What Instruments Does Harry Styles Play? An In-depth Look

John Godfrey

Harry Styles playing the electric guitar.
Harry Styles playing the electric guitar.

Harry Styles, once a member of the popular boy band One Direction, has since transitioned to a successful solo career. Known for his captivating voice and charismatic stage presence, Styles has won fans’ hearts worldwide. But, aside from his vocal prowess, Styles also demonstrates impressive instrumental skills that add to his overall musical talent.

Through this multi-instrumental expertise, Harry Styles continues to captivate audiences and solidify his place in the modern music landscape.

Harry Styles: The Musician

Guitar Skills

Harry Styles is known for his guitar skills, showcasing his talent both on stage and in the studio. Primarily playing a Fender Telecaster, Harry utilized this guitar during his time with One Direction and as a solo artist. His collection also includes other notable models, such as the Gibson Les Paul and a Martin acoustic model. Apart from playing the guitar, Harry has performed with various instruments on various occasions.

Piano Abilities

While not as widely recognized for his piano skills, Harry has also demonstrated his abilities on this instrument. His proficiency on the piano enables him to create music both as a solo artist and within a group setting, further expanding his musical talents.

Singing and Songwriting

Harry Styles is best known for his stunning voice and songwriting abilities. Initially gaining fame as a member of One Direction, he has since embarked on a successful solo career, showcasing his wide vocal range and heartfelt lyrics. His signature style showcases both his sweet-yet-naughty demeanor and his ability to connect with his audience through emotive performances. As a result, Harry Styles has become a lasting and influential figure in the music industry.

Instruments and Guitars

Gibson ES-350T

Harry Styles is known to play a Gibson ES-350T, a semi-hollow body electric guitar. This guitar features two humbucking pickups and is often used for its warm and rich tones, making it well-suited for both studio and live performances. The Gibson ES-350T has been a popular choice among many musicians, including Harry Styles, for its versatility and high-quality sound.

Fender Telecaster

The Fender Telecaster is another guitar that Harry Styles is known to play. It is his primary instrument, and he has used it for both his work with One Direction and his solo career. The Telecaster is an iconic guitar with a distinct sound, often used in various music genres such as rock, blues, and country. Its combination of bright tones and sturdy construction make it a reliable option for many musicians, including Harry Styles.

Martin D-28

When it comes to acoustic guitars, Harry Styles has been seen playing a Martin D-28. This classic model is known for its powerful projection and full-bodied sound, making it a popular choice for many singer-songwriters and performers. The Martin D-28 showcases Harry’s versatility as a musician, allowing him to bring a more intimate and organic feel to his music.

Miscellaneous Instruments

In addition to the guitars mentioned above, Harry Styles is also interested in other instruments. It has been reported that he can play the kazoo, a small, simple wind instrument known for its distinctive, buzzy sound. While the kazoo is not his primary instrument, it highlights his playful and adventurous side when it comes to exploring music and different forms of expression.

One Direction and Solo Career

Bandmates

One Direction was a popular boy band that included Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. The group saw massive success and gained a dedicated fan base during their time together.

Niall Horan

Harry Styles shared a close friendship with bandmate Niall Horan. Their relationship sparked curiosity among fans, as both are skilled musicians.

Solo Album

After One Direction disbanded, Harry Styles emerged as a solo artist. He released his self-titled debut solo album in 2017, showcasing his impressive vocal talent and ability to play various musical instruments.

He plays the guitar primarily, with his primary instrument being a Fender Telecaster used on stage and in the studio. His guitar collection also includes a Gibson Les Paul and a Martin acoustic model.

Fine Line

In 2019, Harry Styles released his second solo album, “Fine Line.” The album further solidified his status as a vocally and instrumentally talented artist.

Performances and Tours

Touring

Harry Styles has captivated audiences worldwide with his performances and tours, showcasing his skillful musicianship and captivating stage presence. As a solo artist, he has embarked on various tours, such as his Love on Tour, which supports his album, “Harry’s House.”

Throughout his tours, Styles has displayed his proficiency in playing multiple instruments, such as his main instrument, the Fender Telecaster, and other guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and a Martin acoustic model.

Concerts

Harry Styles’ concerts are a testament to his talent as a performer, with captivating live performances of his hit songs and energetic interactions with his fans. Concert-goers can expect a well-rounded showcase of musicianship, as Styles not only sings but also accompanies himself on the guitar.

Styles often has a talented backing band during his concerts, further enhancing the overall experience.

Saturday Night Live

In addition to his concerts and tours, Harry Styles has showcased his talents on television, including memorable Saturday Night Live (SNL) appearances. As a musical guest, Styles has performed his solo hits and demonstrated his instrumental versatility, often playing the guitar in his performances. These appearances have further solidified Styles’ reputation as a formidable live performer and multi-talented musician.

Tiny Desk Concert

Harry Styles has performed a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR Music. Such a setting provided an ideal platform for him to showcase his instrumental abilities and genuine vocal talent. This performance was a treat for his fans, offering a more intimate, stripped-down performance highlighting different facets of his musicianship.

Backing Band and Collaborators

Mitch Rowland

Mitch Rowland is Harry Styles’ guitarist and a key member of his backing band. His exceptional musicianship and live performances have garnered him a fan following. In addition to playing guitar, Rowland also contributes to the drums, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones, also known as Pillow Person, serves as a drummer in Harry Styles’ backing band. Her skills behind the kit complement the music and elevate the live performances. Jones’s experience and expertise in drumming have made her an essential part of Styles’ touring ensemble.

Tom Hull

Tom Hull, a talented musician, and collaborator, has contributed to Harry Styles’ music both on stage and in the studio. His musicianship adds depth and nuance to the overall sound, ensuring that live performances are engaging and memorable for fans.

In conclusion, Harry Styles’ backing band and collaborators, including Mitch Rowland, Sarah Jones, and Tom Hull, play a crucial role in bringing his music to life during live performances. Their individual talents and contributions, combined with Styles’ own skills, create a dynamic and unforgettable musical experience for audiences.

Influence and Music Industry

Harry Styles, a talented musician initially known for his time in the popular boyband One Direction, has since successfully transitioned into a solo artist with a diverse range of musical influences. As a renowned figure in the music industry, Styles’ music spans various genres, including pop, rock, and folk elements.

Styles showcases his instrumental abilities by playing acoustic and electric guitars in several performances. These skills, combined with his stunning voice, have endeared him to his ever-growing fanbase, who appreciate the unique sound he brings to the music scene.

In addition to his musical capabilities, Styles has a deep understanding of music theory, which he applies to his songwriting and performances. This mastery enables him to experiment with different styles and structures, resulting in a fresh take on pop and rock music. One of his significant influences is classic rock, as evidenced by the sound and aesthetics of some of his songs.

It’s worth mentioning that Harry Styles has been particularly influenced by icons such as Freddie Mercury, drawing from their stage presence and flamboyant styles to create an engaging and energetic performance atmosphere. This homage to the past, combined with his original take on the current music scene, has solidified his status as a significant player in the music industry.

In conclusion, Harry Styles has demonstrated his ability to evolve as an artist, adapt to different genres, and leave a lasting impression on the music industry. His influences, instrumental skills, and devotion to music theory ensure his unique place in the pop and rock landscape.

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John Godfrey

John Godfrey is a music lover and the guy behind Songpier.com, where you’ll find all kinds of music guides. He picked up the drums in high school, which got him hooked on rock. With a Master’s in music education, he now enjoys writing about music and sharing his passion with others.

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