Adrian Smith Takes the Legendary 'Greeny' Les Paul for a Spin: A Rock Icon's Afternoon with Kirk Hammett's Fabled Guitar!
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8 months ago
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Adrian Smith’s Enchanting Encounter with kirk Hammett’s Legendary ‘Greeny’ Les Paul
Adrian Smith,the renowned guitarist from Iron Maiden,recently had the amazing opportunity to play Kirk Hammett’s iconic “Greeny” Les paul,and like many before him,he was utterly captivated by its charm.
This legendary guitar frist gained fame in the hands of Peter Green, the founding guitarist of Fleetwood Mac. After Green passed it on to Gary Moore, it eventually found its way to Metallica’s lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett, who has been showcasing it on stage since acquiring it in 2014.
A Generous invitation
Hammett has graciously allowed fellow musicians to experience the magic of “Greeny,” and Smith was the latest to take it for a test drive during Iron Maiden’s tour in Canada.
“Kirk’s a fantastic guy.I ran into him at a hotel in Canada,” Smith shared with eonmusic. “As soon as I saw him, I mentioned, ‘Oh, you’ve got Greeny.’ He replied, ‘Yeah, I’ve got it. Want to give it a go?’”
Strumming the Legends
Smith’s chance to play the guitar came when he visited Hammett’s hotel room, where he was handed the prized instrument along with a small practice amp.”Of course, I played ‘Oh Well.’ While he and Ross Halfin were taking photos, I took it back to my room and played it all afternoon,” he recalled.
Much like Jake E. Lee, who had his own memorable experience with “Greeny” at a previous event, Smith found it difficult to part with the guitar. “It plays beautifully; the intonation, the feel, the sound-it’s undeniably a special guitar. The mojo is off the charts. With Peter Green and Gary Moore behind it,the classic middle position and the out-of-phase neck pickup create that unmistakable sound!”
Preserving the Legacy
Smith expressed his relief that the guitar is being played rather than collecting dust in a climate-controlled vault. “I’m thrilled that someone is using it, rather than it being locked away on a wall somewhere. It deserves to be out ther, making music,” he added.
Peter Green and Kirk Hammett with Greeny, featured in the book The Collection: Kirk Hammett, published by Gibson. (Image credit: The Collection: Kirk Hammett from Gibson Publishing)
The Guitar’s Rich History
From classics like “Black magic Woman” and “Rattlesnake shake” to “Oh Well” and “Albatross,” which is said to have inspired The Beatles’ “Sun King,” Greeny’s sound has graced numerous iconic tracks from early Fleetwood Mac.
Gary Moore also utilized this legendary instrument to record his entire Blues for Greeny tribute album, as well as the hit “Parisienne Walkways” from his acclaimed Still Got the Blues album, showcasing its enduring magic in the hands of various artists.
Reflections from the rock World
Meanwhile, Smith has been reminiscing about a cherished guitar from his own collection, which he received for free and continues to use decades later. He has also reflected on the fortunate breaks that led him to write two of Iron Maiden’s most celebrated anthems.
In a related note, original Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell recently recounted his experience playing “Whiskey in the Jar” with Metallica, humorously labeling them as “a pack of bastards.”
adrian Smith Takes the Legendary ‘Greeny’ Les Paul for a Spin
adrian Smith Takes the Legendary ‘Greeny’ Les Paul for a spin
the Legendary ’Greeny’ les Paul: A Brief Overview
The ‘Greeny’ Les Paul is not just any guitar; it is indeed a piece of rock history. Originally owned by Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, this iconic instrument has passed through the hands of several legendary guitarists, including Gary Moore and now Kirk Hammett of Metallica. Known for its unique sound and rich tonal qualities, ‘Greeny’ has become a coveted item among musicians and collectors alike.
Adrian Smith’s Encounter with ’Greeny’
During a recent tour in Canada, Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith had the rare chance to play Kirk Hammett’s ‘Greeny’ Les paul. This encounter was not just a casual jam session; it was a moment filled with excitement and nostalgia for both guitarists.
How It Happened
Smith recounted his experience, stating, ”I bumped into Kirk in a hotel. The first thing I said was, ‘Oh, you bought Greeny.’ He replied, ‘Yeah, I’ve got it. You want to play it?’” This spontaneous invitation led to an unforgettable afternoon for Smith.
First-Hand Experience
Once in Hammett’s hotel room,Smith was handed the legendary guitar along with a small practice amp. He instantly began playing classic tracks, including Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well.” Smith described the experience as exhilarating, stating, “It plays beautifully; the intonation, the feel, the sound-its undeniably a special guitar.”
The Sound of ‘Greeny’
What makes the ‘Greeny’ Les Paul so special? Here are some key features that contribute to its legendary status:
Unique Pickup Configuration: The out-of-phase neck pickup creates a distinctive sound that is both warm and rich.
Exceptional Craftsmanship: The craftsmanship of the Les Paul is renowned, with attention to detail that enhances playability.
Historical Significance: The guitar has been used in countless iconic recordings, making it a vital part of rock history.
benefits of Playing the ‘Greeny’ Les Paul
For guitarists, playing a legendary instrument like ‘Greeny’ offers several benefits:
Inspiration: The history behind the guitar can inspire creativity and new musical ideas.
Sound Quality: The unique tonal qualities of ‘Greeny’ can elevate a musician’s performance.
Connection to Legends: Playing a guitar with such a rich history connects musicians to the legends who have used it before.
Case Studies: Other Notable Players of ‘Greeny’
Many renowned guitarists have had the chance to play ’Greeny,’ each bringing their unique style to the instrument:
Guitarist
Notable tracks
Years Active
Peter green
“Black Magic Woman”,”Albatross”
1967 – Present
Gary Moore
“Parisienne Walkways”,”Blues for Greeny”
1970 – 2011
Kirk Hammett
“Nothing Else Matters”,”Enter Sandman”
1983 - Present
Practical Tips for Guitarists
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a legendary guitar like ‘Greeny,’ here are some practical tips to make the most of your experience:
Experiment with Settings: Take the time to adjust the amp settings to find the perfect tone that complements the guitar.
Play Iconic Songs: Familiarize yourself with songs that showcase the guitar’s unique sound.
Document Your experience: Capture your playing sessions through video or audio recordings to reflect on your journey.
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Conclusion
Adrian Smith’s afternoon with Kirk Hammett’s ’Greeny’ Les Paul is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic instrument. With its rich history and unparalleled sound,’Greeny’ continues to inspire guitarists around the world.
