The electric guitar is the essence of rock and roll. It has the ability to scream, cry, seduce, and sedate.

When it comes to which buying a guitar, why not take advice from the experts?

Here are some rock legends favorite electric guitars, each one a solid choice whether you're an experienced player or you’re just starting out:

Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature Series

Known around the globe as a founding member of Mr. Big and RACER X, Paul Gilbert's Signature Series guitars by Ibanez let him express his unique style. Introduced in 1989, this solid body guitar has two distinct styles. Expect to pay an average of $799 to $999.

PGM Series - These guitars are based on the RG model and features its distinctive painted F holes. Some are equipped with a vintage-style tremolo.

Fireman (FRM) Series - These guitars feature Gilbert's Iceman body in reverse, and also adds a cutaway. It comes in two models, PGMFRM1 and PGMFRM2.

Paul Gilbert had this to say about his guitar. "When I pick up my Ibanez Fireman, I know that everything is going to be all right. It is truly a pleasure to be able to express my anger, explore my melodic imagination, and simply play good rock and roll, with such a world-class instrument." You can learn to play from the master himself here!

Gretsch G6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body

George Harrison's favorite electric guitar was his trusty Gretsch Chet Atkins. Pete Townsend also played his 1959 model of this legendary instrument on the iconic "Who's Next" album and also on "Quadrophenia". Today it is offered in 3 models, the original 6120, the 6122 (Country Gentleman), and the 6119 (Tennessee Rose), and in both open and closed body designs. Expect to pay an average of $2,500 to $3,000 for these guitars.

Gibson Flying V

Gibson's V shaped body design was very futuristic when it emerged in 1958. It was first picked up by blues greats Lonnie Mack and Albert King. In 1967 it was reissued in mahogany, offering a more powerful sound. Known for its sustain, it became the favored guitar for heavy metal guitarists including James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. If you want to own this guitar, expect to pay between $999 and $5,999.

Fender Stratocaster

The Strat is a rock guitar staple. From its television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in Buddy Holly's hands in 1959, to Jimi Hendrix's blistering 1969 anthem at Woodstock, to some of today's best artists, the legend of the Strat lives on. The very long list of musical gods who made this guitar famous include Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, and Eric Johnson. The Stratocaster is known for its comfortable contours, three single-coil pickups, and synchronized, integrated tremolo bridge. Prices range anywhere from $129 to $1,899 depending on model.

Gibson Les Paul

Perhaps the number one electric guitar in rock is the Gibson Les Paul. Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page played one throughout his career, and he has a signature model of the guitar. Eric Clapton played a Les Paul during his years with Cream. Other greats with signature models of the Les Paul include Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. What makes the Gibson Les Paul so special? Its versatility, playability, and different styles to suit various genres. Due to the Les Paul's many variations, prices vary widely from $599 on up to $9,999.

Interested in the electric guitar? Video Exchange Learning means you can learn from the best in the business. To learn to play guitar with Paul Gilbert, get started here!