To many, Dolly Parton is a living legend, an icon of country music who has changed the genre forever.
But what kind of guitar does this legend play? Her signature sound is a result of her unique guitar, one that was custom-made for her by renowned luthier Harold Shot Jackson.
In this article, we take a closer look at the surprising specs of Dolly Parton’s guitar and explore why it’s an important part of her legacy.
We’ll also take a look at her influence on female guitarists and how her sound has gone on to shape the country music landscape.
So, if you’re curious about the iconic guitar that Dolly Parton plays, read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Dolly Parton typically plays a Gibson SJ-200 jumbo acoustic guitar.
She has played it for decades and is often seen with it in her live performances and music videos.
She also occasionally plays a Fender Telecaster and a Martin D-18.
Dolly Partons Beginnings in Music
Dolly Parton is a legendary country music performer who has been playing the guitar since she was a young girl growing up in the Smoky Mountains.
Parton started her career in music at the age of 13, when she began performing on local radio and television shows.
She quickly gained recognition for her unique style of music, combining elements of country, gospel, folk, and pop.
Parton quickly became a star and went on to release several hit albums that topped the charts.
Her songs are timeless classics and have become part of the country music canon.
Parton has also been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
Parton is also an accomplished songwriter, having written over 3,000 songs, including hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5”.
Parton is an iconic country music performer and her music has been covered by numerous artists from different genres, including pop, rock, and even classical.
Dolly Partons Signature Sound
When it comes to country music, Dolly Parton is a true legend.
Not only is she an incredibly talented singer and songwriter, but she is also an incredibly skillful guitarist.
Parton has been playing the guitar since she was a young girl growing up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
She is considered one of the most influential female guitarists in the genre and is known for her signature sound.
So, what guitar does Dolly Parton play? The answer may surprise you she plays a custom-made acoustic guitar designed by luthier Harold Shot Jackson.
This guitar is specially crafted to Partons specifications and has a spruce top, mahogany sides and back, and a rosewood fretboard.
Parton strings her guitar with light gauge strings and tunes it a half-step down.
This combination of materials and tuning creates a unique sound that has become synonymous with Partons music.
Partons custom-made acoustic guitar is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her artistry.
She has never been one to shy away from experimentation and her guitar is a perfect representation of her musical style.
Parton continues to entertain her fans with her signature sound, which is a combination of her unique guitar playing and her powerful vocals.
So, if youve ever wondered what guitar does Dolly Parton play, the answer may surprise you she plays a custom-made acoustic guitar designed by luthier Harold Shot Jackson.
This guitar, strung with light gauge strings and tuned a half-step down, creates the unique sound that Parton is known for.
Partons guitar playing is an integral part of her music and she continues to captivate fans with her signature sound.
Harold Shot Jackson and the Making of Dolly Partons Guitar
For more than five decades, Dolly Parton has been entertaining fans across the world with her unique style of country music.
But what many dont know is that the secret to her signature sound lies in a custom-made guitar designed by luthier Harold Shot Jackson.
Jackson has been a luthier for over fifty years and is best known for crafting the one-of-a-kind guitars that Parton plays.
His guitars are made from a spruce top, mahogany sides and back, and a rosewood fretboard, and are strung with light gauge strings and tuned a half-step down.
This combination of materials and tuning creates a unique sound that has become synonymous with Partons music.
Jackson is considered to be one of the most influential luthiers in country music and has helped create some of the most iconic instruments in the genre.
His guitars have been featured in some of Partons biggest hits, including Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and 9 to 5.
Jacksons guitars have also been used by some of the biggest names in country music, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Emmylou Harris.
In fact, Jacksons guitars are so revered that many have been displayed in museums around the world, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
The guitars that Jackson has crafted for Dolly Parton over the years have become synonymous with her style and sound.
His creations have helped make Parton one of the most influential female guitarists in country music and have helped her to continue to entertain fans for decades.
The Specs of Dolly Partons Custom Guitar
The custom-made guitar that Dolly Parton plays is a real work of art.
Designed by luthier Harold Shot Jackson, this guitar has a spruce top, mahogany sides and back, and a rosewood fretboard.
The spruce top gives it a bright, full sound, while the mahogany and rosewood provide a warm, mellow tone.
It is strung with light gauge strings and tuned a half-step down, giving it a unique sound that has become synonymous with Parton’s music.
The guitar is also distinctive for its shape and style.
The body of the guitar is smaller than most, and it has a unique headstock design that sets it apart from other guitars.
The neck is thin and easy to play, and the fretboard is smooth and comfortable.
The guitar also features custom inlays and intricate detailing that add to its visual appeal.
Parton is considered to be one of the most influential female guitarists in country music.
Her signature sound has been a major influence on many other guitarists, and her playing style has been copied and emulated by many.
She continues to perform with her custom-made guitar, delighting her fans with her unique sound and style.
The Tuning of Dolly Partons Guitar
When it comes to the guitar playing of Dolly Parton, the tuning of her instrument plays a significant role in the unique sound she is known for.
Parton typically tunes her custom-made guitar a half-step down from standard tuning.
This tuning gives her guitar a unique sound that is warm and mellow, making it perfect for country music.
Parton’s guitar is strung with light gauge strings, making it easier to fingerpick and strum than heavier gauge strings.
This is yet another factor that contributes to the unique sound of her instrument.
The guitar is also designed by luthier Harold “Shot” Jackson and features a spruce top, mahogany sides and back, and a rosewood fretboard.
This combination of materials gives the guitar a bright and balanced tone with plenty of clarity and projection.
The unique tuning and setup of Parton’s guitar give her an unmistakable sound that has become synonymous with country music.
It also allows Parton to create her signature sound that her fans have come to know and love.
Parton is considered one of the most influential female guitarists in country music and continues to entertain her fans with her signature sound.
Dolly Partons Influence on Female Guitarists
Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic and influential female guitarists in country music.
From her days growing up in the Smoky Mountains to her current status as one of the most successful and beloved performers of all time, Parton has been playing the guitar since she was a young girl.
Her signature sound, which is created by tuning her guitar a half-step down and strumming light gauge strings, has been a major influence on female guitarists all over the world.
Parton’s influence is seen in her custom-made guitar, designed by luthier Harold “Shot” Jackson.
This guitar, which features a spruce top, mahogany sides and back, and a rosewood fretboard, is used by many aspiring female guitarists.
The combination of these materials produces a unique sound that is particularly suited to Parton’s style of playing.
The impact of Parton’s influence on female guitarists is evident in the number of artists who cite her as an inspiration.
Country music stars like Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, and Maren Morris have all credited Parton’s influence on their music.
Even pop stars like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry have referred to Parton as a major influence on their own musical style.
The legacy of Dolly Parton’s influence on female guitarists will likely live on for many years to come.
Her unique sound has been a major influence on countless artists, and her custom-made guitar has become a symbol of women’s creativity and strength in the music industry.
Aspiring female guitarists can look to Parton for inspiration and guidance, knowing that she has paved the way for them to create their own unique sound.
Dolly Partons Continuing Legacy
Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic and influential figures in country music, with a career spanning over six decades.
Her iconic sound and style has influenced generations of performers, and her music has been covered by many of the biggest names in the industry.
Parton is known for her signature guitar playing, and her custom-made guitar has become synonymous with her sound.
The guitar Parton plays is a custom-made model designed by luthier Harold “Shot” Jackson.
It features a spruce top, mahogany sides and back, and a rosewood fretboard.
She tunes the guitar a half-step down, giving it a unique sound that has become her signature.
Parton is known for her fast and intricate finger-picking style, and her guitar playing has earned her the respect of guitarists around the world.
Parton’s guitar playing is an integral part of her music, and it has been an important part of her continuing legacy.
She is considered one of the most influential female guitarists in country music, and her influence on the genre is undeniable.
Parton continues to entertain her fans with her music and her signature sound, and her guitar playing is a testament to her talent and artistry.
Final Thoughts
It’s no wonder that Dolly Parton is one of the most influential female guitarists in country music.
With her custom-made guitar designed by luthier Harold “Shot” Jackson, spruce top, mahogany sides and back, and a rosewood fretboard, she creates a unique sound that is unmistakably hers.
And it’s all strung together with light gauge strings and tuned a half-step down.
Now that you know the answer to the question “What guitar does Dolly Parton play?”, why not take a few minutes to learn a few of her songs and appreciate her artistry even more?