The Magic of Naming Your Guitar
Some nights, I dream of strange things. A siren calls to me in my dreams. I hear her music and chase after her, but she keeps slipping away. I wake up drenched in sweat. Then I see her in the waking world—Siren. She sits by my bed, waiting for me. Captivating and elegant. Every day, I can’t wait to wrap my fingers around her slender neck. She vibrates in my hands and talks to me. I love holding her in my lap, connected, spending time together.
Sorry, I got a bit carried away. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m talking about one of my guitars. Yes, her name is Siren. Why that name? Good question. The patterns and blending colors on her body remind me of the magical tail of a mythical creature—a siren. But that’s just one way to name your instrument.
You’re probably wondering why you should even bother naming your guitar, right? Or maybe you’re here to find the best way to give it a proper name. A name your instrument deserves, one that’s connected to you.
Some people might tell you it’s a waste of time and that naming a guitar is pointless. Don’t pay attention to those harsh words. If you weren’t a bit of a rebel, if you listened to everyone’s advice and didn’t think for yourself, you probably wouldn’t even be playing the guitar right now. So, if you’re thinking about naming your guitar, go for it. If you think it’s a silly idea and you’re convinced it’s not for you, that’s perfectly fine too. Now, let’s get to the point.
How Did It All Start?
Long ago, in dark and dangerous times when walking unarmed was unthinkable, people carried weapons. Every man had some kind of weapon, but only great warriors and kings wielded the finest blades, forged just for them. Those swords were extensions of their hands, their loyal companions. Some of those swords were given names. They meant so much more than just objects. The difference between those weapons and our beloved instruments is that swords brought death but also saved lives, while guitars are tools of creativity, portals of sound. What I’m trying to say is that people have been naming meaningful objects since ancient times.
In many stories—whether fictional or based on real events—heroes carry swords with specific names. Do you really think Aragorn could have commanded an army of the dead with just any old sword? No, it had to be Andúril.
The same goes for your guitar. Okay, you’re not commanding the dead or heading into battle, but you get the point.
If we fast-forward from those ancient times to today, we see people naming all sorts of things that matter to them—cars, phones, houses, boats. So what’s stopping you from naming your guitar?
How and Why Name a Guitar?
You need to understand one simple thing. If you feel a need, an urge, to connect more deeply with your instrument—if you think it’s an extension of yourself, if it helps you express things you could never put into words—then it’s okay and understandable to want to give it a name. On the other hand, if you don’t feel any need for it and see your guitar as just an object, well, I don’t know what to say. Just kidding—it’s okay too. But I’m one of those people in the first group.
Right now, I have three guitars—one acoustic and two electric—and all three have names. I didn’t overthink whether I should name them. Somehow, I just knew I would. I felt back then, and still feel now, that these guitars are an extension of me. As I mentioned earlier, through them, I can say so much more than I ever could with words. It’s another form of communication, another language. A language not everyone understands, but one that speaks clearly to those who do—a language of emotions. With them, I feel complete. By naming them, I introduce them to the world. They’re no longer just objects or musical instruments; they’re something more. Portals that convey messages beyond ordinary language. That’s my “why.”
Now, how do you go about it? How do you choose the right name for your instrument, and what factors might influence that choice? What should you consider before the final act?
Choosing the right name for your guitar isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t always come naturally. There are a few approaches that can help if you don’t already have a name in mind.
For example, the connection between you and your instrument can be a trigger for the perfect name. Imagine that connection reminds you of a person who inspired you, or maybe a character from a movie or a novel. You could also consider a name based on your guitar’s physical characteristics. Maybe it has a striking color, interesting shades, a unique shape, a slender neck, a creative headstock, or even distinctive fretboard markers. All these details can influence the choice of a fitting name.
Since we’re talking about a musical instrument, sound plays a huge role in this too. Your guitar’s name could be tied to its tone. For instance, a warm sound might inspire one name, while a sharp, cutting tone could lead to something entirely different.
Or maybe you’ll ignore all of this and name your guitar after a loved one. Whatever works for you. After all, it’s going to spend a lot of time in your lap.
I deliberately avoided mentioning any famous guitars owned by virtuosos in this post, and aside from Siren, my own guitar, I haven’t suggested any specific names. I didn’t want to plant ideas in your head because I believe the best name is one you come up with on your own, without anyone’s help.
