Guitar Tattoos are a powerful way for musicians and music lovers to express their dedication and passion. For guitar players, a tattoo can be a permanent symbol of their connection to their instrument and the music they create. While general music tattoos are popular, focusing on the guitar itself offers a unique and personal avenue for body art. Let’s explore the world of guitar tattoos, drawing inspiration from dedicated musicians and enthusiasts.
Pedal Steel Guitar Tattoo Ideas: A Nod to Innovation
The online community at guitarplayers.net recently engaged in a lively discussion about pedal steel guitar tattoos, revealing some fascinating ideas and existing ink. This niche interest offers a glimpse into the specific symbols and imagery that resonate deeply within the guitar community.
One user, Scott Murray, initiated the conversation by considering tattoos incorporating symbols associated with iconic pedal steel guitar brands like Sho-Bud and Emmons. Sho-Bud guitars are known for using card suit symbols (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) on their pedals, while Emmons guitars often feature an atom symbol on the fretboard. Murray even toyed with combining these elements, showcasing the creative process behind personalized guitar tattoos.
The idea of using brand-specific imagery sparked further discussion. Damir Besic mentioned someone having a Sho-Bud tattoo, and Skip Edwards identified Kevin Owens as the owner of a Sho-Bud ink. Patrick Layher shared a picture of his impressive Buddy Emmons tattoo, a tribute to a pedal steel legend and the first steel player he ever witnessed live.
Bryan Daste proudly showcased his atom tattoos, directly inspired by the Emmons guitar fretboard inlay, demonstrating a more subtle yet recognizable tribute to the instrument and brand.
These examples highlight how pedal steel players draw inspiration from the instruments themselves – brand logos, unique markings, and even specific parts.
Beyond Brands: Generic and Creative Guitar Tattoo Designs
While brand-specific tattoos resonate with devoted fans, many guitarists opt for more generic or creatively customized designs. Ollin Landers wisely suggested considering a “generic steel guitar tattoo” rather than a brand-specific one, acknowledging that preferences and affiliations can change over time.
Mike Neer proposed a tattoo featuring “E9/C6” – common pedal steel tuning notations – in stylized characters, a design that speaks directly to the technical aspects of playing the instrument. HowardR jokingly suggested a pedal tattoo on the bottom of the foot, showcasing the humor that can be incorporated into tattoo ideas. Don McClellan offered the witty phrase “Born to raise my Bs to C#,” highlighting the unique vocabulary and techniques of pedal steel playing.
Scott Murray also presented other design ideas, including the stylized “NH” and “Big E” logos, demonstrating the versatility of incorporating lettering and initials into guitar-themed tattoos.
John De Maille shared a picture of his ZumSteel guitar tattoo, a generic representation of his instrument. Gaylon Mathews, while not a steel guitar tattoo, showcased a resonator guitar tattoo in memory of his father, expanding the scope to include other guitar types and personal tributes.
Cody Angel simply stated “Guilty” and shared his guitar tattoo, implying a playful acknowledgment of his passion and perhaps tattoo commitment.
These diverse examples illustrate the breadth of guitar tattoo possibilities, ranging from realistic instrument depictions to symbolic representations of musical passion.
Guitar Tattoos: A Personal Melody
Ultimately, a guitar tattoo is a deeply personal choice. Whether you opt for a specific brand logo, a generic guitar design, musical notations, or a creative combination of elements, the tattoo becomes a permanent expression of your connection to music and the guitar. As Ollin Landers pointed out, a well-chosen design can be both a recognizable tribute to fellow enthusiasts and a conversation starter for those outside the guitar community.
If you’re considering a guitar tattoo, draw inspiration from these ideas and the passion shared by the online guitar community. Think about what aspects of the guitar and music resonate most with you, and let that guide your design. Your guitar tattoo can be a visual melody etched onto your skin, celebrating your lifelong love affair with the instrument.
