Before any Willie Nelson concert begins, there’s a palpable buzz in the audience. It’s the moment when Tunin’ Tom Hawkins, Willie’s guitar technician of many years, brings out his iconic guitar, placing it center stage. Fans flock to the front, cameras flashing, all eager to capture a glimpse of this legendary instrument. This is the power of Trigger, Willie Nelson’s guitar name and a symbol as recognizable as the country music icon himself.
Trigger isn’t just any guitar; it’s a well-worn, autograph-laden Martin N-20 acoustic guitar that has been Willie Nelson’s steadfast companion for decades. Featured in the Rolling Stone Films documentary series “Mastering the Craft,” presented by Patrón, Trigger’s incredible story is unveiled. Through interviews with Nelson, his band, crew, friends like Jerry Jeff Walker, journalist Joe Nick Patoski, and narrated by fan Woody Harrelson, the documentary, directed by MaggieVision Productions and David Chamberlin, explores how this single instrument played a pivotal role in shaping music history.
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The story of how Willie Nelson discovered Trigger is intertwined with a turning point in his career. By 1969, Nelson was navigating the complexities of Nashville, striving for mainstream solo success. Fate intervened when a drunken incident resulted in the destruction of his Guild acoustic guitar. This mishap led him on a quest for a new sound, one inspired by his admiration for gypsy-jazz legend Django Reinhardt. “I think he was the best guitar player ever,” Nelson states in the documentary, highlighting Reinhardt’s influence. Acting on a suggestion from Shot Jackson, he opted for a Martin classical “gut-string” guitar, purchasing it without even seeing it first. It was then that Willie Nelson Guitar Name tradition began for this instrument, christening it “Trigger.” As Nelson explains, “I named my guitar Trigger because it’s kind of my horse. Roy Rogers had a horse called Trigger.” The name reflected the deep bond and essential role the guitar would play in his life, akin to a loyal steed.
Later that same year, a house fire further cemented the bond between Nelson and Trigger. Amidst the chaos, Nelson risked everything to save two things: Trigger and, humorously, a pound of marijuana. Interpreting the fire as a sign for change, Nelson returned to his Texas roots, embracing the honky-tonk scene where he first started. Texas offered a more diverse and unrestrained musical environment, allowing Nelson to flourish and challenge the conventional boundaries of acoustic guitar playing. Joe Nick Patoski points out in the documentary, “No acoustic guitar at that time had been successfully amplified with a pickup.” Willie Nelson, with Trigger, was pioneering a distinctive sound that was uniquely his own, setting him apart in the music landscape.
Trigger has remained Willie Nelson’s constant companion ever since, witnessing every milestone from the legendary Fourth of July Picnics in Texas starting in 1972, to his groundbreaking album Red Headed Stranger, and navigating through challenging times, including when the IRS seized his assets in the early 1990s. Even then, Nelson’s priority was Trigger’s safety; he entrusted his daughter, Lana, to hide the guitar in Hawaii, ensuring its protection. Decades of relentless playing have left their mark on Trigger, most notably a significant hole worn through the guitar’s front by Nelson’s pick. Joe Nick Patoski marvels in the film, “My God! How do they keep that thing together?! I mean, it shouldn’t be playable.” Willie Nelson’s characteristic response encapsulates his relationship with Trigger: “I don’t want to put a guard over it,” he says with a smile. “I need a place to put my fingers.” This hole, far from being a flaw, is a testament to their shared history and an integral part of Trigger’s identity.
After over half a century together, Willie Nelson and Trigger continue their musical journey. Reflecting on their enduring partnership, Nelson muses, “I figure we’ll give out about the same time.” He affectionately acknowledges their shared wear and tear: “We’re both pretty old, got a few scars here and there, but we still manage to make a sound every now and then.” This enduring bond between Willie Nelson and his guitar, Trigger, is a remarkable story of musical partnership, resilience, and the profound connection between an artist and his instrument.
