5 Must Have Guitars For Every Player

[@rudyzee6427]

There is actually a very simple formula to know how many guitars you should own, X+1 = The amount of guitars you should own where "x" = the amount of guitars you currently own.

[@ichibrosan]

As a software engineer who happens to write in c++ and collect guitars, I would have said, current++, but now I think it should be max(5,current+1)

[@kidjump4882]

It's the GAS formula, sure!!

[@ronwilliams1094]

Your equation is flawed. Yes, x+1...but...divide that by how many nights you're relegated to the couch by the Mrs. There will be a threshold. Do not break that threshold or your collection numbers may start creeping back into the negative as the divorce proceedings commence. lol

[@rudyzee6427]

@@ronwilliams1094 thank you for correcting, you are a gentleman and a scholar 😂😂😂

[@caca_spaniel_1239]

You are worsening my GAS... I need help

[@RedCarRecords]

The correct number: the amount you have plus one.

[@HarrisonApril]

Thank u

[@donbishop6994]

Agreed Red. Always plus 1.

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

Correct price, whatever you have plus 300

[@Swampfox42]

Plus one…for now!

[@allanramusiewicz996]

That is TRULY the MOST “Unthinkable”, I.E. You Don’t Actually Come CLOSE to Understanding GUITAR !!!

[@anthonycutt8854]

Right handed player: Here are the five guitars that every guitarist needs. Left handed player: There are five guitars?

[@anonanon5791]

Ha that's funny!

[@Yuiopppppp]

THE DEVILS HAND

[@fifthof1795]

Don't rub it in. I play left handed, but so annoyingly, I'm totally right handed in all else, except opening bottle tops and dealing cards. Grrr.

[@TheRoadki11uk]

@@fifthof1795 I'm the opposite, left handed but play guitar and shoot bows (or rifles - but not for many years) right handed.

[@fifthof1795]

@@TheRoadki11uk You're just weird 😁

[@Sephi_Dreams]

I remember my first broken LP neck. It was my Artic White Epiphone LP. Strap let loose of the button and it hit the floor. I was destroyed at the loss. But, after research and trying to find a luthier to fix it, I ended up resetting and fixing the neck myself. Left it glued and clamped in place for weeks and then used resin to fill in any gaps in the exterior of the neck. Sanded it down and its super smooth. Keeps tune better than ever and plays great. I'll never let that one go. Also, all my guitars now immediately get Dunlop Straplocks installed before use. Never again....

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

Great comment!

[@jmdyt3626]

Guess it depends about the weight of the guitar really, like I owned a Gibson les Paul and in a space of a day the strap came off 4-5 times, but I’ve owned my strat for 3 months and in that time the strap hasn’t come off at all

[@hkguitar1984]

I'm always game to hear about how I might need more guitars.

[@AD1978leo]

You need another guitar

[@colinwallace5286]

“Might”? I think someone doesn’t realize the serious nature of this discussion...😂🤣

[@hkguitar1984]

@@colinwallace5286 So true, I apologize if my comment came off flippant. Procurement of another instrument is indeed serious in nature and needs to be approached, discussed, planned and executed with the utmost of care and dedication.

[@colinwallace5286]

@@hkguitar1984 I understand completely... you were simply displaying skills learned over decades by guitarists everywhere, speaking carefully in order to avoid sleeping on the couch. Nicely done...😬

[@hkguitar1984]

@@colinwallace5286 Indeed you are correct Colin, your experience shows in your words of wisdom. I've learned to adapt to dynamic circumstances/situations. When I do find myself relegated to the couch I also seem to have extra practice time that seems to coincide!

[@JustSomeGuy]

How many guitars should you have? Yes.

[@HugoBanyCastilloCh]

Never gonna be enough 🥂

[@guitarisdead1642]

And, how many colors of each type.

[@tommorris5069]

G.A.S. Guitar Acquisition Syndrome

[@devolve42]

The optimal number of guitars is the number you currently own, plus one.

[@MooCow2X2]

N+1 I’m forever wanting to build another lol

[@Win7ermu7e]

This man just justified my guitar collection.

[@miz8us]

Amen!

[@ebmax55]

My life needs to watch this lol

[@JaneDoe-m7s]

I have the Gretch 12sring electric, I named her Greta Gretch, and I am in love with her, getting married next year....

[@trilefon4176]

*addiction 😂

[@quickscopeoneeighty9158]

I couldn't decide if I wanted my P90 guitar to be a Les Paul or an SG, but I'm a sucker for originality and decided a LP gold top is the way to go. Absolutely the right decision

[@bazzboy6739]

My Telecaster has been drug through 25 years. It’s been knocked off it’s stand more than I like to remember. I take this guitar to every gig. Each time I pick this guitar up it’s in tune and ready to play. I have many guitars, but this Tele is the one. Thanks Rhett! I love your content bro.

[@andreaferrero6533]

I just moved to another country, I waited my guitars to be shipped around one month, with huge heat and...when I picked the Tele it was in tune!

[@shannonrhoads7099]

1. This is my Telecaster. There are many like it, but this one is mine. 2. My Telecaster is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. 3. My Telecaster, without me, is useless. Without my Telecaster, I am useless. I must play my Telecaster true. I must play better than my rival. I will. 4. My Telecaster and myself know that what counts in this gig is not the notes we play, the noise of our amp, nor the chords we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will perform hits. 5. My Telecaster is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its frets and its pickups. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my Telecaster clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will. 6. Before God, I swear this creed. My Telecaster and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our world. We are the saviors of my life. 7. So be it, until victory is America’s and there is no song but peace!

[@mrseaweed88]

I think a semi hollow electric like a gretch or hollow Gibson can be a nice addition to a collection

[@JAMESGANG-f5u]

Gretch are outstanding guitars

[@grievoush5377]

Ahhh General Kenobi

[@mrseaweed88]

@@JAMESGANG-f5u I think they're heavily underated and can give exellent tone

[@mrseaweed88]

@@grievoush5377 😅

[@dejja7376]

i wanted to get a gretsch but all of their models have goddamn bigsbys

[@fooshoo2006]

I inherited 7 Guitars from my dad and I couldn’t play,. For Ten years I never understood why he had so many different guitars. Until about a year and a half ago, when I decided to pick one up and play. Now I’m still a beginner, but I enjoy guitar so much and am grateful to have access to so many guitars. And I know now exactly why my dad had 7 guitars and not just one.

[@ipuya]

Wow!! So lucky!! What guitars are they? I actually left a comment on how 8 is the ideal number and listed the guitars that deserve a place on that list. Curious to know what your dad chose.

[@heikojakob6491]

@@ipuya The perfect number of guitars is always n + 1

[@bolkoa.zgierski646]

where n is the number of guitars one has at the moment

[@BaronVonQuiply]

I have 10 PRS guitars and I'm sure to the average person I bought ten of the exact same guitar with different finishes. They all have different pickups and/or wiring though, so no two are the same and each one has its own place.

[@heikojakob6491]

@@BaronVonQuiply Still not enough guitars. There's always at least one missing ...

[@rbilleaud]

As an amateur luthier, one of my goals had been to come up with guitars that cover as many sounds as possible in one instrument. My most successful project so far has been what I call my Humcaster. It has a single coil Telecaster pup in the bridge and a Duncan APH-2 in the neck. The body style is modeled off an old 80s era Cort double cut. I really like the symmetrical layout and rounded horns. It has a natural wood finish on the maple/mahogany 7 piece body with a 3 piece maple/mahogany neck, very thin profile a 23.5 Inch scale neck, 'cause I have small hands. It's pretty sweet.

[@Stinkuh69]

You should post a video about it. That sounds sick.

[@skrillah6259]

This is what my dingwall bass does (ik not a guitar) all 3 pickups massive humbucker sound, middle only sounds like a p bass, middle and bridge sounds like a stingray perfect for slapping and bridge only sounds like a jazz bass. I wont ever need another bass but ill probably end up buying more anyways lol.

[@MauFerrusca]

Can we see that beauty?

[@hferris21]

Let's see that bad boy!

[@UltimateBreloom]

Do you mean 23.5 inch scale length? 33.5 would be a bass lol.

[@Miningfordiamonds1]

As a kid I was always told to start with an acoustic guitar, however I think kids starting out should start with an electric, semi hollow, or hollow body solely because they have lighter gage strings. Playing heavy strings without any calluses and a non-developed fretting hand would help a lot to keep you wanting to practice and play. Just my opinion on that topic.

[@jameshartwell4345]

I agree. And when your starting out, no one wants to hear you, or in my case, I didn’t want anyone to hear me. An unplugged electric is much quieter, and of course easier to play.

[@rustyshacklfort9508]

Yup that’s what I did and you can still hear it when you’re in your bedroom practicing.

[@TylerS9812]

Exactly, I learned by buying myself an electric and then learned chords and developed strength and all sorts of things before I bought an a acoustic. I didn’t even learn any scales or anything until after I got an acoustic cause the first things you learn on electric are the same as an acoustic

[@rdc1950]

Don't forget the Carvin line . They are my favorite ❤️

[@rocktorrocks]

Started out on a very comfy Squier electric with easy to play fast thin neck and definitely agree! Will also add, if a new players likes rock music and that’s what they wanna learn, an electric will allow them to learn and play the music that inspires them and keep them motivated.

[@deafrider]

My list: 1. Acoustic 2. Strat 3. (Semi-)Hollow Body (Epiphone Casino is my choice it has also P-90s) 4. Humbucker pick ups like LesPaul (my choice is flying V) 5. Some not ordinary guitar like 12 string guitar if you play more classic stuff or 7 string or baritone if you are into more heavy stuff

[@sr.duarte9438]

I agree. Your list is more complete than his!

[@rvanegasp]

add a steinberger

[@larsrons7937]

This is the best list I've seen so far. I have 1, 3 and (sort of) 5. I have had 2 since my old strat copy was stolen. But as I play mostly acoustic guitars I have several "1", all quite different sound and feeling. I'm especially fond of my old 1968 "Oscar Teller" (East Germany) acoustic. A bit small (95% of normal size?) it's relaxing to play, and has a both warm and crisp well matured sound. If you ever encounter an Oscar Teller, buy it! Just... buy it.

[@JoeFic9997]

As a player of 40 + years I can say your advice to build a partscaster is spot on! Nothing more satisfying than playing a guitar that you had a hand in specifying and building or even modifying. But once you let that genie out of the bottle it can become addictive! All 6 of my solid body electric guitars now have either been built or modified by me for specific purposes and it was a 5 year journey😁

[@kelleyfamily2636]

Now that you mention it, three of my four electrics are either partscasters (Strat and Tele) or modified (Carvin 24 fret DC127, routed for a Ibanez LoPro Floyd). Even my Les Paul has been refretted with 6100 wire, my preferred size.

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

Yep, I started by swapping out pickups on 2 of my Ibanez RGs, then I built one out of parts... now I want to do another!

[@undersoundproductions1915]

Probably the best video ever for reading the comments and hearing everyone elses choices. Thanks y,all.

[@cerealkiller5688]

Rhett, thank you so much for bringing desperately needed attention to the fact that I don't have a P-90 loaded guitar. Until this video my wife had no idea of the dire urgency needed to alleviate this obvious crisis.

[@1sttvbn]

I hear you, I’m thinking ‘56 gold top historic

[@goranivancevic7456]

I totaly agree with both of you, and I see your gold top and rise you an Epophone Casino (hollowbody + P90s)

[@goranivancevic7456]

*Epiphone Casino

[@chipsterb4946]

@@goranivancevic7456 I want a DwightTrash Casino so badly... only 1 for sale right now listed at $250,000 and that’s just so far beyond stupid I don’t know what to say

[@BOBANDVEG]

I've got a hb st20 that I'm going to put 2p90s in. Gonna be a fun project

[@gben2457]

I played a strat with a hot rails bridge pick-up for 18 years gigging in bars. That is a versatile guitar if you could only have one.

[@dambuster6387]

The only strat I can afford is a Fender Black Top its a strat made in Mexico with 2 hum bucker pu its a mahognay body strat. bags of sustain sweet sounding guitar.

[@madelinemitchell9845]

Before watching this, I consulted my wallet. It said a hard no.

[@starbattles1]

Ebay and craigs list are your best friend when you're poor. I'm poor and have 5 guitars, 4 really good name brands, one unbranded. NONE made in china.

[@audiophileman7047]

@@EarthSouthside Takamine is on the same level as Martin. Some say that Takamine can be better!

[@Netmover]

Seagull also good value for acoustic

[@glennb2819]

The wallet is much kinder than the wife

[@davidconroy8553]

@@Netmover and also pretty tough. Wouldn't part with my S6+.

[@tompickett5637]

Great list. You’ve covered all the electric options well but, the guitar that leans against my easy chair and gets played the most is a Gretch Jim Dandy. Basically a parlor sized guitar. An inexpensive but good sounding little guitar that I am not afraid to take anywhere, camping, on a boat, anywhere.

[@JustQuitePro]

"The best guitar to play is the one you have." © 5 watt world

[@hkguitar1984]

Great Quote, Keith is a smart guy for sure. Another great saying by Keith "If what you're doing only gets you to 90% of the tone you're looking for, 90% is still an A Grade".

[@davidbreuer6449]

In the beginning of that video he quotes a saying, “Beware the man with one gun, for surely he knows how to use it” and I think that really applies. It’s cool to imagine having a massive guitar collection, but having a physical connection with one or two instruments is something that money just can’t buy.

[@fivewattworld]

There you go Rockweather!

[@onefastmini]

I spend my practice time guitar shopping. And then modifying the ones I buy, now I have many great playing guitars. I’ve got one that I swear if you handed it to John Mayer it would sound exactly like...well, John Mayer.

[@hkguitar1984]

@@onefastmini awesome Dan, yeah, I find myself doing much the same as far as modifications. I’m converting a Tele to an Esquire right now. I’ve set up a complete guitar work bench and am starting to find myself spending more time looking at and modifying guitars than I do actually playing them! It’s all good as I’m really enjoying them all.

[@jeffkalmar7871]

I'd add a hollow & semi-hollow body electric to that list, like an ES-175 or Gretsch G54 series and an ES-335. Also a good acoustic 12-string. That gives you 8 workhorses that can handle almost anything you'll ever play.

[@dannybrown1846]

Nobody breaks it down like Rhett Shull ... I always end up here! No matter where you are in your personal journey, this guy will help you get better. Many thanks Rhett.

[@LRHutch]

Very good video man. Every guitarist has their own favorites. My #1 is Telecaster stock #2 is Telecaster with Filtertrons, #3 Telecaster with Jazzmaster pups, #4 Roadcaster (my custom build Telecaster) with forearm and belly cut 3 pickups and tremolo system #5 Gibson ES-135 and of course #6 D'Angelico acoustic/electric. I have several more but these are my favorites. I've been playing for 65 years and played professionally since I was 14.

[@123Ir0nman]

I'm surprised the 335 wasn't on the list considering how much you love your 335

[@keef7224]

Was thinking the same thing. Should have been 6 essentials. Some kind of semi-hollow body. But since it’s the one model I still don’t have I guess my incompletion is validated!🤣

[@abcrx32j]

Same he mentioned it on a similar video with Rick Beato

[@chunk4572]

I agree, but I knew he'd have his Novo on there.....

[@123Ir0nman]

@@chunk4572 yeah same, I figured the p90 novo would have to be there

[@imla-ch]

@@keef7224 You should get one - I did this year and it's pretty much become my go-to! Love it!

[@quantenmoi]

Great list! For a professional guitarist/session player who needs to be able to play in a variety of styles, I would add 2 more to the list of essentials: 6. 335-ish semi-hollowbody 7. high output superstrat type of thing

[@josephmueller5770]

Yup. If I had to pick 2 out of my 30+, it might be the Casino and the RG570

[@musicadikto]

Agree. Was looking for those as well. If I may add also, need a 8. Classical guitar too

[@DivusMeta]

Active humbucker pickup guitar for that high gain, brown distortion

[@MagusPerde42]

I totally agree with these five with one modification: I think that every guitarist should have a hollow or semi-hollow bodied guitar, so I'd make the P90 model an Epiphone Casino.

[@jacobscott2054]

FUCKING RIGHT! Just picked up the olive drab one, used to have cherry red years ago. Fantastic guitar

[@RMosack]

Amen to that. Either a Casino or the slightly prettier Gibson ES-330. I'd say an ES-350, but who has $10k laying around for guitar #5!

[@jinxwren4628]

My same sentiment. And he didn’t say a 12-string.? I hate the tele.

[@jimsmith4611]

Have an old Yamaha SA 1000 that I bought brand new God knows how manyyears ago.. love it..

[@dirtylemon3379]

Agree. I loves me my Epiphone Casino.

[@IainFrame]

Ex-girlfriend asked me why I had so many guitars. I asked why a golfer needs so many clubs. Fun fact: she's not my girlfriend any more.

[@CrazyLeyther]

My man!

[@Scully176]

Respect 🫡

[@willjones4992]

unpopular take but between a tele deluxe/sg and a jazzmaster, you're covered for like 90% of the tones you could ever need and these guitars sound perfect together in a mix.

[@officialWWM]

Except a Jazzmaster is ugly as hell!

[@disruptivebutterfly8045]

Debatable.

[@willjones4992]

@@disruptivebutterfly8045 ok man thanks for the input lol

[@Yats6417]

I have just recently started learning how to play, out of impulse I bought an electric guitar and honestly, as much as I love metal, having an electric made me somehow play my acoustic more, odd I know but I feel like having an electric made me appreciate the difference in sound more !

[@JonathanMacFarlane]

My 5: 1. An (small) acoustic - which I agree should be your first, specifically because they are harder to play. Builds up finger strength faster, way harder hide your mistakes. I do think you should get a decent one, there’s no need to actually torture yourself. But there are loads of pretty decent options out there in the $2-300 range; even more when you go used. 2. A 2-humbucker solid body (Les Paul, SG, PRS, etc etc) 3. Strat-style: I hate the Strat bridge, so I use a partscaster Jazzmaster with stray pickups in it 4. Fat single coil electric (p90s, Jazzmaster) 5. Semihollow of some kind: I think this is the one you combine with the double HB or fat singles and have 4 instead of 5. A 335-style will do everything a Les Paul or PRS will do, short of hard rock/metal (feedback is still a threat), but if you like throwing on delay and reverb and chorus and getting all atmospheric with it, nothing does it better than a semihollow

[@daleonov]

good list!

[@dejja7376]

For the third one, i don't think you need specifically a strat. Anything with single coils, you need at least one guitar with single coils like a strat, tele, jaguar, mustang, etc.

[@dahliafiend]

@@dejja7376Strats just need a good setup. Lube all points of contact. Set up the tremolo to float and they are incredibly versatile people don’t have to all do John Mayer a few mods like the tone knob wired to the bridge a dimarzio fs1 and I couldn’t go back to a telecaster again. The one bummer is breaking a string mid song is game over gotta switch out but you can do almost any genre with a Strat AND avoid the SRV cliches. A Strat a Les Paul and an acoustic plus a rickenbacker 12 string. You’re good to go. Les Paul and a Strat are the perfect couple. You can get a “cheap” $1200 of both. Have it setup and modded and nothing is better. I did a tele for ten years. If you’re a country guy they’re a necessity. Yeah they do cut through a mix but man the hype sometimes it’s seems like tele players have never played another guitar. No humbucker. No tremolo bar. Hard to play. Jesus might as well buy a D-28 and play bluegrass lol.

[@rskirk22]

I agree! My first acoustic was cheap and had really high action, and it took me about a month to be able to play an open chord. But my hand strength was great and it helped when I bought my first electric.

[@dimitrisdimitriadis4913]

Great list, I agree with the point about combining 4 and 5. You should still get a 5th however. A PJ-bass, that is.

[@tedjohnson5210]

I first started playing guitar 3 years ago when I inherited my dad’s strat and acoustic. I actually watched this video back then…now? I have 22 guitars including a great representation of each guitar on this list. Thanks Rhett, love your videos!!

[@AlmostGrewMyHair]

Rhett just sold me on buying a strat while already owning one. He did the neck pickup justice.

[@relevantusername88]

Hey man, I was telling my ole lady about this video and she said we’re not allowed to be friends anymore. I’m sorry.

[@subpoppy1]

Ha. No doubt.

[@DrDespicable]

You and your ole lady are no longer allowed to be friends? That's gonna be awkward. At least you'll have the guitars, though!

[@fredstevens799]

@@DrDespicable like Jimi said! (red house...)

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

Take back your manhood. Trade the old lady for a nice Les Paul.

[@fantonledzepp]

“Whoa. That’s you with Led Zeppelin!” “Who’s the ole lady?!” “That’s my ole lady.”

[@jasonwilcox6334]

Well, I've been playing pro for 25 years now. 5 guitars you actually need are - 1- steel string acoustic. 2- nylon string acoustic. Both should have good pickups and I find cutaway very handy. 3 - at least one bass. 4 - ES-335 5 - something with a whammy bar. Maybe Strat? PRS? Ibanez? Whatever you choose. For me I take.more than 5. So for me... 5 - PRS Custom 24 6 - a jazz hollow body with Flatwounds. 7 - a good strat that I love. 8 - something quirky. Hope this helps.someone out there.

[@JerryWasARaceCarDriver]

I put flat wound on my 335

[@richardkelley7938]

Nice list. I never got into 335s. I'd love to pick up a PRS, but the Les Paul fills that role pretty much. I didn't include basses, though I'd recommend a 5 string P bass.

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

+ a resonator + a 12 string

[@Argonautica8]

So as a guitarist you need at least one bass but zero les Paul's?

[@ayeyobossman6151]

yeah really helpful, if you want to help even more you could paypal me about 50k to buy all this thanks

[@asdaven1]

The Jr versions of the Les Paul and SG with the P90 are pretty amazing. Single pickup guitars that in some cases can be more versitile than having 2 pickups. Some say 1 P90 is better than having 2. I was reluctant but I have a SG Junior now and love it. Its versatility is up there with even my Telecaster which is my favorite guitar. The SG Junior is like the Gibson version of the Telecaster to me but with a Gibson flavor. It has a twangyness that works for country but up the overdrive and you have rock. If you already have a Les Paul with humbuckers but want a P90 guitar and want something different and something more like a Strat in weight, try the SG with P90s.

[@EvLoutonian]

Agree. I love the SG platform.. I have 3x (late 60's) SG melody makers (all purchased used / and pre-modified with non-original pickups). So I set them up as I wanted: First one has PAF spec humbuckers, second has Novak P90's, and third has Tele-ish style single coils (sort of closest one to original Melody Maker single coil spec, I suppose). I have another SG guard with vintage mini-humbuckers installed.. just need a fourth Melody Maker to put them in! (or can swap in to one of the current three)

[@jeffainsley6000]

I would put the SG in there with the Tele in terms of versatility. SG's always get the snub in favor of Les Paul's in lists like these though. Not sure why. LP neck pickups are usually a mudfest, but usually very clear in an SG.

[@daveschocker8228]

I prefer the Flying V, same reasons. But the V gives great access all the way up the neck. You don't want to live at the 22nd fret, but I do want to get up there easily when I want to get up there.

[@tomblack9401]

Jeff, a lot of the secret to the Les Paul is having a good pickup well matched to the guitar in the neck position (and good electronics). I have a Tom Holmes set in my LP and it is incredible. Those same pickups didn't do much at all for an SG.

[@professorpedropontes4402]

Hey mate, that’s only true on low quality neck pickups. A good neck pickup on a Les Paul has both the bass and the clarity. Trust me.

[@jojojojojojojojojojojojob]

huh? what kind of les paul do you have? a knock off?

[@jroobz]

I’m in a position where I can only have one guitar and my choice was a telecaster. It covers everything

[@grantandrews4826]

Good choice.

[@perudolux]

Good choice. Me too ..... meanwhile now I have 6 telecasters 😁

[@donkeyboy585]

Yeah either a Tele or a Strat and you can play pretty much anything

[@jonzy72]

Blues , rock , jazz ...Tele is all you’ll need!

[@user-zb4ss5ze5s]

I wish I would have choosen that as well...

[@georgegagnon4566]

Bought my first acoustic guitar in Vietnam 1969. Still have it still playing. Kasuga 12 string.

[@euphority_delay7978]

how old are you?

[@thedevilsadvocate5210]

Kasuga. God Bless You

[@squirelova1815]

"Charlie don't surf", or play much guitar either I guess.

[@steveb9325]

Can't think of a better time to buy a guitar. Place at that time: God bless you!

[@simondebrun]

Bought my first banjo - a Kusaga 4 string!

[@tomaslopez2940]

This list is missing the superstrat. The perfect blend between a Gibson and a Fender with extra bells and whistles added. You get a Strat-style body combined with Gibson-style humbuckers with the addition of extra frets (up to 24) and a Floyd Rose/Ibanez Edge locking trem. It's the perfect instrument for when you wanna crank it to 11!

[@hiroprotagonitis]

agreed, id have merged the strat/tele, and put the superstrat ahead of the gibson

[@ranger5281]

Right... because that's one louder, mate!

[@ernestdenov3599]

@@ranger5281 Yup, I gotta have a 'bucker for the bridge on a Strat. It's like super, man!

[@madmanmoon8978]

I think thats the only guitar you need

[@JubaDeMetalAlumínio]

Up to 27 frets, sometimes lol The Floyd Rose is totally optional for being a superstrat. I avoided that when I was looking for my guitar. And yes, I consider the superstrat a very complete guitar. It can go higher, it can go much lower if it has more strings, it has the most comfortable structure, arguably... It doesn't sound like a tele, of course, but that's why the tele still popular. But you can play pretty much anything in a superstrat, cause of the variety of configurations it can have; made for high technique and high gain tone, but what's the problem in using it for jazz?

[@zesty5321]

Tele middle position is so underrated

[@gdkopinionator4356]

Alex Lifeson uses that position with lots of modulation. Absolutely heavenly.

[@worldwarwe]

The essential math rock tone: tele in the middle position

[@dylangreen9819]

But the bridge is just unrivaled for country. The la brea neck pickup also sounds amazing

[@samsrg3025]

@@gdkopinionator4356 any Rush tele songs that comes to mind?

[@fredstevens799]

@Luke gonna funk, spank twang twinkle all nite long...

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

I didn't buy a tele until after I'd been playing for more than 20 years. Once I did I never looked back - so versatile!

[@N_B_123]

I just got one!!!!!

[@vicrattlehead8665]

Hated them at first, then they slowly grew on me, then i saw page play it in some 69 vids and I fell in love with them. THEN I actually played one and I hate that I don’t own one

[@squirelova1815]

The Tele neck pickup mimics an acoustic very well. It's gone over most people's heads why the Tele was first named the "Electric Spanish" guitar.

[@timnewman1172]

The secret sauce is that Tele can get reasonably close to so many other guitars, especially the Les Paul sound...

[@AndersMcTee]

They really are!!

[@raymondcampbell9077]

Nylon string isn't a bad thing to have nor is a twelve string. As a professional, I made most of my money with a Martin D35, but I agree that for the range of sounds in the electric world, you need a tele, strat, Les Paul and something with P90s. I also have an ES 335 style jazz box which makes me happy when playing chord melody. I don't think it's unreasonable to have 7 or 8 guitars and a mandolin or two. Good video, ROCK ON!

[@Zack-bl2gg]

The only problem with classical is they’re a pain to take care of and setup(no truss rod for most of them)

[@daz97]

I want a mandolin But I have a Ukulele for now And 2 Harley Benton's lol a stray and a LP Plus a Yamaha acoustic I need more guitars lol I need something more metal, with a thin neck About 15 years ago I had a Ibanez RG1650 prestige Dam do I miss that guitar, it was just so easy to play

[@soul_headshot]

Is any number of guitars unreasonable?

[@baalzephon849]

Telecaster, Les Paul, Stratocaster, Acoustic steel string (Hummingbird, Martin D-28) and classical guitar. great video!

[@brianstrawser5695]

I can't get over how easy Rhett makes it to listen and watch his channel. I always learn something without that teacher aftertaste. Love the channel.

[@kodykindhart5644]

He’s learning too 😁

[@kodykindhart5644]

Live ya Rhett

[@YaoEspirito]

Even if he does say "a Finder is essintial..." Southern English😐

[@88Fitzy88]

My first guitar was a strat and now after trying multiple kinds I’m back at the strat but I’ve modified mine to have different small synthesizers hooked onto it, and I’m finally finding my sound!

[@Tiburcio1950]

You can never have too many guitars. The 5 you covered are must have. I would add a semi hollowbody 335 style guitar to the list as well. I have 30 guitars with the 5 styles and a semi hollowbody. I modified all myself. This group of guitars are must have as you pointed out. Good job.

[@rustinhamilton2772]

This is really good. Expecially for an acoustic player like me who wants, and needs, to know more about the electric world but has always been a little reluctant. Nice job.

[@randyk1919]

Honorable Mention: a Precision Bass.. every guitarist should own a bass (guitar)!

[@offbeatbassgear]

As a bass player, I'd recommend the jazz instead, slightly narrower neck and more versatile in terms of tone, and usually the same price. Certainly nothing wrong with a Precision, but for a do-all bass, the jazz is a little more versatile and faster handling, though not by a great deal.

[@5000rgb]

And every bass player should own a guitar.

[@offbeatbassgear]

@@5000rgb I wish I stopped at one, though I still have fewer than I do basses, so that's okay

[@5000rgb]

@@offbeatbassgear You really only need one if it isn't your primary instrument.

[@randyk1919]

@@5000rgb My first bass was a short scale Squire Jaquar w/ flat wounds.. going for a 60's feel/tone that I love. Then.. I played a P-Bass with round wounds with that classic tone.. maybe I don't need it, but those 2 basses cover the sounds I'm looking for.

[@Impractical_Engineer]

Started the Pandemic with 3 guitars, currently have 7. It's enough until the next pandemic.

[@lenbones7940]

Started the pandemic with none and having not played in almost a decade.. Now 6guitars and a bass lol

[@jan7751-o4w]

There's a flu pandemic every year

[@BRLaue]

That’s making the most of adversity.

[@TheGamermouse]

Dude I literally have the same situation with my guitars 😂 keep rockin!

[@stratjed]

Planned demic

[@jazzguitarwithandy]

I’m thinking we all need a Noah’s ark style guitar collection. For Fenders that means you need at least two of each model. One with a maple board and the other with rosewood.

[@klee_of_c8082]

I like the way you think!

[@squirelova1815]

Biblical!

[@timnewman1172]

Maple is definitely a different sound!

[@hans-joachimbierwirth4727]

@@timnewman1172 Depends. Stratocaster tone plastics behave very differently. Is it ABS? Is it PLA? Black or white? And then the nut! Is it made from common buffalo or female toddler skull?

[@notapplicable328]

@@hans-joachimbierwirth4727 female toddler skull??

[@riverprophetriveroflife5058]

I wish that I had seen your video before I ever bought an electric guitar. I very much appreciate your videos. I love the sound quality of your new Les Paul. Several years ago, I went to Guitar Center to buy a Gibson LP I ended up pulling an Epi LP Classic off the wall and played it through a Vox Amp until I could get a clerk to use the ladder to get the Gibson Classic. Two hours later, I told the manager that I couldn't hear any difference between the two. He agreed. I went home with the Epiphone and never looked back .

[@drew7155]

R u still happy?

[@ronwilcox7716]

Your introduction to the telecaster gave me the title to my next album, “Without A Doubt, Probably” You rock, consistently! Keep it up!

[@freeman7079]

I routed my favorite strat for double humbuckers (jazz neck and tremolo bridge) and a three way switch. I also put tall, jumbo frets on an ebony fingerboard for heavy gauge strings tuned a full step down and use it primarily for heavy metal. Father, forgive me! But that’s how much i love strats, I find a way to use it no matter what style of music!

[@BrettPapa]

Agreed Tele is the one to rule them all!

[@Padsterha]

Even if it’s a Nash ?Glad to see you watch these videos too.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

@@Padsterha Whichever brand you prefer! A tele is a tele!

[@edge2sword186]

I would add a 335 and a 6120 2 of the best ever made guitars that all the great players owned .

[@Padsterha]

@@dannyllerenatv8635 that’s very true a friend of mine made his own tele from scratch and bizarrely it sounds more like that classic tele sound than my American made tele special.

[@NeverGoBack2]

That's the only one you really need!

[@prosql]

Not just a solid list but presented in a way that really drives home your "why" on them. As a 40ish year guitar dabbler (off, on, off, on - life just gets in the way when you have too many interests), it was great to see some of my own thoughts represented. I happen to have 3 on the list with a 4th being targeted. I didn't really have the P90's on even my radar - with a 335 style being what I would have thought of as #5. Great stuff.

[@AndreasDiehlmann]

I think you need this five plus a Gretsch. They got a very unique voice, hard to beat for these modern edge of breakup cleansounds.

[@jimsmith4611]

Have been looking at gretches for a while now but need to take the plunge.

[@sprezzatura8755]

Nothing sounds like an archtop. D'angelico has one with P90s.

[@NoWayOut55]

A sweet Duo Jet would be a very nice addition.

[@yurimodin7333]

yeah but you could buy all 5 guitars for the price of a Gretsch

[@stuartanderson6785]

@@yurimodin7333 Not a new Les Paul. They're right in the same price point.

[@gonzalooliveraalves]

Completely agree! One of each can get every tone you can need. However, I'd have one more as an optional: Some kind of superstrat. 24 frets, a floating bridge, HSH pickup configuration with split-coil sounds. Something like what Guthrie Govan uses. It would not be perfect at tackling every sound but probably close enough if you really need to do everything with just one guitar.

[@garyjohnstonemusic]

I was glad to see a p90 guitar on this list. Once I started using them in a Telecaster I never looked back. Just the most versatile pickups imo. We play everything from SRV and Hendrix to Limp Bizkit and Rage. They cover everything. Great video, subbed 👍

[@joelshields8807]

I own 11 guitars, but also believe there's something to be said for specializing and developing a style with a particular guitar - many of our heroes did. 90% of the time I'm playing one of 3 guitars - all Fender-type. I started as an electric guitar player on a Strat, so Fenders just feel like home. I have big hands and I've never found a Gibson that felt comfortable to me (and don't own any). And I personally prefer single coil tones. If you record a lot and need a variety of sounds to make the music you want to make (which is why I've personally accumulated so many), this list makes sense. But not every guitar player "needs" more than one guitar (or two if you gig bc no one likes changing strings onstage, or watching someone change strings onstage). My friend's dad has played professionally in a Motown tribute band since the 60s and he still plays the same Telecaster he had back in the day. I think he owns one backup. Or think about Willie and Trigger. Or Bruce and his Esquire. Jimi and Strats, and so forth.

[@drew7155]

I have a squier but I'm thinking about getting the real thing... ive been playing for 20 years on acoustic

[@peanutbutterisfu]

People like to focus on everything but what matters. You go to a local show one band has all tens of thousands in equipment even their own microphones and the band sucks then the next band has all cheap equipment the guitar player is using a pa amp with a distortion pedal the drummer has 2 cymbals and they are amazing.

[@RobbenBanks153]

These are all ‘classics’ for a reason. As i progress as a player i find the *modern* designs and voicings more inspiring. Haven’t enjoyed my old Tele since getting an Ibanez AZ

[@divusaugstus]

I have a 25 year old EPI Les Paul that suffered a head stock break. I was devastated but happened on an excellent luthier who did a beautiful repair and fitted Grover machine heads for me that were way better than the originals - the guitar came back way better than stock. Jus’ saying.

[@takitezy7]

I had a Malcolm young signature Gretsch, the neck broke at the bottom of the headstock when it fell off a cheap guitar stand. the luthier also did an excellent job, but it was never the same as before.

[@supercuda1950]

Even though I don't play guitar, I love to listen to various players. I could sit and listen all day. Thank you for describing and playing these five guitars.

[@mikebingham7189]

Well then, you need to start. Why? It’s a friend like a dog or cat. You play anything, anytime and anyplace. It relieves tension, depression or loneliness. Tell your mom or dad or wife or boyfriend that it builds discipline and it’s “math”. It’s a challenge. Study up and buy 1,2 or 3. But do yourself a big favor....take lessons and practice.

[@quashie8809]

Completely agree. I would add a semi-hollow guitar (mine is a Gibson Lucille) and a second acoustic with Nashville strings.

[@konradhof7318]

Other “essential” guitars: - Classical / nylon string - Gretsch hollowbody - ES-335 - Rickenbacker 12-string - Acoustic 12-string - Round-neck resonator acoustic

[@athmaid]

and a baritone

[@juliensabadinowitsch8139]

Ibanez rg

[@martin-1965]

Yup agree on most of those. Would love to get a resonator one day and a Gretsch Country Gentleman (always wanted one, never had the money to spare or justify). When it comes to 12 string, I got rid of my 12 string acoustic last year but still have a non-Rickenbacker electric 12 string for recording which sounds ace live as well. Rickys are just overpriced for what they are these days and have a unique sound all of their own, but hard to justify when with the rest of my guitars I can get almost every sound I need. I say "almost" because I doubt I'll ever stop wanting just one more guitar lol :)

[@ginopini6484]

A banjo, a ukulele,a hello kitty, and a washtub and broomstick.I need a bigger house

[@Flat5Henry]

And an archtop

[@bobc733]

Been playing a Telecaster for years, but recently started playing an EVH Wolfgang special, i'm liking it very much

[@mysticone1798]

That's a pretty good rundown of essential guitars! I have 4 of the 5 you recommend, only the Les Paul is missing, but I agree it's essential for most pros. Prefer the cleaner, crisper Fenders. If I were to add just one more guitar to your list, I'd add a semi-acoustic model. I really love my Thinline Telecaster, but many others are fine. There is no substitute for the semi-acoustic sound, especially for rhythm playing.

[@sleevelessace]

i had a knock off strat as my first electric guitar when i was like 10 and i loved it man i rocked it in junior band,senior band, and i never had enough money to get something better till i started working myself then i got a epiphone les paul special ii but that knockoff strat holds a special place in my heart ill keep it forever

[@venkkandadai6042]

The Tele is my guitar of choice. Played it for over 25 years. Saw Chris Cornell from soundgarden playing a black Tele and I was hooked ever since.

[@officialWWM]

I’ve been playing for 30 years and always avoided the Tele. The fender released the Player Plus series and I saw the Silver Smoke version and thought it looked really cool, so I bought one. Now I wish I’d bought one 30 years ago!

[@chazzmccloud36]

I've avoided just because I didn't like the headstock. The older I got, and the more I've started to seek out the instruments that make the sounds I'm into, I finally bought an old 70's lawsuit tele and I love it!

[@MK-xl9tt]

A tele and a PRS custom 24 and a Martin acoustic, I’ve had many more but these were the only ones that got attention

[@colejohnston8031]

I think every channel could ask this question and I would watch everytime.

[@fivewattworld]

Me too, :)

[@rasm0225]

Yeah, I want to know what the Pokémon players think!

[@trumpetperson11]

I feel like a hollow body should have been there in place of 4 or 5, just for the diversity it brings. Maybe something like an e335 or sheraton. Its obviously hard to chose just 5, but hollow bodies can be really useful depending what kind of music you intend to play. And as others have mentioned, a 12 string acoustic if anyone wanted the 6th option. Something really good, but not quite useful enough for the top five.

[@jourdinthedragon]

For me it was there. "Anything with p90s". My es339 p90 sings. On the other hand, I get your point because that's not true of everyone and it's actually what I expected

[@richardfox1605]

I fully agree I love my Gretsh Hollow body

[@michaelbyrd7883]

The Gibson 335 needs to be on the list and also to mention to players the play ability is 1,2 or 3 top reasons to get whatever tone i.e sound you want. For instance the D shape straight up neck is harder to play then the Gibson 335 C neck or the Gretsch country gentleman. Newer model strats and tele's are stiff, so vintage necks are a strong reason to have a fender strat or tele. Some guys got monster hands and fingers and can man handle a guitar others have smaller more agile hands and need a neck and body that fits them.

[@fhstaley3340]

Any reputable, well build 335 style

[@erichanhauser3190]

Had a cheaper Ibanez Artcore semi hollow. Fun guitar.

[@lutzvonhintermond274]

As a Bassist primarily, i have 4 Basses and 3 Guitars. The Guitars are two Telecasters, one Fender Vintage, one Jim Root Signature for drop tunings and a Fender Japan Strat, which I rarely use. One heavily modified Fender PJ Bass which I love the most, a Cort A5, a Höfner Verythin Custom Fretless XL, and a Gretsch G5440 Semi-Hollow. That’s all I need from classical stuff, to blues and rock, stoner, doom, and all sorts of metal.

[@keithpennington6141]

I’ve got most of these. I have: 1) Nylon (Cordoba C9)- use it for learning classical 2) Taylor 214ce- great for recording 3) Taylor 210e- great for teaching 4) Martin OM21- great for fingerstyle 5) Strat 6) Tele 7) LP copy 8) Cheap Ibanez superstrat 9) Ibanez with EMG 81/85 (for when I’m craving The Metal) My most versatile one is probably the Tele- it can do the strat spank but it can also do the overdriven thing well too. I’ve been playing the LP copy more often lately only because it’s most my recent acquisition.

[@daleonov]

That's a sweet collection!

[@southplainsrr]

Hollow body guitars: “what, am I a joke to you?”

[@Dreager141]

yes, yes they are

[@UmVtCg]

@@Dreager141 Nah, they're really not

[@Kubooxooki]

I included those under P 90s

[@RatBastardDan]

Props on the ATSF logo my dude

[@klee_of_c8082]

Made ME laugh!

[@am_i_sam_i_am]

surprised there wasnt a hollow/semi-hollow type of guitar on here like a Gretsch or Rickenbacker or something along those lines. personally, i think having one of these types of guitars could replace either the strat or the tele. although they are still very different guitars, you can get a lot of similar sounds from them both so in my opinion it’s more important to have a hollow/semi-hollow and take a pick between the strat or the tele

[@MisterTMH]

Get a Tele with 3 pick ups and 5 way switch. A Strato -Tele !

[@GFHanks]

Agreed. Rickenbacker 360 is the tits. I'd take it over a Strat or a Les Paul any day of the week.

[@kjetilalexandersaltnes8643]

Gretsch and Rick. 🎯

[@Dave-jy4wi]

There is no way to get the sound of a strat in the second or fourth toggle position from a hollow body guitar. There is also no way to get the sound of a tele in the middle position with a hollow body. That being said. I agree that one of the five essential guitars would be a hollow body because there is no way to get the sound of a hollow body on any other guitar!

[@am_i_sam_i_am]

@@Dave-jy4wi no, but you can get a lot of strat tones with a tele and a lot of tele tones with a strat. thats why i would consider leaving one of two off of the list. i’m not saying that a hollow body or semi hollow will be able to replicate the tones of the strat or tele, i’m saying the strat and the tele can more or less replicate each other’s tones with a bit of messing around and having the unique tone of a hollow/semi hollow type of guitar would make the list more well-rounded. i wouldn’t include the hollow in hopes of getting the specific in between fender position sounds, i would add it to get a completely different tone altogether while still having either a strat or tele to get those tones.

[@MikeyAGoGo101]

I think the essentials would be a Tele, Les Paul, Baritone, Hollowbody, acoustic and something like a Ibanez RG series.but then you want some that you keep in different tunings.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

These days I'm down to three strats and a few acoustics. Wouldn't mind a tele and gretsch to fully cover my favorite tones though haha

[@tompoynton]

Tele and a Gretsch are my mains

[@BOBANDVEG]

Just bought in for my kids and I. Some starter stuff . Low end harley benton, epi, sawtooth, ibanez, and a sawtooth bass. An orange 20rt, and a zoom g1x..... We're having a blast learning together

[@Icy_Cards]

I'm into really heavy music, and my favorite Guitar is the Tele, I also really like they way Gretsch play also. My buddy has a Custom Shop tele he uses for church sometimes, he plays it through a fender Hotrod, Best. Sound. Ever. Makes me forget about Metal and Hard rock for and hour.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

@@Icy_Cards yeah my strats are setup to cover a wide range tonally. One has the 80s super strat setup with the hot single humbucker, another is straight 50s style all around, and then there's the weird Yngwie knockoff I bought off of a friend in high school haha

[@Icy_Cards]

@@Terribleguitarist89 Sweet, I have a cheap squire Affinity Strat that was my first axe, I'm wanting to do some stuff to it 1. Re-paint it from a sparkly blue to either a flat white/black 2. get some High output humbuckers, and have them coil split able I've also got a Jim Root Tele, favorite so far So if I get my guitars done I'll have a nice range of sounds. What I'll need next is a LP Junior Dbl cut, and a Gretsch hollow body, the one that looks like the gibson 335.

[@leomelanson]

Great info ... especially on the P90s. Never owned one in 40 years, and after watching this video picked up a Gibson LP Tribute with P90s for cheap. Such a great sounding guitar ... and yes sits exactly between my Strat/teles and my humbucker guitars. These can be found cheap. Try one out!

[@kevincozens6837]

I searched for the Gibson LP Tribute guiatar at a local store. I can order one for $1,600. Ouch. That is anything but cheap.

[@SDisonYT]

The one thing I love about Les Paul’s are that they have separate volume and tone for each pickup. I’ve never understood why Fender never created a separate alternate version of the Strat with two or three separate volume controls for each pickup, so you can control the blend between pickups.

[@JerryWasARaceCarDriver]

I could answer that, but Fender and Gibson would then both hate on me while becoming best friends with each other.

[@slowhandblues187]

Isn’t that what a ‘72 Telecaster Custom and ‘72 Telecaster Deluxe is? Check out the control layouts on those!

[@jeromewagschal9485]

You're right...I have re-wired some of my strats this way...

[@NaturalDutchSpirit]

there's much to say about this, also from a technical side. Epiphones and Gibsons often have slightly different wiring. Making the middle pickup setting behaving differently. where gibson's version sounds better (more pure tone), but doesn't offer true independent volume control (turning one of the volumes too far down, results in it working as a master volume for that middle position).

[@erichanhauser3190]

@@JerryWasARaceCarDriver Laugh Out Loud. Thank You. Made my day. Gibson & Fender holding hands at sunset.

[@enewman411]

I’ve been playing guitar most of my life, and I have to say this list is spot on.

[@YaoEspirito]

Also very predictable. Who wouldn't have been able to guess what at least four of the five would be?

[@johncrafton8319]

One must have guitar for every player: Whatever guitar you actually, actively want to play. That's it. That's the only "must-have" guitar you need. If you see that guitar and you can't not play it, then you "must have" it. Any other instrument is extra.

[@ngsanfo7927]

Was gonna say this before I saw your comment. I was a one guitar guy before I started watching KZbin videos. Lol. No slam on Rhett personally

[@starbattles1]

Opinions are like ass holes. Maybe 1 is good for the simple minded hobby player. A LOT of songs sound is due to a particular guitar and pickup that must be done with those certain pickups to sound right. Or maybe you don't care about sounding right.

[@ngsanfo7927]

@@starbattles1 cool story👎 check out how many top revered guitarists are one instrument guitarists

[@johncrafton8319]

@@starbattles1 Simple-minded hobby player? To hell with you. You don't know me, and apparently you don't know jack shit. We're talking about "must have", dumbass. Yes, guitar players like getting multiple instruments for multiple reasons, including how they sound, make you feel, feel in your hands, look, etc. That's got nothing to do with this. Even as a gigging professional, WHICH I AM, I don't "need" more than one instrument. That's it. I can get every single sound I need for every single song I'll ever play with a single guitar. I can absolutely get those tones more easily with other guitars, which is one reason why I have other guitars. Even so, it's not a "must have". The biggest problem for guitarists and would-be-guitarists is finding that one guitar that they just can't live without. The instrument they can't put down. When they wake up and see it sitting in the corner, they immediately want to pick it up. When they reach a plateau and stop improving, or hit a wall and stop learning, it's that ONE guitar that will get them past it. These guitars in this list aren't "must haves" by any stretch. They're only "must haves" if you have a need that they can fill, and most players simply won't have a need for all of these. It's videos like this that help give guitarists GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome. "Oh no! I only have a Tele! I MUST HAVE a P-90-equipped guitar! Better spend every waking moment researching and looking and feeling and playing every P-90 guitar I can find before I spend way too much on an instrument I'll barely ever play!" Must have? Simple-minded hobby player? GFY.

[@johncrafton8319]

@@ngsanfo7927 KZbin is a great way to get GAS. Before I started watching guitar videos, I was fine with my collection - an acoustic, a Fat-Strat-type, and a bass. Within a couple years, I had over 20 guitars. What did I take to my gigs? The acoustic, the Fat-Strat-type, and/or my bass. All those guitars, and many more since, were just extra. Nice to have - some nicer than others - but rarely ever played.

[@turntabletuesdays2112]

Excellent! The best intro to guitars and pickups I have ever seen on KZbin. And the best guitar channel hands down.

[@barryjmccormack]

Add a SG with mini humbuckers. The SG playability is amazing and the mini humbuckers gives a treble bite/boost that is really very unique and different from other players.

[@CarlosLauterbach]

Super strats are soo amazing since they can cover up almost every guitar. 24 frets, you can have a HSH config with coil splitting, floating bridge, amazing neck acess and not too round fretboard. You can get the single coil sounds from the regular strat, you can get the humbucker sounds of a Les Paul, both in just one guitar. And playing it feels amazing

[@MrEdwardmarlowe]

TBH, I've not found one yet that I considered a good replacement for either a Strat or an LP if that's what I wanted, BUT what they are is something else of their own. If they work for you, then they are a fantastic option in their own right, though. They definitely offer all the features you refer to - not things I personally would want (I'm still disappointed Fender went to 22 frets on the Player instead of 21 that I prefer), but for other players I can completely see why those appeal.

[@JubaDeMetalAlumínio]

A tremolo bridge is fine, too.

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

Without watching - Strat, Tele, Les Paul, 335, Acoustic. Done.

[@stephenbowyer7269]

before i listen further, did you nail it? my thoughts on your choices: strat. safe choice here, despite awkwardly placed volume knob. Tele - one of Keith's fav's. I agree with Keef on that one. They invariably sound good, and some (cheap) ones sound fantastic. Les Paul - i am so sick of hearing that name, but hey, if you like it s particular sound. I know many do, but it is way down my list. 335? Get yourself a Dot. No-one is going to know, and one of the most playable necks ever made. Acoustic - nobody can truly make a choice among the thousands available, get one but make sure the set-up is bang on. And btw, plywood guitars often get a bad rap. Laminate acoustics can sound real good, in my experience. You dont have to mortgage the house to get a real good sounding acoustic. Let me know how i did?

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

@@stephenbowyer7269 Lots of thought involved in typing the answer, indeed. 🎸🤔

[@eriklesliejohnson]

No 335 but you’re correct

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Well, sort of. While there was no 335 he did feature his boutique Novo, or however it's spelled, and it has P-90s. It was meant to represent really any P-90 guitar. So there you go. I think your list is the only way one would predict his choices.

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

@@WhoWouldWantThisName Well, the rest of guitars are just weird versions of the above.

[@davidhand7659]

Sissy Strut...too cool. Great perspective on the tools of your trade. I use much of the logic to support my rationale for the next one!

[@shane2663]

For me Number 5 would be a Semi-hollow, totally agree with your first 4.

[@markmm1066]

I split the difference with a Casino.

[@tutatis96]

As a metalhead I obly have humbucker loaded stuff, and i use multiple guitars because of different tuning, ranging from E standard to drop A. 4-5 guitars cover a decent amount of tunings in that range.

[@splashfreelance2376]

Ok, if you're gigging that makes sense. I think we've gone too far down the consumer route, and typically we really only need one electric and maybe a backup, and then only if you're gigging. But if you're performing and you have multiple tunings, it makes sense to have one guitar per tuning setup. I'm glad that's not my situation, my Les Paul and a Tele-ish backup is all I'm happy lugging myself. But then I'm older and the days I was in a band with a couple of roadies has long gone :D

[@CARBr6]

Great list Rhett! I've also considered Strat, Tele, Les Paul to be the holy trinity, never considered a P90 guitar though. I thought you'd go for a semi hollow guitar. So now my list is finalised. A semi hollow loaded with P90s. 😁 Thank man.

[@HPayne62]

Epiphone Casino is definitely the way to go

[@jeffskyberg5615]

@@HPayne62 I want one bad, but try get one! Frustrating!!

[@Jerry_Fried]

0:59 "So, without further ado...now before we get started..."

[@bernardosabsylon2269]

Lul

[@williamkrueger]

Pretty much in agreement, except I vote for a 335-style in there instead of another solid body (your P90 example). Mine's a Hamer 335... with p90's!

[@christelsmit9223]

You've just answered the question I've been struggling with for weeks. I've been trying to decide which electric guitar to get as I can have only one and for my situation, I think the Tele is it.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Well done Rhett. If you play country, southern rock, classic rock, blues, jazz...etc. this is a great list, and I agree 100%. The shredders might disagree though. LOL

[@szymondudzinski6661]

well I mean there's a Les Paul on that list

[@no_regerts5176]

I’ve watched a bunch of the “guitars everyone should own”. Style and genre is such a big influence on that list. My guitars would fit well with the classic rock, southern rock, blues, country genres. I kind of want a shredder as a “side chick” when I’m feeling a little frisky.

[@szymondudzinski6661]

@@no_regerts5176 most beautiful comment I've seen on the internet.

[@Zappappappappa]

Nawh dawg you suck if you don't play a 14 string Ibanez with active pickups and only utilize sweep picking techniques over 800 bpm. This is the very reason why Hendrix is the worst guitarist of all-time, I mean come on he never even used a noise gate!

[@mikehunt5542]

Yeah.........for me all of these guitars were pretty redundant and outdated. P90s and single coils are similar enough than some skill with an EQ pedal can create both sounds. For a dual humbucking guitar you could go with a superstrat and get a guitar with actually decent ergonomics and isn't needlessly bulky. I'd replace a strat with an HSS Ibanez or Charvel and get basically the same sound but with some more versatility. Of course an acoustic is important to have. The list is good for boomer bends in the A minor pentatonic I guess.

[@sergeiponomarev8316]

My way of avoiding buying a tele and a strat was modding my tele into a Nashville style tele with a mid strat pickup. It has become extremely versatile and produces some strat sounds

[@daleonov]

Yes! Nashville tele combo is a great one, if you don't mind the slightly weird look

[@Alexander-rx7jj]

Great Video! I’d add a 335 style guitar to the list. Very very versatile, beautiful sound and definitely “does a thing”

[@DrDespicable]

There's an Epiphone Casino that's been making sexy-eyes at me for a while, now. Soon, my pretty - soon...

[@Alexander-rx7jj]

@@DrDespicable they’re great! I have an Epiphone 335. Very happy with it. The only things I changed was the nut and the output jack.

[@geepeerces]

my brother, a working jazz/blues guitar player, generally brings two guitars to a gig. 1) a custom Telecaster (Duncan pickups and stuff on a light pine body, with a maple fiberboard and stainless frets), and 2) one of his hollow body Gibsons or similar. could be an L5 CES, could be a Gretsch Nashville, could be an ES335. He has a couple acoustics (a Guild Blonde Jumbo, a Collings Dreadnaught, etc), but he never uses them on stage. Needless to say, as someone who's been playing guitar since the 1960s, he has a LOT of guitars, I think he still has the SG he got in junior high school.

[@dontrushme2112]

I have a early 80's strat and a tele, But my fave is definatley my Squire Jazzmaster with a bunch of upgrades including P90's. Every guitar has its own personality and the neck on my Squire is perfect for my hands.I paid 100 for it at a yard sale

[@jonathanurbano1329]

Thanks for this, Rhett. Been following your channel for quite a while now. Very insightful especially for me that isnt a professional guitarist. I am a violinist but loves the guitar… a lot! Your recommendation pretty much, IMO, is similar to my arsenal with the exception of the P90s. Here’s mine: Steel string acoustic guitars, classical guitar, Gibson SG, fender tele and strat. I hope I can find 2 more: Gibson LP and 335.

[@billycuyler3321]

Can't disagree with your first 5 choices. #6 on my list - a Rickenbacker 325, the sound of John Lennon on the "A Hard Days Night" album. Another guitar with a unique sound all of its own. Some have called the sound "a rain of nails" - brittle, but still sweet. A must have for the sound of the '60s, and remains a unique sound to this day.

[@RichardKraneis]

Rhett, Thanks to you, I have more guitars to purchase. Not a bad thing. As a beginner, I am learning that each guitar has its own voice and its own place in our lives. Guitars are so interesting. Guitars are tools of the trade for musicians, pieces of art for collectors, and objects that become friends in our solitary moments of playing. Thanks for your tour of 5 Must Have Guitars. I have 3 of them already.