Double neck guitars, with their distinctive dual-neck design, have made appearances in various genres of music, leaving an indelible mark on the sonic landscape. These versatile instruments are often associated with epic rock anthems, progressive compositions, and unique musical expressions. In this article, we’ll explore some iconic songs that prominently feature double neck guitars.
1. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin:
Arguably one of the most famous uses of a double neck guitar in rock history, Jimmy Page used his Gibson EDS-1275 double neck guitar to perform the iconic arpeggio-driven introduction of “Stairway to Heaven.” The double neck allowed him to seamlessly switch between a twelve-string and a six-string neck, creating the song’s distinctive sound.
2. “Hotel California” by Eagles:
Don Felder of the Eagles employed a double neck guitar to perform the iconic twelve-string intro of “Hotel California.” The rich, jangly tones of the twelve-string neck added a haunting quality to the song’s unforgettable opening.
3. “YYZ” by Rush:
Alex Lifeson of Rush utilized a Gibson EDS-1275 double neck guitar for the live performances of “YYZ.” The double neck allowed him to switch between a standard six-string neck and a twelve-string neck, contributing to the song’s complex and progressive sound.
4. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd:
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd played a double neck guitar in live performances of “Wish You Were Here.” The combination of a standard six-string and a twelve-string neck added depth and resonance to the song’s acoustic elements.
5. “The Rover” by Led Zeppelin:
Jimmy Page’s use of a double neck guitar extended beyond “Stairway to Heaven.” In “The Rover,” he incorporated the instrument to transition between the song’s powerful rhythm section and its melodic lead parts seamlessly.
6. “2112” by Rush:
Alex Lifeson’s experimentation with double neck guitars continued in Rush’s epic suite “2112.” He utilized the instrument to create intricate and layered guitar parts that contributed to the song’s progressive and sci-fi-inspired soundscapes.
7. “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin:
In “Kashmir,” Jimmy Page again turned to his double neck guitar, allowing him to switch between the song’s driving riff on the six-string neck and its ethereal twelve-string section. The song’s majestic and grandiose sound owes much to the instrument’s versatility.
8. “The Spirit of Radio” by Rush:
Alex Lifeson’s use of the double neck guitar was a hallmark of Rush’s live performances. In “The Spirit of Radio,” he employed the instrument to deliver the song’s intricate chord progressions and dynamic changes.
9. “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen:
Eddie Van Halen famously used a Gibson EDS-1275 double neck guitar in the music video for “Hot for Teacher.” While the song primarily features a standard six-string guitar, the double neck added visual flair to the video’s high-energy performance.
10. “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC:
While not as prominent as in other songs on this list, Angus Young of AC/DC briefly used a double neck guitar in live performances of “You Shook Me All Night Long.” The instrument allowed him to transition between rhythm and lead parts seamlessly.
These iconic songs showcase the versatility and impact of double neck guitars in the world of music. Whether used to create lush acoustic textures or to seamlessly transition between rhythm and lead parts, these instruments have left an indelible mark on the history of rock and progressive music. They continue to inspire guitarists to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of sonic expression.
