A solid-body electric guitar model introduced by Gibson in 1961 as the Gibson Les Paul SG. It remains in production today in many variations of the initial design. The SG Standard is Gibson's best-selling model of all time.

In 1960, Gibson Les Paul sales were significantly lower than in previous years. The following year, the Les Paul was given a thinner, flat-topped mahogany body, a double cutaway which made the upper frets more accessible, and a contoured body. The neck joint was moved by three frets to further ease access to the upper frets. The simpler body construction significantly reduced production costs and the new Les Paul, with its slender neck profile and small heel, was advertised as having the 'fastest neck in the world'. However, the redesign was done without the knowledge of Les Paul himself and, although the new guitar was popular, he disliked it due to problems with the strength of the body and neck. Gibson accordingly removed his name from the guitar, and the new model was renamed SG ('solid guitar').