What Guitar Does Neil Young Play and Why Is It So Iconic?

What Guitar Does Neil Young Play? Neil Young, the legendary singer-songwriter, is celebrated for his distinctive and emotive guitar playing. At guitarplayers.net, we explore the iconic guitars that define his signature sound, offering insights for guitar enthusiasts and musicians alike, helping you find the gear to create your own unique sound. Delve into the world of Neil Young’s guitars, discover the secrets behind his unique tone, and unlock new levels of musical expression with our expert guidance, and explore related gear like amplifiers, effects pedals, and Neil Young’s guitar sound.

1. What Guitars Does Neil Young Famously Play?

Neil Young is most famously associated with his heavily customized 1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, affectionately known as “Old Black.” This guitar, along with a variety of other instruments, has played a crucial role in shaping his iconic sound.

Neil Young has used a wide variety of guitars throughout his career, each contributing to his distinctive sound. Here’s a detailed look at some of his most iconic instruments:

1.1. “Old Black” – 1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop

“Old Black” is arguably Neil Young’s most famous and beloved guitar. Acquired in the late 1960s, this 1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop has been heavily modified over the years, making it a unique instrument that perfectly complements Young’s expressive playing style.

Modifications: Originally a Goldtop, “Old Black” has been refinished in black, hence the name. The most significant modification is the replacement of the original pickups. The neck pickup is a Gretsch Filter’Tron, while the bridge pickup is a Firebird pickup, known for its bright and aggressive tone. These modifications contribute significantly to the guitar’s distinctive sound, which is characterized by its raw, powerful tone.
Significance: “Old Black” has been Young’s main electric guitar for over four decades, appearing on countless albums and live performances. It’s particularly known for its use in songs like “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
Why It’s Iconic: The guitar’s heavily worn appearance, combined with its unique sound, has made it a symbol of Young’s uncompromising artistic vision. Its raw sound and expressive capabilities perfectly capture the emotional intensity of his music.

Neil Young playing Old Black

1.2. Martin D-28

Neil Young’s Martin D-28 is a vintage acoustic guitar that holds significant historical value, having once been owned by country music legend Hank Williams. This guitar is not just an instrument but a piece of music history, adding depth and resonance to Young’s acoustic performances.

History: Young acquired this Martin D-28 from Tut Taylor, a renowned bluegrass musician. The guitar’s provenance adds a layer of historical significance to its already impressive sound.
Use: Young uses this D-28 extensively in his acoustic performances, appreciating its rich tone and historical connection. The guitar’s sound is particularly well-suited for folk and country-influenced songs.
Why It’s Special: Owning a guitar that once belonged to Hank Williams connects Young to a lineage of influential musicians. He recognizes and respects the history he holds in his hands, making the instrument all the more special.

1.3. Martin D-18

The Martin D-18 is another of Neil Young’s beloved acoustic guitars, known for its balanced tone and comfortable playability. It has been a reliable instrument for songwriting and recording, contributing to many of his classic acoustic tracks.

Characteristics: The Martin D-18 is known for its balanced tonal qualities, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Its mahogany back and sides provide a warm, woody tone, while the spruce top adds brightness and clarity.
Use: Young has written many songs on his Martin D-18, appreciating its versatility and comfortable feel. He has even admitted to “stealing” it from Elliot Roberts’ office, highlighting its importance to him.
Why It’s Valued: The Martin D-18 is valued for its reliability and consistent performance. Its balanced tone makes it a versatile instrument for both rhythm and lead playing, making it a staple in Young’s acoustic collection.

Neil Young playing a Martin D-18

1.4. Gretsch White Falcon and Black Falcon

Neil Young also has a collection of Gretsch Falcon guitars, including both White Falcon and Black Falcon models. These guitars are known for their distinctive外观，豪华的装饰，以及响亮的声音。

Characteristics: Gretsch Falcon guitars are known for their distinctive appearance, luxurious appointments, and powerful sound. The White Falcon is particularly known for its bright, shimmering tone, while the Black Falcon offers a darker, more aggressive sound.
Use: Young uses his Gretsch Falcons for both rhythm and lead playing, appreciating their versatility and unique tonal qualities. These guitars are particularly well-suited for rock and roll and country-influenced styles.
Why They’re Collected: These guitars are often collected for their iconic status and unique aesthetic appeal. Young’s ownership of these instruments adds to their allure, making them highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.

1.5. Fender Broadcaster, Telecaster, Esquire, and Stratocaster

While Neil Young is not as closely associated with Fender guitars as he is with his Gibson Les Paul and Martin acoustics, he does own several Fender models, including a Broadcaster, a Telecaster, an Esquire, and a few Stratocasters.

Characteristics: Each of these Fender models offers its own unique tonal qualities. The Broadcaster and Telecaster are known for their bright, twangy sound, while the Esquire offers a more raw, stripped-down tone. The Stratocaster is known for its versatility and comfortable playability.
Use: While Young doesn’t use these guitars as frequently as his other instruments, they still appear in his recordings and live performances. He appreciates their unique tonal qualities and incorporates them into his music as needed.
Why They’re Included: Despite not being his primary instruments, Young’s ownership of these Fender guitars demonstrates his appreciation for a wide range of musical styles and tonal possibilities.

2. What Makes “Old Black” So Special to Neil Young?

“Old Black” holds a special place in Neil Young’s heart due to its unique sound, playability, and the history it embodies. Its heavily modified nature and the countless performances it has been a part of make it an irreplaceable part of his musical identity.

“Old Black,” Neil Young’s heavily customized 1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, is more than just a guitar; it’s a crucial component of his musical identity. The instrument’s special qualities stem from its distinctive sound, tailored playability, and the rich history it carries.

2.1. Unique Sound

The modifications to “Old Black” have resulted in a sound that is uniquely its own. The Firebird pickup in the bridge position provides a bright, aggressive tone, while the Gretsch Filter’Tron in the neck position offers a warmer, smoother sound. This combination allows Young to achieve a wide range of tones, from searing distortion to clean, shimmering chords.

Firebird Pickup: Known for its high output and bright tone, the Firebird pickup adds a biting edge to Young’s lead playing. It’s particularly well-suited for creating feedback and sustain, which are hallmarks of his electric guitar sound.
Gretsch Filter’Tron Pickup: This pickup offers a warmer, more rounded tone than the Firebird, making it ideal for rhythm playing and clean passages. Its smooth sound complements the aggressive tone of the Firebird, providing a balanced tonal palette.
Versatility: The combination of these two pickups allows Young to achieve a wide range of tones, making “Old Black” a versatile instrument for both rhythm and lead playing.

2.2. Playability

Over the years, “Old Black” has been customized to fit Young’s playing style. The neck has been reshaped for comfort, and the action has been set up to allow for easy bending and vibrato. These modifications make the guitar feel like an extension of Young’s body, allowing him to express himself freely.

Neck Profile: The neck profile has been customized to fit Young’s hand, making it comfortable to play for extended periods. This allows him to focus on his playing without being distracted by discomfort.
Action: The action has been set up to allow for easy bending and vibrato, which are essential techniques in Young’s playing style. This allows him to create expressive, emotional solos that are full of nuance and character.
Personal Connection: The modifications to “Old Black” have made it feel like an extension of Young’s body, allowing him to express himself freely. This personal connection is essential to his creative process.

2.3. History

“Old Black” has been with Neil Young through many of his most iconic performances and recordings. It has been on stage at countless concerts, and it has appeared on numerous classic albums. This history gives the guitar a special significance, making it more than just an instrument.

Iconic Performances: “Old Black” has been on stage at many of Young’s most iconic performances, including his legendary sets at Woodstock and Live Aid. These performances have cemented the guitar’s place in rock and roll history.
Classic Albums: The guitar has appeared on numerous classic albums, including “Rust Never Sleeps,” “Ragged Glory,” and “Harvest Moon.” These recordings have showcased the guitar’s unique tonal qualities and its ability to capture the emotional intensity of Young’s music.
Emotional Connection: The history of “Old Black” gives it a special significance, making it more than just an instrument. It’s a symbol of Young’s career and his artistic vision.

Close-up of Old Black's pickups

3. How Does Neil Young Achieve His Signature Guitar Sound?

Neil Young’s signature guitar sound is a combination of his unique guitars, amplifiers, effects, and playing style. His use of “Old Black,” along with vintage Fender Tweed amps and a Whizzer, contributes to his raw, feedback-laden tone.

Neil Young’s distinct guitar sound is the result of a careful combination of his gear, playing style, and a touch of experimentation. Here’s an in-depth look at the key elements that contribute to his signature tone:

3.1. Guitars

As discussed earlier, Neil Young’s choice of guitars plays a crucial role in his sound. “Old Black,” with its unique combination of pickups, is particularly important for his electric guitar tone. His Martin acoustics also contribute to his distinctive acoustic sound.

“Old Black”: The Firebird pickup in the bridge position provides a bright, aggressive tone, while the Gretsch Filter’Tron in the neck position offers a warmer, smoother sound. This combination allows Young to achieve a wide range of tones.
Martin Acoustics: His Martin D-28 and D-18 acoustics offer rich, balanced tones that are perfect for his folk and country-influenced songs.

3.2. Amplifiers

Neil Young is known for using vintage Fender Tweed amps, particularly the Deluxe and the Twin. These amps are known for their warm, natural overdrive, which Young uses to create his signature distorted sound.

Fender Tweed Deluxe: This amp is known for its warm, natural overdrive, which Young uses to create his signature distorted sound. Its small size and low wattage make it ideal for creating a raw, intimate tone.
Fender Tweed Twin: This amp offers a higher wattage and a more powerful sound than the Deluxe, making it suitable for larger venues. Its warm, natural overdrive is perfect for creating a rich, full tone.
Whizzer: The Whizzer is a device that allows Young to control the amp’s settings remotely, allowing him to create dynamic changes in his sound.

3.3. Effects

Neil Young uses a variety of effects pedals to enhance his guitar sound, including a tremolo, a reverb, and a delay. However, his most important effect is his Whizzer, a custom-built device that allows him to control the settings of his amplifiers remotely.

Tremolo: Adds a pulsating effect to his guitar sound, creating a sense of movement and depth.
Reverb: Adds a sense of space and atmosphere to his guitar sound, making it sound larger and more expansive.
Delay: Creates echoes and repeats, adding a sense of rhythm and complexity to his playing.
Whizzer: This device allows Young to control the amp’s settings remotely, allowing him to create dynamic changes in his sound. For example, he can use it to increase the amp’s gain for solos or to decrease the volume for quiet passages.

3.4. Playing Style

Neil Young’s playing style is characterized by its raw emotion and expressive vibrato. He often uses feedback and distortion to create a chaotic, unpredictable sound. His approach is more about feel than technical perfection.

Raw Emotion: Young’s playing is full of raw emotion, which he conveys through his expressive vibrato and dynamic playing.
Feedback and Distortion: He often uses feedback and distortion to create a chaotic, unpredictable sound. This adds a sense of excitement and danger to his music.
Feel Over Technique: Young’s approach is more about feel than technical perfection. He’s not afraid to make mistakes, and he often uses these mistakes to create something new and interesting.

Neil Young playing guitar with amp

4. Can You Recreate Neil Young’s Guitar Tone?

While it’s challenging to replicate Neil Young’s exact tone due to the unique characteristics of his gear and playing style, you can get close by using similar equipment and techniques. Focus on vintage-style guitars, Fender Tweed amps, and expressive playing.

Recreating Neil Young’s guitar tone is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. While capturing his exact sound may be impossible due to the unique characteristics of his gear and playing style, you can get remarkably close by focusing on similar equipment and techniques.

4.1. Gear Recommendations

Guitar: Opt for a Gibson Les Paul-style guitar with a Firebird pickup in the bridge position. If you can’t find a Firebird pickup, a high-output humbucker will do.
Amplifier: A Fender Tweed Deluxe or Twin is ideal. If you can’t afford a vintage model, a reissue or a boutique amp that emulates the Tweed sound will work.
Effects: A tremolo, a reverb, and a delay are essential. A Whizzer is optional but can help you control your amp’s settings remotely.

4.2. Technique Tips

Emphasize Emotion: Focus on conveying raw emotion through your playing. Use expressive vibrato and dynamic playing to create a sense of excitement and danger.
Experiment with Feedback: Don’t be afraid to experiment with feedback. Use it to create a chaotic, unpredictable sound.
Prioritize Feel: Prioritize feel over technical perfection. Don’t worry about making mistakes, and use them to create something new and interesting.

4.3. Practice Exercises

Learn Neil Young Songs: The best way to learn Neil Young’s guitar tone is to learn his songs. Pay attention to the way he uses his gear and his playing style to create his signature sound.
Experiment with Settings: Experiment with your amp and effects settings to find the tones that work best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your sound.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing and listen back to identify areas for improvement. This will help you refine your technique and get closer to Neil Young’s guitar tone.

5. What Are Some Essential Neil Young Guitar Techniques?

Essential Neil Young guitar techniques include his expressive vibrato, use of feedback, and dynamic control of his amplifier. These techniques, combined with his unique gear, create his signature sound.

Neil Young’s guitar playing is characterized by several essential techniques that contribute to his unique and expressive sound. Mastering these techniques can help you capture the essence of his style.

5.1. Expressive Vibrato

Neil Young’s vibrato is one of the most distinctive elements of his playing. It’s wide, slow, and full of emotion. To emulate his vibrato, focus on using your entire arm to create a smooth, consistent oscillation.

Technique: Use your entire arm to create a smooth, consistent oscillation. Avoid using just your wrist or fingers, as this will result in a choppy, uneven vibrato.
Practice: Practice vibrating single notes and chords, focusing on creating a wide, slow oscillation. Experiment with different speeds and intensities to find the vibrato that works best for you.
Listen: Listen to Neil Young’s playing and pay attention to the way he uses vibrato to add emotion and expression to his music.

5.2. Controlled Feedback

Neil Young is a master of controlled feedback. He uses it to create sustain, texture, and a sense of chaos in his music. To achieve controlled feedback, stand close to your amplifier and experiment with different guitar and amp settings.

Technique: Stand close to your amplifier and experiment with different guitar and amp settings. Find the sweet spot where the guitar starts to feedback naturally.
Control: Use your volume knob and your body position to control the feedback. You can use your volume knob to adjust the intensity of the feedback, and you can use your body position to change the pitch and timbre of the feedback.
Experiment: Experiment with different types of feedback. You can create sustained notes, howling textures, and chaotic bursts of sound.

5.3. Dynamic Amplifier Control

Neil Young is known for his dynamic control of his amplifier. He uses his Whizzer to adjust the amp’s settings remotely, allowing him to create dynamic changes in his sound. To emulate this technique, experiment with your amp’s settings and learn how to adjust them on the fly.

Whizzer: The Whizzer is a custom-built device that allows Young to control the amp’s settings remotely. This allows him to create dynamic changes in his sound.
Experiment: Experiment with your amp’s settings and learn how to adjust them on the fly. You can use your volume knob, your tone controls, and your gain settings to create a wide range of sounds.
Practice: Practice adjusting your amp’s settings while you’re playing. This will help you develop the muscle memory you need to make dynamic changes in your sound.

Neil Young using vibrato technique

6. What Amplifiers and Effects Pedals Does Neil Young Use?

Neil Young primarily uses vintage Fender Tweed Deluxe and Twin amps, known for their warm, natural overdrive. His effects include tremolo, reverb, delay, and the custom-built Whizzer for remote amp control.

Neil Young’s amplifier and effects pedal choices play a significant role in shaping his distinctive guitar sound. His setup, though seemingly simple, allows for a wide range of expressive possibilities.

6.1. Amplifiers: Fender Tweed Deluxes and Twins

Neil Young is famous for his use of vintage Fender Tweed Deluxe and Twin amplifiers. These amps are highly regarded for their warm, natural overdrive, which forms the foundation of Young’s signature distorted sound.

Fender Tweed Deluxe: The Tweed Deluxe is a small, low-wattage amp known for its raw, bluesy tone. Young often uses multiple Tweed Deluxes in his setup to create a thick, layered sound.
Fender Tweed Twin: The Tweed Twin is a larger, higher-wattage amp that provides more headroom and a fuller sound than the Deluxe. Young uses the Twin for its clean tones and its ability to handle loud volumes without distorting.
Characteristics: Both the Tweed Deluxe and Twin are known for their warm, natural overdrive, which Young uses to create his signature distorted sound. Their simple circuits and tube designs contribute to their organic, responsive feel.

6.2. Effects Pedals

While Neil Young’s amp setup is relatively straightforward, he does use a few key effects pedals to enhance his guitar sound. These include:

Tremolo: Adds a pulsating effect to his guitar sound, creating a sense of movement and depth.
Reverb: Adds a sense of space and atmosphere to his guitar sound, making it sound larger and more expansive.
Delay: Creates echoes and repeats, adding a sense of rhythm and complexity to his playing.
Whizzer: This custom-built device allows Young to control the amp’s settings remotely, allowing him to create dynamic changes in his sound. For example, he can use it to increase the amp’s gain for solos or to decrease the volume for quiet passages.

6.3. The Whizzer: Remote Amp Control

The Whizzer is a unique device that is essential to Neil Young’s sound. It allows him to control the settings of his amplifiers remotely, giving him the ability to make dynamic changes to his sound on the fly.

Functionality: The Whizzer is essentially a remote control for Young’s amplifiers. It allows him to adjust the volume, tone, and gain settings of his amps without having to bend down and fiddle with the knobs.
Custom-Built: The Whizzer is a custom-built device that was designed specifically for Neil Young. It’s not available for purchase, which makes it all the more mysterious and intriguing.
Impact: The Whizzer allows Young to create dynamic changes in his sound that would be impossible to achieve otherwise. It’s a key component of his signature guitar tone.

7. Who Is Larry Cragg and What Is His Role in Maintaining Neil Young’s Guitars?

Larry Cragg is Neil Young’s longtime guitar technician, responsible for maintaining and customizing his instruments. His expertise ensures that Young’s guitars are always in top playing condition.

Larry Cragg is an unsung hero behind Neil Young’s iconic guitar sound. As Young’s longtime guitar technician, Cragg is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and customizing his instruments. His expertise ensures that Young’s guitars are always in top playing condition, allowing him to focus on his music.

7.1. The Role of Guitar Technician

A guitar technician is responsible for the overall health and playability of a guitarist’s instruments. This includes:

Maintenance: Regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning, string changes, and intonation adjustments.
Repairs: Repairing any damage to the guitar, such as cracks, broken strings, or malfunctioning electronics.
Customization: Customizing the guitar to fit the player’s specific needs and preferences. This can include modifications to the pickups, bridge, or neck.

7.2. Larry Cragg’s Expertise

Larry Cragg is a highly respected guitar technician with decades of experience. He has worked with numerous legendary musicians, but he is best known for his work with Neil Young.

Experience: Cragg has been working as a guitar technician for over 40 years. He has a deep understanding of guitars and their inner workings.
Skills: Cragg is a master craftsman. He is skilled at repairing and customizing guitars, and he has a keen eye for detail.
Trust: Neil Young trusts Larry Cragg implicitly. He knows that Cragg will always do what’s best for his guitars.

7.3. Maintaining “Old Black”

One of Larry Cragg’s most important tasks is maintaining “Old Black,” Neil Young’s heavily customized 1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. This guitar is Young’s main electric guitar, and it has been through a lot over the years.

Repairs: Cragg has repaired “Old Black” countless times. He has replaced the pickups, the bridge, and the tuners. He has also repaired cracks in the body and neck.
Customization: Cragg has also customized “Old Black” to fit Young’s specific needs. He has reshaped the neck to make it more comfortable to play, and he has adjusted the action to allow for easy bending and vibrato.
Dedication: Cragg’s dedication to “Old Black” is unwavering. He knows that this guitar is essential to Young’s sound, and he does everything in his power to keep it in top playing condition.

Larry Cragg working on a guitar

8. What Are Some Other Guitars Neil Young Has Used Throughout His Career?

Besides “Old Black” and his Martin acoustics, Neil Young has used a variety of guitars, including Gretsch Falcons, Fender Telecasters, and Gibson Explorers. Each guitar contributes unique tonal qualities to his diverse musical output.

Neil Young’s musical journey has seen him explore a variety of guitars, each adding its own flavor to his distinctive sound. While “Old Black” and his Martin acoustics are his most well-known instruments, he has also used a range of other guitars throughout his career.

8.1. Gretsch Falcons

Neil Young has a collection of Gretsch Falcon guitars, including both White Falcon and Black Falcon models. These guitars are known for their distinctive appearance, luxurious appointments, and powerful sound.

White Falcon: The White Falcon is particularly known for its bright, shimmering tone.
Black Falcon: The Black Falcon offers a darker, more aggressive sound.
Use: Young uses his Gretsch Falcons for both rhythm and lead playing, appreciating their versatility and unique tonal qualities. These guitars are particularly well-suited for rock and roll and country-influenced styles.

8.2. Fender Telecasters

Neil Young owns several Fender Telecasters, which he occasionally uses for their bright, twangy sound. The Telecaster is a versatile guitar that is well-suited for a variety of musical styles.

Characteristics: The Telecaster is known for its bright, twangy sound, which is perfect for country, rock, and blues. It’s a simple guitar with a bolt-on neck and two single-coil pickups.
Use: Young uses his Telecasters for rhythm and lead playing, appreciating their versatility and unique tonal qualities.
Notable Models: He owns a Broadcaster, a Telecaster, and an Esquire.

8.3. Gibson Explorers

Neil Young also owns a Gibson Explorer, which he uses for its aggressive, powerful sound. The Explorer is a unique guitar with a distinctive body shape.

Characteristics: The Explorer is known for its aggressive, powerful sound, which is perfect for rock and metal. It has a solid mahogany body and two humbucker pickups.
Use: Young uses his Explorer for lead playing, appreciating its sustain and aggressive tone.
Collection: Young collects guitars, and he may own an Explorer simply for its iconic status.

8.4. Other Guitars

In addition to the guitars listed above, Neil Young has also used a variety of other guitars throughout his career, including:

Gibson Les Pauls: Besides “Old Black,” Young has owned other Gibson Les Pauls.
Fender Stratocasters: Young owns a few Stratocasters, though he doesn’t use them as frequently as his other guitars.
Rickenbackers: Young has been seen playing Rickenbacker guitars.

9. How Has Neil Young’s Guitar Playing Evolved Over the Years?

Neil Young’s guitar playing has evolved over the years, but he has remained true to his unique style. His playing is characterized by its raw emotion, expressive vibrato, and dynamic control of his amplifier.

Neil Young’s guitar playing has been a constant source of innovation and expression throughout his long and influential career. While his core style remains recognizable, his playing has evolved over the years, reflecting his changing musical interests and his ongoing exploration of new sounds.

9.1. Early Influences

Neil Young’s early guitar playing was influenced by a variety of sources, including:

Folk Music: Young’s early songs were heavily influenced by folk music, and his guitar playing reflected this. He used fingerpicking techniques and simple chord progressions to create intimate, acoustic-based songs.
Rock and Roll: As Young’s career progressed, he began to incorporate more rock and roll influences into his music. His guitar playing became more aggressive and distorted, and he began to experiment with feedback and sustain.
Country Music: Young has always had a strong connection to country music, and this is reflected in his guitar playing. He often uses country-style bends and licks in his solos, and he has recorded several country-influenced albums.

9.2. “Old Black” and the Development of His Signature Sound

The acquisition of “Old Black” in the late 1960s was a turning point in Neil Young’s guitar playing. This guitar, with its unique combination of pickups and its heavily modified construction, became the foundation of his signature sound.

Feedback and Distortion: “Old Black” allowed Young to explore the possibilities of feedback and distortion in a way that he had never been able to before. He began to use feedback as a creative tool, creating sustained notes, howling textures, and chaotic bursts of sound.
Expressive Vibrato: The neck of “Old Black” was reshaped to fit Young’s hand, and the action was adjusted to allow for easy bending and vibrato. This allowed him to develop his signature vibrato, which is wide, slow, and full of emotion.
Dynamic Control: The Whizzer allowed Young to control the settings of his amplifiers remotely, giving him the ability to make dynamic changes to his sound on the fly. This allowed him to create a wide range of sounds, from quiet, intimate passages to loud, aggressive solos.

9.3. Later Developments

In recent years, Neil Young has continued to evolve his guitar playing, exploring new sounds and techniques.

Experimentation: Young has always been willing to experiment with new sounds and techniques. He has used a variety of different guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals throughout his career, and he is always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of his music.
Sustainability: Young has become increasingly interested in sustainability in recent years, and this is reflected in his guitar playing. He has begun to use more sustainable materials in his guitars, and he is always looking for ways to reduce his environmental impact.
Legacy: Neil Young’s guitar playing has had a profound impact on the music world. He has inspired countless guitarists with his raw emotion, expressive vibrato, and dynamic control of his amplifier. His legacy will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.

Neil Young guitar evolution

10. What Are Some Great Neil Young Guitar Songs to Learn?

Great Neil Young guitar songs to learn include “Heart of Gold” (acoustic), “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” (electric), and “Cortez the Killer” (electric). These songs showcase his diverse playing styles and iconic guitar tones.

Learning Neil Young’s songs is a fantastic way to delve into his unique guitar playing style and signature sound. Here are a few great tracks to get you started, covering a range of his acoustic and electric work:

10.1. “Heart of Gold”

“Heart of Gold” is one of Neil Young’s most famous songs, and it’s a great choice for beginner guitarists. It features a simple chord progression and a straightforward strumming pattern.

Style: Acoustic
Difficulty: Beginner
Techniques: Strumming, basic chords
Focus: This song is a great way to develop your strumming technique and learn some basic chords. It’s also a good introduction to Neil Young’s songwriting style.

10.2. “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)”

“Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” is a classic Neil Young electric guitar song. It features a raw, distorted guitar tone and a simple but effective riff.

Style: Electric
Difficulty: Intermediate
Techniques: Power chords, feedback, vibrato
Focus: This song is a great way to learn about Neil Young’s electric guitar playing style. It features a raw, distorted guitar tone and a simple but effective riff. You’ll also get a chance to experiment with feedback and vibrato.

10.3. “Cortez the Killer”

“Cortez the Killer” is another classic Neil Young electric guitar song. It features a long, rambling guitar solo that is full of emotion and expression.

Style: Electric
Difficulty: Advanced
Techniques: Soloing, bending, vibrato, sustain
Focus: This song is a great way to develop your soloing skills. It features a long, rambling guitar solo that is full of emotion and expression. You’ll also get a chance to experiment with bending, vibrato, and sustain.

10.4. “The Needle and the Damage Done”

“The Needle and the Damage Done” is a poignant acoustic song that showcases Neil Young’s fingerpicking skills.

Style: Acoustic
Difficulty: Intermediate
Techniques: Fingerpicking, Travis picking
Focus: This song will help you develop your fingerpicking technique.

10.5. “Rockin’ in the Free World”

“Rockin’ in the Free World” is an energetic electric anthem with a driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs.

Style: Electric
Difficulty: Intermediate
Techniques: Power chords, rhythm playing, simple lead lines
Focus: This song is excellent for practicing rhythm playing and power chords.

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FAQ: Unlocking Neil Young’s Guitar Secrets

Q1: What is “Old Black” and why is it so important to Neil Young?

“Old Black” is Neil Young’s heavily customized 1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, known for its unique sound due to modifications like a Firebird bridge pickup. It’s his main electric guitar and a symbol of his signature sound.

Q2: What kind of acoustic guitar does Neil Young play?

Neil Young primarily plays Martin acoustic guitars, including a vintage Martin D-28 (formerly owned by Hank Williams) and a Martin D-18, both known for their balanced and rich tones.

Q3: What amplifiers does Neil Young typically use?

Neil Young typically uses vintage Fender Tweed Deluxe and Twin amps, prized for their warm, natural overdrive, which is essential to his signature distorted sound.