For those who have any interest in playing rock 'n roll at all, the one thing that is absolutely required for the position of rock 'n roll star is the guitar. Fundamental essentials instruments that drive the sound, the appearance, and many of the attitude that comprise rock music. As a result, there are lots of popular guitar brands to think about.
While the guitar certainly existed in the past of jazz, it remained merely an instrument in the rhythm section typically. Several artists stepped out with their stylings, Scotty Moore as being a good example, although not a lot of. Amplification was an attempt to compete with the blaring horn sections, and the instrument remained rather low key.
Then along came the intense application of electricity to strings, and rock and roll began its crawl to dominance in the worlds of popular music. As far as popularity goes, there's two brands that still stand "necks and frets" most importantly the remainder, and are exactly what the rest aspire to end up like. They are Gibson and Fender, respectively.
It had been the truly amazing Les Paul who pioneered the solid body electric guitar that people are all aware and love today. The problem was that the amplification of a hollow bodied version led to unwanted feedback and poor tone problems. Paul reasoned that through the elimination of the hollow body design that he could produce a wholly electric sound. He was proven absolutely correct, and the Gibson Les Paul that bears his name may be the highest in rock guitar royalty.
Managing a close second are Fender guitars. Following on the solid body designs, Leo Fender began his own type of guitars with positive results. They differ considerably from Gibsons because of their unique, and somewhat thinner, tone, but many players have elevated them in to the upper echelons of the rock hierarchy. Two of the noticably Fender players are Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen.
After the rock revolution was accomplished it would be a good time for other people to go in your competition. Some brands have experienced tremendous success themselves, largely due to their unique tones and construction styles. Rickenbacker made some great jangly guitars and were utilized by such great bands as the Beatles and also the Byrds. Gretsch makes fine instruments that have always found favor using the new bands set.
As things progressed guitars became a little more aggressive, with a few good sounds being made by some truly outlandish designs. BC Rich was a pioneer in flashy axes, and stays popular as a result. ESP is a market favorite, much like Kramer and Charvel. These later guitars will also be valued for being affordable, as the Gibsons and Fenders can be prohibitively expensive.
Rickenbacker Fireglo 4003 B**
Popular electric guitar brands have become so for very good reasons. One, they had a distinctive sound which was all their own, and that sound is still very good to the average listener. Second, they looked great, and all of rock 'n roll is all about image as much as other things. And the newer models can offer the traits without costing nearly as dearly. For anyone who wants to rock, you won't ever fail with a good guitar.