Guitar amp pioneer JIM MARSHALL has passed away at the age of 88.

The music icon, nicknamed the Father of Loud, is recognized as one of the key pioneers in amplification after he began building amps in the 1960s and founded Marshall Amplification 50 years ago.

His equipment has been used by rock's most iconic stars, including Jimi Hendrix, Joe Perry, Kurt Cobain and Slash.

News of his death was posted on his company's website on Thursday.

An official statement reads,
 
"Jim rose to become one of the forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar, as we know and love it today, to be born.

"In addition to the creation of the amps, chosen by countless guitar heroes and game changing bands, Jim was also an incredibly humble and generous man who, over the past several decades, has quietly donated many millions of pounds to worthy causes."