Guitarists pay tribute to Les Paul

A number of stars have paid tribute to musician and guitar pioneer Les Paul, who died yesterday.

Paul, who developed one of the first solid-body guitars and invented a number of widely-used recording techniques, passed away at the age of 94 from complications of pneumonia, the BBC reports.

Ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash said: "He was an exceptionally brilliant man, musician, inventor, mentor and friend. Les Paul was a shining example of how full one's life can be. He was so vibrant and full of positive energy. I'm honoured and humbled to have known and played with him over the years."

Joan Jett added: "He was a genius inventor, musical innovator, and a wonderful person. Without the advances he pioneered, the recording sciences and the electric guitar would have been left years behind. I will miss him so much."

Former Clash star Mick Jones said: "As a child I was introduced to the sound of Les Paul through my parent's record collection. His innovation and recording techniques contributed greatly to the creation of rock music.”

U2's The Edge said: "Les Paul disproves the cliché that you can only be famous for one thing. His legacy as a musician and inventor will live on and his influence on rock and roll will never be forgotten."