Rocker Slash has paid tribute to late guitar great Les Paul, dubbing him a "friend and mentor". Musician-turned-guitar innovator Paul lost a battle with pneumonia on Thursday at the age of 94.

During his lifetime, he played with musical icons Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby and invented the Gibson Les Paul guitar that's been played by the likes of Jimmy Page, The Who's Pete Townshend and former Guns N Roses rocker Slash.

And the long-haired axeman, now playing with the band Velvet Revolver, reveals he developed a relationship with Paul - borne out of their mutual love of the guitar.

Just hours after Paul's death, Slash wrote online, "My friend & mentor Les Paul died today at 94, he was one of the most stellar human beings I've ever known, rest in peace Les."

Image © Adam Bielawski / PR Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)