The headline makers in the world of rock, or any genre of music, are the musicians.

It’s not the sound that comes out of their mouth that puts them on the radio (unless they’re a guitarist frontman) but it’s the music that’s got them to where they are. So, as a result, the instruments that create those iconic sounds are celebrated just as much.

It’s even more apparent how important the guitars are to rock music when you look at how Noir Disco covered Nickelback’s single “Rockstar.” Even though the pop duo doesn’t play the instruments, they’re front and center in their video. The instruments are famous, often just as much as the musicians, and in some cases they live long after the person who made the music has packed them away for good.

Over the years, some guitars have become the stuff of legend and folklore. It was a huge news story when Billy Corgan’s missing guitar was returned after two decades, and rightly so. The Smashing Pumpkins were an influential rock band, and Corgan was a man who made great music. His guitar isn’t the only one to be celebrated; so let’s tune in to those whose axes are as truly famous as their owners.

1. Eddie Van Halen – Ibanez Destroyer

One of the absolute gods of rock, Eddie Van Halen, was a huge fan of the Ibanez, and it’s what started him off on his road to becoming one of the best guitar players in the industry. He picked up his Ibanez Destroyer in the mid-70s as he started his career but going into the 80s; things changed somewhat. Slowly but surely, Van Halen’ upgraded’ his Destroyer, first by painting it white, then adding Stratocaster knobs. Later, his guitar of choice was a combination of many, including parts from Gibson, and it even had a Floyd Rose Tremolo. But his original choice, which first brought the music to the world, setting Van Halen on the road to success, was the Ibanez Destroyer.

2. Kurt Cobain – Fender Jaguar

Even now, one of the most influential musical figures, almost 20 years after his passing, is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Kurt Cobain. Cobain was arguably not only the voice of a generation but also his skill with the Fender Jaguar electric guitar was just as notable. With its worn body, in the hands of Cobain, the disheveled Fender was so iconic that it was even replicated by the guitar manufacturer and made available to fans and budding musicians. The Jaguar’s well-used look proved it didn’t need to be shiny to create sweet music and epitomized the words of their track, Come as You Are.

3. Neil Young – Gibson Les Paul

One of Rolling Stone magazine’s greatest ever guitarists, Neil Young, was so inspirational that he was said to have influenced the music of Cobain, and there’s no doubt what allured him was the sound coming from Young’s Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. Why? Because the now 76-year-old has been playing the same guitar since the 60s. Naturally, after traveling the world, playing to sold-out audiences, his instrument has needed some love and attention, but as Young still turns to it to play his signature tracks, it shows just how much it means to him.

4. Keith Richards – Fender Telecaster

Although the Rolling Stones legendary guitarist has a cast of thousands of guitars to choose from, there’s one that stands out beyond the rest. It’s his 1953 Fender Stratocaster that Richards called Wilson Micawber, after the character from Dicken’s David Copperfield. It was a 27th birthday present given to him by Eric Clapton, and it’s never really left his side since. After removing the E string and exploring the possibilities for open G tuning, Richards installed a Gibson PAF humbucker at the neck, a move which some say started the aftermarket for Fender modifications!

5. Jimmy Page – Gibson SG

Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven is undoubtedly a seminal track in the world of rock; even non-ardent followers of the genre instantly recognize its riff. However, to hit the right notes, you have to get hold of the double-necked Gibson EDS-1275 because if you don’t, you’ll be switching instruments! Having two necks allowed Page to play the bottom six strings for the opening, while the top six just put the rock cherry on the top.

Guitar Heroes

There you have it, five legends of the stage, and their legendary instruments, making five perfect pairs who have created musical magic that has stood the test of time. Still, a guitar is only as good as its player, so it shows that if you have the skills, you’ll be able to get a tune out of almost anything.