also included.
