Did Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, really play the guitar? Absolutely, Elvis did play the guitar, although his skill level is often debated; beyond his iconic voice, Elvis Presley’s connection to the guitar is undeniable, deeply woven into his image and early career, and we will uncover the truth about Elvis’s guitar skills and his role as a musician. This exploration will cover his journey, influences, and impact on music history, and by the end, you’ll know the extent of Elvis’s guitar playing abilities and how it fueled his rise to stardom, plus resources from guitarplayers.net.
1. Elvis Presley’s Musical Origins: More Than Just a Voice
While Elvis Presley is celebrated for his groundbreaking voice and charismatic stage presence, his journey into music began with the guitar, marking the start of his legendary career.
1.1. The Gift That Started It All: Elvis’ First Guitar
How did Elvis get his first guitar?
In 1946, a young Elvis Presley wanted a bicycle for his 11th birthday, but he received a guitar instead, which proved to be a pivotal moment, setting him on the path to becoming a music icon. This gift, though a more affordable option for his family, was encouraged by his mother, Gladys, who suggested he could use it to accompany his singing, and this idea sparked Elvis’s musical journey.
1.2. Early Influences and Learning the Ropes
How did Elvis learn to play the guitar?
Elvis learned guitar through a combination of self-teaching and guidance from family and friends. Initially, he used a beginner’s book to learn chords, supplemented by instruction from his uncle, Vester, Gladys’s brother, Johnny Smith, and the family’s pastor, Frank Smith, who taught him runs and chords. Jesse Lee Denson, a friend’s son, also helped Elvis learn basic chords, offering guidance and the use of his Martin guitar for practice because Elvis’s first guitar had strings that were hard to press down.
1.3. Church Roots and Vocal Development
How did Elvis’s early singing experiences shape his musical style?
Elvis’s early singing in church significantly influenced his musical style, blending gospel with country, blues, and pop influences. This unique blend, combined with his natural talent, set the stage for his innovative sound.
2. Elvis and the Guitar: Early Career and Sun Records
Elvis Presley’s relationship with the guitar during his early career, especially his time with Sun Records, was crucial in shaping his sound and image.
2.1. The Birth of a Band: Elvis, Scotty, and Bill
How did Elvis, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black come together to form their band?
Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black joined forces after Sam Phillips recognized Elvis’s potential. This led to a meeting at Scotty’s house on July 4, 1954, and although neither Scotty nor Bill was initially impressed, they agreed to a recording session at Sun Studio. This session marked the beginning of their collaboration.
2.2. “That’s All Right, Mama”: The Song That Started It All
What role did the guitar play in the recording of “That’s All Right, Mama”?
Elvis’s guitar playing was central to the recording of “That’s All Right, Mama.” During a break in a midnight recording session, Elvis began “flailing away” at his guitar and singing the blues song, and his energy and rhythm inspired Scotty and Bill to join in, creating the sound that launched Elvis’s career. Scotty noted that while Elvis didn’t know many chords, he had an excellent sense of rhythm, which was key to their sound.
2.3. The Blue Moon Boys: Forging a Unique Sound
How did The Blue Moon Boys develop their distinctive sound?
The Blue Moon Boys developed their distinctive sound through a collaborative effort, with Scotty on lead guitar, Elvis providing rhythm guitar, and Bill on bass. Their unique sound emerged from their need to make every note count, a necessity given their trio setup, and this focus led to a dynamic and energetic style that defined their early recordings and performances.
3. The Guitar as a Prop: Image vs. Reality
As Elvis Presley’s career took off, his use of the guitar became more complex, blurring the lines between genuine musical contribution and stagecraft.
3.1. Stage Presence and the Guitar
How did Elvis use the guitar as part of his stage presence?
Elvis Presley used his guitar as a prop to enhance his stage presence, often more for visual effect than musical complexity. His energetic movements and suggestive interactions with the instrument captivated audiences, especially young fans, but fellow musicians sometimes viewed his guitar playing as secondary to his overall performance.
3.2. Early Performances and Broken Strings
Did Elvis really break guitar strings during his early performances?
Yes, Elvis frequently broke guitar strings during his early performances, often due to his energetic playing style. June Carter Cash, who toured with Elvis, recalled spending time backstage with Red West, replacing Elvis’s broken strings and keeping his guitar in tune, which indicates that his vigorous performance style sometimes exceeded his technical skill.
3.3. A Musician’s Perspective: Bob Luman’s Observation
What did Bob Luman observe about Elvis’s guitar playing in 1955?
In 1955, country singer Bob Luman observed that Elvis used his guitar more as a prop than a musical instrument during his stage performances. Luman noted Elvis’s flamboyant attire and sneering expression, and he recalled Elvis breaking two strings early in the performance, yet the audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that Elvis’s appeal was more about his overall persona than his guitar skills.
4. Elvis at RCA: A Shift in Musical Style
Elvis’s move to RCA marked a significant shift in his musical style, with changes in how the guitar was used in his recordings and performances.
4.1. Professional Musicians and Studio Sound
How did RCA’s use of professional musicians affect Elvis’s guitar playing on recordings?
RCA’s use of professional session musicians, such as Hilmer J. “Tiny” Timbrell, improved the instrumental quality of Elvis’s recordings, which allowed Elvis to focus on his vocals. While Elvis was still credited with playing guitar on most of his recordings from 1956 to 1958, the presence of experienced guitarists shaped the overall sound.
4.2. “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care”: A Bass Guitar Moment
Did Elvis play bass guitar on any of his recordings?
Yes, Elvis played bass guitar on the recording of “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care” for the Jailhouse Rock soundtrack. When Bill Black, frustrated, left the studio, Elvis picked up the bass and played the song himself, showcasing his versatility.
4.3. Guitar as a Tool for Arrangement
How did Elvis use his guitar to prepare for recordings at RCA?
Elvis often used his guitar to work out arrangements for recordings, and he notably used his guitar to develop the arrangement for “Hound Dog” at RCA’s New York studio on July 2, 1956. Additionally, he added a percussion element to “Don’t Be Cruel” and “All Shook Up” by slapping the back of his guitar.
5. The 1960s and Beyond: Guitar’s Diminishing Role
In the 1960s, Elvis’s reliance on the guitar diminished, which reflected his evolving musical interests and the changing landscape of his performances.
5.1. Post-Army Sessions and a New Guitar
What role did Scotty Moore play in Elvis getting a new guitar after his army service?
After Elvis returned from the army, he complained to Scotty Moore about the condition of his old J-200 guitar, so Scotty used his endorsement deal with Gibson to order Elvis a new one. Scotty requested that Gibson add extra inlay work to the guitar, and the new guitar was shipped to Nashville in time for Elvis’s recording sessions.
5.2. Seldom Credited: Elvis’s Guitar Absence
Why was Elvis seldom credited as a guitar player in the 1960s?
Elvis was seldom credited as a guitar player in the 1960s due to his decreased involvement in the instrumental aspects of his recordings, and from 1961 to 1967, he received no guitar credit on 25 consecutive recording sessions. This shift indicates a greater focus on his vocals and stage presence.
5.3. A Confession: Elvis on His Guitar Skills
What did Elvis say about his own guitar playing ability in 1965?
In a 1965 newspaper article, Elvis admitted that he wasn’t very good at playing guitar and that he was often credited with more skill than he possessed. He confessed that he usually had a better guitar player backing him up and that the guitar was primarily something to do with his hands. He also mentioned that he was studying to play the drums, which signaled a shift in his musical interests.
6. The 1968 Comeback Special: A Flashback to the Roots
The 1968 Comeback Special provided a memorable moment in Elvis’s career, rekindling his connection with the guitar and his early rock and roll roots.
6.1. The “Sit-Down” Jam Session
What was the significance of the “sit-down” jam session in the ’68 Comeback Special?
The “sit-down” jam session in the 1968 Comeback Special was significant because it harkened back to Elvis’s early rock and roll roots. The session featured Elvis, Scotty Moore, and D.J. Fontana playing some of their early material in a relaxed, informal setting, and this segment was a hit with audiences, which reminded them of Elvis’s raw, early sound.
6.2. Elvis “Flogs” Scotty Moore’s Guitar
Why did Elvis take Scotty Moore’s guitar during the ’68 Comeback Special?
During the show, Elvis noticed Scotty’s brightly colored Gibson 400 Sunburst guitar and decided he wanted it. D.J. Fontana recalled that Elvis grabbed Scotty’s guitar, and Scotty was afraid he would damage it. Elvis played Scotty’s guitar for the remainder of the show, because he wanted the biggest, flashiest guitar.
6.3. Perception vs. Reality: The Guitar’s Enduring Image
How did the ’68 Comeback Special reinforce the image of Elvis as a guitar player?
The 1968 Comeback Special reinforced the image of Elvis as a guitar player, regardless of his actual skill level. The sight of Elvis with a guitar, especially in the context of his early hits, contributed to the perception that he was a proficient guitarist.
7. Elvis’s Enduring Impact and Legacy
Elvis Presley’s influence extends far beyond his vocal talent, encompassing his role in popularizing rock and roll and inspiring countless musicians.
7.1. The King’s Influence on Music
How did Elvis influence the landscape of popular music?
Elvis Presley revolutionized popular music by blending country, blues, and gospel influences into a unique and energetic sound that appealed to a broad audience, especially the youth. His music and style broke down cultural barriers, and he helped to usher in the era of rock and roll.
7.2. Inspiring Future Guitar Players
Did Elvis inspire others to pick up the guitar?
Yes, Elvis inspired countless individuals to pick up the guitar. His image, often with a guitar in hand, made the instrument appealing, and his music encouraged aspiring musicians to learn and play.
7.3. A Lasting Legacy: More Than Just a Voice
What is Elvis Presley’s lasting legacy in music history?
Elvis Presley’s lasting legacy in music history extends beyond his vocal talent, and he is remembered as a cultural icon who transformed popular music and inspired generations of musicians. His impact on music, fashion, and entertainment remains significant, and he continues to be celebrated as one of the most influential figures in music history.
8. Unveiling the Truth: Elvis’s Guitar Skills Assessed
An objective assessment of Elvis’s guitar skills reveals a complex picture, which balances his limitations with his contributions to his unique sound.
8.1. Rhythm Guitar and Song Arrangement
What were Elvis’s strengths as a guitar player?
Elvis’s strengths as a guitar player lay in his rhythm playing and his ability to use the guitar to arrange songs. While not a virtuoso, his strong sense of rhythm and ability to keep time were crucial in shaping his music.
8.2. Limitations and Technical Ability
What were Elvis’s limitations as a guitar player?
Elvis’s limitations as a guitar player included a limited knowledge of chords and a lack of advanced technical skills. He relied on his energy and rhythm more than complex guitar techniques.
8.3. The Final Verdict: Player or Pretender?
Was Elvis Presley a real guitar player, or just a pretender?
Elvis Presley was a real guitar player, albeit not a virtuoso, and his guitar playing was an integral part of his early sound and image. While he may have used the guitar as a prop later in his career, his early work demonstrates a genuine connection with the instrument.
9. Explore and Learn More at guitarplayers.net
Dive deeper into the world of guitar playing and music history at guitarplayers.net.
9.1. Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels
Are there guitar lessons available on guitarplayers.net?
Yes, guitarplayers.net offers guitar lessons for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find resources to help you improve.
9.2. Reviews and Recommendations
Does guitarplayers.net offer reviews and recommendations for guitars and gear?
Yes, guitarplayers.net provides reviews and recommendations for guitars and gear, which helps you make informed decisions about your equipment. Our detailed reviews cover a range of products, from entry-level guitars to professional gear.
9.3. Community and Forums
Can I connect with other guitar players on guitarplayers.net?
Yes, you can connect with other guitar players on guitarplayers.net through our forums and community features. Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from fellow musicians.
10. Your Guitar Journey Starts Here
Start your guitar journey with guitarplayers.net, and discover a world of resources, community, and inspiration.
10.1. Free Resources and Tutorials
Are there free resources and tutorials available on guitarplayers.net?
Yes, guitarplayers.net offers a variety of free resources and tutorials to help you get started on your guitar journey. Take advantage of our free lessons, chord charts, and articles to build your skills.
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How can I join the guitarplayers.net community?
Join our community today by visiting guitarplayers.net and signing up for a free account. Connect with fellow guitar enthusiasts, share your progress, and learn from others.
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FAQ: Elvis and His Guitar
1. Did Elvis write his own songs?
While Elvis Presley was primarily a performer, he did co-write a few songs, but he mainly interpreted and popularized the music of other songwriters.
2. What kind of guitar did Elvis play?
Elvis played various guitars throughout his career, including a 1942 Martin D-18, a Gibson J-200, and a Gibson 400 Sunburst.
3. Was Elvis a trained musician?
Elvis was not formally trained, and he primarily relied on his ear and natural talent.
4. How did Elvis hold his guitar?
Elvis often held his guitar high, which contributed to his energetic stage presence, and this style became part of his signature look.
5. What were Elvis’s musical influences?
Elvis’s musical influences included country, blues, gospel, and pop, and he blended these genres to create his unique sound.
6. Did Elvis play guitar on tour?
Elvis played guitar during his early tours, and it was an integral part of his live performances.
7. What other instruments did Elvis play?
Besides guitar, Elvis also played the piano and bass guitar on occasion.
8. How did Elvis’s guitar playing evolve over time?
Elvis’s guitar playing diminished over time as he focused more on vocals and stage presence.
9. Where can I find more information about Elvis’s guitars?
You can find more information about Elvis’s guitars in biographies, music history books, and online resources like guitarplayers.net.
10. How can I learn to play guitar like Elvis?
To play guitar like Elvis, focus on rhythm playing, learn basic chords, and develop a strong sense of rhythm. You can find lessons and resources at guitarplayers.net to help you get started.
