Alex Lifeson, best known as the guitarist of the legendary band Rush, grew up inspired by some of rock’s most iconic players. But among all of them, one name stands out for him more than the rest: Pete Townshend of The Who.
Lifeson has often said that Townshend had a huge influence on his style. When he was learning guitar as a kid, Townshend’s mix of power, emotion, and bold chord playing shaped the way he approached music. According to Lifeson, he learned a lot about acoustic guitar, open chords, and ringing strings from watching and listening to The Who. These techniques later became an important part of Rush’s sound.
Holding Down the Guitar in a Power Trio
Rush was a three-piece band, which meant each member had a big role. With Geddy Lee on bass and Neil Peart on drums — two extremely active and creative musicians — Lifeson often had to act as the steady foundation. Instead of following the guitar, Geddy and Neil would move freely around the song, while Lifeson created a strong base with wide chords, harmonies, and ringing notes.
This flipped the usual rock-band roles. In many bands, the guitar leads and everyone else follows. But in Rush, Lifeson built the “musical floor,” allowing the bass and drums to get adventurous without losing the song’s structure. His open strings, big chord shapes, and rich tones helped create Rush’s massive, atmospheric sound.
Why the Les Paul Is His Favorite Guitar
For Lifeson, the Gibson Les Paul has always been the dream guitar. Many of the guitarists he admired — Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend — all played Les Pauls. Seeing his heroes use it made him want one of his own.
He loves the Les Paul for several reasons:
It has a warm, thick sustain that fits his style perfectly.
It looks timeless and classic on stage.
It feels balanced when you play it, almost like it becomes part of your body.
To Lifeson, a Les Paul isn’t just an instrument — it’s a piece of rock history that continues to inspire him.
Alex Lifeson’s Legacy
Born Aleksandar Živojinović in 1953, Lifeson went on to become one of the most respected guitarists in rock. Rolling Stone once ranked him the 98th greatest guitarist of all time, and his work with Rush is filled with unforgettable riffs, solos, and textures.
What makes Lifeson stand out is his versatility. He can play soaring solos, tight riffs, or soft, atmospheric parts with equal skill. More importantly, he created a style that is uniquely his own — something instantly recognizable to Rush fans around the world.
Alex Lifeson’s story is one of inspiration, creativity, and dedication. From learning open chords inspired by Pete Townshend to building Rush’s powerful sound as a trio, he remains a true guitar legend whose influence continues to reach new generations of musicians.