Meet the legendary Gibson SG, an iconic Gibson electric guitar born in 1961. Originally a radical redesign of the Les Paul, this instantly recognizable electric guitar quickly carved its own path with its sharp double-cutaway horns and super thin mahogany body. Known for a blazing-fast neck, the SG (short for "Solid Guitar") offered a fresh look and amazing playability. It wasn't just another model from the famous makers of Gibson guitars; it became a rock staple. Evolving with variations like the Standard and Special, featuring powerful humbuckers or punchy P-90s, its lightweight design and easy upper-fret access made it a game changer for countless players looking for standout Gibson electrics.
Why Choose This Iconic Gibson Electric Guitar?
So, what's the SG sound like? Think powerful, cutting tone that slices through any mix – perfect for rock,
blues and metal. That light body and slim neck aren't just for looks; they make this electric guitar
incredibly comfortable to play, whether you're jamming for hours or commanding attention on stage. From the
crunch of AC/DC's “Back in Black” to the heavy metal thunder of Black Sabbath's “Paranoid” and the psychedelic
swirl of Cream's “Sunshine of Your Love,” the SG sound literally powered generations of rock anthems. Owning a
Gibson SG means tapping into that rich history.
It's more than just one of the truly great electric
guitars; it’s a comfortable, stylish and iconic rock machine ready to unleash your sound.
Key Recognizable Gibson SG Features:
Iconic double cutaway: The signature sharp "horns"
Thin mahogany body: Lightweight, resonant and comfortable
Slim, fast neck profile: Built for speed and easy playing
Excellent upper-fret access: Effortlessly reach the highest notes
Cons: Potential for neck dive (balance point); tone can be very mid-focused/aggressive; angled headstock vulnerability (like many Gibsons); historically, some hardware less stable than modern versions
Wielded by Legends, Ready for You
Step into the legacy of the Gibson SG, the chosen electric guitar of icons, such as Angus Young, Tony Iommi, Pete Townshend, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Derek Trucks. These legends harnessed the SG's power and unmistakable attitude. Now, you can too. Browse our complete selection of Gibson SG models—from vintage reissues to modern workhorses—and find the perfect SG to ignite your own musical journey.
The Gibson SG is an instrument that needs no introduction, but it certainly deserves one all the same. First introduced in 1961 as a revision of the iconic Les Paul, this instrument was destined to become the best-selling Gibson guitar of all time. What was its secret? A few design changes, for starters. The SG's thin, flat-topped mahogany body made it comfortable and nimble to play. The repositioned neck joint improved access to the highest frets. And maybe most importantly of all, it used a slim neck profile that Gibson called the "fastest neck in the world" - and they just may have been right about that. All in all, the original Gibson SG (at that point still called the Les Paul) was a breath of fresh air in the guitar world.
As impressive as the instrument was, Les Paul himself was unhappy with seeing his name on a design that wasn't his. So Gibson renamed the guitar the SG (for "solid guitar"), giving this legendary axe the identity it still carries today. The quintessential Gibson SG is the Standard, and you'll find more than a few of those in this section, such as the SG Standard 120th Anniversary Electric Guitar in honor of Gibson's 120th birthday. Looking for a leftie version? Check out the Gibson SG Standard Left-Handed Electric Guitar with P-90 Pickups for a personalized option.
Of course, if the Standard isn't quite up your alley, there are plenty of other SGs here to tempt you. Consider the Gibson SG Original 2 Electric Guitar, for instance: with its slender neck and and Lyre vibrato, it's designed to be a perfect recreation of the original 1961 model. Maybe you'd like to indulge your taste for bass rumble instead? If that's the case, take a look at the Gibson SG Special 2014 Electric Bass Guitar. It brings back the Gibson "Golden Era" with a design carried forward directly from the '61 revision of the original EB0.
If you're looking for an instrument that's a symbol of all things rock, you're looking for a Gibson SG. Whether that means a guitar or bass, Standard or Special, you can find what you need right here in these pages. The SG is Gibson's most widespread guitar for a reason, and if you don't already have one of these axes in your collection (or if you're longing for another), this is the perfect time to take one home.