In this tutorial, we will draw an electric guitar in Photoshop. We will start by tracing its shape in Adobe Illustrator and then export those paths to Photoshop to add the final touches. Let's get started!
Tutorial Assets
The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial.
Step 1: Tracing
Grab the stock photo from Photodune and then open it in Photoshop. We want to rotate the guitar. Activate Crop tool and then click and drag outside the crop selection area to rotate the guitar. In earlier versions of Photoshop, you need to select all (Command/Ctrl + A), cut it to new layer (Command/Ctrl + Shift + J), and then rotate it (Command/Ctrl + T).
Step 2
You may also want to expand the canvas area so it is slightly bigger. Save the file.
Step 3
Open the file in Illustrator. In the Option Bar, click Document Setup.
Step 4
Click Edit Artboard.
Step 5
Drag the canvas bounding box until it fits the image. Now, the canvas size is equal to the image. This way, our path will be easier to export to Photoshop later in this tutorial.
Step 6
Activate Pen tool and set Fill and Stroke to None and Black. Make new layer to place traced path in separate layer. Make sure to lock the reference photo.
Step 7
Start by tracing its main body.
See details below.
Step 8
Select the path and click Object > Path > Offset Path.
Step 9
Click OK to make new path.
Step 10
Trace its highlight too, still using Pen tool.
Step 11
Trace its pickguard.
Step 12
Use combination of rounded rectangle tool and elliptical tool to draw a screw.
Step 13
Select the screw and alt-drag to duplicate it.
Step 14
Repeat this process.
Step 15
Draw pickups, made from rounded rectangle and some circles inside it.
Step 16
Draw its boot straps.
Step 17
Trace its output jack.
Step 18
Manually draw its bridge and tailpiece.
Step 19
Draw its neck. Start by making a rounded rectangle and then pull its upper corner closer together.
Step 20
Draw some small rectangles for its frets.
Step 21
Select all the rectangles and then hit Command/Ctrl + G to put them on a group.
Step 22
Duplicate neck shape. Select both the neck and the rectangles group. Open Pathfinder panel and select Divide.
Step 23
Remove unneeded path.
This is the result. Add some small circles for position marker.
Step 24
Draw its headstock.
Step 25
Again, draw its rear shape.
Step 26
Trace the tuning keys and machine heads.
Step 26
Add screw on the headstock.
Step 27
Add line connecting machine heads and tailpiece.
Step 28
The first string should be thicker and gradually thinner.
Step 29
Select the string and then click Object > Expand. This will convert it from line into shape.
Step 30
Draw a big circle and a small circle inside it.
Step 31
Activate Rotate tool. Hold Command/Ctrl and drag its rotation pivot point to center of the big circle.
Step 32
Click once to open the rotate dialog box. Set its angle to 20 degree and click Copy
Step 33
HIt Command/Ctrl + D to repeat this transformation.
Step 34
Duplicate big circle and then resize while holding Alt to get smaller circle in same origin.
Step 35
Draw a line.
Step 36
Right click and select Rotate. Set its angle to 5 degree and click Copy.
Step 37
Hit Command/Ctrl + D to repeat the duplication process until we have full circle.
Step 38
Add text on center of the knob.
Step 39
Select the lines and set their Stroke width to 2 pt.
Step 40
Select all the lines and then click Object > Expand.
Step 41
Select all the lines and click Unite on the Pathfinder panel.
Step 42
Duplicate the knob by alt-dragging it.
Step 43
Draw a thick line.
Step 44
Click Object > Expand.
Step 45
Add a rounded rectangle on its tip.
Step 46: Export to Photoshop
Select all the paths. Click Edit > Copy.
Step 47
Open the image in Photoshop and then paste it as Path.
Step 48
Reposition the path onto the reference until both are match. Hit Command/Ctrl + T and resize the path if necessary.
Step 49: Main Body
Select the main body path using Path Selection tool. Duplicate it to separate path by copying it and paste it on new path. Click Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. Select #cc6a07 for its color.
Step 50
Add following Layer Styles.
And here's the result.
Step 51
I notice that its upper part is not dark enough. Activate Brush tool and then Command/Ctrl-click its upper to sample its color and paint on those area.
Step 52
Hit Command/Ctrl + Alt + G to convert the layer to Clipping Mask. The dark pixels will goes inside the main body.
Step 53
Grab fine wood texture.
Step 54
Add layer mask and paint black to hide some of the textures.
Step 55
Change its blend mode to Multiply and reduce its Opacity. Convert the layer to Clipping by hitting Command/Ctrl + Alt + G. This way, no texture spilled outside the main body.
Step 56
Command/Ctrl-click main body layer to make new selection based on its shape. Make new layer and then click Edit > Stroke.
Step 57
Select reflection path and duplicate onto separate path.
Step 58
Convert it to selection and then paint white and some black inside the selection.
Step 59
Reduce its layer Opacity and apply small Gaussian Blur to make it softer.
Step 60
Make random selection inside the main body and then paint subtle highlight.
Step 61
Reduce layer Opacity to make it appears realistic.
Step 62: Pickguard
Select pickguard and then make new Solid Color based on its shape. For its color, use #fdfae9.
Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 63
Command/Ctrl-click the layer to select it. Click Select > Modify > Contract.
Step 64
Make new layer and click Edit > Stroke. Select black for its color.
Step 65
Reduce its Opacity.
Step 66: Bridge
Draw a rounded rectangle shape with color #fcf5e5. Add following Layer Styles to add three-dimensional appearance onto the bridge. Below, you can see the result before and after adding the Layer Styles.
Step 67
Add some smaller circle with gray color. Add Gradient Overlay and Drop Shadow.
Step 68
Command/Ctrl-click the bridge main shape and make new layer behind it. Fill selection with black.
Step 69
Apply Gaussian Blur filter to soften it.
Step 70
Reduce its layer Opacity. This will become drop shadow of the bridge.
Step 71
Hit Command/Ctrl + J to duplicate the shadow. Click Filter > Blur > Motion Blur. Set its angle to match the lighting direction.
Step 72
Erase unneeded shadow. Use soft Eraser tool with low Opacity to get natural result.
Step 73
Duplicate the bridge until we have two more bridges. Rotate the bottom bridge. For this one, you will also need to modify its shadow direction so it matches the lighting.
Step 74: Screws
Draw a circle shape with color #ded3bd. Apply following Layer Styles to turn it into a half ball shape.
Click and drag on the canvas while activating this Gradient Overlay to move its gradient start point.
Step 75
Make new layer and paint random white spots using soft Brush tool as highlight on the screw surface. Convert the layer to Clipping (Command/Ctrl + Alt +G) to make sure everything we paint will goes inside the screw.
Step 76
Add a cross on top of the circle, made from two overlapping rounded rectangles. Use #70654f for its color. Add following Layer Styles to add Emboss effect.
Step 77
Place the screw inside a separate group layer. Alt-drag the group to duplicate it. You should rotate the screw a bit so we have unique screw, not exact duplicate from the first screw.
Step 78: Control Knob
Draw a circle shape with color #dfd9cb and apply these Layer Styles.
Step 79
Add a smaller circle shape with darker color and apply these Layer Styles.
Step 80
Command/Ctrl-click the circle path. Make new layer and place it behind the shape. Fill it with black.
Step 81
Apply Motion Blur filter.
Step 82
Soften it by applying Gaussian Blur.
Step 83
Erase unneeded shadow.
Step 84
You can add more shadow by painting manually using Brush tool. Make sure to reduce its Opacity and erase some of its edge.
Step 85
Add new layer on top of the circle shape and paint black on its lower part. Convert the layer to Clipping Mask.
Step 86
Duplicate lines on the knob. From it, make new shape with color #bfb9ad. Make new layer again and convert it to Clipping Mask. Paint lower part of the shape with darker color. Add lighter color circle on top of the knob.
Step 87
Add following Layer Styles onto upper part of the knob.
Here, we have the result.
Step 88
Use small brush to paint more needed highlight and shadow to add more realism onto the knob.
Step 89
Add small circles surrounding the knob. Apply Inner Shadow.
Here we have the result.
Step 90
Add text on center of the knob.
Step 91
Duplicate the knob by Alt-dragging its layer.
Step 92: Tailpiece
Using path we have made earlier in Illustrator, draw its basic shape with color #42433e. Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 93
Command/Ctrl-click the shape. Make new layer and then click Edit > Stroke. Set its color to white.
Step 94
Soften the stroke line by applying Gaussian Blur.
Step 95
Erase some of the stroke line using soft Eraser tool.
Step 96
Make new layer and paint highlight on top of the shape by applying soft stroke of Brush tool with low Opacity.
Step 97
Keep adding this highlight. At some point, you will also need to paint shadow to add contrast onto the shape.
Step 98
Duplicate the shape and then add new rounded rectangle path in its lower part with mode Intersect.
Step 99
Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 100
Add small rounded rectangles for end of the strings. Apply following Layer Styles. Add new layer behind the tailpiece and paint the rectangles shadow.
Step 101
Draw stack of rounded rectangles with dark grey color. Apply Bevel and Emboss and Gradient Overlay.
Step 102
Add new layer and then paint white on center of each screw and black on its both sides. Hit Command/Ctrl + Alt + G to convert it to Clipping Mask.
Step 103
Add shadow behind each screws.
Step 104
Add rounded rectangle shape above each screw. Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 105
Add following shape and apply another Layer Style.
Step 106
Add new layer and then paint soft stroke along its edge.
Step 107
Add rounded rectangles shape and then apply following Layer Styles to convert them into holes.
Step 108
Add new layer and paint white on lower part of the indicated areas below. Reduce its Opacity.
Step 109
Add small circles inside for each string. Add following Layer Styles to turn it into a hole.
Step 110
Add a rounded rectangle with lighter color and then apply Gradient Overlay and Inner Shadow.
Step 111
Add plus sign on the rounded rectangle and add Layer Styles.
Step 112
Add screws on the upper part. You can just copy screw from previous steps.
Step 113: Boot Straps
Draw this shape and place it behind the main body.
Step 114
Add new layer and paint random black shape on top of it. Convert the layer to Clipping Mask and then reduce its Opacity.
Step 115
Repeat this process.
Step 116
Add new layer on top of it and paint black along its edge using soft Brush tool. Convert the layer to Clipping Mask. Paint highlight inside the shape.
Step 117
Repeat the same process to draw bootstraps on upper part of the main body.
Step 118: Output Jack
Draw a dark shape with color #353736. Apply Layer Styles.
Step 119
Make new layer. Command/Ctrl-click the shape and click Edit > Stroke. Use white to add highlights along its edge.
Step 120
Soften the stroke line by applying filter Gaussian Blur.
Step 121
Erase some of the stroke line.
Step 122
Add more highlights onto the surface by painting it manually.
Step 123
Draw this shape and add these Layer Styles.
Step 124
Draw smaller shape and add Gradient Overlay.
Step 125
Add new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask. Paint some highlight and shadow inside the shape.
Step 126
Draw its inner side and apply subtle Gradient Overlay.
Step 127
Paint highlight and shadow inside the shape.
Step 128
Draw a polygon and add Gradient Overlay.
Step 129
Duplicate and then move it a few pixels. This will add three-dimensional appearance.
Step 130
Command/Ctrl-click the shape and add black stroke line.
Step 131
Add another gradient inside the hole.
Step 132
Add new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask. Paint some white to add highlight inside the hole.
Step 133
Add soft shadow behind the jack.
Step 134
Draw a ring shape made from two overlapping circles. The smallest circle should be set to Subtract to create hole. Add following Layer Styles to add emboss effect.
Step 135
Paint highlight behind the ring shape.
Step 136
Add small screw on of end the output jack base. You can just simply duplicate screw we have drawn earlier.
Step 137: Selector
Draw a dark gray rectangle shape. Add Layer Styles.
Step 138
Add smaller shape inside previous and then apply Gradient Overlay to give it metallic reflection.
Step 139
Add new layer and paint its upper part with black.
Step 140
Draw its handle. Apply Layer Styles to make it 3D.
Step 141
Add new layer and draw highlight reflection on the surface.
Step 142
Paint soft shadow underneath the selector.
Here's the result in smaller magnification.
Step 143: Whammy Bar
Draw whammy bar basic shape, use white for its base color. Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 144
Add new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask. Paint another shadow and hghlight manually.
Step 145
Paint its handle. Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 146
Add a new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask. Paint more shadow inside the whammy bar handle.
Step 147
Manually, paint its shadow on the pickguard. Reduce its Opacity and then erase its upper part using soft and low Opacity Eraser tool.
Step 148: Neck
Add its neck. Use #73644d. Add Layer Styles.
Step 149
Add new layer and place it behid the neck. Paint neck shadow on the main body.
Step 150
Add fret shapes with #e1e3ce for its color. Add following Layer Styles to add 3D effect onto the shape.
Step 151
Below you can the result in bigger magnification.
Step 152
Paint some shadow between each fret. We don't want it to be too clean or too flat.
Step 153: Headstock
Duplicate headstock path we have made earlier. Turn it into a shape layer with color #f6d3ab and then apply some Layer Styles.
Step 154
Add new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask (Command/Ctrl + Alt + G). You can add more shadow or highlight onto the headstock if needed.
Step 155
The headstock is made of wood. We want it to have the right texture. Paste the fine wood texture on top of the headstock. Command/Ctrl-click the shape to select it. Add layer mask onto the texture layer.
Step 156
Add rear part of the headstock. This area should be darker than its front.
Step 157: Machine Heads
Draw a gray circle attached on the headstock. Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 158
Add new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask. Add highlight onto the surface.
Step 159
Add smaller circle and apply Layer Styles Gradient Overlay. While the dialog box is opened, drag on the canvas to move the gradient center
Step 160
Add another highlight onto the shape.
Step 161
Paint highlight onto the surface manually.
Step 162
Add a small circle shape. Add Layer Styles and then draw highlight on its surface.
Step 163
Draw its lower part.
Step 164
Paint highlight on its surface.
Step 165
Copy the machine head by Command/Ctrl-dragging it.
Step 166: Tuning Keys
Draw tuning keys basis shapes. Use #949993 for its color. Add new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask, paint shadow on top of it.
Step 167
Draw its lower part with same color. Add another shadow onto its surface..
Step 168
Duplicate the shape we have made in Step 166. Change it to lighter color and then modify its shape. We want it to be front side of the tuning keys and make it three-dimensional. Add new layer and paint shadow and highlight onto the shape.
Step 169
Keep drawing random highlight and shadow onto the surface. Don't forget white thin lines onto its side to add highlight using small brush.
Step 170: Position Marker
Draw some small circles on the fret. Add following Layer Styles to make it appears natural.
Below, you can see the details in bigger magnification.
Step 171: Strings
Select the strings that we imported earlier from Illustrator. Turn it into a layer with color #a1a19f.
Here are the details.
Step 172
Apply Bevel and Emboss onto the strings to turn into 3D.
Step 173
Make new layer and then paint lower part of the string with black. Right at the place where the strings enter the holes. See the difference below.
Step 174
We will add a pattern onto the first four strings. Make new layer with canvas size 1 × 2 pixels.
Step 175
Fill its half with black. Click Edit > Define Pattern to save it as pattern.
Step 176
Command/Ctrl-click the strings to make new selection based on the strings shape. Deselect the last two strings.
Step 177
Make new layer. Click Edit > Fill. Select pattern we have just made.
Below, you can the result.
Step 178
Let's add the strings’ shadow. Command/Ctrl-click the strings to select them. Make new and place it behind the string. Click Edit > Fill with Use: Black.
Step 179
Soften it by applying Gaussian Blur filter.
Step 180
Reduce layer Opacity.
Step 181
We want the strings shadow on its main body much further than the shadow on the guitars neck. So Command/Ctrl-click the neck and then inverse selection (Command/Ctrl + Shift + I).
Step 182
Activate Move tool and then hit right arrow a few times.
Step 183
You can make it softer by applying another Gaussian Blur.
Step 184
Add a rectangle shape with color #beb2a4. Place it on the headstock between 3rd and 4th strings.
Step 185
Apply following Layer Styles.
Step 186
Add new layer and convert it to Clipping Mask. Paint shadows on its edges.
Step 187
Draw a circle shape with similar color and apply simple Gradient Overlay from white to black with low Opacity.
Step 188
Add a screw on top of it.
Step 189
Add two rectangles with lighter color on its left and right sides.
Step 190
Apply Inner Glow and Gradient Overlay.
Step 191
Manually, paint its shadow on the headstock.
Final Image
In this tutorial you learned how to trace a reference photo in Illustrator and then add lighting, texture, and realism to it with Photoshop. Hopefully, after completing this tutorial you should have a fairly good grasp of how to use both Photoshop and Illustrator to create stunning icons and graphics for your design projects.
