Neal Schon - Oklahoma City's Guitar God

If you are a music fanatic, especially one that has a craving for guitars, there is no way that you might not have heard of the name Neal Schon. This world famous Oklahoma guitarist is considered by many to be the God of guitar. This American guitarist who was born on the 5th of February, 1954, is famous for his performances with the world famous band Journey. It is a fact that Neal is the sole member of the band Journey to have played in all of their recordings. Neal, who was born in an air force base situated close to Oklahoma City, picked up the guitar at the tender age of 5.

Few people know that his father too was into music and was a jazz saxophonist. A fast learner, Neal joined Santana at the young age of 15. Neal was associated with Azteca prior to forming the group Journey in the year 1973, which he still leads. Those who are familiar with the playing style of this guitarist consider it as soulful. Neal has also recorded albums with various other musicians, apart from the 14 studio albums he has made with the group founded by him.

Neal had been asked for by one more guitar great, Eric Clapton, to join his group, Derek and the Dominos, quite early on in his career. Since he was first called upon by Santana, Neal turned down this offer. Neal Schon joined Santana for recording the album Santana III. The initial guitar used by Neal was an acoustic Stella and this fact might be fascinating for those who are concerned in learning electric guitars. 2 years later this guitar was replaced for a Gibson ES-335. Neal replaced his stolen Gibson with the 1956 make Les Paul Goldtop reissue and he used the same for quite a number of years.

Gibson guitars are currently endorsed by this famous guitarist. Some limited editions signature models also available and they are known as the "Neal Schon Signature Model Custom Les Paul". According to Gibson's official website, only thirty five of such custom guitars were built. A number of other guitars were also used by Neal during his vast career and Goldin guitar is one of them which he had used for the single album "Beyond the Thunder", which was released towards the end of the 1980's. Schon endorses Gibson, which manufactures some of the best solo guitars.