Billy Gibbons Reveals Why He Hates Acoustic Guitars

Billy Gibbons reveals there’s one type of guitar that he dislikes and it’s the acoustic, describing it as a “cursed instrument.”

The ZZ Top guitarist is fond of all kinds of guitars except for one. In a 2015 interview with Texas Monthly, Gibbons said about acoustic guitars:

“They’re bad luck. I won’t touch ’hem. In fact, don’t bring an acoustic guitar around me. I’d rather have a high-speed cigarette racer rather than wait for a big blow of wind to power my sailboat. Don’t give me a blow-boat, I’ll take the yacht.”

Gibbons recalled the last time he used an acoustic guitar for a ZZ Top song. He added:

“On our 1976 album ‘Tejas,’ there’s a tune called ‘Asleep in the Desert.’ That’s the last time I’ve wrapped my hands around an acoustic, but it was a Spanish gut-string, like Willie’s Trigger.”

The rocker feels like acoustic guitars do not offer the sound he’s looking for in rock n’ roll. He stated:

“But generally, there’s just not enough power for me. It’s rock and roll’s kick-in-the-pants rebelliousness that drives me. And electric guitars part the seas that much faster.”

While during a 2009 interview with the Music Radar podcast, Gibbons discussed his passion for guitars and how he is actually living his dream. He expressed:

“They say if you can make a living doing with you love, then you’re a fortunate man. But for me, guitars are an obsession, my raison d’etre. So for me to get paid to indulge in my greatest passion, it goes without saying that I am truly blessed.”