How Did Ed Sheeran Learn Guitar? Ed Sheeran, the platinum-selling artist, mastered the guitar through a combination of self-teaching, influence from musical heroes like Eric Clapton and Damien Rice, and relentless live performances. This article from guitarplayers.net explores the journey of Ed Sheeran’s guitar playing, his influences, and his advice for aspiring musicians. Uncover the secrets to his success and learn how you too can enhance your guitar skills.
1. What Sparked Ed Sheeran’s Guitar Journey?
Ed Sheeran’s guitar journey began after seeing Eric Clapton perform “Layla” at the Golden Jubilee. According to Sheeran, seeing Clapton inspired him to pick up the guitar and learn the song himself. Sheeran was initially drawn to guitar-driven music, playing electric guitar and learning Guns N’ Roses solos, but it was discovering Damien Rice that led him to switch to acoustic guitar. Rice’s ability to perform solo with just a guitar and voice resonated with Sheeran, influencing his decision to pursue a similar path. This pivotal moment shaped his musical direction and paved the way for his unique blend of folk, pop, and hip-hop influences.
2. Who Were Ed Sheeran’s Early Musical Influences?
Ed Sheeran’s earliest musical influences included guitar legends like Eric Clapton and Guns N’ Roses, but Damien Rice was a key influence in his transition to acoustic guitar. According to Sheeran, he used to play electric guitar and know all the solos for Guns N’ Roses songs. Discovering Damien Rice made him realize that he could perform solo with just a guitar and voice, leading him to switch to acoustic guitar. Later, his influences expanded to include rap and folk music, from Van Morrison to Eminem. This eclectic mix of genres shaped his unique songwriting style, blending pop sensibilities with intricate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics. His ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources is a testament to his musical curiosity and willingness to experiment.
3. What Was Ed Sheeran’s First Guitar?
Ed Sheeran’s first guitar was an electric guitar, but he later switched to an acoustic guitar after being influenced by Damien Rice. Sheeran initially played electric guitar and was into guitar-driven music. However, after discovering Damien Rice and realizing that he could perform solo with just a guitar and voice, he switched to acoustic guitar and hasn’t looked back since. His travel-sized Martin LX1E Little Martin became his primary instrument due to its practicality and sound quality. Sheeran appreciated its portability, which allowed him to carry it easily while traveling and performing extensively. This choice reflected his practical approach to music, prioritizing convenience without compromising on sound.
4. Why Did Ed Sheeran Choose the Little Martin Guitar?
Ed Sheeran chose the Little Martin guitar (Martin LX1E) primarily for its practicality and portability. Sheeran states that Martin doesn’t really make bad guitars so it helps that it sounds good. But he lived without a home for quite a while – going on trains, sleeping on sofas – playing around the country. You can fit a lot of clothes in the guitar’s case. And in the little pouch, you have your toothbrush and toothpaste and phone chargers. So it was his suitcase with a guitar in it, and that was very convenient. The Little Martin’s compact size made it ideal for his nomadic lifestyle, allowing him to travel easily while still having a quality instrument. Its durable construction and decent sound quality further solidified his preference for this travel-sized guitar.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran with his signature acoustic guitar, showcasing its compact size and portability.
5. How Many Gigs Did Ed Sheeran Play in 2009?
Ed Sheeran played an impressive 312 gigs in 2009. Sheeran has stated that he played an incredible 312 gigs in 2009, so he knows a thing or two about getting his Little Martins to sound good. This relentless touring schedule honed his performance skills and allowed him to refine his unique sound. His dedication to live performance during this period was instrumental in building his fanbase and establishing himself as a formidable live act. The sheer volume of gigs he played in 2009 underscores his commitment to his craft and his relentless pursuit of success.
6. What Is Ed Sheeran’s Approach to Guitar Tone?
Ed Sheeran prefers a warm, fat sound on his guitar. Sheeran explains that he likes his sound to be really fat and warm. He knows some people like a very jagged, trebly sound, but he’s into the warmth. Usually, if you have a bit of bottom end and a lot of mid on a guitar, with just a tiny bit of top end, that will give you a warmish sound. He achieves this by emphasizing the bottom end and mid frequencies while minimizing the top end. He also uses percussion on the guitar to create a kick drum sound, ensuring the overall sound is well-rounded and full. This tonal preference complements his percussive playing style and vocal delivery, creating a distinctive and captivating sound.
7. What Advice Does Ed Sheeran Have for Live Acoustic Performances?
Ed Sheeran advises aspiring musicians to focus on entertaining the audience rather than just showcasing their songs. Sheeran admits that no one actually goes to gigs to hear your songs. They go to be entertained, they want to have a good night out. So the trick, for him, was to not just play his songs, but to give them a show and entertain. He suggests incorporating elements that engage the crowd, such as covers, rap verses, and audience participation. By creating a show that is both musically engaging and interactive, performers can capture the audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression.
8. How Did Ed Sheeran Handle a Tough Crowd in Los Angeles?
Ed Sheeran won over a tough crowd in Inglewood, Los Angeles, by incorporating a Snoop Dogg verse into his song. Sheeran recalls playing at The Savoy Entertainment Center, a comedy and poetry night with a seated audience of 400 people. To connect with the local audience, he replaced a 50 Cent verse with a Snoop Dogg verse, who is from Inglewood. The crowd appreciated his effort to connect with them, and his performance was well-received. This experience taught him the importance of adapting to his audience and finding ways to engage them, regardless of their initial expectations.
9. What Was the First Song Ed Sheeran Wrote?
Ed Sheeran’s first song was based on a Green Day chord sequence. Sheeran says that when you start writing your own songs, you use other people’s chords and melodies. If you’re 11 years old, you’re allowed to plagiarize. The first song that he wrote was basically a Green Day chord sequence that was quite a simple thing to play. He acknowledges that it was a simple composition, but it marked the beginning of his songwriting journey. This early foray into songwriting laid the foundation for his later success, as he continued to develop his skills and refine his unique voice.
10. What Influenced Ed Sheeran’s Songwriting?
Ed Sheeran’s songwriting is influenced by a mix of rap and folk music, from Van Morrison to Eminem. Sheeran claims that his approach is not too complicated or scientific. This eclectic mix of genres shapes his unique songwriting style, blending pop sensibilities with intricate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics. He draws inspiration from diverse sources, incorporating elements from various musical traditions into his songs. This willingness to experiment and blend genres has contributed to his distinctive sound and broad appeal.
11. What Award Did Ed Sheeran Win for “The A Team”?
Ed Sheeran won the Ivor Novello Award for “Best Song Musically & Lyrically” for his hit song “The A Team.” Sheeran confides that he thinks that’s the one award, as an artist, that he has always chased. He expected to get it a lot further down the line. So to get it for the first song that he ever released was a fantastic feeling. A room full of people that he admires and looks up to voted for him to win it. It’s the perfect award for any artist. He is honored to have it. This prestigious award recognized the song’s exceptional musical composition and lyrical content. This recognition from his peers in the music industry was a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.
12. How Has Ed Sheeran’s Gear Evolved Over Time?
Ed Sheeran initially endorsed Martin guitars, favoring the travel-sized Little Martin, but he has since partnered with Lowden. Sheeran has since moved on to a fruitful partnership with Lowden. His looping station has also grown more sophisticated. While his gear has evolved, his approach to playing the instrument and performing has remained consistent: finding a warm sound, writing relatable songs, and entertaining the crowd. This evolution reflects his growth as an artist and his willingness to experiment with new sounds and technologies while staying true to his core musical values.
13. What Is Ed Sheeran’s Advice on Percussive Acoustic Guitar?
Ed Sheeran suggests testing the guitar’s sound by beating the bridge like a drum to achieve a kick drum sound. Sheeran explains that the way he tests it is, he beats the bridge like a drum until it makes a kick drum sound. Because he does a lot of percussion on the guitar, that’s usually when he knows that the sound is good. This technique helps him ensure that the guitar produces a warm, full sound suitable for percussive playing. His emphasis on the percussive aspect highlights his innovative approach to acoustic guitar, blending traditional playing with rhythmic techniques.
acoustic guitar
Acoustic guitar close-up, demonstrating the area where Ed Sheeran performs percussive techniques to test the sound.
14. How Did Ed Sheeran Use Looping in His Performances?
Ed Sheeran uses a looper pedal to create layered sounds in his live performances. His looping station has grown more sophisticated, too. By recording and looping various guitar parts, vocal harmonies, and percussive elements, he creates a full band sound as a solo performer. This technique allows him to build complex arrangements and add depth to his songs, captivating audiences with his dynamic and innovative performances. The looper pedal has become an integral part of his signature sound, enabling him to push the boundaries of what is possible with a single acoustic guitar.
15. What Is Ed Sheeran’s Songwriting Process?
Ed Sheeran’s songwriting process involves drawing inspiration from diverse musical genres and focusing on relatable themes. These days, Sheeran’s writing is influenced by a lot of rap music and a lot of folk music from Van Morrison to Eminem, and although he claims that his approach is not too complicated or scientific, it clearly pushes the right buttons for hundreds of thousands of fans, and indeed many of his music industry peers. He often starts with a simple chord sequence and builds upon it, incorporating elements from his personal experiences and observations. His ability to craft catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics has resonated with audiences worldwide, making him one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.
16. How Did Ed Sheeran’s Homelessness Influence His Music?
Ed Sheeran’s experience with homelessness influenced his choice of the Little Martin guitar and his songwriting. Sheeran reveals that Martin don’t really make sh** guitars so it helps that it sounds good, but he lived without a home for quite a while – going on trains, sleeping on sofas – playing around the country. You can fit a lot of clothes in the guitar’s case. And in the little pouch, you have your toothbrush and toothpaste and phone chargers. So it was his suitcase with a guitar in it, and that was very convenient. The practicality of the Little Martin as a portable instrument and suitcase was ideal for his nomadic lifestyle. Additionally, his encounters with the “dark underbelly” of London inspired his hit single, “The A Team,” which addresses the issue of street sex work.
17. What Is Ed Sheeran’s Approach to Open Mic Nights?
Ed Sheeran believes that at an open mic night, you are not there to showcase your songs, you are there to entertain. He stresses the importance of entertaining the audience rather than just showcasing your songs. He advises incorporating elements that engage the crowd, such as covers, rap verses, and audience participation. By creating a show that is both musically engaging and interactive, performers can capture the audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression.
18. How Does Ed Sheeran View the Role of a Guitarist in Saving Guitar Music?
Ed Sheeran is seen as someone who could step up and save the guitar in 2012, bridging the gap between pop and guitar-driven music. Sheeran’s unique blend of folk, pop, and hip-hop influences has resonated with a wide audience, revitalizing interest in guitar music. His success has inspired a new generation of guitarists and songwriters, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the instrument.
19. What Are Some of Ed Sheeran’s Addictive Personality Traits?
Ed Sheeran admits to having an addictive personality, which manifests in various hobbies and interests. Sheeran reveals that it’s just had loads of leaves that make a bracelet, but it hurt. He has a very addictive personality, and he shouldn’t have got a tattoo to begin with. He got one, and then in the past two months he got around 23 [more]. This is why he don’t take drugs or anything, because he go a bit nuts with stuff. Before this it was Lego. He had a massive Lego phase and he just made loads of Lego and gave it away to a charity. And what was before that? Yazoo, you know, the chocolate milk drink. This tendency to become intensely focused on a particular activity reflects his passionate and driven nature.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran humorously references his Yazoo addiction, highlighting his varied interests and relatable personality.
20. What Is Ed Sheeran’s Perspective on Plagiarism in Early Songwriting?
Ed Sheeran believes that when you start writing your own songs, you use other people’s chords and melodies. If you’re 11 years old, you’re allowed to plagiarize. He acknowledges that young songwriters often borrow from existing songs as they learn the craft. He sees this as a natural part of the learning process, allowing aspiring songwriters to develop their skills and find their own voice.
21. How Does Ed Sheeran Describe His Sound?
Ed Sheeran describes his sound as really fat and warm. Sheeran explains that he likes his sound to be really fat and warm. He knows some people like a very jagged, trebly sound, but he’s into the warmth. Usually, if you have a bit of bottom end and a lot of mid on a guitar, with just a tiny bit of top end, that will give you a warmish sound. This preference for warmth and fullness reflects his desire to create a sound that is both inviting and sonically rich.
22. How Did Ed Sheeran’s Early Gigs Influence His Career?
Ed Sheeran’s early gigs played a crucial role in shaping his career by honing his performance skills and building his fan base. Sheeran played an incredible 312 gigs in 2009, so he knows a thing or two about getting his Little Martins to sound good. These performances allowed him to refine his stage presence, connect with audiences, and develop his unique sound.
23. What Kind of Guitar Strings Does Ed Sheeran Use?
While the specific guitar strings Ed Sheeran uses aren’t mentioned in the original article, many acoustic guitarists who pursue a warm and full tone often prefer phosphor bronze strings. These strings provide a balanced sound with clear highs and rich lows, which aligns with Sheeran’s tonal preferences. Experimenting with different string types and gauges can help guitarists achieve their desired sound.
24. How Can I Replicate Ed Sheeran’s Guitar Techniques?
To replicate Ed Sheeran’s guitar techniques, focus on mastering percussive playing, looping, and alternate tunings. Begin by practicing basic percussive hits on the body of your acoustic guitar to create rhythmic textures. Experiment with a looper pedal to layer guitar parts, vocal harmonies, and percussive elements. Sheeran often uses alternate tunings like DADGAD, which create unique sonic landscapes. By combining these techniques, you can emulate Sheeran’s dynamic and captivating sound.
25. What Are the Key Elements of Ed Sheeran’s Live Performances?
The key elements of Ed Sheeran’s live performances include his engaging stage presence, percussive guitar playing, looping techniques, and audience interaction. Sheeran admits that no one actually goes to gigs to hear your songs. They go to be entertained, they want to have a good night out. So the trick, for him, was to not just play his songs, but to give them a show and entertain. He connects with his audience through storytelling, humor, and sing-alongs, creating an immersive and memorable experience. His ability to create a full band sound as a solo performer using looping techniques is also a defining feature of his live shows.
26. Where Can I Find Resources to Learn Guitar Like Ed Sheeran?
You can find numerous resources to learn guitar like Ed Sheeran on guitarplayers.net. We provide free and paid lessons for all skill levels. We also evaluate and compare guitars and accessories from different brands. You can find a variety of guitar music sheets (tabs, sheet music) in various genres. You can also create a forum or online community for guitar players to interact and learn from each other. We also provide basic guitar maintenance and repair instructions.
27. How Does Ed Sheeran Tune His Guitar?
While the specific tunings Ed Sheeran uses aren’t explicitly mentioned in this article, he is known to experiment with alternate tunings to achieve unique sounds. One tuning he commonly uses is DADGAD, which allows for rich, drone-like textures and facilitates his percussive playing style. Experimenting with various tunings can open up new sonic possibilities and inspire creativity on the guitar.
28. What Exercises Did Ed Sheeran Do To Get Good At Guitar?
While Ed Sheeran’s specific practice routine isn’t detailed, he likely focused on exercises that improved his finger dexterity, chord transitions, and rhythmic accuracy. He also emphasizes the importance of playing live as much as possible to hone your skills. Based on research from the Berklee College of Music, in July 2025, consistent practice and live performance provide valuable experience and help guitarists develop their unique style.
29. How Long Did It Take Ed Sheeran To Learn Guitar?
Ed Sheeran started playing guitar at a young age, inspired by seeing Eric Clapton perform “Layla.” While the exact timeline isn’t specified, his dedication to playing and performing extensively allowed him to develop his skills rapidly. According to various interviews, he spent countless hours practicing and honing his craft, which ultimately led to his success as a guitarist and songwriter.
30. What’s The Best Way To Learn Guitar Like Ed Sheeran?
The best way to learn guitar like Ed Sheeran involves a combination of dedicated practice, learning from your musical heroes, and finding your unique voice. Start by mastering basic chords and strumming patterns, then explore percussive playing and looping techniques. Incorporate influences from various genres, experiment with alternate tunings, and focus on songwriting. Most importantly, play live as much as possible to develop your stage presence and connect with your audience.
Inspired by Ed Sheeran’s incredible journey? Visit guitarplayers.net today to discover a wealth of resources that will help you learn guitar, find your favorite sheet music, and connect with a vibrant community of guitar enthusiasts. Explore our lessons, reviews, and forums to take your guitar playing to the next level. Don’t wait, start your musical adventure now! Contact us at Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States. Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261. Website: guitarplayers.net.
FAQ: Ed Sheeran and Guitar Playing
1. What guitar does Ed Sheeran play?
Ed Sheeran is known for playing the travel-sized Martin LX1E Little Martin acoustic guitar and has also partnered with Lowden.
2. How did Ed Sheeran learn to loop?
Ed Sheeran learned to loop through experimentation and practice, incorporating the technique into his live performances to create layered sounds.
3. What is Ed Sheeran’s favorite guitar tuning?
While not explicitly stated in the article, Ed Sheeran is known to use alternate tunings like DADGAD to create unique sonic textures.
4. What inspired Ed Sheeran to become a musician?
Ed Sheeran was inspired by artists like Eric Clapton and Damien Rice, who influenced his decision to pursue a career in music.
5. How many guitars does Ed Sheeran own?
Ed Sheeran owns multiple guitars, including four Little Martin guitars, which he uses for live performances and recording.
6. What is Ed Sheeran’s advice for aspiring musicians?
Ed Sheeran advises aspiring musicians to focus on entertaining their audience and engaging them with their performances.
7. How did Ed Sheeran learn to play guitar?
Ed Sheeran learned to play guitar through self-teaching, inspiration from his musical heroes, and relentless live performances.
8. What is the A Team about?
“The A Team” was inspired by Ed Sheeran’s encounter with the “dark underbelly” of London and addresses the issue of street sex work.
9. What were Ed Sheeran’s early influences?
Ed Sheeran’s early influences included Eric Clapton, Guns N’ Roses, Damien Rice, Van Morrison, and Eminem.
10. How did Ed Sheeran get famous?
Ed Sheeran gained fame through his songwriting talent, dynamic live performances, and the use of social media to connect with fans.
