6 times the legendary “Greeny” Gibson Les Paul was used to create electric guitar magic

Gary Moore, Peter Green and Kirk Hammett
(Image credit: Brian Rasic / Michael Putland / Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

In the annals of electric guitar history, few Gibson Les Pauls are as iconic as the one bearing the serial number 9 2208. That particular ‘59 Burst model is seen as one of the most legendary Les Pauls to ever exist, having passed through the hands of three iconic owners. We’re talking, of course, about the “Greeny” guitar.

Named after its first owner, Peter Green, the storied single-cut really needs no introduction. Acquired by the young English blues starlet around the time he was recruited to replace Eric Clapton full-time in John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers in 1966, the ‘59 Burst served Green faithfully throughout his all-too-brief musical career.

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Matt Owen

Matt is a Staff Writer, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Total Guitar. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 16 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt records for a number of UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.