The mid-'80s to early-'90s witnessed the arrival of many a great guitarist, but none more iconic than Slash - with his black top hat, low-slung Gibsons and off-the-cuff blues licks that infinitely felt more vocal than your typical guitar solos. And then, of course, was the fact he played in what was the world’s most dangerous rock ’n’ roll band.
Anyone who has caught them on their long-awaited Not In This Lifetime reunion tour will be able to attest they’ve lost none of that edge - though Slash has also been keeping incredibly busy with his solo band, featuring Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy on lead vocals.
Whether you’re hoping to recreate the early Appetite For Destruction sounds or delve into Slash’s more recent tones, here’s everything you need to know…
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Though he’s been known to dabble with guitars made by BC Rich, Fender, Guild and Travis Bean, there’s really only one guitar brand that comes to mind when we think of Slash. And while’s he been spotted with Flying Vs, ES-335s, Customs and Explorers, it’s the Les Paul Standards specifically he’s been most associated with - generally on stage with him for almost the entire set.
Ironically, the actual Les Paul used on some of the musician’s most legendary recordings, including virtually all of his parts on seminal debut Appetite For Destruction, was a 1959 replica built by late luthier Kris Derrig, fitted with Seymour Duncan Alnico II humbucking pickups.
No expense spared
On a budget
B.C. Rich Mockingbird
Outside of the Gibson world, the B.C. Rich Mockingbird is the only electric you’ll find Slash using on stage - on recent tours usually for songs like You Could Be Mine (which was recorded with one), Chinese Democracy, Sorry and their Black Hole Sun cover in tribute to Chris Cornell.
In fact, most of the guitarist’s parts for Appetite For Destruction were written on his B.C. Rich Mockingbird and Warlock, before manager Alan Niven turned up to the studio with that famous ’59 copy.
No expense spared
On a budget
Acoustics
The acoustic has also played a big part in the Guns N’ Roses hero’s sound over the years, from early songs like Patience and Used To Love Her, through the Slash’s Snakepit years into Velvet Revolver and his more recent exploits as a solo artist.
Initially, it was a Guild JF-30 dreadnought in his hands, though Slash has been spotted playing Gibsons, Martins, Matons and even Taylors at certain points.
No expense spared
On a budget
Amps
Though Marshall have always been a core staple of Slash’s sound, it’s worth noting many of his heads over the years - which have included JCM800s, Silver Jubilees, signature models and Vintage Moderns - were modded in some way.
More recently, he’s been linked with engineer and builder Dave Friedman, whose brand is famous for offering classic tones at the boutique end of the market. And though there have been rare moments in the studio where Slash has used a Vox AC30 and even a Fender combo, if you’ve ever seen the man on stage, it’s all about the Marshalls.
No expense spared
On a budget
Effects
Slash generally sticks to a more organic sound, utilizing the overdrive and reverb from the amp, and therefore isn’t hugely reliant on pedals - except for perhaps his Cry Baby wah and Boss Digital Delay.
For some extra color, he’ll kick in one of his MXR modulation pedals and, in more recent times, his signature MXR Octave Fuzz. But for most of the set, in both of the bands he’s currently touring with, you’re just hearing a Les Paul and a Marshall - sure, there might be a noise gate or EQ in between, but virtually all of the tone is coming from the guitar and the amp.
