Tom Petty’s unmistakable sound helped define American rock, blending jangly melodies with raw, heartfelt storytelling. The guitars that shaped his tone were central to his music—rich, resonant, and instantly recognizable. Learn more about the most iconic instruments Petty played and their role in crafting his legendary sound.
The Rickenbacker 660/12TP
Tom Petty and the Rickenbacker 660/12 are inseparable in rock history. This iconic 12-string electric guitar became a cornerstone of his jangly, melodic sound, echoing the traditions of The Byrds and The Beatles while defining a new era of American rock. Petty’s association with this instrument was so strong that Rickenbacker even designed a limited-edition signature model in his honor.
The Rickenbacker 660/12TP (Tom Petty Signature Model) was released in 1991 and limited to only 1,000 units. The 660/12TP had several unique features that set it apart from standard Rickenbacker models. It featured a slightly narrower neck profile, making it more comfortable for fast chord transitions and intricate playing. The guitar came in a Fireglo finish, reminiscent of vintage Rickenbackers from the ’60s, giving it a classic yet refined look. Adding to its distinct aesthetic, it included a gold pickguard and truss rod cover, further enhancing its elegant design. Most notably, the truss rod cover bore Tom Petty’s signature, making this limited-edition model a true collector’s item.
Notable Songs Featuring the Rickenbacker 660/12
"Listen to Her Heart" (1978) – You're Gonna Get It!
"Here Comes My Girl" (1979) – Damn the Torpedoes
"The Waiting" (1981) – Hard Promises
"You Got Lucky" (1982) – Long After Dark
"Free Fallin'" (1989) – Full Moon Fever
"Into the Great Wide Open" (1991) – Into the Great Wide Open
Fender Telecaster
This guitar was used heavily during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, appearing on tours and promotional materials. This Telecaster embodied the no-nonsense, straight-ahead rock energy that defined the early Heartbreakers sound.
1970s Fender Telecaster
Petty’s early years with The Heartbreakers saw him playing his beloved Telecaster, which became one of his signature instruments. This guitar was used heavily during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, appearing on tours and promotional materials. It was featured in early Damn the Torpedoes era performances, played live on many classic Heartbreakers tours, and used in numerous television appearances.
Notable Songs Featuring the Telecaster:
"Refugee" (1979) – Damn the Torpedoes
"Change of Heart" (1982) – Long After Dark
"Runnin’ Down a Dream" (1989) – Full Moon Fever
"Mary Jane’s Last Dance" (1993) – Greatest Hits
"I Won’t Back Down" (1989) – Full Moon Fever
1975 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster
Tom Petty’s Fender Stratocaster was a key part of his sound, offering a shimmering, cutting tone that defined many of his recordings and live performances. While he was often associated with Rickenbackers and Telecasters, the Strat’s versatility made it a frequent choice, particularly for its ability to deliver both jangly rhythm parts and biting leads. Petty used it prominently on songs like "Refugee," "Breakdown," and "Even the Losers," where its smooth sustain and articulate attack cut through the Heartbreakers' layered arrangements. Whether in the studio or on stage, his Stratocaster provided the dynamic clarity and expressive range that helped shape his signature blend of rock and roll, folk, and new wave influences.
Notable Songs Featuring the Stratocaster:
"Refugee" – Damn the Torpedoes
"American Girl" – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"Breakdown" – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"Listen to Her Heart" – You're Gonna Get It!
"I Need to Know" – You're Gonna Get It!
"Even the Losers" – Damn the Torpedoes
"The Waiting" – Hard Promises
"You Got Lucky" – Long After Dark
"Runnin’ Down a Dream" – Full Moon Fever
Gibson Dove Acoustic (1962)
Petty’s Gibson Dove was primarily a songwriting and recording tool, though it also appeared live. He used it to craft some of his most introspective and acoustic-driven material, particularly during his solo career and later Heartbreakers albums. It was used extensively to compose songs, particularly in the Wildflowers era.
Artists Influenced by Petty’s Acoustic Style
Ryan Adams closely emulated Petty’s intimate, acoustic-driven songwriting, particularly on albums like Heartbreaker, which captured a similar raw emotional depth. Jason Isbell blended Petty’s rootsy acoustic tones with Southern rock, creating a sound that balances lyrical storytelling with rich, textured instrumentation. Meanwhile, The Wallflowers, led by Jakob Dylan, drew clear inspiration from Petty’s acoustic-heavy approach to rock, incorporating layered folk-rock arrangements and introspective lyricism into their music.
Notable Songs Featuring the Gibson Dove
"Wildflowers" (1994) – Wildflowers
"Time to Move On" (1994) – Wildflowers
"Walls (Circus)" (1996) – Songs and Music from ‘She’s the One’
"Free Fallin'" (1989) – Full Moon Fever
"Square One" (2006) – Highway Companion
Gretsch Tennessean
Tom Petty’s love for vintage guitars led him to incorporate the Gretsch Tennessean into his live and studio work, particularly in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. He used it to channel his rockabilly and country influences, especially on material that required a Gretsch-style twang with a rich, open resonance.
Songs Featuring the Gretsch Tennessean:
"Into the Great Wide Open" (1991) – Into the Great Wide Open
"King’s Highway" (1991) – Into the Great Wide Open
"Two Gunslingers" (1991) – Into the Great Wide Open
"You Wreck Me" (1994) – Wildflowers
Gibson Firebird
Petty used the Gibson Firebird in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s while exploring harder-edged rock sounds. Though not his primary guitar, it played a key role in tracks and live performances, offering a darker, bluesy tone suited for gritty, powerful songs. Its sustain and bite gave his riffs and lead lines more weight, while its reverse body shape set it apart visually. The Firebird fit his shift toward a tougher rock sound, blending roots music with a modern edge. Petty also used it live for heavier, blues-driven performances.
On stage, the Firebird’s unique design made it instantly recognizable. It handled overdrive and distortion well, allowing a rawer, more aggressive tone. Its punchy rhythm sound complemented Mike Campbell’s lead work, creating a balanced, full-band dynamic. Though not a setlist regular, the Firebird added depth and power to Petty’s high-energy, blues-influenced performances.
Songs Featuring the Firebird:
"I Won’t Back Down" (1989) – Full Moon Fever
"Runnin’ Down a Dream" (1989) – Full Moon Fever
"You Don’t Know How It Feels" (1994) – Wildflowers
"Honey Bee" (1994) – Wildflowers
Gibson SG
Petty’s Gibson SG was most prominent during the Echo era, both in studio recordings and live performances. Its thick tone and smooth sustain suited the album’s darker, introspective themes, adding depth to emotionally heavy songs. The SG’s lightweight build and high-fret access made it practical for live performances and expressive soloing. Though not a staple in his career, it fit this period of musical and personal introspection.
Petty used the SG live for heavier, blues-based material that required a fuller rhythm sound. Its lightweight design made it comfortable on stage, while its strong overdrive response added grit and sustain. The SG also blended well with Mike Campbell’s lead work, filling out the band’s blues-rock sound. Though less common than his Rickenbackers or Telecasters, its thick tone made it an occasional standout in his live performances.
Songs Likely Featuring the Gibson SG
"Room at the Top" (1999) – Echo
"Free Girl Now" (1999) – Echo
"Swingin'" (1999) – Echo
"Accused of Love" (1999) – Echo
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