Play electric guitar like Michael Landau

You follow Michael Landau's versatile and long-standing career with interest and want to play like him? Then you're in the right place! In this guide we'll show you everything you need to get as close as possible to Michael's sound and look. Along the way you can also learn more about Michael's technique and career. Have fun browsing!

Who is Michael Landau?

Michael Christopher „the Man" Landau is one of the most sought-after session musicians in the US. He is extremely versatile and has appeared on many albums across very different genres. Whether rock, pop or jazz, Michael is at home in almost any genre and has made a huge mark on modern music. The list of artists Michael has successfully worked with is endless and ranges from Steve Lukather, Richard Marx, Pink Floyd, Chicago, Cher, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Michael McDonald and Rod Stewart to jazz greats like Miles Davis and many other well-known pop artists. He has contributed to albums by Jennifer Lopez, Seal, Anastacia, Christina Aguilera, Céline Dion, Madonna, Michael Bolton, Vasco Rossi, Eros Ramazzotti and Mariah Carey, among others.

Alongside a solo career, which produced successful albums such as Tales from the Bulge and Star Spangled Banner, Michael also runs his own band projects, for example Burning Water and The Raging Honkies, with whom he released a total of six albums. With Robben Ford Michael founded the band Renegade Creation, which has released two albums. He also plays in the band The Ringers and is a member of Steve Gadd's band.

Affordable electric guitars in the style of Michael Landau

Michael favors the Fender Stratocaster, but occasionally plays other models from other manufacturers. Fender of course also offers more affordable Strats, so you don't have to reach for an expensive Custom Shop or vintage guitar to emulate Michael's sound.

High-end guitars of Michael Landau

The already mentioned Fender Stratocaster plays an important role in Michael's music. Michael plays several Stratocaster models, mostly vintage guitars from the 1960s with a rosewood fretboard, which provides a warmer overall tone. Here we've put together a selection of high-end electric guitars that would surely appeal to Michael Landau as well.

Alternative electric guitars for the perfect Landau sound

The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most copied electric guitars ever. Many other reputable manufacturers produce guitars with a Strat-style body. These guitars are just as suitable for copying Michael's typical sound. We've put together a small selection of such guitars for you here, including replicas of Michael's other guitars. 

Michael Landau's amplifiers

Amps are also an important part of Michael's sound. While Michael used to play amplifiers from Marshall and Mesa/Boogie, he now tends to use models from Fender and Suhr.

Effects for Michael Landau fans

Although Michael mostly relies on his refined technique, he also uses some effects pedals, especially distortion. He even has his own signature pedal: the Vemuram Butter Machine pedal.

The perfect accessories for real Michael Landau vibes

Here you'll find the right accessories to sound even more like Michael Landau. The Fender Fat '50s pickups are installed in most of Michael's Strats and are definitely worth a look. Whether you want to play on the big stage or enjoy the Landau sound at home — you'll definitely find the right accessories here.