G is for… Gibson Les Paul

It’s hard to imagine that the mighty slab of tone that is the Les Paul was once so unloved by the guitar playing public that Gibson actually discontinued it. Fools!

Yep, the Les Paul range was dropped from the Gibson catalogue in 1960 to be replaced with the SG model (also briefly known as the Les Paul). That might have been the end of the old workhorse if guitarists like Keith Richards (who bought a ’59 Les Paul Standard in 1964), Peter Green, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton hadn’t fallen in love with the guitar’s tone.

Thanks to demand the Les Paul Standard and Custom models were reintroduced in 1968, but vintage Lesters from 1958-60 are the holy grail, with all-original examples known to sell for as much as $1 million.

G is also for… Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl

Originally recorded by Sonny Boy Williamson in 1937, Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl has been covered countless times since. There are versions out there by Jonny Lang, Chuck Berry, Taj Mahal and many more.