Les Paul was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on June 9, 1915 to George and Evelyn Polsfuss. He began performing and singing country music at age thirteen, using his guitar and a harmonica for accompaniment. Somewhere along the way he decided to change his name from Les Polfuss to Les Paul (probably because it's much easier to remember.)
Back in 1948, Les severely injured his right arm in a near fatal car accident. Doctors said he would never regain movement in his elbow, but Les was not deterred. Instead, he had the doctors set his elbow at a 90 degree angle so he could still play the guitar. Now that's what I call determination!
Watch this Les Paul & Chet Atkins Video:
Among the many things attributed to Les Paul are...
Recording Innovations:
- overdubbing
- delay effects
- phase effect
- Multi track recording
Unique Playing Style Innovations:
- licks
- trills
- chord sequences
- fretting techniques
- timing
Of course one of the things he's most famous for is his contribution to the development of the Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar. Les was one of the first people to design and build a solid-body electric guitar.
He built "The Log" (his electric guitar prototype) in 1939 and tried to convince the Gibson Company to manufacture an electric solid-body based on his model. They weren't interested at first, but quickly changed their mind after the Fender company began producing solid-body electrics of their own.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard has since become a popular model which has been played by many famous musicians, including Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. The Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty is one of my very favorite guitars- the name says it all.
You'll be amazed at the price difference between a slightly worn model and one in perfect condition...
Les Paul Standard Worn Series
There's also quite a difference in price between a "copy" and "the real thing"...
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Though I can't afford "the real thing" right now, I do have Les Paul Black Beauty "copy" sitting next to me as I am writing this. :0)
Until next time...
Keep practicing!
Free Guitar Tips
