10 Most Expensive Guitars in the World
| No | Most Expensive Guitar | Price |
| 1 | Kurt Cobain’s Ultra-Rare 1959 Martin D-18E Guitar | $6 million |
| 2 | Fender 1969 Mustang (Kurt Cobain) | $4.5 million |
| 3 | David Gilmour’s Black Strat | $3.975 million |
| 4 | Fender ‘Reach Out To Asia’ Stratocaster | $2.8 million |
| 5 | John Lennon’s guitar | $2.41 million |
| 6 | Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster |
$2 million
|
| 7 | Peter Green and Gary Moore’s Les Paul |
$2 million
|
| 8 | Jerry Garcia’s Wolf Guitar | $1.9 million |
| 9 | Bob Marley’s Washburn 22-Series Hawk | $1.2 million |
| 10 | 1958 Gibson Korina Explorers | $1.1 million |
Kurt Cobain’s Ultra-Rare 1959 Martin D-18E Guitar
Kurt Cobain’s ultra-rare 1959 Martin D-18E guitar is considered to be one of the most iconic and valuable pieces of musical memorabilia in the world. The guitar was gifted to Cobain by his then-girlfriend, Tracy Marander, in the early 1990s and was used extensively during Nirvana’s rise to fame.
The D-18E is a special edition of the Martin D-18 model, featuring a built-in pickup and electronics. This made it perfect for Cobain’s loud and distorted playing style. The guitar was also heavily modified by Cobain, with a custom paint job and graffiti, making it even more unique and valuable.
After Cobain died in 1994, the guitar was passed on to his family and has only been seen in public a few times. In 2019, it was auctioned off for $6 million, making it one of the most expensive guitars ever sold.
The guitar’s legacy continues to live on as a symbol of Nirvana’s impact on music and culture, and as a reminder of the talent and creativity of Kurt Cobain.
Fender 1969 Mustang (Kurt Cobain)
The Fender 1969 Mustang is a classic guitar model that was popularized by Kurt Cobain, the lead singer and guitarist of the legendary band Nirvana. The Mustang was a staple of Cobain’s guitar collection and was featured prominently on many of the band’s albums and live performances.
The Fender Mustang was first introduced in 1964 as a student model, and it quickly gained popularity among musicians for its sleek design and powerful tone. The 1969 model featured a short scale (24 inches) neck, which made it easy to play and perfect for players with smaller hands.
Cobain’s Mustang had a custom paint job, featuring a white body with a black pickguard and black racing stripes on the back. He also added a Seymour Duncan JB humbucking pickup in the bridge position, which gave it a beefier tone.
The Mustang was a key part of Cobain’s sound and style, and it remains a popular guitar among fans and musicians alike. Many guitar companies have released their versions of the Mustang, paying homage to the iconic instrument.
David Gilmour’s Black Strat
David Gilmour’s Black Strat is a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar that was used by Gilmour, the lead guitarist of the band Pink Floyd, during the recording and touring of several of the band’s albums, including The Wall, Wish You Were Here, and The Division Bell. The guitar is known for its unique black finish and its use of Seymour Duncan SSL-5 and SSL-1 pickups. It is considered one of the most iconic and recognizable guitars in rock history and is often referred to as “The Black Strat.”
Fender ‘Reach Out To Asia’ Stratocaster
The Fender ‘Reach Out To Asia’ Stratocaster is a limited edition guitar released in 2005 to raise funds for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The guitar features a unique design inspired by traditional Asian motifs and was available in both sunburst and black finishes. It also featured a custom ‘Reach Out To Asia’ logo on the headstock and a special serial number. Proceeds from the sale of the guitar were donated to the Reach Out To Asia charity, which helps to provide education and assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and poverty in Asia.
John Lennon’s guitar
John Lennon’s guitar of choice was a Gibson J-160E, which he used during his time with the Beatles. He purchased the guitar in 1962 and used it extensively on many of the band’s recordings, including “Love Me Do,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and “She Loves You.” The guitar was later stolen from Lennon’s home in 1963 but was eventually recovered and returned to him. He continued to use the guitar throughout his solo career, and it is now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster
Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic guitars in rock history. The guitar was a custom-painted model in a psychedelic purple and orange design, with Hendrix’s signature on the headstock. Hendrix used this guitar for many of his performances and recordings, including the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969. The guitar was later sold at auction for over $2 million, making it one of the most valuable guitars in the world. Hendrix’s playing style and use of the Stratocaster helped to solidify the guitar as a staple in rock music and cemented his place as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Peter Green and Gary Moore’s Les Paul
Both Peter Green and Gary Moore were known for their use of the Les Paul guitar. Green, a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, was known for his use of a 1959 Les Paul Standard, which he purchased in 1967 and used throughout his time with the band. He was known for his bluesy, melodic playing style and his use of the guitar’s powerful tone.
Gary Moore, on the other hand, was known for his versatile playing style and his use of a variety of Les Paul models. He was often seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Standard, as well as a Gibson Les Paul Custom, which he used for his blues and rock playing. He was known for his incredible technical ability and his use of the guitar’s rich, warm tone to create powerful solos and intricate melodies.
Both Peter Green and Gary Moore were highly respected guitarists, known for their skill and creativity with the Les Paul guitar.
Jerry Garcia’s Wolf Guitar
Jerry Garcia’s Wolf guitar was a custom-made instrument that he used during his time with the Grateful Dead. The guitar was made by Doug Irwin, a luthier who was known for creating unique and intricate instruments.
The guitar was named “Wolf” because of its wolf-like inlays on the fingerboard and headstock. It was made of koa wood and had a rosewood fingerboard. The guitar also featured a unique headstock design with a wolf’s head inlay and the Grateful Dead’s lightning bolt logo.
Garcia used the Wolf guitar extensively during the 1970s and 1980s, and it was a key part of his sound during that time. He played it on many of the Grateful Dead’s most famous songs, including “Uncle John’s Band,” “Truckin’,” and “Eyes of the World.”
After Garcia died in 1995, the guitar was sold at auction for $789,500 to a private collector. It is currently on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Bob Marley’s Washburn 22-Series Hawk
Bob Marley is known for his iconic performances and music that have stood the test of time. One of the guitars he frequently used was the Washburn 22-Series Hawk. This guitar is a classic acoustic-electric model that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard. The 22-Series Hawk also has a built-in pickup and preamp, allowing for easy amplification on stage. This guitar was a favorite of Bob Marley’s and can be seen in many of his live performances and recordings.
1958 Gibson Korina Explorers
The 1958 Gibson Korina Explorer is a rare and highly sought-after guitar. It was first introduced in 1958 as a limited edition model, with only 81 units produced. The Korina wood used in the construction of these guitars is a highly sought-after tonewood that is known for its rich, warm tone. The Explorer’s unique shape and design also made it a popular choice among rock and metal guitarists in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, original 1958 Gibson Korina Explorers are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch high prices on the vintage guitar market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest guitar?
The rarest guitar is likely the Fender Stratocaster “Reach Out To Asia” guitar, which was made in 2005 to raise money for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Only 25 of these guitars were made, and they are highly sought after by collectors.
Which is the most expensive guitar brand?
The most expensive guitar brand is Fender Custom Shop. Fender Custom Shop guitars are handcrafted in the USA and feature premium materials, custom finishes, and unique designs. They are considered the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship and can cost upwards of $20,000.
How much did Jimi Hendrix’s guitar sell for?
In June 2020, Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster guitar sold for a record-breaking $2.25 million at an auction in Beverly Hills, California.
How much did Eric Clapton’s guitar sell for?
In 2004, Eric Clapton’s guitar, “Blackie,” sold for a record-breaking $959,500 at a Christie’s auction in New York.
How much is Elvis Presley’s guitar worth?
The value of Elvis Presley’s guitar depends on the specific guitar in question. Some of his guitars have sold for as much as $1 million, while others have sold for much less.
How much is Kurt Cobain’s guitar?
Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar sold for $6,010,000 at an auction in June 2020.
What is the most famous guitar in the world?
The most famous guitar in the world is probably the Fender Stratocaster, which was first released in 1954 and has since become an iconic instrument in popular music. It has been used by countless legendary musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
What guitar did Elvis own?
Elvis owned a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar.
How much did John Lennon’s guitar sell for?
John Lennon’s 1962 Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar sold for $2.41 million at an auction in November 2015.
What is a 0000 guitar?
A 0000 guitar is a type of acoustic guitar with a body shape similar to a classical guitar, but with a larger body size and a longer scale length. It is sometimes referred to as a “grand concert” guitar.
What is the Holy Grail guitar?
The Holy Grail guitar is a term used to describe a rare and highly sought-after vintage guitar. It is usually a guitar that is extremely rare, has a unique sound, and is highly sought after by collectors and musicians alike. Examples of Holy Grail guitars include the Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, and Gretsch White Falcon.
What is the hardest thing to play on the guitar?
The hardest thing to play on the guitar is probably a complex piece of music that requires a high level of technical skill and musicality. This could include pieces that require fast and intricate fingerpicking, complex chord progressions, and difficult melodies.
How to tune a guitar?
1. Tune the low E string to the reference pitch.
2. Tune the A string to the fifth fret of the low E string.
3. Tune the D string to the fifth fret of the A string.
4. Tune the G string to the fifth fret of the D string.
5. Tune the B string to the fourth fret of the G string.
6. Tune the high E string to the fifth fret of the B string.
7. Check the tuning of each string by playing the harmonic at the 12th fret and comparing it to the fretted note at the same fret.
8. Make small adjustments to the tuning pegs until the harmonic and fretted notes match.
How to read guitar tabs?
Guitar tabs are a type of musical notation that uses numbers and symbols to represent the strings and frets of a guitar. To read guitar tabs, start by looking at the numbers on the left side of the tab. These numbers represent the frets on the guitar. The numbers on the right side of the tab represent the strings of the guitar. The numbers on the left side of the tab indicate which fret to press down on the string, while the numbers on the right side of the tab indicate which string to play. For example, if the tab reads “3-2-0-0”, you would press down the third fret on the sixth string, the second fret on the fifth string, and play the open fourth and third strings.
How to string a guitar?
1. Start by loosening the tuning pegs on the headstock of the guitar. This will loosen the strings and make them easier to remove.
2. Unwind the strings from the tuning pegs and remove them from the guitar.
3. Take the new strings and thread them through the bridge of the guitar. Make sure the strings are in the correct order (E, A, D, G, B, E).
4. Pull the strings up through the nut and towards the headstock.
5. Wrap the strings around the tuning pegs, making sure to wind them in the same direction as the tuning peg.
6. Tighten the strings until they are in tune.
7. Cut off any excess string with wire cutters.
8. Enjoy your newly strung guitar!
How to hold a guitar?
1. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.
2. Place the guitar on your right thigh, with the neck of the guitar pointing away from you.
3. Place your right arm over the body of the guitar, with your hand resting on the neck.
4. Place your left hand on the strings near the sound hole.
5. Adjust the guitar until it is comfortable and you can reach all the strings.
6. Make sure your wrists are relaxed and your fingers are curved.
7. Practice playing chords and scales to get used to the position.
How to restring a guitar?
1. Gather the necessary supplies: new strings, wire cutters, a ruler, and a tuner.
2. Unwind the old strings from the tuning pegs and remove them from the bridge.
3. Clean the fretboard and bridge with a soft cloth.
4. Measure the length of the old strings and cut the new strings to the same length.
5. Thread the new strings through the bridge and tie them off at the tuning pegs.
6. Tune the strings to the desired pitch.
7. Stretch the strings and check the tuning again.
8. Play the guitar and enjoy!
How to hold a guitar pick?
Holding a guitar pick correctly is important for playing guitar. To hold a guitar pick correctly, place the pick between your thumb and index finger, with the point of the pick facing away from your palm. Make sure the pick is held firmly but not too tightly. Experiment with different angles and grips to find the one that works best for you.
Who invented the guitar?
The modern guitar is believed to have been invented by Antonio de Torres Jurado in the 19th century.
How many strings does a guitar have?
A standard guitar typically has six strings.
Who invented the electric guitar?
The electric guitar was invented by George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker in 1931.
How long does it take to learn a guitar?
It depends on the individual and the amount of time they are willing to dedicate to learning the instrument. Generally, it takes anywhere from a few months to a few years to become proficient at playing the guitar.
How to read guitar sheet music?
1. Learn the basics of reading music notation. This includes understanding the staff, clefs, notes, rests, and time signatures.
2. Learn the basics of guitar tablature. This includes understanding the strings, frets, and tablature numbers.
3. Learn the basics of guitar chords. This includes understanding the notes that make up a chord, the different types of chords, and how to play them.
4. Learn the basics of guitar scales. This includes understanding the notes that make up a scale, the different types of scales, and how to play them.
5. Practice reading guitar sheet music. Start with simple songs and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces.
6. Listen to the music you are reading. This will help you understand the rhythm and flow of the piece.
7. Play along with the music. This will help you get a feel for the piece and will help you learn it faster.
How much is a guitar?
The cost of a guitar can vary greatly depending on the type, brand, and quality. A basic acoustic guitar can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, while a more advanced electric guitar can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000 or more.
How to play bass guitar?
1. Learn the basics. Start by learning the basics of playing the bass guitar. This includes learning the parts of the bass guitar, how to tune it, and how to hold it.
2. Learn the notes. Learn the notes on the bass guitar and how to play them. This includes learning the notes on the fretboard, as well as the notes on the strings.
3. Learn the scales. Learn the major and minor scales on the bass guitar. This will help you understand how to create melodies and progressions.
4. Learn the chords. Learn the basic chords on the bass guitar. This will help you understand how to create chord progressions.
5. Practice. Practice playing the bass guitar regularly. This will help you develop your skills and become a better bass player.
6. Listen. Listen to other bass players and learn from them. This will help you understand different styles and techniques.
What is a dreadnought guitar?
A dreadnought guitar is a type of acoustic guitar that is characterized by its large body size and powerful sound. It is one of the most popular body styles for acoustic guitars and is often used in folk, bluegrass, and country music.
What are the strings on a guitar?
The strings on a guitar are typically made of metal or nylon and are numbered from 1 (thinnest) to 6 (thickest). The strings are tuned to the notes E, A, D, G, B, and E (from lowest to highest pitch).
How to play the f chord on the guitar?
The F chord is one of the most common chords in guitar playing. To play the F chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the third string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Strum all six strings.
How many frets on a guitar?
There are typically 20 to 24 frets on a guitar.
