Guitar Legends: Slash – the cat in the hat who saved hard rock guitar from itself

As he turns 55, it’s hats off to Guns N’ Roses’ Les Paul maestro Slash who’s been at the heart of hard rock for over 30 years. His guitar style is traditional but also unique, drawing on a wealth of soloing ideas and swaggering riffs. Here’s his essential gear and best tracks.

Rolling Stone interviews Slash on Guns n' Roses and Hall of Fame

Slash Plays Guns N' Roses Riffs in New Capital One Commercial: Watch

Slash: An Intimate Portrait by Bienstock, Richard

Slash in 1982 before Guns N' Roses was started, and he was known

The Big Review: Epiphone Slash Collection J-45 & 'Victoria' Les

Slash: An Intimate Portrait by Bienstock, Richard

Been playing for a year now and feel stuck at the intermediate

Ernie Ball Primo Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar

Guitar God Slash Tells TIME About His New Album — and His Famous

The Gibson Les Paul - Axe of Choice