“Exploring the Early Life of Rock Icon Slash: How He Got His First Guitar” is a captivating journey into the life of one of the most legendary guitarists of all time. From the moment he first picked up a guitar, Slash’s love for music was apparent. But how old was he when he got his first guitar? This question has been a topic of interest for many fans of the iconic rockstar. In this article, we will delve into the early life of Slash, uncovering the story of how he received his first guitar and how it set the stage for his future as a musical genius. So, get ready to uncover the secrets behind the rise of one of the greatest guitarists of our time.
Slash’s Childhood and Family Background
The Early Years of Slash
Slash, whose real name is Saul Hudson, was born on July 23, 1965, in Hampstead, London, England. When he was just five years old, his parents divorced, and he moved to Canada with his mother and two siblings.
Family Background and Influences
Growing up, Slash was exposed to a variety of musical genres, including blues, rock, and jazz, which would later influence his music. His mother was a clothing designer, and his father was an artist and designer, which may have contributed to his artistic talent.
One of Slash’s earliest memories is of his father playing him the song “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, which sparked his interest in music. His parents also took him to see concerts and musicals, further fueling his passion for music.
When Slash was 11 years old, he received his first guitar, a red Gibson Les Paul, which would become his signature instrument. He was self-taught and spent hours practicing and learning how to play the guitar. He was also influenced by the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Mick Jagger, and he emulated their styles in his own playing.
Slash’s early life was marked by a sense of restlessness and rebellion, which would later be channeled into his music. He struggled in school and often got into trouble, leading his mother to send him to a series of boarding schools in the United States.
Despite these challenges, Slash continued to pursue his passion for music, and his early experiences would later shape his unique sound and style, cementing his place as one of the most iconic guitarists in rock music history.
How Slash Discovered His Love for Music
Introduction to Music
Saul Hudson, better known as Slash, was born on July 23, 1965, in Hampstead, London, England. As a young child, Slash was exposed to a variety of musical genres, including blues, rock, and roll, and jazz. His parents were both music lovers and often played records in their home, which helped to develop Slash’s early interest in music.
One of Slash’s earliest memories of music was when he was four years old and his father took him to see the musical “Oklahoma!” at the Coliseum Theatre in London. The experience left a lasting impression on Slash and sparked his interest in the world of music.
As he grew older, Slash became fascinated with the guitar and the sounds that could be created with it. He recalls watching his father play guitar and being mesmerized by the instrument’s ability to create different sounds and melodies. This fascination with the guitar would eventually lead Slash to take up the instrument himself and begin his journey towards becoming one of the most iconic guitarists in rock music.
The Influence of Rock and Roll
In addition to his early exposure to music, Slash was also heavily influenced by the burgeoning rock and roll scene of the 1970s. He was drawn to the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the music and the musicians who created it. Some of Slash’s early rock and roll influences included The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.
As he began to learn more about playing the guitar, Slash was inspired by the sounds and styles of these legendary rock bands. He would spend hours listening to their music and studying their performances, trying to emulate their unique sounds and techniques.
The influence of rock and roll on Slash’s early life cannot be overstated. It was the driving force behind his decision to pursue a career in music and the foundation upon which he built his signature sound as a guitarist.
The First Guitar: A Crucial Moment in Slash’s Life
The Significance of the First Guitar
The first guitar is a crucial component in the life of any musician, and Slash was no exception. His first guitar, a Les Paul, would go on to play a significant role in his career as a rock icon. This guitar, which he received as a gift from his grandmother, became a trusted companion for Slash during his early years as a musician.
Choosing the Right Guitar
Choosing the right guitar is a crucial decision for any musician, and Slash was no different. He spent many hours experimenting with different guitars, trying to find the one that would be perfect for him. It was important for him to find a guitar that would not only sound good but also feel comfortable in his hands.
After trying out several different guitars, Slash finally settled on a Les Paul, which became his signature guitar. This guitar was the perfect fit for him, both in terms of sound and feel, and it would go on to play a crucial role in his musical career.
In conclusion, the first guitar that Slash received from his grandmother was a crucial moment in his life as a musician. It became his trusted companion and played a significant role in his career as a rock icon. Choosing the right guitar is a crucial decision for any musician, and Slash spent many hours experimenting with different guitars before settling on a Les Paul, which became his signature guitar.
Slash’s Early Musical Influences
Early Influences on Slash’s Music
As a child, Slash was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, including blues, rock, and roll, and early heavy metal. Some of his earliest influences included bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.
The Impact of Musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Aerosmith
Jimi Hendrix, in particular, had a profound impact on Slash’s musical style. Hendrix’s innovative guitar playing and experimental sound inspired Slash to pursue a career in music. Additionally, Slash was heavily influenced by the hard rock sound of Aerosmith, particularly their early albums such as “Toys in the Attic” and “Rocks.” These influences would later shape Slash’s distinctive guitar style and help to define the sound of Guns N’ Roses, the band he would go on to form.
Developing Skills and Performing Early Shows
H3: Learning to Play the Guitar
Slash, whose real name is Saul Hudson, was born on July 23, 1965, in Hampstead, London. He was exposed to rock music at an early age, and his love for it grew stronger when his parents moved to Los Angeles in 1971. When Slash was 12 years old, his father bought him his first guitar, which was a cheap Les Paul copy from a local music store. Slash recalls that his father bought him the guitar because he saw potential in him and thought he would be interested in playing music.
H3: Early Performances and Gigs
After receiving his first guitar, Slash started taking lessons from a local guitar teacher named Dennis Rider. Dennis taught him how to play various chords and songs, and he also encouraged Slash to experiment with different guitar techniques. Slash quickly became interested in different styles of music, such as blues, rock, and heavy metal. He began to play guitar in various bands, including a band called “The Roaring Waste,” which featured his older brother on drums.
In 1980, Slash joined a band called “Sweet Sugar,” which was formed by his friend and fellow guitarist, Axl Rose. The band played gigs around Los Angeles, and they eventually caught the attention of a record label, which signed them to a contract. Slash’s guitar playing skills and stage presence quickly became a highlight of the band’s performances, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented young guitarist in the local music scene.
Overall, Slash’s early experiences playing guitar were influenced by his love for rock music, his dedication to practicing and learning new techniques, and his passion for performing live. These experiences helped shape him into the legendary guitarist that he is today.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
H3: The Struggle to Find Success
As a young boy, Slash faced numerous challenges in his path to becoming a successful musician. His family moved frequently, which made it difficult for him to form lasting friendships and to stay committed to any one musical pursuit. Additionally, his parents’ tumultuous relationship and his mother’s battle with alcoholism created a chaotic home environment that further hindered his musical development. Despite these obstacles, Slash remained determined to pursue his passion for music.
H3: The Breakthrough Moment
One of the most significant moments in Slash’s early life was when he received his first guitar, a red Gibson Les Paul, as a Christmas present from his father. This guitar would become his trusted companion and the instrument that would propel him to fame. However, before he could master the guitar, Slash had to overcome a significant hurdle: he was left-handed, but he played a right-handed guitar. This forced him to develop a unique playing style that would become one of his defining characteristics as a musician. With his new guitar in hand, Slash began to hone his skills, practicing for hours on end and listening to a wide range of music that would inspire his own sound.
With time, Slash’s dedication and talent began to pay off. He joined his first band, The Roaring Jack, and started to play gigs around London. Despite facing criticism from some quarters for his unorthodox playing style, Slash remained true to himself and continued to push the boundaries of what was possible on the guitar. It was this commitment to his craft that would eventually lead him to join one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Guns N’ Roses, and to become a rock legend.
Looking Back on Slash’s First Guitar
Reflections on the First Guitar
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Slash recalled the day he got his first guitar, a red 1957 Gibson Les Paul Standard, which he purchased for $125 from a shop in Hollywood. He described the moment as life-changing, saying that it was the first time he felt like he had something truly special and that it marked the beginning of his journey as a musician.
The Significance of the First Guitar Today
Slash’s first guitar holds significant value to him even today. He has mentioned in interviews that he still plays it from time to time and that it’s one of his most prized possessions. It has been featured in many of his performances and has become an iconic symbol of his musical career.
Additionally, the guitar has become a sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts. It was auctioned off in 2005 for over $62,000, with the proceeds going to benefit music education programs.
Slash’s first guitar serves as a testament to his passion for music and his commitment to his craft. It represents the humble beginnings of a musician who would go on to become a rock icon and a symbol of the enduring power of music.
FAQs
1. How old was Slash when he got his first guitar?
Slash received his first guitar when he was just 12 years old. It was a Les Paul guitar that was given to him by his mother, who was also a fan of rock music. Slash has stated in interviews that he immediately fell in love with the guitar and spent countless hours practicing and learning how to play it.
2. What inspired Slash to pick up the guitar?
Slash has cited several factors that inspired him to pick up the guitar at a young age. He was heavily influenced by his mother’s love of rock music and her own attempts to learn guitar. Additionally, he was drawn to the guitar’s ability to create a wide range of sounds and tones, which appealed to his creative side.
3. What was Slash’s early music experience like?
Slash’s early music experience was shaped by his exposure to a variety of musical genres. He grew up listening to classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, as well as blues and jazz musicians. This diverse musical background helped to inform his own style and approach to guitar playing.
4. Did Slash take guitar lessons when he first started playing?
Slash did not initially take guitar lessons when he first started playing. Instead, he taught himself how to play by listening to his favorite songs and experimenting with different chords and techniques. He has since stated that he wishes he had taken lessons earlier on, as it would have helped him to develop his skills more quickly.
5. What impact did Slash’s early guitar experiences have on his later career?
Slash’s early experiences with the guitar had a significant impact on his later career as a rock musician. His early exposure to a wide range of musical genres helped to shape his unique style and approach to guitar playing. Additionally, his dedication to practicing and learning from a young age set the stage for his future success as a member of Guns N’ Roses and a successful solo artist.
