The 5 guitars that shaped Slash’s legendary tone

In the universe of rock guitar heroes, few figures shine as brightly as Slash. His iconic top hat, wild curls and low-slung Les Paul became symbols of rock rebellion — but the true heart of his sound lies in the instruments he chose along the way.

From Guns N’ Roses to Velvet Revolver to his solo career, Slash crafted a sonic identity that millions of players worldwide try to recreate. And behind every famous riff stands a guitar with its own story.

Here are the five instruments that left the biggest mark on his career — retold in a fresh, modern way based on years of interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.

1. The Kris Derrig Les Paul — the miracle that saved Appetite for Destruction

During the final stage of recording Appetite for Destruction, Slash found himself in a crisis: his guitars simply didn’t sound right.

Then GN’R’s manager arrived with a handmade replica of a ’59 Les Paul built by luthier Kris Derrig — and everything fell into place.

Slash later described it as:

“A perfect gift from above.”

The guitar became his main studio tool for decades. It’s sensitive, aging and moody, but Slash still calls it:

“My number one, tone-wise.”

2. “Jessica” — the factory-second Les Paul that became a touring warhorse

In 1987 Gibson offered Slash two discounted Les Paul Standards — because, as Slash jokes:

“I was a nobody back then, so they let me have them at cost!”

Jessica, with her unusual three-piece maple top, became a cornerstone of his touring setup. Even after suffering a broken headstock, she remains a constant presence onstage.

Jessica and her “sister” Stephanie anchor most of the Appetite-era material live to this day.

3. The ultra-rare Korina Flying V — responsible for the iconic Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door solo

During the Use Your Illusion era, Slash went hunting for inspiration and ended up buying three original late-’50s Korina instruments — including a Flying V that would become central to one of his most emotional solos.

He recalls dropping by the studio briefly and recording the entire solo in a single take:

“That guitar just felt unstoppable in my hands.”

Vintage Korina guitars are incredibly rare and astronomically expensive, making this one of the crown jewels of his collection.

4. The BC Rich Mockingbird — Slash’s go-to tremolo weapon

Despite being associated almost exclusively with Gibson, Slash has always embraced variety.
One of his most distinctive non-Les-Paul guitars is a bright red BC Rich Mockingbird he bought from someone in a Hollywood club.

It quickly became the “tremolo guitar” for GN’R and was heavily featured in the You Could Be Mine video and Velvet Revolver tours.

“Any time I needed a whammy bar, that was the guitar I grabbed.”

5. The black Gibson Double-Neck — the Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door live icon

Slash acquired this used double-neck in the ’90s, already refinished in sleek black. It became essential onstage for songs that needed both six-string power and twelve-string shimmer.

The model became so closely associated with him that Gibson eventually released a limited-run reissue through the Custom Shop.

“It was integral to the band’s sound for those tracks.”

How to recreate Slash’s tone at home

You don't need a museum-level guitar collection to capture that signature sound. His tone usually includes:

• a Les-Paul style guitar with humbuckers
• a warm yet aggressive tube amp
• a touch of reverb
• a thick, sustaining overdrive

From budget models to high-end Gibson Custom Shop instruments, there are options for every player.

🎸 Slash’s guitars aren’t just tools — they’re partners in his musical journey

Each one has played a defining role in shaping the sound that made him a global rock icon.

Our video All Gibson Slash signature guitars from 1989 to 2022