One of the most renowned guitars of all time is Peter Green’s “Greeny,” a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard. He played this instrument during his time with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and the early years of Fleetwood Mac. The guitar later passed to Gary Moore, who used it extensively in solo performances and during his tenure with Thin Lizzy. Eventually, it was acquired by Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett in 2014, who continues to use it in live performances today.
Beautiful Black Magic: The Guitar Of Peter Green
Peter Green is widely recognized for his unique and immensely influential guitar style, characterized by its raw, emotive sound and marked by the extensive use of a Gibson Les Paul guitar. With an abundance of distortion and feedback, he crafted a distinctive tone that was simultaneously aggressive and deeply expressive. Rooted in the blues tradition, Green’s playing seamlessly integrated elements of jazz and rock, resulting in a groundbreaking musical fusion. Undoubtedly, Peter Green’s innovative approach to the guitar has had a profound impact on contemporary blues and rock music.
You may be more familiar with the captivating music of Peter Green than you realize, as his timeless tunes have been widely covered and featured in numerous advertisements and movie soundtracks throughout the years. While many are acquainted with his remarkable musical legacy, it was through Mick Pini, a devoted blues guitarist and torchbearer, that my attention was drawn to him specifically. Pini’s heartfelt track “Blues for Peter Green” served as a poignant introduction to the profound impact and enduring influence of Green’s extraordinary talent.
The Rise of a Virtuoso
It all began one fateful day back in the 1960s when producer Mike Vernon was taken aback by a peculiar sight in the studio—a different amplifier. Curiosity piqued, he learned that Eric Clapton had departed, making way for a new guitarist. This guitarist happened to be Peter Green, originally known as Peter Allen Greenbaum—an exceptional bass player turned masterful guitar virtuoso. Green went on to create some of the most enchanting and spellbinding music ever heard on the six-string instrument.
To delve deeper into his journey, a BBC documentary sheds light on his life and career, exploring iconic songs like “The Stumble,” “Shake Your Money Maker,” and classics such as “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman.”
The Legend of “Greeny”
Discography and Legacy
Peter Green is officially credited with playing on 24 albums, beginning with Evil Woman Blues in 1967 and concluding with his final recorded album End Game in 2019. His career spanned decades of evolution, featuring classics like:
- The Chain
- Gold Dust Woman
- Crying Won’t Bring You Back
Learn the Style
For those looking to emulate Green’s soulful playing, many guitarists begin with the instrumental track “Albatross,” which heavily utilizes fingerstyle techniques. Additionally, tutorials for “Black Magic Woman” can help players capture the specific phrasing and tone that defined the Peter Green era of Fleetwood Mac.
Peter Green passed away in 2020, leaving behind an amazing collection of music that continues to serve as a bridge between the blues of the past and the rock of the future.
