Ed Sheeran is one of the most influential musicians of our time. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and unique acoustic sound, his music has touched millions worldwide. But one of the key elements of his success is his guitar.
From small pub gigs to sold-out stadiums, Ed Sheeran guitar has always been a crucial part of his music. Fans and aspiring musicians often wonder what guitars he uses and how they contribute to his signature sound. In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Ed Sheeran’s guitars, their features, and why they are so special.
Ed Sheeran Guitar Choices Over the Years
Ed Sheeran has used various guitars throughout his career, but he is best known for his preference for small-bodied acoustic guitars. Unlike many artists who prefer full-sized guitars, Sheeran’s compact instruments contribute to his unique playing style.
The Martin LX1E – “The Little Martin”
One of the most famous guitars associated with Ed Sheeran is the Martin LX1E, also known as the “Little Martin.” This was his go-to guitar during his early days and played a major role in his breakthrough.
Key Features:
- Small body size – Easier to carry and play, perfect for Ed’s looping performances.
- Sitka spruce top – Produces warm and crisp tones.
- Fishman Isys T pickup – Ensures excellent amplification on stage.
Sheeran used the Martin LX1E extensively during the recording and touring of his album “+” (Plus). This guitar became an icon among fans, inspiring many to buy one for themselves.
The Sheeran by Lowden Series
In 2019, Ed Sheeran partnered with Lowden Guitars to create his own signature guitar line – Sheeran by Lowden. This was a huge step in his career, as he now had a collection of guitars built specifically to match his style.
Why Did Ed Sheeran Choose Lowden?
Lowden Guitars are known for their handcrafted quality and rich acoustic tone. Ed had been a fan of Lowden for years and wanted to create affordable, high-quality guitars for fans and musicians.
Popular Models in the Sheeran by Lowden Series:
- W Series – Features a wider body for deeper resonance.
- S Series – More compact, ideal for fingerpicking and percussive playing.
Each model in this series is built with premium materials such as cedar, spruce, and mahogany, providing Sheeran’s signature bright yet warm tone.
The Custom-Made Fender Stratocaster
Although Ed Sheeran is primarily an acoustic player, he has also used electric guitars on special occasions. One notable guitar is the custom-made Fender Stratocaster, which he played during his performance with Eric Clapton.
This guitar allowed him to explore a different sound, adding variety to his music while maintaining his signature style.
How Ed Sheeran Guitars in His Music
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ed Sheeran’s performances is how he uses his guitar as more than just an instrument. He integrates live looping, percussive tapping, and intricate strumming patterns to create a full-band sound with just one guitar.
Looping Technique
Sheeran is famous for his loop pedal technique. He records different parts of a song live, layering them over each other to create a full arrangement in real-time. This is especially effective with smaller guitars like the Sheeran by Lowden series, which provide a crisp and clear sound for looping.
Percussive Guitar Playing
Another unique aspect of his style is percussive guitar playing. Sheeran often taps, slaps, and knocks on the body of his guitar to create a rhythm. The compact size of his guitars makes this technique even more effective.
Fingerpicking and Strumming
Many of Ed Sheeran’s songs, such as “Photograph” and “Tenerife Sea”, showcase beautiful fingerpicking patterns, while others like “Castle on the Hill” feature aggressive strumming. His guitars provide the perfect balance of warmth and clarity for both techniques.
Why Does Ed Sheeran Prefer Small Guitars?
Many guitarists wonder why Ed Sheeran prefers small-bodied guitars instead of standard full-sized acoustics. There are a few key reasons:
- Comfort – Smaller guitars are easier to hold and play for extended periods.
- Travel-Friendly – Sheeran tours extensively, and a compact guitar is much easier to carry.
- Tonal Balance – Despite their size, Sheeran’s guitars deliver powerful, well-balanced sound.
- Perfect for Looping – The crisp tones of smaller guitars work great for live looping.
His preference for smaller guitars has inspired many musicians to try out compact acoustic models, proving that size doesn’t limit sound quality.
Ed Sheeran Guitar Setup for Live Performances
Ed Sheeran’s live performances are legendary, and his guitar setup plays a huge role in delivering his signature sound.
Main Components of His Setup:
- Guitar – Sheeran primarily uses his Sheeran by Lowden guitars for live shows.
- Loop Pedal – The Boss RC-30 or Chewie Monsta Looper allows him to layer sounds live.
- Amplifiers – He uses Fishman Loudbox or Marshall acoustic amps to project his sound.
- Pickups – Many of his guitars are fitted with LR Baggs or Fishman pickups for clear stage sound.
His setup allows him to perform without a backing band, creating full-sounding performances with just his guitar and a loop pedal.
How to Get the Ed Sheeran Guitar Sound
If you’re inspired by Ed Sheeran and want to replicate his guitar sound, here are a few tips:
- Choose a Compact Acoustic Guitar – The Martin LX1E or Sheeran by Lowden series are great options.
- Use a Loop Pedal – Start with a beginner-friendly Boss RC-1 to experiment with looping.
- Master Percussive Playing – Try tapping and slapping your guitar to add rhythm.
- Focus on Fingerpicking – Songs like “The A Team” showcase Ed’s intricate picking technique.
- Experiment with Open Chords – Sheeran often uses open tunings and simple chord shapes for a fuller sound.
By following these steps, you can develop a playing style similar to Ed Sheeran’s guitar techniques.
Conclusion
Ed Sheeran’s guitar has played a crucial role in his rise to global stardom. From the Martin LX1E to his Sheeran by Lowden models, his choice of instruments has defined his unique sound.
His looping techniques, percussive playing, and fingerpicking skills have set him apart from other musicians, proving that a single artist with just a guitar can captivate millions.
If you’re looking to play like Sheeran, investing in a small acoustic guitar, a loop pedal, and practicing his techniques is the best way to start.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding Ed Sheeran’s guitar style will help you improve your own musical journey.
FAQs
Q: What guitar does Ed Sheeran use the most?
A: Ed Sheeran primarily uses Sheeran by Lowden guitars, a custom line he created in partnership with Lowden Guitars.
Q: Why does Ed Sheeran prefer small guitars?
A: He finds them more comfortable, travel-friendly, and great for looping, while still producing high-quality sound.
Q: What was Ed Sheeran’s first guitar?
A: His first well-known guitar was the Martin LX1E “Little Martin”, which he used in his early career.
Q: Does Ed Sheeran use electric guitars?
A: While mainly an acoustic player, he has used custom Fender Stratocasters for special performances.
Q: What loop pedal does Ed Sheeran use?
A: He uses the Chewie Monsta Looper and Boss RC-30 to layer sounds live on stage.
Q: Can beginners play Ed Sheeran’s guitar style?
A: Yes! His songs often use simple chords and fingerpicking, making them great for beginners.
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