Jerry Garcia played many guitars during his career, ranging from Fender Stratocasters and Gibson SGs to custom-made instruments. During his thirty plus years of playing music, Garcia used about twenty-five guitars with some frequency. He was infamous for giving many away once he was ready to move on. These six were the most memorable and important throughout his career.

Luthier Doug Irwin built three of his five custom guitars. When asked about that fact, Jerry replied, "There’s something about the way they feel with my touch—they’re married to each other…I’d never felt anything before or since that my hand likes better."