Music is one of those universal things that bring people together. It is an art form of and for the masses, and a song can be a time capsule of both personal and collective memory.

The musical instrument that most readily carries memory and feeling across generations — and without a doubt the rock star of instruments — is the guitar. From the blues and rockabilly riffs of Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly to the explosive sounds of heavy metal and grunge, guitars have defined music for over a century.

It’s easy to see why people take the guitar very seriously. (There’s even an annual Air Guitar World Championship. Read about it in our book Bizarre Competitions.)

A talented guitarist can bring their band world renown, and some of the greatest guitarists are also great collectors of guitars, including Keith Richards and Neil Young.

For his new book Guitars & Heroes, musician and music historian Julien Bitoun brings together the greatest guitarists and their instruments in a visual feast of vintage photography, music trivia, and cultural history.

Whether you’re a music lover, a history buff, or a straight-up guitar geek, Guitars & Heroes lets you indulge in a deep dive into the history of modern music — or just enjoy a moment of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia.

Take a look inside here, and see if you recognize some of the world’s most famous guitars.

 

 

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Get the book:

 Guitars & Heroes