These 15 pioneering Fender Stratocaster players made the model their own – and learning their trailblazing approaches shows why the Strat is still one of the most versatile electric guitars

Iconic Strat players: [L-R] Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Nile Rodgers, H.E.R., Mark Knopfler.

Fender’s septuagenarian double-cut has been in the hands of a zillion guitar icons over the decades, and appeared on far more legendary recordings than we could possibly count. 

When it comes down to it, the sound of this electric guitar is familiar to us all. It’s part of the background to our lives. And for us guitarists, that means there’s a lot to learn from.