22 Cool Contemporary Fender Strat Players

At this point, the names of the great Fender Stratocaster–wielding gods of years past have been long engraved into our minds — Gilmour, Clapton, Hendrix, and so on. As incredible as they are, it’s about time that some awesome 21st-century Strat players got the spotlight for their contributions to the legacy of the instrument! This guitar has thrived under contemporary fingertips, working itself into the hands of musicians from many corners of the musical world with its fascinating genre versatility: indie, soul, rock, funk, punk, R&B, and beyond! So, we’ve compiled a list of just 22 fantastic present-day guitarists (in no particular order) who currently rock or who have, in the past, proudly sported this iconic axe. Afterward, be sure to catch everyone we included (and their songs) making an appearance in our official Sweetwater Spotify playlist!

Cory WongCourtney BarnettJohn FruscianteEric GalesPaul KleinKevin ParkerH.E.R.Tom MischBrad DelsonAmber Mary BainMac DeMarcoJason IsbellTash SultanaBrian D’AddarioAlbert Hammond Jr.Malina MoyeRivers CuomoKenny Wayne ShepherdAlex TurnerMichael KiwanukaBethany CosentinoJohn Mayer

Cory Wong

An extremely active guitarist, Cory Wong has released nearly a dozen solo albums and has recorded in a handful of groups over the years. Many of us had our first exposure to Mr. Wong when we heard Vulfpeck’s 2016 album, The Beautiful Game, where he contributed guitar parts to seven of the 10 tracks on the album. He has since been a solid touring addition to Vulfpeck and even helped sell out Madison Square Garden with the group in September 2019.

Wong has long been loyal to his Sapphire Blue Highway One Stratocaster, rocking it onstage and in the studio for the majority of his career. Have a listen to his namesake closing track on The Beautiful Game, where his enviably funky and glassy rhythm-guitar riff duels with the driving groove of Joe Dart on bass! You can get your own Cory Wong signature Strat from Sweetwater!

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Courtney Barnett

Courtney Barnett’s unique sound has become one of the most identifiable in indie over the last decade and can be attributed to her incredible ear for composing. Combining somberly honest poeticism and a combatting mixture of grungy and hypnotically melodic songwriting, this lefty from down under has ridden the wave of her talents across the globe, collaborating with the likes of fellow indie-folk-rock and Fender-favoring guitarist Kurt Vile along the way.

We know her for her trademark red Jaguar and the occasional Tele, but the Aussie indie queen rocked both a black-on-black and a white-on-white Strat, as well, whipping them out while touring her 2015 album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. “Pedestrian at Best” is a crunchy, upbeat, and poetic poster child for her fantastic single-coil sound and stellar writing style, taking the second spot on the album.

John Frusciante

Where does one even begin to discuss the sheer talent of John Frusciante? The Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist has seen incredible success for quite some time, showcasing his skills with the band as well as in his solo career and on albums under the pseudonym Trickfinger.

Most of us associate John Frusciante with his iconic ’62 Burst Strat, famously and tirelessly put through its paces with RHCP, though he’s owned and played a number of beautiful examples throughout his career. You can easily pick a Frusciante riff out of a crowd, so choosing a shining star from the lot is quite a tall order. But we’d be kicking ourselves if we didn’t emphasize the enduringly bubbly, quick-fingered, and mind-bogglingly awesome “Snow (Hey Oh)” from 2006’s Stadium Arcadium. The song is pure John and pure Strat all the way through!

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Eric Gales

If you think of knockout contemporary blues guitarists and you don’t think of Eric Gales, then it’s time to re-evaluate! Churning out 19 albums since his 1991 debut, The Eric Gales Band, at age 17, the Memphis-born lefty has also seen a fantastic number of collaborations, appearing on dozens more blues albums and paying homage to musical greats like Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson, and more.

Gales prides himself in using the same gear onstage as he does in the recording studio, including several Stratocasters, like his gorgeous 1962 model and sunburst Eric Johnson signature. The beauty of Gales’s playing is something that listeners absorb on a nearly spiritual level, and an exemplary piece comes in the form of “The Storm” off his brand-new 2022 album, Crown. Put plainly: this is the blues at its best!

Paul Klein

LANY guitarist Paul Klein has integrated the Strat into the modern pop-rock world with tremendous fanatical reception. His playing in the duo LANY, backed by the beats of drummer Jake Goss and, until recently, keyboardist Les Priest, can be heard on eight albums and EPs since 2014, resulting in the group opening for acts like John Mayer and Halsey before headlining a handful of US and international tours of their own.

The clean, reverberated, and delayed echo of Klein’s black-and-white Stratocaster can be heard subtly powering most LANY tracks; and, boy, does he know how to establish a vibe! Once you check out “Let Me Know” from 2018’s Malibu Nights, which offers a dreamy display of his punchy solos and riffs dancing atop the elegantly echoed chording of the song’s foundation, you’ll see exactly what we mean!

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Kevin Parker

The journey of Tame Impala’s mad scientist has evolved heavily since the release of his first self-titled EP in 2008. A principal driving force in the re-emergence of the psychedelic and heavy rock-and-roll scenes of late, Kevin Parker has also successfully toiled in the genres of dream-pop, synth-pop, and dance-rock with a solid quartet of critically acclaimed albums dotting the 2010s.

Though he’s currently favoring a vintage Rickenbacker 335 and a Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster, it’s safe to say that Kevin’s earlier notable guitar work was defined by the Stratocaster, specifically a Roadhouse Strat that he used for touring and recording around the dawn of his first major success, 2010’s Innerspeaker. We’ll occasionally see him break one out again, usually for older numbers and recently in a 2021 full-performance livestream of the album. For a mere glimpse into his marvelous Strat work and addictingly groovy bass lines, indulge yourself with Innerspeaker‘s “It Is Not Meant to Be.”

H.E.R.

Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, known by her stage name H.E.R., is a bright young face in the modern R&B scene with a killer voice and an absolute knack for the Strat. Though just coming off the recent release of her first full-length studio album, Back of My Mind, in 2021, H.E.R. is no stranger to larger stages, opening for artists like Chris Brown, Childish Gambino, and Coldplay while also headlining several tours of her own over the last few years. She’s even got a Grammy and an Academy Award under her belt for Song of the Year and Best Original Song respectively!

A proud Stratocaster player while performing and recording, H.E.R. has a signature Strat out with Fender that boasts a drop-dead-gorgeous Chrome Glow finish just as soul striking as her songs! In terms of playing style, her fluttering elegance across the fingerboard is emblematic of her sound and is quite easy to get swept away in, as showcased on one of our favorites, “Don’t” from Back of My Mind.

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Tom Misch

London-born guitarist Tom Misch’s mellow-natured songwriting has an undeniable grasp on genres like neo soul and nu jazz among several others. His first official studio album was 2018’s Geography, though he has a long history of endlessly listenable EPs, mix tapes, and singles dating back to 2014. Misch also frequently collaborates with other artists, such as Loyle Carner and Yussef Dayes, constantly satiating musical comradery whenever he can.

Misch sports a gorgeous Performer Stratocaster and has credited it for playing a major role in his gentle but emotive sound. Whether chording or soaring, Misch injects each track with soulful character, and we can’t imagine a better axe for the job! A must-listen track is Geography‘s second single, “Movie,” where the Strat’s balladic sound becomes slowly intertwined with Misch’s nostalgically wishful lyricism.

Brad Delson

Spending a majority of his career as a founding member and the devoted lead guitarist of Linkin Park, Brad Delson, an often-unsung force for the group, has heavily contributed to the development of modern alternative rock and metal. Since the band’s hiatus, starting in 2017, Delson has taken on occasional songwriting roles for a small number of artists while remaining virtually absent from the spotlight. Truth be told, we and a lot of fans would love to hear a solo project!

Regardless, Delson has wielded many guitars in his time with Linkin Park, including several Stratocasters! One in particular, his Custom Shop Rory Gallagher Tribute, has made recurring appearances in live performances and on several huge tracks, such as our pick, 2007’s “What I’ve Done” from Minutes to Midnight. Though it’s easy to label as an aggressive guitar part, an attentive ear will note the roundness and charming presentation of his Strat, effortlessly complementing the direction of the song — especially the solo!

Foto: Stefan Brending

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Amber Mary Bain

Over the past seven years, English singer/songwriter Amber Mary Bain, otherwise known as the Japanese House, has triumphantly meandered the indie-pop scene. Amassing numerous catchy and highly produced tracks, a studio album, and seven EPs along the way, it’s a fair assumption that even greater feats are on the way for the young star.

Characterized by their strong melodic presences, Bain’s songs are polished with an impressive level of production that runs deeper than the average listener might pick up. A lefty by nature, Bain’s plucky and rhythmically satisfying guitar parts in each track come courtesy of an upside-down playing style on a handful of Stratocasters. “We Talk All the Time” from the 2019 album, Good at Falling, is a prime example of Bain’s ability to extract the pure grooviness of the Strat and to creatively inject it into songs with great success.

Mac DeMarco

Quickly becoming somewhat of an indie hero to many, Edmonton’s Mac DeMarco has carried a Stratocaster onstage many a time. In the studio, much like Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, DeMarco writes, records, and produces all his own music, which happens to be a solid catalog of several albums, mini-LPs, and demos dating back to 2012.

While he’s utilized several guitars — including Teles, Mustangs, Jaguars, and vintage Teiscos — the Strat (in various forms) has been his most frequented live go-to guitar, especially in recent years, and the most definitive axe of his organic, warbly, vibrato-infused sound. And, though his studio guitar of choice is difficult to track, DeMarco has constantly turned to the Strat to deliver the jangly lead lines and backing rhythm parts in live settings of songs like “Blue Boy” from 2014’s Salad Days.

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Jason Isbell

Whether you know him as one of the Drive-By Truckers (DBT), from the 400 Unit, from his solo work, or all of the above, you know that Jason Isbell is the real deal when it comes to 21st-century southern rock. The guitarist has amassed eight studio albums and four live albums and has earned four Grammys along his path from his earliest days with DBT in 2001 all the way up to his latest release with the 400 Unit, 2021’s Georgia Blue.

If you’ve followed Jason’s career, then you know his love for beautiful guitars, including his prized 1960 Strat! He tours frequently with this guitar and gets just as much soul out of it with its blissfully true cleans as he does when adding a bit of bite. “The Blue” is a great track from his first album with the 400 Unit in 2009, offering a calming and slightly distorted groove that has us itching to hear that old ’60 in person!

Tash Sultana

Get into rhythm with Tash Sultana, and you’ll never want to get back out! With two albums and an EP under their belt, the award-winning, 26-year-old Melbourne native has been dazzling audiences with their intoxicating neo-soul songwriting from a very young age. An extremely talented multi-instrumentalist that is well versed in guitar, drums, keyboard, flute, and sax among others, you’ll find that Sultana doesn’t need much outside help when it comes to recording their own tracks!

We’ve seen them rock a Tele, but the Stratocaster holds a special place, too, so much so that they’re partnered with Fender and have devised an absolutely stunning signature Tash Sultana Stratocaster model that we proudly carry here at Sweetwater! Catch the sweetness in their 2021 track “Blame It on Society” from their 2021 album, Terra Firma, and it’s not hard to see why we’re so enamored with their sound!

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Brian D’Addario

The Strat’s vintage-esque pulse beats on mightily in the hands of the Lemon Twigs guitarist Brian D’Addario. Along with his brother, Michael, the duo has released three tremendously engaging studio albums, crafting a sound that matches the spirit of analog with often conceptual songwriting with new-age attention to detail. Don’t be fooled, though — the Twigs are no revival act! Their songwriting takes a courageous dive, plunging pure rock and roll into the waters of modernity and channeling a creatively energetic flair that’s quite honestly hard to find today.

Catch Brian onstage outfitted with his beautiful black 1977 example, ripping solos out of thin air with an energetic virtuosity that will have you questioning all you know about the craft. For some fun single-coil satisfaction, throw on the band’s 2018 single “Foolin’ Around,” kick back, and let the transportive energy of the Lemon Twigs carry you away!

Albert Hammond Jr.

Strokes fans hold the riffs that have carried us through the last 20 years quite close to our hearts, and the combo of Albert Hammond Jr. and a Stratocaster has a lot to do with that! Aside from his work with the Strokes, Hammond Jr. has built up a commendable solo repertoire featuring four albums and an EP while collaborating with the likes of Sean Lennon, the Struts, and more.

Hammond Jr. often swaps rhythm and lead guitar roles with Strokes bandmate Nick Valensi but continuously achieves an unmistakably bright command of the mix, thanks to his longtime dedication to a 1985 Reissue Stratocaster. A classic track, “Machu Picchu,” from the Strokes’ 2011 Angles album showcases his brilliant tone in both clean and distorted formats while caught in a mesmerizingly complex dance with Valensi’s part. Check it out! And you can buy your own Albert Hammond Jr. Signature Stratocaster.

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Malina Moye

Malina Moye shreds the Strat with a southpaw skill and swagger that most of us only long to possess. From bluesy rock and roll to soul, from funk to pop rock, Moye has put her talents on full display with three studio albums, an EP, and a number of singles, including her 2013 track “K-yotic” with legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins.

When it comes to her guitars, Moye is strictly Stratocaster. And her stunning axes of choice lend themselves quite well to her fantastic genre range. When she isn’t unleashing blisteringly distorted blues solos, Moye seamlessly 180s into a rhythmically funky and charismatic vibe that makes it hard to keep you in your seat — all backed by the Strat! For just one sample of her Stratocaster in action, her energetic 2018 track “Jumpin'” from Bad As I Wanna Be is an excellent place to start!

Rivers Cuomo

The front man for the seasoned rock and pop-punk outfit Weezer is trucking along in grand fashion even almost 30 years after the release of the band’s debut album. Fifteen efforts in and counting, Rivers Cuomo and the band continue to develop a massive cult following of listeners who have felt the role of the misfit and to comfort their audiences with powerful and (mostly) guitar-heavy tunes.

The pop-punk sound that has carried Cuomo and Weezer to their position of high rock-and-roll authority wouldn’t have hit quite as hard without Cuomo’s iconic blue Stratocaster. Nostalgically referred to as “the Strat with the lightning strap” in 2014’s “Back to the Shack,” Cuomo’s undeniable number-one axe appears time and time again onstage and on records, tirelessly pushing their sound further forward. “Lonely Girl” from 2014’s Everything Will Be Alright in the End is a prime example of “the Strat” living on in classic Weezer form.

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Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Scarcely found without a Stratocaster in hand, Kenny Wayne Shepherd has been a household name in the blues-rock scene since the dawn of his career in the early 1990s. Nine studio albums later, and KWS still channels that powerful, howling blues tone wherever he plays and with whoever joins him, from the House of Blues to the G3 tour to taking the stage with Stephen Stills in the Rides.

Stratocasters have been an integral part of KWS’s sound and career, and he currently has a KWS signature model out with Fender that you can order right now at Sweetwater! Those ripping and characterfully bluesy tones of the Strat that have spearheaded his musical voyage are ever present in the 2019 track “Long Time Running” from his most recent studio album, The Traveler. Take a listen!

Alex Turner

Alex Turner’s presence in the indie-rock and alternative-rock worlds of the 2000s and 2010s is a fascinating energy — unmatched and enhanced through his ever-evolving stage persona. His work with the Arctic Monkeys and the Last Shadow Puppets, along with several collaborations with groups like Mini Mansions and Queens of the Stone Age, is highly commendable, and it’s clear he’s come a long way since his 2007 Glastonbury headline show at only 22 years of age.

It’s around that period where we find Turner most heavily rocking a Stratocaster, strap up high, while frantically pumping out garage-rock riffs. He’s known for his other axes, as well, such as a mouthwatering Vox Starstream XII and a Fender Jazzmaster. But the Strat’s role in the development of Turner’s sound and its springboard for success for the Monkeys early on makes it a career-defining instrument for him, being heard all over the earlier songs, including “Teddy Picker” off 2007’s Favourite Worst Nightmare.

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Michael Kiwanuka

London-based guitarist Michael Kiwanuka offers a mixture of old-school-infused folk rock and soul that’s just as captivating musically as it is lyrically. Unafraid to lay down the harsh truths of the world, his themes of love, peace, cruelty, freedom, and injustice rear their heads throughout his effortlessly listenable discography all the way back to 2012’s Home Again.

Frequently seen with a Stratocaster in hand, Kiwanuka uses the guitar to its fullest capabilities not only with a ton of characterful tone but also with a burning intensity of golden-age charm. A shining example of all these sounds and themes together is the song “Hero” from his 2019 album, Kiwanuka. The plucky lead riff and heavily wah’d outro have us reveling in Hendrix-y bliss while Kiwanuka’s incredibly honest lyricism holds our attention the entire way through.

Bethany Cosentino

The jangly guitar of indie duo Best Coast comes courtesy of guitarist and singer Bethany Cosentino. A handful of successful albums and EPs have taken Cosentino and bandmate Bobb Bruno to international stages since their 2010 EP, even playing as the opener for Paramore’s After Laughter Tour in September and October of 2017.

A Fender-favoring guitarist, Cosentino has jockeyed back and forth between several models including the Mustang, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, and — you guessed it! — the Stratocaster. An American Standard in Gold, Cosentino’s Strat was her main touring guitar throughout 2015 and continues to get regular use while gigging. “Feeling Ok” from 2015’s California Nights is a versatile example of her guitar parts resorting to both those comforting, clean single-coil tones and distorted choruses, a classic example of her and Best Coast’s style.

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John Mayer

From the time of his first record deal in the early 2000s to present day, John Mayer has proven his talents time and time again, always leaving his heart and soul out on the stage. Aside from his extraordinarily successful, seven-time Grammy-winning solo career, Mayer’s filled the shoes of late Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia quite humbly and elegantly while touring with Dead & Company.

Many know that Mayer hasn’t been an official Fender signature artist since 2015; but, prior to then, his electric catalog was almost exclusively defined by Stratocasters. And, as a collector of hundreds of guitars, you can bet he has his fair share of them! Whether wailing solos, quick picking reverberated arpeggios, or showing off a bit of rhythmic hypnosis, it’s safe to say that there isn’t much that Mayer can’t pull off with a Strat at his disposal. Not convinced? Listen to “Edge of Desire” from 2009’s Battle Studies and hear for yourself!

Feeling Inspired?

That’s a lot of Strat players — and it’s only a start at that! But one thing we can surely take away from such a long list of inspirational guitarists is the incredible influence that the model still has on the contemporary musical world and in a wide variety of genres. If you’d like to get in on the fun, then talk to a Sweetwater Sales Engineer today at (800) 222-4700 and start your search for the perfect Strat to fit your style!

For a collective mix tape of some of our favorite Strat-inspired tracks from each artist on our list, check out Sweetwater’s official “22 Cool Contemporary Fender Strat Players” Spotify playlist!

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