Best-known as David Bowie’s young and talented replacement for Mick Ronson in 1974, Earl Slick’s guitar was a key element in the sound of three of Bowie’s albums from that period: David Live (1974), Young Americans (1975) and Station To Station (1976).

According to Gibson, Slick’s favourite axe is his Les Paul Standard with Bigsby. He also plays a Classic Double Cutaway LP in bullion gold finish. "I have a very basic way of playing the guitar, and it's all emotion-based - that's the only way I know how to do it," Slick says. "I think it's just the essence of that, that street thing… it comes naturally to me, that's how I play the guitar."

Your votes:

“Earl Slick.” (Thanks, bbcoz)

"Earl Slick. Anyone who can take over from Mick Ronson deserves some love. Both legendary in their own right." (From Rick via email, thanks)

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