21 Most Iconic Famous Double Neck Guitar Players of All Time

The double-neck guitar, with its distinctive design and dual functionality, has long been a symbol of virtuosity and versatility in rock music. This unique instrument, often associated with iconic performances and complex compositions, allows guitarists to switch between different tunings, tones, and string configurations seamlessly.

Over the years, a select group of guitarists has made the double-neck guitar their signature, using it to craft some of the most memorable moments in music history. From the soaring solos of Jimmy Page to the intricate arrangements of Alex Lifeson, these famous double-neck guitar players have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on the instrument.

This article delves into the careers of these legendary musicians, exploring how they’ve used the double-neck guitar to create unforgettable sounds and leave a lasting impact on the world of music.

21 Most Popular Famous Double Neck Guitar Players That Shaped Guitar Culture

These guitarists have each made significant contributions to music, using the double-neck guitar to enhance their sound and showcase their technical abilities.

Here’s a list of 21 famous double neck guitar players, known for their skill and iconic performances with the instrument:

#1 Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

Jimmy Page is one of the most iconic and influential guitarists in rock history, best known as the guitarist and co-founder of Led Zeppelin. Born in 1944 in England, Page began his career as a session musician, quickly gaining a reputation for his versatility and skill. In 1968, he formed Led Zeppelin, which became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. Page is renowned for his innovative use of the double-neck guitar, particularly the Gibson EDS-1275, which he famously used to perform Stairway to Heaven live, allowing him to seamlessly switch between 6-string and 12-string parts.

His ability to blend blues, folk, and hard rock elements, combined with his pioneering use of studio techniques, has made him a seminal figure in rock music. Page’s influence extends beyond Led Zeppelin, as he has inspired countless guitarists with his riffs, solos, and overall approach to guitar playing.

#2 Don Felder (Eagles)

Don Felder is an American rock guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work with the Eagles, one of the best-selling bands in history. Born in 1947 in Gainesville, Florida, Felder joined the Eagles in 1974, bringing a harder rock edge to the band’s sound. He is most famous for co-writing the classic rock anthem Hotel California and playing its iconic dual-guitar solo, which he performed live using a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar.

Felder’s contributions to the Eagles helped shape the band’s sound during its most successful period, particularly on albums like Hotel California and The Long Run. After leaving the band in 1980 and later again in 2001 after a reunion, Felder pursued a solo career, releasing albums like Airborne and Road to Forever. Despite the controversies surrounding his departure from the Eagles, Felder’s influence on rock music, particularly through his work on Hotel California, remains significant.

#3 Alex Lifeson (Rush)

Alex Lifeson is a Canadian guitarist and founding member of the progressive rock band Rush, one of the most successful and influential bands in the genre. Born in 1953 in Fernie, British Columbia, Lifeson formed Rush in 1968 with Geddy Lee and John Rutsey, later replaced by Neil Peart. Lifeson is known for his innovative guitar work, blending intricate riffs with complex time signatures and effects, making him a key figure in the development of progressive rock.

He frequently used a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar in live performances, particularly on songs like Xanadu and The Trees, where the dual-neck allowed him to switch between different guitar tones seamlessly. Lifeson’s ability to combine technical proficiency with emotional depth has made him one of the most respected guitarists in rock. His work with Rush, particularly on albums like 2112, Moving Pictures, and Hemispheres, has earned him a place among the greatest guitarists of all time.

#4 Steve Howe (Yes)

Steve Howe is an English guitarist best known for his work with the progressive rock band Yes, where his eclectic playing style and use of various guitars have been central to the band’s sound. Born in London in 1947, Howe joined Yes in 1970, just as the band was transitioning from a straightforward rock band to one of the pioneers of progressive rock. Howe’s use of the Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar allowed him to play complex compositions that required quick shifts between 6-string and 12-string guitars, as seen in songs like And You and I and Awaken.

His ability to incorporate classical, jazz, and country influences into rock music has made him a unique and influential guitarist. Howe’s contributions to albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Relayer have cemented his status as one of the foremost guitarists in progressive rock, and his work with Yes has inspired generations of musicians.

#5 John McLaughlin (Mahavishnu Orchestra)

John McLaughlin is a British guitarist and composer, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in jazz and rock music. Born in Yorkshire in 1942, McLaughlin began his career as a session musician in London before moving to the United States, where he became a key figure in the jazz fusion movement. He is best known for his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, a pioneering jazz-rock fusion band that combined the intensity of rock with the complexity of jazz.

McLaughlin frequently used a double-neck guitar, particularly in live performances, to execute the complex, rapid-fire passages that defined the band’s sound. His virtuosic playing, blending elements of Indian classical music, blues, and rock, has made him a major influence on guitarists across multiple genres. McLaughlin’s work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, as well as his collaborations with artists like Miles Davis and Carlos Santana, have solidified his place as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of modern music.

#6 Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

Richie Sambora is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band Bon Jovi. Born in 1959 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Sambora joined Bon Jovi in 1983 and played a crucial role in the band’s rise to fame during the 1980s and 1990s. His guitar work, characterized by melodic solos and powerful riffs, helped define the band’s sound on hits like Livin’ on a Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive, and You Give Love a Bad Name.

Sambora often used a double-neck guitar during live performances, particularly on Wanted Dead or Alive, where he would switch between 6-string and 12-string guitars to replicate the studio sound. In addition to his work with Bon Jovi, Sambora has released several solo albums, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter. His contributions to Bon Jovi’s success have made him one of the most recognizable guitarists in rock, and his influence continues to be felt across the genre.

#7 Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave)

Tom Morello is an American guitarist known for his innovative use of effects, unconventional techniques, and politically charged music. Born in 1964 in Harlem, New York, Morello rose to prominence as the guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, where his unique blend of rock, hip-hop, and funk became a defining feature of the band’s sound. Morello is recognized for his experimental approach to guitar, using effects pedals, tapping, and feedback to create sounds that mimic turntables and synthesizers.

He used a double-neck guitar in songs like The Ghost of Tom Joad and Like a Stone during his time with Audioslave, allowing him to switch between different tunings and tones seamlessly. After Rage Against the Machine disbanded, Morello continued to explore new musical territories with Audioslave and his solo project, The Nightwatchman, blending rock with folk and protest music. His contributions to modern rock have earned him critical acclaim and a reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists of his generation.

#8 Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick)

Rick Nielsen is an American guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the rock band Cheap Trick, known for his flamboyant stage presence and eclectic collection of guitars. Born in 1948 in Rockford, Illinois, Nielsen formed Cheap Trick in 1973, where his quirky personality and catchy, power-pop guitar riffs helped define the band’s sound. Nielsen is famous for his extensive guitar collection, which includes several custom-made double-neck guitars.

His use of the double-neck guitar, particularly his iconic five-neck guitar, has become a signature part of Cheap Trick’s live performances. Nielsen’s playing is characterized by its sharp, melodic hooks and a blend of rock, punk, and pop influences. He is also the primary songwriter for Cheap Trick, contributing to hits like I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, and Dream Police. Nielsen’s contributions to rock music, combined with his distinctive stage presence and love for unusual guitars, have made him one of the most recognizable figures in the rock world.

#9 Slash (Guns N’ Roses)

Slash, born Saul Hudson in 1965, is a British-American guitarist best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band Guns N’ Roses. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, known for his iconic riffs, bluesy solos, and signature top hat. Slash’s guitar work on albums like Appetite for Destruction and Use Your Illusion has left an indelible mark on rock music. He famously used a double-neck guitar during live performances of songs like Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, allowing him to switch between rhythm and lead parts effortlessly.

After leaving Guns N’ Roses in the mid-1990s, Slash formed the supergroup Velvet Revolver and later pursued a successful solo career, collaborating with a wide range of artists across genres. His unmistakable sound, characterized by its raw energy and expressive bends, continues to inspire guitarists worldwide. Slash’s influence on rock guitar is profound, and his contributions to Guns N’ Roses’ success have solidified his place as a rock legend.

#10 Mike Rutherford (Genesis)

Mike Rutherford is an English musician and a founding member of the progressive rock band Genesis, where he served as the bassist, guitarist, and occasional vocalist. Born in 1950 in Guildford, England, Rutherford played a crucial role in shaping Genesis’s sound, particularly during the band’s transition from progressive rock to more commercial pop in the 1980s. He often used a double-neck guitar/bass during live performances, allowing him to play bass on one neck and guitar on the other, particularly on songs like Supper’s Ready and The Carpet Crawlers.

Rutherford’s ability to switch between instruments and his melodic sense of rhythm helped define Genesis’s complex, layered sound. In addition to his work with Genesis, Rutherford formed the band Mike + The Mechanics, achieving commercial success with hits like The Living Years and All I Need Is a Miracle. His versatility as a musician and songwriter has made him a key figure in both progressive rock and pop music, contributing to the success of one of the most influential bands of the 1970s and 1980s.

#11 Geddy Lee (Rush)

Geddy Lee is a Canadian musician, best known as the lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the progressive rock band Rush. Born in 1953 in Toronto, Lee joined Rush in 1968, and the band quickly became one of the most successful and influential progressive rock bands in history. Lee is renowned for his high-pitched vocals, complex bass lines, and multi-instrumental abilities, often playing bass, keyboards, and singing simultaneously during live performances.

He occasionally used a double-neck bass/guitar to handle the intricate parts of Rush’s more complex songs, particularly during live performances where he needed to switch between instruments quickly. Lee’s contributions to Rush’s sound, along with his technical proficiency and creative songwriting, have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lee’s influence extends beyond Rush, as he has inspired countless bassists and musicians with his innovative approach to music and his ability to push the boundaries of rock and progressive music.

#12 Neil Schon (Journey)

Neil Schon is an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band Journey. Born in 1954 in Oklahoma City, Schon was a guitar prodigy who joined Santana at the age of 15 before forming Journey in 1973. Schon’s playing is characterized by its melodic solos, smooth tone, and a blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences, which have become a defining feature of Journey’s sound.

He occasionally used a double-neck guitar during live performances to create the rich, layered sound for which Journey is known. Schon’s contributions to Journey’s success, particularly on albums like Escape and Frontiers, have made him one of the most respected guitarists in rock. In addition to his work with Journey, Schon has collaborated with a wide range of artists and released several solo albums, showcasing his versatility as a musician. His influence on rock guitar, particularly in the arena rock genre, is significant, and his melodic style continues to inspire guitarists worldwide.

#13 Joe Perry (Aerosmith)

Joe Perry is an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Aerosmith. Born in 1950 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Perry is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, known for his raw, bluesy playing style and powerful riffs. He played a key role in shaping Aerosmith’s sound, contributing to hits like Dream On, Walk This Way, and Sweet Emotion.

Perry has occasionally used a double-neck guitar during live performances, particularly on songs that require both rhythm and lead parts. His dynamic stage presence and unmistakable sound have made him a rock icon. In addition to his work with Aerosmith, Perry has released solo albums and collaborated with other artists, including the supergroup Hollywood Vampires, alongside Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp. Perry’s contributions to rock music have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his influence on generations of guitarists is undeniable.

#14 Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)

Eddie Van Halen was a Dutch-American guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the rock band Van Halen, widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Born in 1955 in Amsterdam, Van Halen moved to California with his family as a child, where he began playing guitar and eventually formed Van Halen with his brother Alex. Eddie’s innovative guitar techniques, including tapping, harmonics, and rapid fingerpicking, revolutionized rock guitar and set a new standard for technical proficiency.

He occasionally used a double-neck guitar in live performances, adding to the complexity and intensity of Van Halen’s sound. His work on albums like Van Halen, 1984, and 5150 brought the band massive commercial success and solidified his status as a guitar virtuoso. Van Halen’s influence extends far beyond his work with the band, as he inspired countless guitarists with his groundbreaking techniques and approach to guitar playing. His passing in 2020 marked the end of an era, but his legacy as one of rock’s greatest guitarists lives on.

#15 Steve Vai

Steve Vai is an American guitarist, composer, and producer, renowned for his technical proficiency, innovative techniques, and virtuosic performances. Born in 1960 in New York, Vai began his career as a transcriptionist for Frank Zappa and later joined Zappa’s band, where he honed his skills as a guitarist. Vai’s solo career took off in the 1980s with albums like Flex-Able and Passion and Warfare, which showcased his mastery of guitar techniques such as two-handed tapping, whammy bar tricks, and intricate legato runs.

Vai is known for his use of custom-made double-neck guitars, which he has used in both live performances and recordings to create complex, layered sounds. In addition to his solo work, Vai has collaborated with numerous artists across genres, including David Lee Roth and Whitesnake. His contributions to guitar music have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

#16 James Hetfield (Metallica)

James Hetfield is an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and co-founder of the heavy metal band Metallica. Born in 1963 in California, Hetfield is recognized for his powerful voice, aggressive down-picking style, and his role as one of the primary songwriters for Metallica. His guitar work is integral to Metallica’s sound, characterized by heavy, palm-muted riffs, fast tempos, and tight, complex rhythms.

Hetfield has occasionally used a double-neck guitar during live performances, particularly for songs that require both standard and drop tunings, allowing him to seamlessly switch between the two. Under Hetfield’s leadership, Metallica became one of the most successful and influential metal bands in history, with landmark albums like Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, and The Black Album. Hetfield’s influence extends beyond metal, as his approach to rhythm guitar has shaped the playing style of countless guitarists across genres.

#17 Kirk Hammett (Metallica)

Kirk Hammett is an American guitarist best known as the lead guitarist for Metallica, where his melodic solos and creative use of effects have become a defining feature of the band’s sound. Born in 1962 in San Francisco, Hammett began his career with the thrash metal band Exodus before joining Metallica in 1983, just before the recording of their debut album, Kill ‘Em All. Hammett’s solos are characterized by their speed, technical precision, and emotional intensity, often incorporating techniques like tapping, sweeping, and wah-wah effects.

He has occasionally used a double-neck guitar during live performances, especially for songs that require different tunings or complex arrangements. Hammett’s contributions to Metallica’s success, particularly on albums like …And Justice for All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets, have earned him a place among the greatest guitarists in metal. His work continues to influence guitarists in both metal and rock, making him a central figure in the genre’s development.

#18 Pat Smear (Foo Fighters)

Pat Smear is an American guitarist known for his work with the punk band The Germs, the grunge band Nirvana, and the rock band Foo Fighters. Born Georg Ruthenberg in 1959 in Los Angeles, Smear began his career in the late 1970s as a member of The Germs, a seminal band in the Los Angeles punk scene. After the disbandment of The Germs, Smear joined Nirvana as a touring guitarist in 1993, contributing to the band’s iconic MTV Unplugged performance.

Following Kurt Cobain’s death and the dissolution of Nirvana, Smear became a founding member of Foo Fighters alongside Dave Grohl. Smear’s guitar work in Foo Fighters is characterized by its raw energy, powerful riffs, and a punk-influenced approach that complements the band’s melodic rock sound. He has occasionally used a double-neck guitar during live performances, adding depth to the band’s multi-layered sound. Smear’s contributions to punk, grunge, and rock music have made him a respected figure in the music industry, known for his distinctive style and his role in some of the most influential bands of the past few decades.

#19 Peter Frampton

Peter Frampton is a British-American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known for his live album Frampton Comes Alive!, which became one of the best-selling live albums of all time. Born in 1950 in Beckenham, England, Frampton began his career as a member of the bands The Herd and Humble Pie before embarking on a successful solo career in the early 1970s. Frampton is recognized for his melodic playing, use of the talk box effect, and his ability to craft catchy, guitar-driven rock songs.

He frequently used a double-neck guitar during live performances, particularly to switch between rhythm and lead parts without changing guitars. Frampton Comes Alive! featured hits like Show Me the Way and Baby, I Love Your Way, which showcased his guitar skills and cemented his status as a rock icon. Frampton’s influence on rock music, particularly in the 1970s, remains significant, and his work continues to inspire guitarists around the world.

#20 Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

Dave Mustaine is an American musician, best known as the founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the thrash metal band Megadeth. Born in 1961 in La Mesa, California, Mustaine began his career as the original lead guitarist for Metallica before being dismissed from the band in 1983. He went on to form Megadeth, where he developed a distinctive playing style characterized by complex rhythms, aggressive riffs, and fast solos.

Mustaine has occasionally used a double-neck guitar during live performances, allowing him to switch between different tunings and lead and rhythm parts seamlessly. Under Mustaine’s leadership, Megadeth became one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, with albums like Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, Rust in Peace, and Countdown to Extinction becoming classics of the genre. Mustaine’s influence on metal guitar is immense, with his technical proficiency, songwriting skills, and pioneering role in thrash metal making him one of the most respected figures in heavy metal music.

#21 Daron Malakian (System of a Down)

Daron Malakian is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist, songwriter, and co-vocalist for the alternative metal band System of a Down. Born in 1975 in Hollywood, California, Malakian is recognized for his unique approach to guitar playing, blending elements of metal, punk, Middle Eastern music, and avant-garde influences. His riffs and solos are often characterized by their off-kilter rhythms, unusual scales, and dynamic shifts, which contribute to System of a Down’s distinctive sound.

Malakian has used a double-neck guitar in live performances to switch between different tunings and guitar parts, particularly for songs that require a wide range of tones and styles. His contributions to System of a Down’s success, particularly on albums like Toxicity, Mezmerize, and Hypnotize, have made him one of the most innovative guitarists in modern metal. In addition to his work with System of a Down, Malakian has pursued side projects, including Scars on Broadway, further showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which guitarist popularized the use of the double-neck guitar with the iconic song Stairway to Heaven?

Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin popularized the use of the double-neck guitar with his performance of Stairway to Heaven. The dual-neck allowed him to seamlessly switch between the 12-string and 6-string parts during live performances.

Who played the double-neck guitar on the Eagles’ hit Hotel California?

Don Felder played the double-neck guitar on the Eagles’ hit Hotel California, delivering the song’s iconic dual-guitar solos. The double-neck allowed him to perform both the 12-string and 6-string parts live.

Which progressive rock guitarist is known for using a double-neck guitar in the band Rush?

Alex Lifeson of Rush is known for using a double-neck guitar, particularly on songs like Xanadu and The Trees. This allowed him to switch between different guitar tones and tunings seamlessly during complex performances.

Which guitarist used a double-neck guitar for live performances of Wanted Dead or Alive?

Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi used a double-neck guitar during live performances of Wanted Dead or Alive. The double-neck allowed him to easily switch between 6-string and 12-string parts, replicating the studio sound in live shows.