At the age of eight, Les Paul began playing the harmonica.
After learning the piano, he switched to the guitar. During
this time he invented a neck-worn harmonica holder.

Les Paul (Lester William Polsfuss)
(June 9, 1915 – August 12, 2009) 

Paul, was a jazz, country, and blues guitarist, songwriter, and
inventor. He was one of the pioneers of the solid-body electric
guitar, and his prototype, called the Log, served as inspiration
for the Gibson Les Paul. Paul taught himself how to play guitar,
and while he is mainly known for jazz and popular music, he
had an early career in country music. In the 1950s, he and his
wife, singer and guitarist Mary Ford, recorded numerous records,
selling millions of copies.

Paul is credited with many recording innovations. His early
experiments with overdubbing (also known as sound on
sound), delay effects such as tape delay, phasing, and
multitrack recording.          
         

His licks, trills, chording sequences, fretting techniques, and
timing set him apart from his contemporaries and inspired
many guitarists of the present day. (From Wikipedia)

      
      
      
      
      
     

Les (with wife, Mary Ford) in their home recording studio.