Les Paul vs SG: A Slide Player's Perspective

[@NateThunder]

Dude. You are a wicked good player.

[@JasonMcFly]

He really is. Nails that cryin slide sound perfectly

[@rockinguitar101]

Best slide player I have seen in a long time. Subscribed.

[@msaintpc]

Maaan, that's the best Gibson video I ever seen. It was very entertaining and informative. The kid is a genius.

[@VeniceKing1]

This is exactly the video I needed. I’ve been playing slide on a les Paul up till now but really tempted by the practical benefits of an SG… thanks man!

[@78tag]

..what years of the SG have that thinner neck at the base ??

[@VeniceKing1]

​@@78tagI don't know if you meant to reply to me, but I believe it's the '61 spec. That's what I have my eye on anyway!

[@manke59]

Great video Brother. I just bought the 61 SG and Love it. Mine weighs 6.4 lbs. us old guys need the lighter weight.

[@dgw32]

Phenomenal slide playing! Also, thanks for a super informative comparison of 2 great guitars. I watched your vid yesterday, and today I got a call from my local music store (my repaired keyboard was ready for pick up). They just happened to have a used SG at a great price. Of course I had to compare it to several new SG's and a bunch of LP's. But I kept coming back to the SG, and finally walked out with it. It really helped to have all your comments running through my head. THX +++

[@schooldya.]

your playing is superb ! also overlooked on an sg is that the bridge pickup is closer to the bridge as well, not just the neck pickup. also, another reason the neck is further isnt just because of where the neck joins but also the leg rest on the sg is under the bridge pickup as opposed to in between the pickups on a les paul. thanks and best wishes dylan.

[@deanallen927]

Having come from the Strat universe, when I strap on my Les Paul, I notice that when I reach for the campfire chords with my fretting hand, they're in almost exactly the same place as my strat when standing up. Sitting down, not much different. It doesn't make me love - or play, my SH any less. Very convenient if you're a strat player buying your first Gibson. And I have noticed that the neck pickup on my SG is farther from the 12th fret than on the SG. Notice that an SG Custom has all three pickups pushed up against one another whereas a three pickup LP has spaces in between.

[@thenaturalalpha]

Bought the course. Liking it so far. Good for you Dylan!

[@maxmunzert9725]

"the best upper fret access of any guitar period" *cries in flying V*

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Haha, SG is still slightly better in that regard if you ask me! V’s are a close second though 🤘🏻

[@HeadbangersLocal]

I prefer the SG to the V myself.

[@thesjkexperience]

Love my V for slide for that reason. The 58 style has more access than the modern version. Double cut Junior is great too. Haven’t played an SG for over 40 years. Do they still neck dive 😂

[@jhtaylor1954]

Discussed in video.

[@maxmunzert9725]

@@jhtaylor1954 it is not. :D

[@fishypaw]

The pickups on the guitars are spaced differently. On the SG the bridge pickup is slightly closer to the bridge, and the gap between the bridge pickup and neck pick up is less, so the neck pickup is closer to the bridge, even more so, than the LPs, which probably accounts for the LP having more bass end in the neck pickup, and less noticeable difference in the bridge pickup.

[@simonmodig]

Great video and walkthrough! What a great player you are.

[@wicksp335]

Much of that sound is your playing! It's delicious. You made me start trying to play without a pick.

[@ngc-ho1xd]

The thing about the location of the neck pickup was really interesting, thanks

[@themusiczoo]

damn. great playing and tone and just an overall awesome video. killer!

[@alangreenway6695]

The SG is the Gibson for Strat fans.

[@cuda426hemi]

Interesting. Why? Why not an LP Jr? Or Explorer Flying V? I don't know why that would be as there is nothing in common with a bolt on single coil 3 pup'd slab Fender and a mahogany/maple bound, nibbed glued in different scaled 1, 2 or 3 humbucker pup'd guitar as NONE of those features are the 3 pup sgl coil only "Strat". SGs are also lighter and more comfortable than a Strat to play... It's why more rock guitar gods by what..a 3 or 4 to 1 ratio played SGs over Strats. Still it's not zero sum if you are recording only, you buy a Fender for the squack and you buy a Gibson for the sustain and warmth of humbuckers. As for the physical "feel" again no comparison and no "equivalent". Okay let me take my SG fanboy hat off now..... 👀

[@alangreenway6695]

@@cuda426hemi The SG was originally the Les Paul 2.0 that took the Pickups, Controls, Bridge, and set neck of a Les Paul and put it on a slimmer, lighter, curvier, and cheaper body- It was aping a lot of what made the Strat popular. I would say the SG has a similar shape with the horns to a Strat more than a V, that really is a ‘show guitar’ more of form than function. A V is oversized and awkward because the weight of where the body is pulls the neck up. If anything an Explorer is a better balanced guitar than the V. The SG is Gibson’s best selling guitar, even though I think the Les Paul is more iconic. As for a special or Jnr, I tend to think if you’re starting with a Strat and want something with more guts but less noise the humbucker is very appealing. A P-90 really is a raucous sound, but still has some of unwanted noise to it in certain situations. I’ve seen lot’s Fender Strats with Humbuckers, but I’ve only seen a few Telecasters with a P-90 in the Neck.

[@cuda426hemi]

@@alangreenway6695 Well no, the LP was a fail only selling 600 a year by '60 hence why the SG to this day is the top selling Gibson every year - NOTHING in common with the LP not fret neck join, not weight, not pups, SGs didn't have body binding etc nothing except possibly the mahogany and rosewood/ebony - woods Fender didn't sniff in favor of whatever cheap stuff Leo could buy but Gibson used Schaller or Grover metal across LP and SG via ABR bridges and tuners etc. Fender didn't inspire SG as much as LP failing. Nothing in common It's like saying there is a preferable Tesla to buy if you drive a gas powered car. No equivalent - culture shock. Personally I LIKE the fact they are different The difference is why a Fender player flips to an SG - faster neck stays intune and has sounds plain ass ruder than single coil pups which of course have their place too - see Gilmour and Jimi etc. It's just that Jimi played SGs too and Gilmour just fell in love with Gibson ES's on his new LP so go finger.

[@jamiemorgan4146]

The Firebird is the Gibson for Strat fans…. 😉😉😉😉

[@cuda426hemi]

@@jamiemorgan4146 The Victory is the most Stratty Gibson Gibson makes, but you don't buy Gibson for anything related to Fender anyway so it's a false premise.

[@stevemessineo4209]

Great video, Dylan. Thanks for the insight.

[@scottemmonsmusic6001]

Johnny Winter played a Firebird which has an exaggerated neck dive and the fretboard is off to your left quite a bit. But before that he played an Epiphone Wilshire which is much more like an SG. The album Second Winter has some great slide playing on it!

[@joshuahayward1525]

Very informative. I learned a few things. Thanks Dylan.

[@DimiLeventis]

IMHO, Gibson's Marauder, Melody Maker, 335-S, and LP DC Jr designs are are really close to the sweet spot of combining the best of both worlds, between a Les Paul and a SG, at least in terms of body and neck. In terms of tone, I really like the versatility of the Nighthawk. I really wish they kept producing all of them every single year.

[@ro307805]

I agree. I bought the 2014 anniversary Melody maker with p90’s years ago ($400!!!) and it is doing exactly what I need

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

Wow! As a fan of Duane Allman since 1971, a guitarist who plays slide, and as a long-term owner of both Les Pauls and SGs I found your analysis of these two guitars illuminating. Combine that with the fact that you can definitely play your ass off (and your video production is excellent) I am convinced your channel is worth a subscription. Keep up the good work!

[@Spartanm333]

Great insight thanks. One from me, from a pro - if your SG has neck dive, simply buy / have made a wide strap that is suede backed (i.e. like the rough side of a piece of leather). This will naturally and easily grip your clothing and the slide is gone. I've also seen some gigging musicians move the strap button location at the neck side, although that is intrusive and will mean a new hole in your guitar. Also, use a strap lock, even if it's the simple rubber grommet over the strap. Gibson / Epiphone necks do not like any form of collision and may well break at the headstock.

[@Beedubyayardee]

Thanks! This was informative and very well-paced.

[@russflynn]

Great video man, thanks! I agree with you about SG neck-dive: everyone seems to talk about it these days but I swear it isn't something I ever thought about until seeing online conversations about it a few years ago. Then again, I almost always use heavy 2.5-3" leather straps (usually LM Products 'The Traveler'). I think the texture of those straps prevents it from being an issue. When I pick up a Gibson my scrutiny is entirely directed at the guitar's neck profile: 'Is this chunky enough for me?' and/or 'Is this neck gonna snap if something looks at it the wrong way?'

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Thanks man! Good point, I think the strap can make a difference as well. Either way I agree, one person probably complained about it on the internet 20 years ago and now everyone thinks it’s 100% fact 😆

[@darwinsaye]

A neck won’t dive if you’ve got you’re hand on it either. So I always wonder what all these neck dive complainers are doing letting go of their guitar neck so often while playing. Btw, I have a guitar with a heavy Bigsby that will even body dive (opposite of neck diving) while sitting down with it if you let go of the neck. Those people need to take Zappa’s advice and “shut up and play yer guitar”, lol.

[@Staypuft1981]

Great playing and video dude hell yeah

[@grouchomarxist666]

Informative comparison. Also, you play very well!

[@stratfanstl]

Excellent comparison of the differences in sound and playability between the LP and SG and their causes.

[@sea-ferring]

Wow thanks for this. I not much of a player but I run live sound and I like to have this kind of knowledge.

[@wallofrock6725]

Good comparison. I use a 2000 LP Standard Lite (double cut, 24 fret) for open E slide playing and a 2012 LP Classic Custom for Standard Slide playing.

[@scottemmonsmusic6001]

Because of Johnny Winters use of the firebird, talk about neck dive! Also having the fretboard off to your left like an exaggerated SG

[@frankdardano3182]

Great playing, as usual.

[@arielazalexander4019]

Have you tried the Ibanez Bob Weir Pro. It's bloody heavy but it's like an SG on steroids. I even put gemstones under the pickups. Mine is Made in Japan Dec 1978.

[@mlose50]

A lot of great info, thanks Dylan.

[@ericbitzer5247]

Bought an 86 Gibson Les Paul custom SG in 89. Three pickups gold hardware Tim Shaw pickups. The Klusons that came with it wore out and replaced them with gold Grovers. Been my main Guitar for 35 years. She is beautiful and aged very well. I love Les Paul standards and a friend has a Les Paul Tribute. That Tribute plays awesome. I was thinking about getting one myself. But my Les Paul custom SG will always be my main baby. I paid $550 for it in 1989 and I'm so glad I bought that guitar.

[@patriciolegett1757]

The LP Jr or Special double cut solves the head diveproblem inherent to the SG. And the top fret access is identical.

[@dianakesl1814]

I play a '52 Telecaster with really low action w' .009's I can't play slide on it so I bought a Epiphone SG for like $250 and it plays great and sounds great for slide guitar. SG's prices have gone through the roof. I can't afford a Gibson SG so it's something to think about for those on a limited budget. I wish I had all the guitars I've owned over the years. My dad was a picker so when I turned 14 he took me down to the local music store in Gainesville Florida. It was called Lipham's Music. Fender and Gibsons lined the walls. He said "pick out what you want". He bought me a Gibson sunburst 345. The next month he got me a Marshall stack!! I'll never forget my dad, what an awesome man. (Rusty)

[@TheBudgetMusician-xs6ob]

I install a treble bleed circuit on my guitars to brighten them up, especially on the neck position pickup

[@johnsawyer6145]

Great content! It's clear that you are an excellent teacher (in addition to being an amazing player!)! Here's a random tip that I picked up along the way. . . If I ever encounter a guitar with "neck-dive," I just get a guitar strap that isn't smooth on the side that touches my shoulder. I tend to use a leather strap with a suede/textured back. It keeps things from diving and sliding around. Keep up the great work! :)

[@melvinjames1077]

wow i always hated the neck pick up it sounds dull or muddy funny that i noticed as a sunday player ! good thing is now i know why and i have a sg too ! the big ? is my deluxe with mini humbuckers

[@keefer1158]

I just bought an SG for slide. Korean made 09 Korina wood with P90s. Sounds like nothing else in my collection. Signed up for the course and ready to get going!

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Awesome, and thanks so much for purchasing the course!

[@glennjones6100]

My only gripe with an sg is the selector switch location. My pinky cant fit between it and the neck tone knob so i can't roll the tone with my pinky finger. If it was just a half inch further away it would be perfect

[@ekw555]

signed up for the course. mostly to support you & your channel. I can't play shit, and almost never practice, though I feel like I own 100 courses, lol. now I need to remember what slide you were recommending.

[@jutukka]

My first electric guitar was '72 SG with Super humbuckers with (real mother of pearl) block inlays, Schaller bridge etc. I was young and didn't understand how good guitar it was. Fantastic neck. Great sounding pups. And eventually I sold it, got good money, but still regret selling it.

[@wethepeoplelgb2167]

Seems like to me if you would just bring up the treble on the LP or use an EQ to fix the LP issue with the neck pup

[@marcospintor1333]

The position of the neck pickup just blew my mind. I owe both an lp & sg and never even thought about that. I thought it was had to do with the maple cap, or perhaps because the sg is thinner. But nope, it has to be the position of the neck pickup

[@Dang...]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@michaelr.4878]

Wow. We agree on just about everything. Even the terms you use when describing sounds is the same as me. hehe. Boomy neck pickups bother me at times too hehe. Great video, dude. Keep it up! GReat playing too!

[@johngerson7335]

Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon can be seen playing a double cutaway LP style guitar live, late in his tenure in that band. The instrument is a "Ed Seelig" model custom-built by luthier Rich Worthington (r.i.p) for Ed Seelig's "Silver Strings" music store in St. Louis, Missouri. There were 10 instruments commisioned, 4 were produced. One went to Richrath, the others went to Joe Walsh, Nancy Wilson and Howard Leese. Here's the kicker: the guitars came to pass because Duane Allman, in a conversation with Seelig, said "l'd sure love to have an LP with the easy access of an SG, a double-cut LP with a shorter heel would do it." Unfortunately, Duane wouldn't survive to enjoy the guitar that came to pass because of his suggestion. One more thing; for the life of me, l'll never understand why Gibson has never produced a proper (and by proper, l mean symmetrical cutaways, not that "Junior" shaped object with 24 frets that Gibson calls a double-cut LP) factory-built Double cutaway Les Paul, with the exception of the custom model that was made for Pat Travers. And they still got it wrong, the heel on that instrument still extended to underneath the 15-16th fret.

[@jeffsurtees847]

Thank you. Excellent video.

[@jonathanroberts6110]

Excellent video thanks.

[@elephantfootrisers]

Great touch on slide - I hear the Duane and Derek influences. Tone is also excellent. I record all my electric slide guitar solos with a '61 SG reissue - stock with slightly raised action. I chose the SG based on it's weight and balance - it is a little heavier than yours but there is remarkably no neck dive. Killer tone. When I was a kid I dreamed of a Les Paul like Duane's, now I own one but never pick it up. Instead I reach for the SG for slide.

[@Brandosway]

Finest guitar fingers I've ever seen!

[@jubei7259]

I'm mainly a LP guy, got several of them but I also love SG's. I've got 2 - a '92 Standard & a '61R, the latter I use almost exclusively for slide because it just sings. I have the action set a little higher & it absolutely rips. Even though like I said, I'm mainly a LP guy, that SG is the one guitar that's always sat near my amp, ready to just plug in & play.

[@alguitarchristie]

Another great video.I try to explain to people about the position of the neck pickup and why it is so important! Are you still using the Lion for gigs? I bought one after seeing your videos and love the Superbass into the First cab with 25 watt speakers.

[@scottcurry4116]

I’m 40% through the course and it’s excellent!

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Awesome man, I’m really glad you’re liking it so far!

[@msaintpc]

Outstanding guitar playing...Btw I want that T-shirt.

[@adamwatson6916]

The SG bridge pickup is slightly closer to the Bridge so if does have a little more bite to it .

[@apolloguitars]

Does the wiring affect the clarity and treble of the neck pickup?

[@jeffmcleod2855]

Great video. You may cover this in a subsequent Derek Trucks video, but speaking of DT, he seems to either play all neck pu, or all bridge. He never seems to switch pickups mid song, it's almost like he dials in one pickup and lives there. Or am I wrong.

[@Freeontheland2030]

I love the Les Paul but it always seems to be sliding off me when playing seated, my SG is great for long sessions in my lap and surprises me with it's versatility even still. I enjoyed your comparison and in your hands they both sounded awesome.

[@sharkey9]

You can somewhat emulate the SG neck sound on a Les Paul by removing the pole piece screws. That'll make it sound thinner and snappier. Worth a try.

[@bjornhafstad5876]

Out of curiosity: How about a semi hollow electric? Are those bad for slide playing or do they work as well?

[@doglover31418]

Could you support your SG with an old-fashioned strap that goes to the headstock? Or is that a stupid question?

[@billyslide7645]

Both are better! I have both and it all depends on what I’m playing. I use my LP in standard, and keep my SG in open E. The ‘Franklin Strap’ strap I use, which has a split hide or suede back solved my neck dive issues.

[@timholtguitar6999]

Great video, dad and I both play slide in standard and we’ve had this exact discussion. I have a really unique SG but there’s just something about my Les Paul, even playing slide on it! P.S. I flinched when you let that SG go for a second lol.

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Thanks! Yup, they’re both great but it’s hard for me to put down the LP. I made sure to practice a couple times to make sure I wouldn’t drop the SG on the ground lol 😂

[@amandamarinovich6164]

Question: SG Special (p90s) for slide?

[@marcospintor1333]

I love the sg and les paul so much. Pretty much equally. So much that when it comes to picking what to play for a gig, I’ll pick whichever one goes with my outfit better 🤣🤣 Into a deluxe reverb on 5. It’s blissful

[@RichLopp]

I wonder how balanced the SG would be with a different strap… 🤷‍♂️

[@lordofthemound3890]

It looks like the bridge pickup on the SG is about 1/8” closer to the bridge too.

[@DabsDad]

why no humbucker cover for the Les Paul bridge pickup?

[@ILoveTheAllCreator]

It makes bridge pickup have more feedback and pushes the mid/high

[@Frapzoid]

I have a 68 SG and a Custom Shop Les Paul. I don't have neck dive on my SG because of the leather strap I use. I love both guitars but my LP is my #1.

[@usb73]

Why do you string the bottom three strings over the top of the tailpiece? I've never seen that before, but I assume you have specific reason for doing it and I'm curious!

[@vorpalblades]

All the strings are top wrapped, it's just hard to see the unwound strings. There is no benefit. Tailpiece are adjustable for a reason, but people think decking the tailpiece improves sustain somehow. Which it doesn't.

[@vorpalblades]

Some people think decking the tailpiece improves sustain and "tone" somehow. Which it doesn't. Then the strings hit the bridge so they go over the top.They are adjustable for a reason.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

I have an SG and a LP. My SG was the first guitar I ever played where time started to slow down and I just loved playing it. I couldn't afford it at the time, but I eventually found that exact guitar for sale on reverb. I also have an LP and I love it too. They feel completely different and I generally leave my SG a half step down because that's what I tuned to when I first tried it and my LP is in standard which I gravitate towards now. I hate to be one of those guys, but they are just different. I'm surprised SGs get such a bad reputation among younger players when they also complain the average strat is too heavy. They're probably the lightest guitar model I know of.

[@kellyswoodyard]

A double cut Junior gives you pretty good access to the higher frets. I know mine does.

[@moosemuseum1853]

What do you think of the PRS S2 Vela Semi-hollow as a slide guitar?

[@moosemuseum1853]

Loved this vid, by the way

[@XxSkydog71xX]

You don’t love me ending intro was crazy

[@johnCjr4671]

Can’t seem to sign up for the slide guitar course ? Links not responding ? Can you extend the discount if I cant get in ?

[@dylanadamsguitar]

Maybe try clicking the link in a different browser? Certain browsers have blocked it for a few people, the link is working though. You can also try accessing it by going to dylanadamsguitar.com, then go to the “courses” tab and it should take you to the course website

[@markh7523]

Great knowledge here

[@bpabustan]

Without a shadow of a doubt, SGs are cool instruments, I just feel I tend to look at the fretboard more than I should. And judging by how you play SG and Standard back to back I tend to agree that Statesboro Blues was played with a standard. Also, I noticed there is a very little bit of a Strat quality - the SG I mean. I can also see the gap between the pickups is closer on the SG, physics will suggest that the closer the pickups to the bridge, the brighter the sound is.

[@11000038]

I've just bought an LP and an SG. I always wanted an LP. The SG has really surprised me by how great it sounds and plays.

[@LA-zc9rg]

Nothing sounds like a LESTER🤘

[@BlackofAzur]

Yup, neck dive is more of an excuse than a problem lol SGs rule ! And god damn you're playing is still awe inspiring as always !

[@APMTenants]

Look at the curve where the guitar rests on your leg. On a Les Paul it is between the pickups. On an SG it is below the bridge pickup. That is why the reach on an SG feels longer, especially when seated.

[@apolloguitars]

SGs are my fave! LPs are 🔥, but the upper fret accessof the SG... And the neck pickup of the SG. Dig LPs w p90s for that reason.

[@78tag]

Great video - even if my thumbs up was 666. :) What years did they produce the SG with the thinner neck base at the body ??

[@friendsmakingmusic1751]

Good to se you posting, keep sliding! Remember you could always join me on the dark side and pull the frets on one of your guitars! Be safe!

[@soapboxearth2]

Lowering the les paul neck pickup just below the plastic ring and using a .01uf or .015uf capacitor ( a la Clapton) helps a lot. Also, most gibson pots are not 500k. You'll find 300k in there. I'd recommend 550k or higher. Also, 50s wiring is a must imo. Custom PAFs are great, but you'll get by just fine with 57 classics with these tweaks. I even rewired my buddy's epi lp with absolute GARBAGE stock pickups, and the difference was amazing.

[@checkeredpastlast4060]

Damn this guy’s good!

[@jb-im1ii]

We all come here for your slide playing, but i have to say... man, you're a great player, slide or not... I'm a fan.

[@soapboxearth2]

The sg bridge pickup is also closer to the bridge than on a les paul.

[@frankdardano3182]

Tucks, still uses the Gibson SG, probably for access to high notes with slide.Les Paul custom , have your chiropractor on speed dial. At my age, the SG is my choice. I dont play much slide, l like it, never heard of neck dive until 1989, maybe called something else. I hardly ever play my Les Paul custom 81 circa. The SG gets played daily. I can lift the SG, need help to lift the LP. It sounds so nice though!

[@5150show]

Cool,video

[@tomusic8887]

I dont mind the neck dive that much but sg the neck is very bendable, so you can get out uf tune playing cowboy chords , something you have to pay attentto sometimes....❤

[@andoros.7017]

looking forward to the derek trucks sound video!

[@DDWyss]

I never realized that upper fret access was even an issue for slide players since you can literally play notes right over the pickups if you really want to.

[@donvape336]

So basically, if you like stratocasters and learned slide on one, then the SG will feel more natural due to the reach?

[@jwandhistools]

The gibson 1275 doubleneck has 20 frets. The neck pup is so far forward, that 6 string neck is incredible for blues. Blended they are a steroid tele. I wish a 20 fret SG was made. Rippin playing BTW.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I have a Lefthanded 24 fret sg it’s weird but I love it

[@macshock632]

I would buy the course. But the 50% off was until end of August :-(

[@thecaveofthedead]

I have both and I love Les Pauls - they just feel right to me. But ergonomically, both of them are far from ideal. What is ideal is the 335. All the upper fret access, a good one is lighter than a Les Paul by a ways, the toggle switch is in the right place, and no neck dive. Plus they sit perfectly when playing sitting too - unlike either of these guitars or the flying V.