What Guitar Did George Harrison Use? The Beatles Guitars That Shaped His Sound

March 7, 2026

What Guitar Did George Harrison Use?

George Harrison used a variety of guitars during his career with The Beatles, many of which became iconic instruments in the history of rock music.

His choices of guitars helped define the band's evolving sound during the 1960s.

One of Harrison's most important early instruments was the Gretsch Country Gentleman, which he began using in 1963.

This guitar can be heard on many recordings from the period of early Beatlemania.

Perhaps Harrison's most influential instrument was the Rickenbacker 360/12 twelve-string guitar.

The bright, chiming sound of this instrument became a defining element of Beatles recordings such as:

The guitar also influenced many later rock musicians.

In the mid-1960s Harrison also used a Gibson SG, which appeared in several studio recordings and performances.

By the late 1960s Harrison frequently played a Fender Stratocaster, including during the Let It Be recording sessions.

This instrument can be seen prominently in the famous 1969 rooftop concert.