Jake E. Lee, a name synonymous with electrifying, blues-infused hard rock guitar, possesses a style immediately recognizable to fans of Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands. But like every legend, there was a beginning—a single moment of inspiration that flipped a switch and set him on the path to rock stardom.
That pivotal moment arrived courtesy of the undisputed king of the electric guitar, Jimi Hendrix. Lee has often recounted how a particular Hendrix track didn’t just inspire him; it fundamentally demanded that he pick up the instrument. While Hendrix’s entire catalog is a masterclass, it was the raw, soulful power of one song that served as the catalyst for the young guitarist. This foundational influence instilled in Lee the importance of playing with feeling, channeling the blues, and pushing the boundaries of sonic expression, a philosophy that continues to define his work today.
The Acquisition of an Icon: The Blue Charvel
During his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne, Jake E. Lee became inseparable from his iconic, custom-modified blue Charvel guitar. This instrument wasn’t just a tool; it was an extension of his body, featured prominently in the music videos and live performances for albums like Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin. The story of how he acquired this distinctive axe is a piece of rock history in itself.
In the early days of his Ozzy gig, Lee was looking for an instrument that could keep up with the demands of arena-rock touring and his aggressive playing style. He was drawn to the emerging “super-strat” designs of the time. The particular Charvel was a factory reject or perhaps a prototype, possibly sporting a color that Charvel wasn’t planning on mass-producing. The guitar, originally a vibrant blue with a custom pickup configuration, immediately caught his eye.
Lee took the instrument and made it truly his own, notably stripping the finish on the back of the neck for a smoother, faster feel—a common modification among hard-touring guitarists seeking maximum playability. The guitar’s aesthetic, with its slightly unusual color and stripped-down look, perfectly matched Lee’s own understated, yet powerful, stage presence.
This blue Charvel became the centerpiece of his sound throughout one of the most commercially successful periods of his career. It wasn’t the most expensive or flashy instrument on the market, but its uniqueness and the music Lee made with it cemented its place as one of the most recognizable guitars of the 1980s metal scene.
From being captivated by a single Jimi Hendrix song to acquiring the guitar that would help define his sound, Jake E. Lee’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring connection between a guitarist and their chosen instrument.