Bruno Mars used a Fender Stratocaster in the "Billionaire" music video
Bruno Mars played a Fender Stratocaster — specifically a sunburst-finish model — during the "Billionaire" music video released in 2010. The song features Mars on vocals and guitar, and the Stratocaster is the instrument visible throughout the performance scenes. The sunburst finish (a darker color at the edges fading to lighter in the center) is one of the most recognizable Stratocaster looks and has been a standard Fender option since the 1950s.
The Stratocaster is a solid-body electric guitar known for its bright, cutting tone and comfortable body shape. Mars's choice of this particular model fits the song's upbeat pop-rock style. The guitar appears in close-up shots during the video, making it a notable part of the visual presentation rather than just background detail.
Key Takeaways
- Bruno Mars played a Fender Stratocaster with a sunburst finish in the "Billionaire" music video.
- The Stratocaster is a solid-body electric guitar known for its bright tone and is one of the most popular guitar models worldwide.
- The sunburst finish is a classic Fender color option that has remained standard since the 1950s.
- The guitar is visible in performance scenes throughout the video, making it part of the song's visual identity.
Why the Stratocaster works for this song
The Stratocaster's tone suits "Billionaire" because the song sits in the pop-rock space where brightness and clarity matter. The guitar cuts through the mix without sounding harsh, which is important when the vocal melody is the main focus. Mars needed an instrument that could handle both rhythm playing and stand out during any lead moments without overwhelming the production.
The Stratocaster's body shape also matters for visual performance. The guitar's curves and balanced proportions look good on camera, which is why it has remained popular in music videos and live performances across genres. The sunburst finish adds visual warmth that complements the video's overall aesthetic.
Fender Stratocaster specifications and sound
A standard Fender Stratocaster has three single-coil pickups (the magnetic devices that capture string vibration), a tremolo system for pitch bending, and a 25.5-inch scale length. Single-coil pickups produce a thinner, brighter sound compared to the thicker tone of humbucking pickups found on guitars like the Gibson Les Paul. This brightness is part of why the Stratocaster became the default choice for rock, pop, and blues players.
The tremolo system — often called a "whammy bar" — lets players bend the pitch of notes or entire chords by moving a lever. While "Billionaire" doesn't feature heavy tremolo use, the system is part of what makes a Stratocaster a versatile instrument. The 25.5-inch scale is the industry standard for electric guitars and affects both the spacing between frets and the overall tension of the strings.
Stratocaster popularity in modern music
The Fender Stratocaster has been in production since 1954 and remains one of the most widely used electric guitars across all genres. Players from Jimi Hendrix to contemporary artists choose Stratocasters for recording and performance. The guitar's affordability at entry level, combined with its professional-grade options at higher price points, means both beginners and touring musicians use the same basic model.
In pop and pop-rock music specifically, the Stratocaster is common because it sits sonically between the brightness of single-coil guitars and the warmth of humbucking models. This middle ground works well when a song needs guitar that supports rather than dominates the mix. Mars's choice reflects a practical decision as much as an aesthetic one.
Sunburst finish and visual identity
The sunburst finish — darker edges fading to a lighter center — is one of Fender's most iconic color options. It originated in the 1950s and has remained a standard choice ever since. The finish is visually striking on camera because the color variation creates depth and makes the guitar stand out without looking flashy or unconventional.
Sunburst finishes come in different variations: two-tone (dark edges, light center) and three-tone (adding a middle shade). The exact shade depends on the year and model. On a Stratocaster, sunburst emphasizes the guitar's body contours because the color gradient follows the shape of the instrument, making it appear more three-dimensional in photographs and video.
Other guitars Mars has used
While the Stratocaster appears in "Billionaire," Bruno Mars has used different guitars for other performances and recordings. His choice of instrument often depends on the song's style and the specific sound he wants to achieve. Like most professional musicians, Mars works with multiple guitars rather than relying on a single instrument for all work.
Mars is primarily known as a vocalist and performer rather than a lead guitarist, so his guitar choices tend to prioritize instruments that support the song's overall production rather than showcase technical playing. This approach means his gear selections are often practical and straightforward — choosing instruments that work well on stage and in the studio without requiring specialized setup or maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the exact same Stratocaster Bruno Mars used?
Fender makes Stratocasters in many configurations, and a sunburst finish model is widely available. However, the specific guitar from the music video was likely a professional or custom model used for filming. You can purchase a standard Fender Stratocaster with a sunburst finish from music retailers, though the exact specifications of Mars's video guitar are not publicly documented.
How much does a Fender Stratocaster cost?
Fender Stratocasters range from around $200 for entry-level models to $1,500 or more for professional-grade instruments. The price depends on where the guitar is manufactured, the quality of components, and whether it is a standard or limited-edition model. Professional touring musicians often use higher-end models, but the basic design is the same across price points.
What makes a Stratocaster different from other electric guitars?
The Stratocaster's main differences are its three single-coil pickups (which produce a bright tone), its tremolo system for pitch bending, and its contoured body shape designed for comfort. Other popular electric guitars like the Gibson Les Paul use humbucking pickups for a thicker sound and have a different body design. The Stratocaster's brightness and versatility make it popular across genres.
Did Bruno Mars play the guitar live in "Billionaire" performances?
The music video shows Mars playing guitar, but whether he played live during televised performances or concert appearances depends on the specific event. Many artists use backing tracks or pre-recorded guitar parts during live performances while focusing on vocal delivery. Mars's primary role in the song is as vocalist, so guitar may have been recorded separately for the video.