Sex Pistols' Steve Jones Reveals Guitar Origin Story

Guitarist shares insights on his unexpected transition from aspiring singer to punk rock icon.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:35pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered disco ball reflecting a vibrant array of colors, capturing the raw energy and theatrical glamour of the punk rock movement.The Sex Pistols' iconic guitarist Steve Jones channeled the glitz and grit of punk rock through his self-taught mastery of the guitar.NYC Today

In a recent interview, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones opened up about his musical journey, explaining how he went from a failed singer to becoming the band's iconic guitarist almost overnight. Jones described his self-taught approach to learning the instrument, drawing inspiration from artists like the New York Dolls, The Stooges, and David Bowie's guitarist Mick Ronson.

Why it matters

Jones's rapid transformation from aspiring vocalist to skilled guitarist embodied the DIY ethos that would become central to the punk rock movement. His unconventional path to mastering the instrument, learning by ear and playing along to records, represented a departure from formal musical training and helped shape the Sex Pistols' distinctive sound that would influence countless musicians.

The details

Jones explained how his brief attempt at singing led him to discover his true calling on guitar, after a disastrous first gig where he realized he couldn't handle being the main focus. He then acquired his iconic white Les Paul through an unexpected connection to the New York Dolls' Sylvain Sylvain. Jones detailed his self-taught approach, playing along to records for hours and learning just a few basic chords. He cited influences like the New York Dolls, The Stooges, and David Bowie's guitarist Mick Ronson, as well as the Faces, in shaping his punk rock style.

  • In 1967, Jones first picked up the guitar after hearing Jimi Hendrix's 'Purple Haze'.
  • The Sex Pistols played their first show at Saint Martins College on November 6, 1975.

The players

Steve Jones

The guitarist for the iconic punk rock band Sex Pistols, known for his self-taught approach and eclectic musical influences.

Sylvain Sylvain

A member of the New York Dolls, who provided Jones with the iconic white Les Paul guitar that became a signature part of the Sex Pistols' sound.

Mick Ronson

David Bowie's guitarist during his glam rock era, who served as a primary influence on Jones's playing style.

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What they’re saying

“I've always been attracted to music, at an early age. I attempted to sing at first, and I realized that ain't for me. We did one gig, and it was terrible. I couldn't stand being the main focus. And then I kind of got pushed onto guitar through Malcolm McLaren. I'd thought, 'I gotta do this'.”

— Steve Jones, Guitarist, Sex Pistols

“That guitar came through [the New York Dolls'] Sylvain Sylvain. I don't know how it happened, but Sylvain Sylvain had the white Les Paul, and Malcolm brought it back. I don't know if it was for payment or something, I don't know. But he goes, 'Here you are, here is the guitar'.”

— Steve Jones, Guitarist, Sex Pistols

“And I was lucky because I love [how] Les Pauls sound. It's a classic sound: Marshall and the Les Paul. So I would play along to records for hours and hours, just didn't know what I was doing. I knew a couple of basic chords: A, D, and an E. And I could spend hours doing that, and that's how I first started.”

— Steve Jones, Guitarist, Sex Pistols

What’s next

Jones's musical journey and the impact of the Sex Pistols on punk rock culture will likely continue to be explored in future interviews and documentaries as the band's legacy endures.

The takeaway

Steve Jones's rapid transformation from failed singer to skilled guitarist, driven by a self-taught approach and eclectic musical influences, exemplified the DIY ethos that defined the punk rock movement and inspired countless musicians who followed in the Sex Pistols' footsteps.