Dolly Parton Iconic Guitars & Gear lists: What Kind?
Dolly Parton Iconic Guitars & Gear lists: What Kind?
Dolly Parton’s Musical Journey
It might seem surprising that an artist who rose to fame in the 1960s continues to captivate audiences today, but Dolly Parton defies all expectations. With each passing year, she only grows more relevant.
Over six decades, this iconic singer-songwriter has not only dominated the country music scene but also become a cultural icon, seamlessly bridging the worlds of music, philanthropy, and pop culture.
Dolly has released countless hits, proving her resilience and unparalleled talent, all while showing no signs of slowing down—or even aging, for that matter.
As time has passed, Dolly has firmly established herself as one of the most celebrated country performers in history.
Her achievements are staggering: she has penned over 3,000 songs, with 110 making the charts and 26 reaching number one.
She holds the record for 42 top-ten country albums, has earned 50 Grammy nominations (including 10 wins), been named CMA’s Entertainer of the Year, and even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
These accolades barely scratch the surface of her enduring impact on the music industry. With that in mind, let’s dive into some of the guitars that have been instrumental in propelling Dolly Parton to the pinnacle of musical greatness.
Dolly Parton Iconic Guitars: What Kind of Guitars Does Dolly Parton Play?
Dolly Parton is renowned for her preference for small-scale guitars, most famously her Taylor GS Mini, lovingly nicknamed the “Guitar of Many Colors,” and her Martin 5-18.
Over the years, she has also played a variety of other guitars, each of which has contributed to her unique sound and unmistakable style. Let’s explore these iconic instruments in detail.
Taylor GS Mini – “Guitar of Many Colors”
- Finish: Custom Rhinestone Patchworked Quilt
- Years Used: 2015 to Present
In 2015, while working on her NBC TV drama Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, which chronicles her humble beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dolly decided to commemorate the story with a custom guitar.
This creation, the Taylor GS Mini “Guitar of Many Colors,” reflects the multicolored patchwork theme of the film and the song it’s based on.
The GS Mini, known for its compact size and grand symphony body shape, is ideal for traveling musicians or those with smaller hands—making it a perfect fit for Dolly.
Built with high-quality materials like a solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, this guitar delivers rich tone and resonation in a lightweight, portable design.
Naturally, Dolly’s version isn’t just a standard GS Mini. Completely covered in vibrant rhinestones arranged in a quilt-like pattern, her custom guitar radiates her signature style and charm.
Dolly often performs with her “Guitar of Many Colors” when her outfit matches its bold aesthetic. This bedazzled instrument even made an appearance in Christmas of Many Colors, NBC’s 2017 special.
Martin 5-18 Terz
- Finish: Natural
- Years Used: 1954–1964, 1991–2010
Dolly’s journey with music began modestly. Growing up in a “dirt poor” family, she initially learned to play on makeshift instruments crafted from household scraps.
However, her uncle Bill Owens, a fellow music enthusiast, gave her access to his prized Martin 5-18 Terz guitar, a small instrument with a higher pitch and a body size of just 16 inches.
Its petite build and unique tuning made it ideal for Dolly’s small hands and high-pitched singing voice.
The Martin 5-18 became her most treasured possession when her uncle gifted it to her. Sadly, after years of use, the guitar was stored in her family home’s loft, which later caught fire, destroying much of it.
Although Dolly salvaged the neck, the experience cemented her love for small-scale guitars, which remain a hallmark of her career.
Once she achieved fame, Dolly acquired another Martin 5-18, which she used during her bluegrass phase in the late 1980s and 1990s.
This sentimental connection to her first instrument underscores her deep-rooted bond with Martin guitars.
Taylor GS Mini (White with Rhinestones)
- Finish: White with Rhinestones
- Years Used: 2014
Dolly debuted another dazzling Taylor GS Mini during her 2014 Glastonbury Festival performance.
Dressed in a sparkling white rhinestone jumpsuit, she played a matching custom white GS Mini adorned with silver rhinestones. This guitar, tailored specifically for the event, was a visual masterpiece.
Interestingly, during larger performances where Dolly focuses on singing and entertaining, she sometimes places a mute above the strings to prevent sound while strumming—a practical yet stylish solution.
Gibson L-00
- Finish: Natural/Natural with Rhinestones
- Years Used: 2010–2015
Between 2010 and 2015, Dolly frequently played a Gibson L-00, her first rhinestone-decorated guitar.
This small-body acoustic, inspired by 1930s parlor guitars, features high-quality materials like a Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides.
The addition of rhinestones gave it a unique flair, perfectly complementing Dolly’s charismatic stage presence.
Alvarez 4103 Classical
- Finish: Natural
- Years Used: 1976–1989
During the late 1970s and 1980s, Dolly turned to the Alvarez 4103 Classical guitar, a nylon-stringed instrument that suited her iconic long nails.
Known for its thinner top and slotted headstock, this small-body guitar offered a softer, warmer tone that paired beautifully with Dolly’s acoustic performances.
The Alvarez 4103 appeared in several memorable moments, including Dolly’s heartfelt rendition of “Coat of Many Colors” in 1979 and multiple appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Grammer Model S
Finish: Natural
Years Used: 1969 to 1973
In the 1970s, the Grammer guitar was an unavoidable presence in Nashville’s music scene, and Dolly Parton was among the many artists captivated by its charm.
After graduating high school in 1964, Dolly moved from Eastern Tennessee to Nashville, determined to break into the country music industry.
Despite early struggles with being categorized as a “bubblegum pop” artist under Monument Records, her breakthrough came when her song “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” recorded by Bill Philips, reached number 24 on the country charts. This success allowed her to embrace her true passion for country music.
By 1967, Dolly’s talent was undeniable, leading to an invitation from Porter Wagoner to join his weekly television program, The Porter Wagoner Show. Wagoner’s fondness for Grammer guitars likely influenced Dolly’s acquisition of her own Grammer Model S.
The Grammer Model S stood out with its slightly smaller size compared to standard dreadnought guitars, making it ideal for Dolly’s smaller hands and her preference for 3/4-sized instruments, such as her beloved Martin 5-18. Its natural finish pointed pickguard that wrapped around the soundhole, and high-quality craftsmanship made it a signature piece in her performances.
You can see Dolly’s Grammer Model S in action during a 1970s performance of “Joshua” at the Grand Ole Opry.
Yamaha C70
Finish: Natural
Years Used: 1986 to Unspecified
In the late ‘80s, Dolly occasionally played a Yamaha C70 classical guitar, showcasing her versatility and preference for nylon-stringed instruments.
Known for its affordability and smaller size compared to typical dreadnoughts, the Yamaha C70 was a comfortable choice for Dolly. The nylon strings made fretting easier, even with her famously long fingernails.
This guitar appeared in several late-1980s performances and was even featured in the made-for-TV movie A Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Greg Bennett Malibu by Samick
Finish: White with Rhinestones
Years Used: 2015
Dolly Parton occasionally shifts from acoustic to electric guitars to add a rock edge to her performances. When she does, she opts for the Greg Bennett Malibu by Samick.
This Stratocaster-inspired guitar has a solid body with a maple bolt-on neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and three single-coil pickups.
Unlike a traditional Stratocaster, the Malibu features a smaller, lightweight design and a 3+3 tuner headstock.
True to Dolly’s flamboyant style, her Malibu guitar is customized with a bright white finish adorned with rhinestones.
She showcased this dazzling instrument during a “Baby I’m Burnin’” performance at the Ryman Auditorium.
Table: Dolly Parton’s Guitars Through the Years
| Make | Model | Color/Finish | Years Used |
| Martin | 5-18 Terz | Natural | 1954 to 1964 / 1991 to 2010 |
| Grammar | Model S | Natural | 1969 to 1973 |
| Alvarez | 4103 Classical | Natural | 1976 to 1989 |
| Yamaha | C70 | Natural | 1986 to Unspecified |
| Gibson | L-00 | Natural / Natural with Rhinestones | 2010 to 2015 |
| Taylor | GS Mini | White with Rhinestones | 2014 |
| Greg Bennett | Malibu by Samick | White with Rhinestones | 2015 |
| Taylor | GS Mini “Guitar of Many Colors” | Custom Rhinestone Patchworked Quilt | 2015 to Present |
Dolly Parton Iconic Guitars: Wrap-Up
Dolly Parton’s journey from a one-room cabin in Eastern Tennessee to international superstardom is a testament to her perseverance, talent, and unwavering love for music.
Born into a family she often described as “dirt poor,” Dolly grew up surrounded by makeshift instruments and folk songs passed down through generations.
Her musical journey began when her Uncle Bill Owens, recognizing her passion, gifted her a petite Martin Model 5-18 guitar.
This “Baby Martin” became the foundation for a career that has now spanned more than six decades.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Dolly’s versatility shines through her diverse collection of guitars, which mirrors her artistic evolution.
Each instrument tells a story from the natural tones of her nylon-string classical guitars to the dazzling rhinestone-covered electric guitars she wields during performances.
Her early days were defined by simpler, smaller guitars like her Martin 5-18, suited to her petite frame. As her career soared, her guitars became as bold and iconic as her music, with customized designs that reflected her flamboyant and unapologetic style.
Whether strumming her Martin in a family loft or captivating audiences with her rhinestone-encrusted Taylors and electrics, Dolly’s choice of guitars has always been deeply personal, embodying her journey and artistic growth.
Beyond music, she has expanded her influence into acting and philanthropy, turning her small Appalachian hometown into a vibrant tourist destination with Dollywood and giving back to communities through her initiatives.
Today, Dolly Parton remains a cultural icon and a beacon of inspiration. Her instruments, like her artistry, have become part of her enduring legacy, proving that her connection to music is as timeless as the songs she continues to create.
Through her humility, work ethic, and boundless creativity, Dolly inspires generations, reminding the world that greatness can emerge from even the humblest beginnings.
FAQs on Dolly Parton Iconic Guitars
What type of guitar does Dolly Parton play?
Dolly has played various guitars throughout her career, including short-scale and full-size acoustic models, as well as electric guitars like Fender Stratocasters. Her first guitar was a Martin Model 5-18.
Who taught Dolly Parton to play guitar?
Dolly’s Uncle Bill Owens, a musician, taught her to play a proper guitar and encouraged her to pursue a music career.
How did Dolly Parton learn to play guitar?
Growing up in a musical family, Dolly initially played homemade instruments before Uncle Bill gifted her a Martin 5-18. Despite the discomfort of blisters, she persevered and developed her skills.
What other instruments does Dolly Parton play?
In addition to the guitar, Dolly is a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in playing the violin, banjo, mountain dulcimer, harpsichord, and piano.
