Willie Nelson plays a classical nylon-string guitar called the Trigger, which he has used for nearly 60 years

Willie Nelson's main guitar is a 1969 Martin N-20 classical nylon-string model that he named the Trigger. He bought it used in the early 1960s and has played it on nearly every recording and live performance since then. The guitar is when ready recognizable by the large hole worn into its soundboard from decades of picking—a visible mark of how much he has played it.

The Trigger is not a typical stage guitar. Classical guitars have nylon strings, a warm and mellow tone, and a wider neck than steel-string acoustics. Nelson uses fingerstyle picking rather than a flatpick, which is the standard technique for classical guitars. This combination gives his music its distinctive sound, different from the bright twang of a steel-string acoustic that many country musicians play.

Nelson has turned down offers to replace the Trigger with new instruments, even though the guitar is fragile and has been repaired many times. He has said in interviews that the guitar is part of who he is as a musician, and that a new guitar would not sound or feel the same.

Key Takeaways

  • The Trigger is a 1969 Martin N-20 classical nylon-string guitar that Willie Nelson has owned since the early 1960s and played on most of his recordings.
  • Classical guitars have nylon strings and a wider neck than steel-string acoustics, and Nelson plays it with fingerstyle picking rather than a flatpick.
  • The Trigger has a large hole worn through its soundboard from years of use, which is visible in photographs and videos of Nelson performing.
  • Nelson has refused to retire the Trigger even though it requires frequent repairs, because he believes the guitar's age and history are essential to its sound.

Why Nelson Chose a Classical Guitar

Nelson grew up in Texas and learned guitar as a child. He was drawn to the classical guitar's warm tone and the fingerstyle technique that classical players use. Unlike many country musicians who switched to steel-string acoustics or electric guitars, Nelson stuck with the classical approach throughout his career.

The nylon strings of a classical guitar produce a softer, rounder sound than steel strings, which fit Nelson's singing style and his preference for a more intimate sound. The classical technique also allowed him to play complex chord voicings and melodies at the same time, which became a signature part of his playing. This choice set him apart from other country artists and contributed to the unique sound that made him recognizable across decades of music.

The Trigger's Appearance and Damage

The most striking feature of the Trigger is the large hole in the soundboard near the sound hole. This hole was created by the pick striking the same spot thousands of times over the years. Rather than hide this damage, Nelson has kept the guitar as it is, and the hole has become part of the Trigger's identity and proof of its long use.

The guitar's finish is also worn and faded from handling and stage lights. The wood shows cracks and repairs in several places. Despite its appearance, the Trigger still produces sound and is still playable, though it requires careful maintenance and occasional professional repair. Nelson has had the guitar serviced by luthiers (guitar repair specialists) over the years to keep it in working condition.

How the Trigger Sounds Different from Other Guitars

A classical guitar's nylon strings vibrate longer than steel strings, which means the notes ring out and sustain for a longer time. This creates a warm, singing quality that works well for ballads and slower songs. The wider neck and higher action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard) make it harder to play fast, but easier to play clean notes with fingerstyle technique.

The Trigger's age also affects its sound. Older wooden instruments often develop a richer, more complex tone as the wood ages and the instrument is played in. Many musicians believe that a well-used vintage guitar sounds better than a new one, and Nelson's decades of playing the Trigger have shaped its sound into something unique to him. No two classical guitars sound exactly alike, and the Trigger's particular sound is tied to its specific wood, construction, and history.

Other Guitars Nelson Has Owned

While the Trigger is Nelson's main guitar, he has owned and played other instruments throughout his career. He has used steel-string acoustics for some recordings and performances, though these are less common in his work. He has also played electric guitars in studio sessions, though electric playing is not a major part of his public image.

Nelson has given away or sold some guitars over the years, and he has received guitars as gifts from other musicians and fans. However, none of these instruments have the same significance or regular use as the Trigger. The Trigger remains his primary instrument and the one most associated with his music and his identity as a performer.

Why Nelson Refuses to Retire the Trigger

In interviews, Nelson has explained that the Trigger is not just a tool—it is a part of him. He has said that playing a different guitar would feel wrong and would change his music. The guitar's worn appearance and the hole in the soundboard are not flaws to him; they are evidence of a lifetime of playing and a connection to his past.

This attachment to the Trigger reflects a broader philosophy Nelson has about music and life. He values authenticity and history over newness and perfection. Replacing the Trigger with a pristine new guitar would mean losing the specific sound and feel that he has developed with it over six decades. For Nelson, that trade-off is not worth it, no matter how fragile the instrument becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trigger still playable, or is it just for show?

The Trigger is still fully playable and is Nelson's main instrument for recording and performing. He uses it regularly, not as a display piece. The guitar requires professional maintenance and repairs more often than a newer instrument would, but Nelson continues to play it because he prefers its sound and feel.

What is the Trigger worth?

The Trigger's monetary value is difficult to estimate because it is not for sale and is unlikely to ever be sold. As a vintage Martin classical guitar in worn condition, it might be worth several thousand dollars on the used market. However, its value to Nelson and to music history is far greater than its market price.

Can you buy a guitar like the Trigger?

You can buy a 1969 Martin N-20 classical guitar if you find one for sale, though they are not common and can be expensive. However, a new Martin classical guitar is available and costs between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the model. A new guitar will not have the worn sound or appearance of the Trigger, but it will have the same basic design and construction.

Why does Willie Nelson use fingerstyle instead of a flatpick?

Fingerstyle picking is the traditional technique for classical guitars and allows the player to pluck multiple strings at once with different fingers. This technique gives classical guitars their characteristic warm, complex sound. Nelson learned this technique early in his musical education and has used it throughout his career.

Has the Trigger ever been stolen or damaged beyond repair?

The Trigger has been damaged many times but has always been repaired. Nelson has not publicly discussed any theft attempts or threats to the guitar's safety. The guitar's fragility is a concern, but Nelson has chosen to keep playing it rather than retire it to a museum or vault.