Who was the original lead guitarist of The Wailers?

Peter Tosh was the original lead guitarist of The Wailers. Born Winston Hubert McIntosh, Tosh was one of the group’s three founding core members, alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer.

Tosh was already the most capable instrumentalist in the early group and played guitar and keyboards while the Wailers developed their sound in Kingston. He also helped teach Marley guitar, an often-overlooked part of the band’s early history. Marley generally became associated with lead vocals and rhythm guitar, while Tosh supplied prominent guitar work and his own powerful vocal presence.

The Wailers’ lineup changed significantly over time. Tosh and Bunny Wailer left after the release of Burnin' and pursued solo careers, while Marley continued with a new touring and recording lineup. Later guitarists included Al Anderson and Junior Marvin, which is why listeners familiar with the later Bob Marley and the Wailers may associate those names with the band’s lead-guitar role.

Tosh became a major solo reggae artist, releasing albums such as Legalize It and Equal Rights. His politically direct songwriting helped make him one of reggae’s most influential independent voices.