Gibson SG

Gibson SG. The Gibson SG is a solid-body electric guitar introduced by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1961 as a redesign of the Gibson Les Paul. Known for its distinctive double-cutaway body, sharply pointed horns, and lightweight mahogany construction, it became a staple in rock, hard rock, and heavy metal music. The model's name, standing for "Solid Guitar," reflects its design philosophy and it has been played by iconic musicians such as Angus Young of AC/DC and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.

History

The SG was developed in 1960 as the company sought to modernize the Gibson Les Paul, whose sales had declined. Under the leadership of Ted McCarty, Gibson's designers created a thinner, lighter body with radical double cutaways for improved upper-fret access. Initially marketed in 1961 as the "Les Paul SG," it replaced the original single-cutaway Gibson Les Paul in the catalog. By 1963, after Les Paul's endorsement contract lapsed, the model was officially renamed the Gibson SG. Its introduction coincided with the rise of British Invasion bands and the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene, finding early adopters in players like Eric Clapton during his tenure with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Cream. Throughout the 1970s, its association with hard rock was cemented by its use on landmark albums such as Black Sabbath's *Paranoid* and AC/DC's *Highway to Hell*.

Design and features

The classic SG design features a solid mahogany body, typically with a thin profile, and a set mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard. Its most recognizable traits are the sharply pointed horn cutaways and the small pickguard that often extends up the neck. Early models were equipped with P-90 pickups or the newly developed Patent Applied For (P.A.F.) humbuckers, which helped reduce unwanted feedback and provided a thicker, more powerful tone. The tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece became standard hardware. Variations have included vibrato systems like the Maestro Vibrola and, in later years, high-output pickups such as the EMG 81 for modern metal applications. The design's balance has been a point of discussion, with its lightweight body sometimes leading to neck-heavy tendencies.

Models and variations

Gibson has produced numerous SG models since its inception. The Gibson SG Standard, typically finished in Heritage Cherry, has been the continuous flagship model. The Gibson SG Special often featured simpler cosmetic appointments and different pickups, like P-90s. The Gibson SG Junior and Gibson SG TV were more affordable, single-pickup versions. In 1968, Gibson introduced the radical Gibson SG Supreme with its carved top and fancy inlays. Signature models abound, including the Gibson SG Angus Young Signature and the Gibson SG Tony Iommi Signature, the latter often equipped with custom Seymour Duncan pickups. Other notable production models include the Gibson SG Gothic, the Gibson SG '61 Reissue, and the Epiphone brand's more affordable versions like the Epiphone G-400.

Notable players

The SG is famously linked to a pantheon of rock guitarists. Angus Young of AC/DC has used his signature Gibson SG Standard throughout his career, making its sound synonymous with hard rock riffing. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath customized his SG with lighter strings and John Birch pickups, defining the tone of heavy metal music. Frank Zappa employed an SG in his early work with The Mothers of Invention. Robbie Krieger of The Doors used an SG for much of the band's recorded output, including the solo on "Light My Fire." Other prominent players include Pete Townshend of The Who, Derek Trucks, George Thorogood, and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, who used an SG in the late 1960s.

Cultural impact

The Gibson SG's sleek, devil-horned silhouette has made it an enduring icon in popular culture, often symbolizing rebellion and rock power. Its sound is integral to classic rock anthems by AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and Cream. The model has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and its image is frequently used in advertising and art. It remains a highly popular choice for musicians across punk rock, grunge, and alternative rock, with artists like Jack White of The White Stripes and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam utilizing its distinctive voice. The SG continues to be a cornerstone of the Gibson lineup, representing a vital chapter in the history of the electric guitar.

Category:Gibson guitars Category:Solid-body electric guitars Category:1961 introductions