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Fender reveals the next generation American Professional range – and fixes a “70 year gripe”
New offset bridges and overhauled pickups headline one of the most important drops in Fender’s recent history
Anthrax’s Jonathan Donais on what it’s like to shred for one of the Big Four
Anthrax’s lead specialist since 2013 talks about his role within the group and having to channel his inner Angus Young
Tom Morello on being one of the only people on the planet to hold Randy Rhoads’ guitar
Tom Morello has called Randy Rhoads the “greatest hard rock guitar player of all time” on multiple occasions. However, what might not be as widely known is that Morello advocated for Rhoads’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – and is one of the few individuals ever to handle one of the most-prized Rhoads guitars.
Keanu Reeves and Bret Domrose on pushing air with Dogstar
When Keanu Reeves demanded that Dogstar rock harder, the result was their punchiest album yet. Reeves and Bret Domrose break down how they did it
"What it can do is make a very good guitar rig feel better": OctaKing Burstphonic PAF review
OctaKing takes on the holy grail of guitar tone with its vintage PAF-inspired Burstphonic pedal
Zoom embraces NAM and AI stem separation with a $300 touchscreen amp modeler, the Neurig
Is this affordable do-it-all multi-effects from Zoom about to shake up the modeler market?
Hideki Ishima on the Flower Travellin’ Band, inventing the sitarla and his near-miss with the Rolling Stones
Guitarist Hideki Ishima reflects on his career in guitar, the band's quest to conquer the west, and inventing his own instrument
Slash honored with the Les Paul Spirit Award
Slash has become the latest recipient of the Les Paul Spirit Award, following Bob Weir, Steve Miller, and Peter Frampton.
Indie-rock mainstay Kevin Morby on his Green Day awakening and Midwest state of mind
Armed with an indestructible custom Seüf guitar, Kevin Morby’s new record roams our lost highways and finds humanity in the horror
John Mayer shreds Van Halen with Dave Grohl on the Music Man Axis that made his childhood dreams come true
Save for special songs or occasions, John Mayer is rarely seen without a Silver Sky in his hands. That changed over the weekend as he grabbed a Music Man Axis to shred some Van Halen.
Dolly Parton was the undisputed queen of country, but she was also a highly underrated guitar player
Dolly Parton leaves a rich legacy. From her quick wit to her remarkable fretting hand, there will never be another like her
What’s the best guitar jam you’ve ever seen?
Last Thursday, October 1, I had the privilege of seeing Buddy Guy’s all-star 90th birthday concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Todd Huth wrote Primus’ early guitar parts, then left them to Larry LaLonde
He looks back on his reasons for leaving, his reunions with Les Claypool in Sausage and Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, their drummer struggles, a coffee psychosis with Kirk Hammett, and the Mesa Boogie amp he’d never be without
How a bass she borrowed (and never gave back) helped shape the sound of Rhonda Smith’s new supergroup
Rhonda Smith opens up about her new supergroup with Cindy Blackman Santana and Orianthi – and the lessons she learned from Prince
The life and times of Wayne Charvel – Eddie Van Halen guitar builder and godfather of the Superstrat
An unsung hero of the guitar custom shop, DIY guitar building and the hot-rodded electric, Wayne Charvel left behind a legacy that was larger than life
Why Zakk Wylde isn’t convinced by the tonewood debate
The Black Label Society frontman says a guy stuck a pickup in a cinder block and it sounded the same, so just get on with it
Stanley Jordan is writing a metal album on James Hetfield’s signature ESP
Guitar World famously listed Stanley Jordan as one of 40 players who changed the post-1980 modern era of guitar playing, and by the sound of it, he’s about to do that again.
5 basslines that made Paul Simon a superstar
From David Hood’s deep Southern grooves to Bakithi Kumalo’s groundbreaking fretless work, Paul Simon has always known the value of a great bassist
How an unassuming college professor became one of the world’s leading authorities on Van Halen
Greg Renoff’s research skills allowed him to gather stories about the band’s early days that may otherwise have been forgotten, including the accident that led to the recording of EVH’s masterpiece, Eruption
Eric Gales shows you 7 ways to get across the fretboard that unlock his secret to improv
The blues-rock maestro explains how position shifts can shape melodic ideas in his latest lesson column
Test your Pink Floyd knowledge with our quiz
Though they eschewed the formal label, Pink Floyd were a lowercase ‘p’ progressive rock band in the truest sense. They pushed buttons and boundaries – selling records by the tens of millions entirely on their own terms.
The week in gear, ft. Castle Rat’s medieval signature model, Joe Bonamassa’s digital Twin and much, much more
Fender, Dunable, Boss, Gibson and more come through with the goods in a very good week for the reputation of digital guitar amps
Journey halts set after drummer Deen Castronovo suffers onstage medical emergency
Journey’s show at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma last night (October 8) was halted for a medical emergency when drummer Deen Castronovo took ill and had to be helped off the stage.
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill retires after nearly 60 years, names replacement
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement, stepping down from the British metal stalwarts after 57 years of service.
Ex-Martin employee says destruction of 145-year-old acoustic in Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight was no accident
The destruction of a 145-year-old Martin guitar in Quentin Tarantino’s film, The Hateful Eight, is embedded into guitar folklore. But what if it was no accident?
Andrew Watt and Tony Iommi are at odds over why the final Black Sabbath album never happened
Last month, metal guitar legend Tony Iommi said he turned down Andrew Watt’s offer to make one last Black Sabbath album with the original lineup. Watt himself, however, has just spun a very different story on the matter, and why plans for a 20th Sabbath album never got off the ground.
Michael Hampton, aka Kidd Funkadelic, on the making of the band’s mysterious 1975 classic
Funkadelic history is a little fuzzy. The credits are disputed. But Hampton was there. He takes us back to 1975 to revisit the making of Let’s Take It to the Stage
Paul Reed Smith tackles the PRS ‘guitars for dentists’ reputation head on
There’s a long-running joke in the guitar industry that PRS guitars are for dentists and lawyers. The sentiment is that those who fork out $7,000+ for a PRS McCarty are rich hobbyists, rather than hard-working touring musicians.
Alek Darson was mixing a new prog project with Animals as Leaders’ drummer – then he found himself in the band
The Berklee-trained guitarist and producer was originally inspired by Dream Theater and went on to play on a Jordan Rudess album. When a cinematic prog metal project made its way to his studio, he found himself reaching for his WoodGuerillas
I’ve been using a violin bow on my guitars for years. Here’s how to make it sound more “ethereal” and less “screeching cat”
Jimmy Page, Adrian Belew, Lee Ranaldo and Sigur Rós popularized the use of the violin bow on guitar, but there’s a knack to making it sound good
How Gwen Stefani’s dad and a Yamaha employee discount set Tony Kanal on the road to bass stardom with No Doubt
Kanal later discovered a BB3000 in a Japanese music store and has been playing them ever since – with one crucial modification
How to watch Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger
Liam and Noel Gallagher's new documentary lands on streaming October 9. Here's how to watch, no matter where you are in the world
Joe Bonamassa goes digital with the first ever Fender Tone Master signature amp
Joe Bonamassa has become the first artist to be honored with a signature model in Fender’s Tone Master amp series, with a reissue of his favorite combo: a 1959 Twin. And shockingly, it’s all-digital.
Aerosmith announce two star-studded Hollywood Bowl shows – but is this goodbye?
The band’s first full shows since their 2023 farewell tour ended prematurely are set to feature Slash, Nuno Bettencourt, Steve Stevens and Heart
Behringer got sued over its Klon Centaur clone. Now it’s back with four different versions
Getting hold of the cash for an original Klon Centaur pedal in 2026 increasingly involves the sale of vital organs, so it’s not surprising that affordable Klon clones have proliferated. Now, seemingly undeterred by a lawsuit for its on-the-nose copy, Behringer has announced for four more clone builds.
A deep dive into the wild, booming world of online guitar giveaways
I took a punt and ended up receiving one of my dream guitars for less than the price of a pack of strings
UK budget guitar brand that won a fan in Joe Bonamassa saved from closure
After more than a year of uncertainty, British budget gear brand Vintage Guitars has been saved from extinction and will now kickstart a new era under German ownership.
Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher and Nick Johnston on the evolution and survival of prog-metal’s big beast
The loss of Brent Hinds would have broken most bands. But with Nick Johnston, Mastodon plowed on, and Marrow Deep is a tribute that cuts to the bone
“At $25, having one in your back pocket to spark ideas seems like a bit of a no-brainer”: Devi Ever : fx Plugins review
Devi Ever is back, at least in plugin form
“Few guitars carry a legacy as rich”: Gibson revives one of the most influential archtops in its history
With premium appointments and a painstaking eye to detail, Gibson says no corners have been cut bringing the revered L-5 back to life
Save on two Beyerdynamic headphones for Prime Day
Got a multi-effects, modeling amp, or audio interface? Then you should pair it with one of the best studio headphones for guitarists around right now
Zakk Wylde’s guitar brand has launched its first acoustic guitars
It’s been 10 years since Zakk Wylde launched his namesake gear firm, Wylde Audio. And as it marks a decade of loud, it’s celebrating quietly with its first-ever grand auditorium electro-acoustic models.
Anthrax on how Mr. Bungle, family trauma and late-night calls with Dimebag inspired an album 10 years in the making – but will it be their last?
Anthrax lifers Scott Ian and Charlie Benante weigh in on returning to sub-four-minute thrash songs and contemplating the end on Cursum Perficio
Prime Day guitar deals 2026 LIVE: all the biggest savings from Amazon
Myself and the Guitar World team are busy rounding up all the hottest gear from the October Prime Day sale, including guitars, pedals, amps, accessories, and more. Stick with me for the latest updates
The secret supergroup that once featured Eddie Van Halen has been resurrected
An updated crop of A-list guitarists will star in a new covers album under the elusive Biff Baby’s name
Struggling to find decent guitar deals in Amazon’s Prime Day sale? Head over to Musician’s Friend’s up to 50% off Rocktober sale instead – I’ve found silly prices on Epiphone, Schecter, Fender, Gibson and more
Save big this Fall with discounts on a host of guitar gear from the biggest names in the business
4-star-rated Mooer multi-effects just $210 for Prime Day
Prime Day delivers yet again with some awesome savings on budget multi-effects pedals from Mooer
Nita Strauss returns to Alice Cooper’s band for the first time after her temporary leave
The 39-year-old virtuoso has spent most of the year on maternity leave, but arrived back in the fold in style in Las Vegas
I’m a Les Paul addict. Now with $700 off a Gibson Les Paul, plus hundreds off Epiphone Jeff Beck and Jared James Nichols signature models, these Prime Day deals are seriously testing my willpower
I've searched high and low to find the very best Les Paul deals this Prime Day
Greta Van Fleet’s Jake Kiszka on making Palace for the People and why rock has got to got ruffle a few feathers
Greta Van Fleet’s detractors are loud as ever – but on new album Palace for the People, Jake Kiszka and his Gibson “Excalibur” come out swinging
How Alice Cooper’s New York nightmare left his guitarist on the brink
In this exclusive excerpt from his new memoir, Cooper tells how drugs, knives, drag queens, bouncing checks and a guitar calamity gave them a rude awakening in NYC
“An addictively playable, lightweight, lively guitar”: West Valley Fever Rambler review
An old-looking newcomer from UK brand West Valley – will this Fever get the mercury rising?
John 5 becomes the most decorated Telecaster artist in history with three new signature Fenders
The Mötley Crüe guitarist increases his tally of signature Teles with two Indonesian models and a Custom Shop Phantom
Prince headhunted acoustic virtuoso Andy McKee to open his shows. Then he laid out his outrageous vision
When Prince saw Andy McKee play his 2006 classic Rylynn, he wasted no time in recruiting the fingerstyle acoustic guitar virtuoso for his Welcome 2 Australia tour.
I’ve found 11 amazing Big Deal Days deals for guitar players
It’s the perfect time to stock up on essentials with Amazon’s massive Big Deal Days sale
$119 for a genuine Strat? Count me in. This Squier Debut Prime Day deal will leave beginners with enough cash for an amp
Fender’s ultra-affordable Amazon-only Strat and P-bass have received a 20% reduction for Big Deal Days, making them the cheapest Squier guitars available right now
Every Positive Grid Spark amp has been discounted for Prime Day – including 4.5-star favorites, the Steve Vai Spark Mini and the Neo Core headphones
If you're on the hunt for a budget practice solution, today is your day, with some prices hitting their lowest ever and discounts up to 38%
Stock up on guitar strings from just $4.99 a pack
Grab some big savings on guitar string multipacks with Amazon's Prime Day 2 sale
We bought, tested, and ranked 8 dirt-cheap Amazon pedals – now 7 of them are discounted in the Big Deal Days sale starting from only $27.06!
Pedalboard snobs, look away now! These are the budget pedals you should be picking up in Amazon's Prime Day 2 sale
Tapping genius Stanley Jordan on the time he floored Eddie Van Halen with his playing
Tapping genius Stanley Jordan has looked back on the time his playing left Eddie Van Halen lost for words.
America’s Got Talent winner Nene Royal on her journey to victory
The 16-year-old Thai Ibanez fan reveals how she learned to play, the gear that shapes her sound and the influence she’d love to work with – which could actually happen very soon
This compact overdrive is so good my bandmate stole it off me – now with 20% off in Amazon’s Big Deal Days sale, it’s time he bought his own!
Skip the five-year waiting list and get that legendary Analog Man drive tone at a hefty discount in the Big Deal Days sale
Tony Iommi was shocked when he reunited with Ozzy Osbourne for Back to the Beginning rehearsals
Tony Iommi has looked back on his Back to the Beginning experience, admitting he was shocked to see the state Ozzy Osbourne was in when they met for rehearsals.
Jared James Nichols has no time for blues dentists collecting vintage guitars
Guitars are made to be played. Nichols isn’t keen on collectors who put their precious ’59 Les Pauls in a glass display box
Sass Jordan, Canadian rock singer and bassist who gave Taylor Hawkins his big break and toured with Van Halen, dies aged 63
Influential Canadian bass guitarist and rock singer Sass Jordan has passed away at the age of 63. A statement posted to Jordan’s social media accounts confirmed she died on October 2 surrounded by her family. A cause of death has not been given.
“Hack it all you want. You have my blessing”: John Mayer has seen your Silver Sky mods – and he loves them
John Mayer has made it pretty clear that he sees the Silver Sky as an elevated electric guitar built for the modern age. It shuns old-school finishes in favor of sleeker stylistic choices, which are largely inspired by the consumer tech we surround ourselves with today.
Decoding the mysteries of a 1953 Stromberg Master 400C – one of the rarest jazz guitars in the world
This mid-’50s cutaway model is one of only seven made by the Boston-based company
Tom Morello and Bruce Springsteen covering John Lennon: here’s what went down at Power to the People festival
Morello’s inaugural political riff-fest was a who’s who of rock – and it made for some standout performances
Josh Homme on his “dumb system” for picking guitar gear
Queens of the Stone Age ringleader Josh Homme is no stranger to obscure gear, and his unusual approach to assembling his guitar rig has led him to some serious bargains – and oddball choices.
Quicksand on how airline accidents and lawsuit guitars have helped change their tone for the better
Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega recognizes the power in threes, and he has good reason to believe. A trio since shortly after releasing their 2017 comeback album, Interiors, the influential post-hardcore band released the third album of its second act (and fifth LP overall) in July, the crushing Bring On the Psychics.
I’d never heard of Eart until I reviewed their headless guitar and gave it 4.5 stars. Now it’s only $351 in this epic early Amazon Big Deal Days sale
The Eart GW-2 packs impressive specs and pro playability into an amazingly affordable package
DSM Humboldt’s concept multi-effects might be a joke – but we kinda love it
DSM/Humboldt has caused a stir on Instagram with the announcement of its first-ever digital pedal. Well, sort of.
How a chance meeting with a Beatles lawyer set Stanley Clarke on the path to recording one of the greatest bass albums ever made
Having already demonstrated his lightning-fast double-bass chops on Return to Forever’s first two, predominantly acoustic, albums, Stanley Clarke was poised to redefine the possibilities of the electric bass.
What guitar gear trend have you never understood?
Headless guitars, AI tone sculpting, too many damn options… What’s the gear trend you’ve never understood?
Prog icons Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery on how they set sale on The Roaring Waves – with the aid of Brian May's Red Special
The British silverbacks banned “egos and arguments” – but anything else goes on a head-to-head album that keeps the prog fires burning
How Detroit post-punks Protomartyr recruited the Breeders' Kelley Deal and keep defying expectations
At SXSW 2014, before Kelley Deal joined the Detroit-based post-punk band Protomartyr, she met guitarist Greg Ahee and the rest of the band when she was trapped behind a stuck door in a backstage bathroom.
Chibson pokes fun at Fender’s Stratocaster copyright campaign with Cease & Desist control knobs – and they go to 11
It was only a matter of time before the guitar industry’s chief jokers, Chibson, weighed in on Fender’s controversial cease-and-desist campaign. Now, it’s entered the chat with cease-and-desist knobs.
Franché Coma was the frantic guitarist on the Misfits’ first album – but the world wouldn’t hear it for 20 years
He recalls making way for Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, what Glenn Danzig was really like, the songs he wishes he’d recorded, and the problem with his Gibson Explorer
Ned Steinberger’s headless revolution looked like a world first – until Les Paul dropped a bombshell: he’d already built one
Having already transformed bass design with Stuart Spector, Ned Steinberger turned his attention to eliminating the headstock altogether – only to discover that Les Paul had beaten him to it
Test your Eddie Van Halen knowledge with our quiz
He’s one of the greatest guitarists of all time by the metric of sheer technical ability alone, but of course, there was so, so much more to Eddie Van Halen than the eye-watering speed.
Lari Basilio is the latest virtuoso to join the She Rocks Awards 2027 honorees
Away from new product releases, the She Rocks Awards is one of the biggest events that takes place at the NAMM show every year – and 2027’s honoree list just got a few new entries.
The real story behind Green Day’s iconic Dookie tone
Billie Joe Armstrong’s legendary modded Marshall emerged from a tone lineage that spans Eddie Van Halen, Metallica and Steve Lukather
Mark Bryan on Hootie & The Blowfish’s rocket-ship success, and hanging with Eddie Van Halen
The hit-making guitarist, who once hoped to share a twin-guitar team with Darius Rucker, still leans on the cherry Les Paul Standard from the Cracked Rear View days, and still pines for his stolen Mesa/Boogie
Don’t be intimidated by acoustic bluegrass – this lesson is the perfect primer (just watch out for the F6/9!)
Bluegrass folk blues can take many forms, incorporating influences from both sides of the Atlantic, but it all comes down to two hands and the acoustic guitar
The best guitar gear launched this week, ft. one of John Mayer’s favorite amp heads and the world’s tiniest six-string bass
Strymon, Gretsch, Jackson and more have ensured it’s been a bumper week in the world of guitar gear
“If I don’t know it’s me I think, ‘Damn, that’s pretty good. Wonder who that is?’ Then when I realize it’s me I kind of want to throw up”: Chet Atkins was his own harshest critic and hated what he played
They say the best way to improve as a guitar player is is to record yourself and listen to it back. But it’s not easy. In fact, it can be all kinds of horrible.
HeadRush FRFR-12 review
One of the originators of the guitar-focused FRFR speaker finally gets around to updating its offering
Dean parent company ordered to pay Gibson more than $4 million in legal costs
After losing its battle over trademark infringement, Armadillo, the company that owns Dean, must foot the bill for Gibson’s legal campaign
With up to 50% off in Sweetwater’s studio sale, here’s what I’d buy
Sweetwater's latest sale delivers huge savings on everything from audio interfaces to legendary microphones
Metallica Sphere Residency 2026: everything the metal legends played on night one in Las Vegas
The first metal band to play the futuristic venue put on a Metallica show like no other, pairing a hit-laden set with some mind-bending visuals
The trailblazing life of Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant, Venom frontman and extreme metal godfather
The Venom frontman and bassist Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant, who died on October 1, aged 63, gave metal a new sense of extremity, with black metal the final frontier
Carlos Alomar on his ’80s adventures with Paul McCartney and the making of Press to Play
Bowie favorite Carlos Alomar on how to bond with ex-Beatles – and the making of Paul McCartney’s 1986 album, Press to Play
Is this Glaswegian folk maestro the heir to Bert Jansch’s crown? Meet the preternaturally gifted Sam Grassie
If you’ve hankered for the unvarnished, beautiful acoustic sounds of the ’60s British folk scene, you really need to check out Sam Grassie, one of the most authentic, beguiling folk guitar talents we’ve heard in a long time
Jim Root responds to backlash for Slipknot taking Marilyn Manson on tour
Fans have questioned Manson’s place on the bill for Slipknot’s stadium shows following allegations from multiple women accusing him of sexual misconduct
Buddy Guy still stuns at 90 during star-studded, curfew-breaking birthday concert – live review
A cavalcade of guitar heroes, including John Mayer, Derek Trucks, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales and Billy Gibbons were on the bill, but there was no question that this show was all about Guy, one of the last original bluesmen
Dimebag Darrell’s confidential guitar designs could become a reality
The late, great Dimebag Darrell wasn’t just an iconic guitarist – he also dabbled as a guitar designer, famously – with some inspiration from his modded Dean ML – developing both the Razorback and Stealth models.
Guitar Summit 2026: 10 highlights from Europe’s biggest guitar show
Players from across the globe united under one roof to share their combined passion for the guitar, and what a show it was
Cort KX500 Baritone review
Cort’s new KX500 Baritone is a lightweight, low-action six-string built squarely for modern metal with Seymour Duncan humbuckers and a 28-inch scale
The hottest bass gear of the month, including the smallest signature bass money can buy
September’s bass arrivals are led by two 6-string artist models, while Ashdown shifts its focus from bass amps to bass guitars
How to make your guitar look and sound more vintage – for very little money
Era-specific parts, upgrades and mods can make all the difference
“Amazon got two takedown orders”: Fender has hit 60 firms with cease-and-desists
The world’s biggest online retailer is one of 60 companies involved in Fender’s ongoing Stratocaster copyright dispute
Adaptable, sampled and revered, Leo Nocentelli shares stories from a session career that began at 13 years old
The Meters icon has worked with Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Otis Redding, Albert King and countless others, learning hard lessons to the point that he’s sick of playing guitar and booking shows
My favorite headphone amp for guitarists just dropped to its lowest-ever price in Positive Grid’s Sparktober sale, along with a budget-friendly FRFR cab
Well, it’s the first of the month, and that can mean only one thing – a slew of new guitar sales to get stuck into. Positive Grid is kicking off autumn with its Sparktober promotional event, offering significant price cuts across its range of smart amplifiers, cabinets, and accessories. Starting today, October 1, the first wave of discounts is officially live on Positive Grid's site – and while it may be a limited offering right now, we’re expecting more deals to land in the coming days. Positive Grid: Sparktober Sale
Dumble is officially back: you can now order an Overdrive Special – the amp beloved by John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa and Lowell George
Dumble’s quiet resurgence has entered a new phase: the company is now making reissues of its most famous guitar amps.
Wishbone Ash’s Andy Powell on his undying love for the Flying V and how his guitar journey began with a packet of Rice Krispies
The Wishbone Ash guitarist discusses his greatest guitar buys and biggest regrets – including the Firebird VII that ended up in Stephen Stills’ hands
Eastman Kauffmann Series SC Classic review – individual new design
Another sharp-looking model from the Eastman stable, hailing from across the North Sea in Holland and built from super-lightweight Oregon pine
Guitar World’s tracks of the month – our editors pick their guitar highlights
Featuring tortuous djent riffs, an 8-bit party rocker, Phoebe Bridgers’ grungiest song to date, a massive shoegaze soundscape, and Steven Wilson’s latest prog opus
"It's a bit of an acquired taste, aesthetically": Washburn Scavenger SB4R review
A classic US brand shows some new signs of life
Mick Mars wasn’t even awake when he recorded parts for one of Mötley Crüe’s biggest tunes
It’s often hard for players to recall the exact moment they stumbled across a riff or lick that would end up becoming a hit. It’s equally difficult to pinpoint the ins and outs of a recording session. That was especially the case for Mars, who failed to remember recording of Mötley Crüe’s Girls, Girls, Girls – because he was unconscious for it.
Sabaton’s Chris Rörland ends his hunt for his perfect guitar with his first Jackson signature model
Jackson has partnered with Chris Rörland to release the Sabaton guitarist’s first signature guitar with the company.
Players have wanted it for years. Now, Strymon has released a standalone analog tape drive that channels the Deco’s magic tone
Strymon has unveiled the La Brea – an all-analog tape drive pedal that continues the legacy of one of its most beloved stompboxes.
Alex Skolnick shares his legato secrets – and how Holdsworth made the technique his own
Returning as a GW columnist after a 30-year gap, Alex Skolnick is wasting no time with a lesson that'll expand your scalar vocab and work on your legato
Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Susan Tedeschi, Joe Bonamassa, Billy Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and more to celebrate Buddy Guy’s 90th birthday with an unmissable concert: Here’s how to watch Buddy’s Got The Blues from anywhere
A who's who of guitar icons to pay tribute to a living blues legend for a once-in-a-lifetime, livestreamed concert
How Eric Clapton felt when he auctioned off his legendary Stratocaster – and why it was ultimately worth it
Eric Clapton says selling two of his prized electric guitars at auction in 2004 was a “big, big mistake” but accepts the wider context justified the painful split.
Is PRS trolling Fender with its Defender Silver Sky collab? Here’s what John Mayer told us
Last week, John Mayer and PRS announced a new collaboration with Land Rover, unveiling a host of limited Silver Sky signature guitars in Defender colorways.
The story of Gary Moore’s ’55 Les Paul Junior – a bargain buy from a Sex Pistol
The Les Paul Junior was a stripped-down student solidbody that became a professional favourite – and an iconic Thin Lizzy-era Moore electric
Jim Adkins on the making of Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American – and The Middle’s iconic guitar lead
In 2001, Jimmy Eat World were out of money but had a wealth of ideas, and put together an album that would change their lives for good
John Mayer announces Sphere residency – featuring three distinct sets and the return of his blues-rock trio
Fresh from his performance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, John Mayer has just announced his return to the Sphere in Las Vegas next year for a run of shows featuring three distinct sets.
Rick Nielsen’s guitars are going up for auction – including his bonkers five-neck Hamer
The Cheap Trick star’s collection will be auctioned off in aid of charity, and also features his 1975 Hamer Standard electric, his workhorse in the ’70s and ’80s
Jazz virtuoso Emily Remler has gone unnoticed for far too long – now, one filmmaker is bringing her story to light
Born in New Jersey, Emily Remler traversed the world with her talent, before her life was cut short at 32. Now, director Al Naffah is bringing her story to the screen
Eddie Vedder lets Irish band play his guitar on stage after all their gear was stolen
The Pearl Jam frontman found a new slot on his Ohana Festival lineup for the hotly touted Irish rock band and gave them a guitar for the show
Why the neck-to-body join has a major impact on the way your acoustic guitar plays and sounds
Pondering the neck-to-body join on your next acoustic guitar? You’re not alone – we assesses this aspect of the acoustic's critical infrastructure
John Mayer inducts Paul Reed Smith into Guitar Center RockWalk of Fame
There’s been a flurry of activity around Guitar Center’s RockWalk of Fame in 2026, with a host of stars joining an established cast of inductees. Iconic luthier Paul Reed Smith is the latest name to be honored, and he’s been inducted by his good friend and signature artist, John Mayer.
Behind the scenes at Well Strung Guitars – Farmingdale, NY's emporium of vintage treasures
Co-founder Paige Davidson offers GW some guitar-buying advice and tells us what makes Well Strung Guitars a special place to find your dream vintage guitar
Olivia Rodrigo showcases heart-shaped guitar and custom Fender builds on her Unraveled Tour
While she’s a self-professed “novice” guitarist, Olivia Rodrigo has become a massive proponent of the instrument since her debut album, 2021’s SOUR, brought her alt-pop-rock musings to the mainstream.
Meet the Formula 1 engineer who started his own boutique tube amp brand, Woodfield Amplifiers
Mark Woodward tells us why he swapped F1 for tube amps and breaks down his debut build, the EL84-powered AFON 20
Cara Delevingne showcases her two-hand tapping chops as she returns to Jimmy Fallon
During a 2021 appearance on Jimmy Fallon, actor and model Cara Delevingne showed off her surprising guitar chops by playing Sweet Home Alabama behind her head. Now, she’s returned to the show to perform her new single, and showed that her electric guitar talents aren’t just for a cheap gag.
Bay City Rollers and Middle of the Road guitarist Neil Henderson dead at 73
Neil Henderson, the Scottish guitarist who played a key role in the early days of the Bay City Rollers, has died aged 73.
Laurence Juber on his bass lesson from Paul McCartney and the making of Wings’ 1979 swan song
As a Beatles fan, Laurence Juber was living the dream working with Paul McCartney, and with Denny Laine, formed a formidable team to support him on guitar for Back to the Egg
John Mayer and Derek Trucks trade solos, Marcus King and Joe Bonamassa cover Led Zeppelin at Crossroads 2026
The seventh edition of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival blazed into life over the weekend, with one of its strongest line-ups bringing firepower galore.
Elwood Francis on the origins of his 17-string bass – and why he regrets it becoming a ZZ Top staple
In 2022, ZZ Top guitar tech-turned-bassist Francis Elwood made headlines throughout the guitar press and beyond when he whipped out an almighty 17-string bass guitar with the Texas blues-rock legends.
“The prognosis was I’d have two years of playing left in me before the batteries in my hands ran out”: A degenerative nerve condition forced blues fingerstylist Amit Dattani to hang up his acoustic. Then a custom electric guitar saved his playing
Fans of Mississippi John Hurt and Big Bill Broonzy need to check the fingerstyle heroics of Amit Dattani, who is charting the blues’ future by exploring its past
“Crazy things happen when we play this song. Someone was crowdsurfing and threw out their prosthetic leg for me to sign”: How Drowning Pool made Bodies
Guitarist C.J. Pierce on how the life-changing 2001 track went from funk demo to nu-metal classic, and what people don’t understand about the song
Charlie Starr on why choosing the right guitar for the song makes all the difference
The Blackberry Smoke frontman on how sometimes it's the guitar's tone that'll unlock the secret to the song
In praise of Gibson's L-00 – the small-bodied acoustic that could
Rock players seeking an acoustic guitar usually follow the adage that bigger is better, since bigger guitars like dreadnought and jumbo models usually deliver higher volume output and more assertive bass and treble.
The quintessentially French, impossibility brilliant Pierre Bensusan on the freedom of DADGAD and unpredictable magic of performance
We caught up with Pierre on the British leg of his current tour to discuss how to play guitar with freedom, heart and soul – without letting nerves or ego trip you up
“Truly an amp improver – you’d instantly miss it if you turned it off”: ThorpyFX Kudu review
Named after a huge antelope, the colourful new ThorpyFX drive pedal is a versatile tone-enhancer designed for stacking
How Jimmy Fallon’s bassist bonded with Bruce Springsteen over their shared love of 6-string bass
The Roots bassist Owen Biddle reveals how his 6-string bass caught the ear of Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt during his time on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
“The most common mistake isthinking it’s an out-of-tune guitar”: What people get wrong about microtonal music
You might think Angine de Poitrine are pioneering a new form of composition. They’re actually popularizing a very ancient approach to creativity
5 ways to make the C chord much more interesting
Because guitarists are limited by fretboard geometry, it pays to get creative with chord voicings – as Jimi Hendrix and Nile Rodgers show, clever inversions can make rhythm parts pop
What Weezer’s Brian Bell has got on his Mason Marangella-built pedalboard
“For Weezer’s upcoming tour – The Gathering – I’ve got my arsenal pretty dialed in. It’s kinda like when Santa leaves the workshop and the elves get to play! [Laughs]
All the guitar gear that caught my eye this week – introducing fresh signature models for Phil Collen and Matteo Mancuso
A big week for guitar includes a sumptuous wah from Jam Pedals, a teeny Vox and makeover for the Silver Sky, while Matteo Mancuso keeps the Revstar flying high
Tony Levin’s lessons from Steve Vai, Robert Fripp and Peter Gabriel
The BEAT man charts his career from upright to his first Fender, sessions with Lou Reed and Alice Cooper, and the instrument you might be surprised to know he plays
How Mick Jagger very nearly ended up on a Joe Satriani record – before Satch deleted his performance
In the ’90s, Joe Satriani had already spent roughly a decade as one of the buzziest virtuosos in the guitar world, and with that privilege comes a long list of esteemed artists vying to collaborate. And on his sixth studio album, simply titled Joe Satriani and released in 1995, Satch very nearly ended up with Mick Jagger on his record.
“A game-changer? In some ways, absolutely”: Steadfast Stopbar review
If you have a guitar with a stop bar tailpiece, this changes everything
How George Thorogood stumbled across the Gibson that became his go-to guitar – a week before his first gig with the Destroyers
George Thorogood’s knack for popularizing older songs by blues greats – coupled with his trademark brand of high-energy boogie blues – has made his music a radio mainstay for the past couple of decades or so.
Industrial metal pioneer Justin Broadrick on his punk salvation, Phoebe Bridgers collabs and burying Godflesh
In a rare interview, Broadrick opens up about how his autism shaped his career, his council estate beginnings, the terror that kept him off the road and what life after Godflesh holds
Talking gear, tone and technique with the great Eric Johnson – and the “stigma” around modifying vintage Strats
The Texan virtuoso offers a video tour of his three-amp rig, which was worth flying to the UK even if he'll be living off cheese sandwiches for the foreseeable
The cult up-and-coming ’90s guitarist who ended up pitching in for Neil Young at the last minute
Victoria Williams may now be living quietly in California’s Joshua Tree; however, at one point, she was carving out a path as one of the most distinctive voices in American rock – both as a lyricist as well as a guitar slinger – and opening for the likes of Neil Young.
Ben Kenney on touring with a brain tumor in Incubus – and why he will never hear stereo guitars again
After battling a bout of carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis and questioning whether he would even be able to play anymore, former Incubus bassist Ben Kenney thought he was moving into a better chapter of his life.
“The people who go with Yamaha don’t want the old-style. There’s a level of freedom if you’re a brand that doesn’t have that baggage”: Matteo Mancuso on the making of his signature Yamaha Revstar
The Italian fusion maestro has finally launched his signature take on Yamaha’s double-cut design. He shares what makes the ideal instrument, how he was surrounded by electric guitars as a child, and how your choice affects what you play
Teenage bassist Aria Becker on the strange realities of life in an underage band
As bassist for Canadian alt-rock band Freeze the Fall, Aria Becker knows the challenges that come with age restrictions – and why the band is finally beginning to outgrow them
Jackson launches feature-packed, Mexican made Super Strat for Phil Collen
The partnership between Jackson and Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen has been running for almost 40 years, and their latest collaboration is the release of the pre-relic’d Pro Series PC1-E signature guitar.
“Looks like the surface of some far-away planet”: Steelyjam Delta Junior
Is aluminum the future of guitar bodies? We put the Steelyjam Delta Junior, a hollow metal double cut with a single P-90, to the test
I played Jack White’s guitar rig – here’s what I learned
It’s one of the most idiosyncratic setups on the touring circuit today – and giving it a test-drive was a true seat-of-the-pants experience
Micki Free on the time he made a guitar out of a detergent box and the advice Billy Gibbons gave him
From “annoying” first riffs and teenage stage-fails to the boutique electric he’d save from a fire, the Grammy-winning veteran opens his heart and gigbag
Josh Homme has had his fill of cringe-worth party players
We’ve all been at a party, a few orange juices in us, seen a guitar and been tempted to pick it up and play. Queens of the Stage Age bandleader Josh Homme, however, thinks it’s best to resist the temptation.
“I got into exploring again all those wonderful guitarists”: Deirdre Cartwright on why she’s still flying the flag for jazz standards
After a 15-year wait, UK guitar staple Deirdre Cartwright has released a jazz trio album of standards, pop tunes and original compositions
Fender CEO says he has heard complaints about quality control – and is taking steps to address it
Fender’s Stratocaster-protecting cease-and-desist campaign has divided the guitar industry in recent months. Now CEO Bud Cole has given his most candid response to the fallout from its legal actions and acknowledged some key complaints about Fender products, in the process.
“A cornerstone of American music history”: Lonnie Mack’s Flying V is heading to auction
Some players have a seemingly endless supply of electric guitars. Others, like Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar hero, Lonnie Mack, had a one and only. Now, his noble steed is heading to auction.
16-year-old Thai guitarist crowned winner of America’s Got Talent after performing with Linkin Park and The Warning
Yesterday (September 23), 16-year-old rock and metal guitarist and singer Nene Royal was crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent, making her the first artist from Thailand to win the highly coveted TV show.
Boss debuts the EX-4 Effects Expander, a compact multi-FX that could be the ultimate pedalboard space saver
Boss has unveiled the EX-4 Effects Expander, a powerful, compact standalone multi-effects unit that frees up vital pedalboard space.
Rig breakdown: build your own version of Jack White’s tricked-out stage setup
You've seen our rig tour, now shop the smorgasbord of pedals and other guitar gear driving Jack’s live sound
It's expensive, but you are getting a lot of plugin for your money": Line 6 Helix Stadium Native review
Following the launch of the Line Helix Stadium hardware, it's now Native's turn for a glow-up.
Why Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis moved away from high-end amps in favor of the humble gear he used back in the ’80s
Dinosaur Jr.’s first album since 2021’s Sweep It Into Space, this past August’s There Near, ditches fancy amps for a back-to-basics approach. Specifically, it was recorded with help of the equipment that guitarist J Mascis used back in the ’80s.
If you learn one thing from Johnny Marr, it should be this
The Smiths’ chord secrets revealed
16-year-old guitarist stuns in America’s Got Talent final by turning the White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army into a metal anthem
Guitar wunderkind Nene Royal unleashed her own take on the White Stripes’ classic Seven Nation Army yesterday (September 22) during America’s Got Talent’s final round.
Johnny Marr tried to make his first guitar look like Rory Gallagher’s – and it made him pass out
Rory Gallagher’s heavily weathered 1961 Stratocaster is a blues-rock icon. So much so that it sold for $1.16m at auction last year. Naturally, icons have their admirers, and a young Johnny Marr went to brutal lengths to make his own electric look like Gallagher’s. It didn’t go to plan.
Tommy Thayer is taking a funky next step with new band Shogun Mojo – but Kiss is still calling
The Kiss guitarist discusses his new group with Dan Reed, while hinting at what’s to come with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley
Dead Kennedys icon East Bay Ray reveals Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis
Punk guitar legend East Bay Ray has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Ray’s diagnosis has been confirmed by the band, and they’ve eased fears that he’d be immediately hanging up either his LTD Hybrid-400 or Schecter S-1. “Dead Kennedys management announced today that the band’s guitarist and founding member, East Bay Ray, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” the band’s statement reads.
Fender says it’s solved single-coil hum issues with a new breakthrough – and it could change the playing experience forever
The passive, battery-free system is built into the guitar to shut out signal hiss without hurting your tone – and it works with most pickups
Busker unknowingly performs Coldplay classic with Chris Martin
A busker ended up unknowingly performing a Coldplay classic with Chris Martin himself, after the band’s front man spontaneously joined in with the rendition while roaming the streets of London.
Paul McCartney – a life in guitars: from the Ed Sullivan Epiphone to an ultra-rare Gibson Les Paul
From the Höfner 500/1 to a unicorn Goldtop, here are the guitars behind his sound, from the Beatles to Wings
Carvin “King of Strings” Jones – once touted by Eric Clapton as “the next up-and-coming blues player” – dies at 60
Born in Texas and based in Phoenix, Arizona, Jones took East Texas blues to stages around the world, sharing bills with B.B. King, Santana, and Jeff Beck
Epiphone confirms Eric Clapton signature ES-335 – and guitarists can play it at the Crossroads Guitar Festival
Every edition of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival brings with it not only a jaw-loosening lineup of artists, but the debut of some killer six-strings as well.
John Mayer makes the black pickguard Silver Sky a reality in the Land Rover Defender collaboration
Mayer tells Guitar World about his new partnership with Land Rover, which gives both his US and SE signature models a new lick of actual Defender paint
Test your Beatles guitar knowledge with our quiz
They’re the biggest band of all time, with record sales, musical influence, and cultural impact that I don’t really need to get into. Water is wet, etc. Go behind the legendary records and the songs you’ve heard a million times, though, and there’s so much to learn.
I played my beloved Strat when I opened for Weezer. It got me discovered by Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready. Then I gave it away to a prison
Eva Walker of Seattle rockers The Black Tones shares the unlikely story of a Fender called Ruth – and why sometimes you have to let loved ones go to make room for the new
Tim Montana grew up with no electricity and running water. Now he’s collaborating with Jerry Cantrell, Slash and Billy Gibbons
The hard-rocking country riffer didn’t intend Entire State of Tim Montana to feature his childhood heroes – it just sort of happened, he explains
“This amp gave us a chance to show people another side of Fender that has always been there, even if it hasn’t been front and center”: How Fender resurrected its under-the-radar classic, the ’62 Deluxe
The ’62 Deluxe Amp returns to reveal why Fender’s ‘brown-panel’ period remains one of the most intriguing chapters in amplifier history. Fender product manager Rick Heins joins us to tell the story
“I can’t help but spend time admiring the guitar every time I pick it up.” Epiphone Futura ES-355 review
Epiphone iterates on the classic ES-335 with some stunning finishes and modern appointments
Tesla driver faces charges after allegedly playing guitar while driving
A Tesla driver has been reported for a driving offence after allegedly playing guitar while driving along the London Orbital Motorway – the M25 – in England.
“I’ve come to understand what heavy metal is”: William Shatner covers Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne and Motörhead in his first live heavy metal show
William Shatner made his live heavy metal live debut over the weekend by covering four giants of the genre.
“How am I going to get musicians to stand on stage with me in a week where no-one wants to?”: Ed Sheeran assembles a new backing band after his last group quit
The British superstar clarifies his position after finding himself at the center of controversy when his opening act, Macklemore, was forcibly removed from tour following onstage comments about Palestine
“I thought, ‘This is a McCartney song, surely? No, it’s Andy.’ What a joyful noise. I even liked my out-of-tune intro. Steven Wilson corrected that when he remastered everything. But I miss it”: Dave Gregory on the guitar story behind XTC’s 1979 clas
Twisting punk’s brutal template with angular riffs and solos, XTC’s Drums and Wires was essential listening for artsy kids circa ’79. Dave Gregory remembers butchering his SG, out-of-tune parts, and the gigs that spun out of control
“One of the most significant collector instruments in Gibson history”: Latin rock guitar hero Gustavo Cerati honored with ultra-limited Gibson Custom ES-335
When Gibson announced the launch of its third Gibson Garage location in Miami over the summer, the firm said it would also be tapping into the city’s rich culture. Now it’s putting its money where its mouth is by collaborating with the estate of Gustavo Cerati for what it’s calling “one of the most significant collector instruments in Gibson history.”
“His spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play”: New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert dead at 45
His bandmates have paid tribute to a “legendary musician” after a lengthy battle with cancer
“Brent remains relevant to Mastodon’s brand even after his exclusion and death”: Brent Hinds’ estate sets the record straight on its ongoing Mastodon lawsuit
The estate has responded after news broke of its lawsuit with Mastodon
“I felt what Capitol label head Gary Gersh did was malevolent and almost vindictive. He just kicked me to the curb”: Billy Squier on his classic album that went unheard when the label tried to bury it
Buried by his “malevolent” record label in ’93, Tell The Truth is the lost classic that Billy Squier hopes could bring him back from the dead
“I couldn’t get it together. Robert came in, with his martini and cigarette, and said, ‘I don’t want Robbie McIntosh. I don’t want Clapton. I want you’”: How British superstar Robert Palmer pushed his guitarist out of imposter syndrome
Sideman to the stars Carl Carlton recalls one particularly difficult studio session, and how Palmer’s confidence in him eventually helped him nail the track
“He floored us. When David and I met him, we knew he’d fit in looks-wise, but we had no idea what was coming until he picked up his Les Paul”: The rise and fall of Mick Ronson – rock ’n’ roll’s most quietly spoken guitar hero
In 1970, Mick Ronson changed the career of David Bowie, and went on to work with Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Morrissey, and more
“We played SXSW. A week later, our bassist gets an email – Dan Auerbach saw us play. He’s like, ‘Hey, do you want to come to Nashville and record?’” Meet the Animeros, the Auerbach-approved guitar trio with big-screen appeal
Everything about the Animeros seems to come straight from the movies. Take the Austin trio’s cinematic debut album, ¡Qué Bárbaro!, whose splice of Latin rhythms with soul, funk, psychedelia – and beyond – just needs a Tarantino movie to soundtrack. “We’re here, Quentin,” guitarist Mauro Lopez says. “Hit us up!”
“It’s an honor that my dad named me after Duane. People will always associate me with that lineage. It’s who I am. But I want people to hear my songs and consider that there’s more to it”: Duane Betts on hope, legacy, and his guitar right-hand-man
Saluting his fallen father – while surrendering his bag of tricks to producer Dave Cobb – Duane Betts’ new album reclaims that famous surname for himself
“I have no idea why Gillie wanted his guitars to look like1950s kitchen cabinets. Maybe it matched his personality or the band’s stage outfits”: Walnut brown, super-rare, these custom-order ’50s Fender Telecasters beg the question – who was Gillie?
We take a look at to custom Teles from 1956, one played, one left pristine, and present us with an unusual walnut stain and white pickguard look
“I modified The Edge’s Strat and he got this magic music out of it. Even I never thought of using it that way”: The fabled Infinite Guitar saved one of U2’s biggest hits. But why did Michael Brook’s invention never go into production?
From being horrified by Bill Nelson to sending U2 stratospheric and surviving Robert Fripp’s fiendish time signatures, the Canadian guitarist looks over a career journey that could have been very different
“When you stand onstage with Liam and he’s singing those songs, it’s incredible… He brought the vibe in bucketloads”: Barrie Cadogan on Liam Gallagher, Morrissey, and Primal Scream – and how John Squire started it all
Brit-pop’s most decorated sideman shares stories from the road, and how he approached playing some of the most iconic tracks in indie
“Dickey was instantly recognizable. When I started playing with him, I realized I needed to go to school to figure out how to make every note sound like myself”: Warren Haynes on playing with Clapton, his favorite guitar and first rig
The Gov’t Mule frontman checks in to talk about the best advice he ever got, and explains why you’ve always got to be chasing tone
“A fan wrote to Dave and said, ‘I hope your new stuff is faster than Metallica.’ The tempos sped up, and we became a thrash band that night”: When a fan challenged Megadeth to outpace Metallica, the band responded by cranking up the tempos
David Ellefson recalls the sliding-doors moment that would transform Megadeth into one of thrash metal’s Big Four
“I always had to think, ‘Is Brent gonna like this?’ Pretty soon, he didn’t like anything that we would come up with”: Bill Kelliher on his difficult songwriting sessions with Brent Hinds
Bill Kelliher has looked back on his songwriting partnership with the late Brent Hinds, which he says felt like a “competition”.
“It was super-cool looking – and very uncool in an indie rock world”: Page Hamilton on the ESP Horizon that’s been on every Helmet album from Meantime on (and was a GW cover star)
This month in Guitar World's cover stars we journey back to March 1993, when Page Hamilton of Helmet graced the cover of the magazine, holding the ESP Horizon that would be his calling card.
“All of those guitars were underneath my bed in Hollywood for 30 years. If they found out, we’d be in jail”: The inside story of the ‘Outlaw Guitar Collection’ – bootleg custom shop guitars made from stolen Gibson parts
The remarkable story of the wholly unauthorized project that pushed the limits of Gibson guitar design using its own materials – and why the guitars are finally going up for sale
“There’s an old adage that you can’t do a lot of string-bending if you’re using a capo. The truth is that you can, as long as you have a good capo”: Joe Bonamassa on how to saddle up a capo and get more out of your cowboy chords
The blues maestro demonstrates how a change of key can change your perspective and give your chord work new life
Has social media been good or bad for guitarists?
Just recently, we sat down for a chat with Anna Cara, the 22-year-old Newcastle native who rose from obscurity to land one of the more vaunted guitar gigs in rock – backing the King of Shock himself, Alice Cooper.
My pick of the best guitar gear launched this week: Fractal blinks first, Tim Henson gets more signature gear, and Joan Jett’s iconic Epiphone triumphantly returns
A vintage week for guitar gear thanks to new drops from Martin, Gibson, Fender, Mono, EHX and more
“Billy played this guitar during the Pumpkins’ Lollapalooza set… Now, it’s available for everyone”: Reverend launches the very sweet Billy Corgan Z-One Infinite Sadness – and there’s a Drop-Z baritone version too
Who wants that honey? The Billy Corgan Infinite Sadness is released to coincide with the Smashing Pumpkins’ Rats in a Cage Tour, and is limited to 60 instruments
Cory Wong’s Sterling By Music Man StingRay II is officially here, and even nicer than we remember it
Do you remember NAMM 2026? Yeah, we've still got the nightmares, the Anaheim stare, but this affordable, all-kinds-of-high-end-looking Wong signature model is no flashback
“We sold 40-some million records, four number-one albums, and you just scratched that off of your brother’s legacy”: Sammy Hagar responds to Alex Van Halen calling him a “complete idiot”
Sammy Hagar admits that he has no idea why former bandmate Alex Van Halen has a long-standing beef with him, as he addressed the recent comments from AVH that described him as a “complete idiot”.
Gibson’s former CEO learned the art of guitar building. Now his one-of-a-kind models have inspired a new series
Six new guitars are being sold to raise funds for the firm’s charity – and they’ve been launched alongside a new single that features Mateus Asato and Jordan Rudess
“I want girls and guys everywhere to be fearless about picking up a guitar. Anyone can play rock ’n’ roll”: Joan Jett’s signature Epiphone is back – just in time for the 45th anniversaries of two of her most iconic albums
Joan Jett’s signature Olympic Special has returned to Epiphone in commemoration of the 45th anniversaries of her iconic albums, 1980’s Bad Reputation and 1981’s I Love Rock ’N Roll.
“Duane came onstage. It was hard to see, so I tried to help him with the amp. He looked at me and said, ‘Man, I think I know how to run an amp by now!’” Dickey Betts and Duane Allman’s rocky first jam
Once the Allman Brothers hit their stride, the two guitarists clicked. But their first interactions didn’t exactly foretell a legendary partnership
“We could have done this better”: Fender claims it is no longer going after boutique builders in its Stratocaster copyright dispute – but it’s already signed agreements with 18 firms
Fender CEO Bud Cole has offered insight into the widely panned legal campaign in his first public interview since it began
“He leaned down and whispered in my ear, ‘Do you mind if I try something else on the solo?’ I had to have faith, and boy, was it rewarded”: The greatestPaul McCartney post-Beatles guitar moments
The best and brightest six-string performances from Sir Paul’s entire post-Beatles studio catalog (starring a McCartney, a McCullough, a McCulloch and a McIntosh)
“Exceeded all my expectations”: Johnny Marr’s guitar collection – including several iconic Smiths guitars – sells for almost $5m at auction
Guitars and amps with ties to the Smiths and his solo career have gone to new homes – and he’s happy many guitars fetched more humble prices
“When James got his first offer to play at the Troubadour, I thought it would be one gig. It turned into 20 years”: Lee Sklar looks back on his early sessions with James Taylor and Jackson Browne – and the beginnings of a legendary studio career
The session bass icon has gone to work with artists as varied as Billy Cobham, Lyle Lovett, Phil Collins and Toto
Guitar Center launches competition to find openers for Ed Sheeran – just as all his support acts dropped out
On the same day (September 14) that Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s now-embattled Loop Tour, a contest was launched inviting hopefuls to open for the British superstar.
Guitar Center just dropped its mega Guitar-A-Thon sale with discounts hitting up to 30% off Fender, Epiphone, MXR, and loads more
Save big on Fender, Epiphone, MXR, and more in this massive autumn savings event at Guitar Center
Meet the “super arpeggio” – the extended shape that can supercharge your solos
Based on an approach Larry Carlton taught him, Corey Congilio says these extended arpeggios can power up your vamping
“I’ve had this guitar since I was 12 years old. My mom bought it for me off my guitar teacher”: Billie Joe Armstrong on how his first-ever guitar defined Green Day’s sound
Billie Joe Armstrong’s heavily modified Fernandes S-style, “Blue,” is as synonymous with Green Day as timeless hits like Basket Case, American Idiot, or Boulevard of Broken Dreams.
“There’s no replacement for picking up a guitar and feeling those strings”: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Paul Gilbert, and more on how to get your fingers fretboard-ready by building your calluses the right way
Debunking common myths around building finger strength and why practice is the key to more resilient digits
“I always found Fenders too scratchy and Gibsons a bit too dark”: Brian May on what guitar he’d play if he never made the Red Special
Brian May will forever be associated with the Red Special that he built with his dad in the early 1960s. But, in some alternate timeline where his legendary electric guitar was never assembled, what would May have played?
“We grew up massive fans of Green Day. We knew all the lore and how Rob worked with them – we were just starstruck”: Riff Wood formed when they were 11 years old. Then they were discovered by Green Day’s producer. Stadiums are next
Singer-guitarists Carson Groves and Hyrum Russon reflect on their rapid rise with assistance from a Grammy-winning producer, a tight gear list and their band-of-brothers attitude
“Still the reverb/tremolo pedal to beat”: Strymon Flint V2 review
Does this John Mayer pedalboard mainstay still hold up to scrutiny in this day and age?
Stephen Stills, Mike McCready, Geezer Butler, and Scott Ian join Tom Morello’s Power to the People festival
Power to the People, the festival curated by Tom Morello, has added Nathaniel Rateliff, Stephen Stills, Mike McCready, Geezer Butler, State Radio, Scott Ian, and The Last Internationale to the lineup.
“Although he lets me take all the lead breaks, Malcolm’s still a better guitarist than Eddie Van Halen”: What Angus Young thought of Eddie Van Halen
The SG-touting AC/DC legend has used Chuck Berry and B.B. King to back up his argument
Ed Sheeran’s own backing band and all support acts pull out of US tour
The move follows promoters’ removal of opening act Macklemore, who voiced his support for Palestine onstage
“I’ve had a talk box since I was 16. To me, it’s right up there with the Cry Baby Wah”: MXR debuts signature talk box for Slash
Like countless guitarists, Peter Frampton sent Slash scurrying to his local guitar store to get a talk box of his own. Now he has a signature MXR version.
“It’s incredibly easy to edit and adjust sounds,” Strymon BigSky MX review
Big-box reverb workstations can bury their best sounds in menus. We put Strymon's dual-engine BigSky MX through its paces to see if it falls into the same trap
“Mike McCready played the prototype during Alive and Even Flow live with Pearl Jam. How much more R&D truth can you get?” How signature models are really made – and how they can drive innovation in guitar design
Some signature models are little more than a cash-in, but surprising amounts of R&D are invested in the best ones
“The most natural, studio‑grade live tone ever achieved from an acoustic guitar”: Gibson and Baggs might have just revolutionized acoustic guitar pickups
Gibson is continuing to invest in the future of pickup technology. This time, it’s collaborating with Baggs to take acoustic guitar amplification to the next level with the all-new HiFi DNA pickup system.
“The one company you could make do things they’re not supposed to do”: Electro-Harmonix puts Adrian Belew’s most famous sounds into a signature Echoflanger pedal
Anyone who has followed Adrian Belew’s eclectic career will know that the guitarist has an ear for unusual sounds. Throughout his time in some of rock’s biggest bands, he’s always had an Electro-Harmonix flanger pedal by his side, and now the firm is dropping a limited-edition signature model.
“We want you to get twice your money’s worth. If we’ve made a $600 guitar and you’re like, ‘I’d have paid $1,200,’ that’s a home run”: Jack Higginbotham on why PRS needed a CEO, and why it’s him
Four years ago Higginbotham said he’d turn their SE line into a $75 million business. How close are they? What’s getting them there? And which guitar icon would he love to hear on which of their models?
“I’ve used this guitar on 2,000 albums”: Fender recreates session legend Lee Sklar’s iconic P-Bass – used on records by James Taylor, Phil Collins and Jackson Browne
Fender has just announced the Lee Sklar Precision bass – a faithful recreation of the highly customized P-Bass that has accompanied him throughout his decades-long career.
“We’ve never been a Strat band or a Marshall band. It feels a little too on-the-nose for what a rock sound should be”: Troy Van Leeuwen on turning his Custom Shop 12-string into a Squier signature, and channeling Robert Fripp for the new QOTSA record
The alt-rock chameleon explains how his new Paranormal XII Telecaster fits into the Queens of the Stone Age sound, and why the band are stripping things way back on their new record
“Nobody was interested. The next day I was in a car with Eric Clapton and said, ‘Why don’t you come and play on this track?’” George Harrison on the Beatles classic saved by Slowhand
While My Guitar Gently Weeps is one of the Beatles’ most enduring classics, but it had a rocky start. Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Ringo Starr weren’t all that keen on George Harrison’s opus. It took a special guest to help get things off the ground.
Angine de Poitrine make their Tonight Show debut – and play a new song to mark the occasion
Last night (September 15), the polka-dotted duo Angine de Poitrine made their US TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – and used the occasion to debut a new song, Zugzegk.
“Her soloing is wild, well thought out, and performed with ease and abandon. It reminded me of playing with Jason Becker”: Marty Friedman’s 12 favorite guitar collaborations from his Japanese variety show channel
The ex-Megadeth guitarist has played alongside stellar guitarists from across the globe on Rock Fujiyama
“He bought it on a trip with Noel Gallagher, a day or two after they first met. Johnny said, ’Let’s go for a sandwich. Never buy guitars on an empty stomach”: Johnny Marr’s most iconic guitars, the stories behind them – and why he’s selling them now
We get a guided tour of The Smiths guitar icon’s most famous instruments just before they go under the hammer
Former Custom Shop head takes aim at Fender with new firm’s S-style design
An ex head of the Fender Custom Shop has seemingly issued a message to his former employer with a new S-style build.
Cheetah Chrome, co-founder and guitarist of punk legends Dead Boys, dies at 71
Eugene Richard O’Connor, better known as Cheetah Chrome and as one of the co-founders of the first-wave punk band the Dead Boys, has died at the age of 71.
“I remember looking at it on the floor going, ‘That can not be The Smiths’ guitar’”: The Johnny Marr guitar hidden in an iconic Oasis photoshoot
Johnny Marr was one of Oasis' first supporters, and famously lent them an electric guitar or two as they pieced together their earliest material.
Angine de Poitrine broke a string onstage – and restringing the double-neck was so challenging it nearly derailed the show
Mid-gig string breaks are the stuff of nightmares for guitarists. Angine de Poitrine, though, recently turned tragedy into triumph by jamming their way out of trouble.
“Classical guitar is under-appreciated in heavy music. No-one would think it could hold a drop A# tuning”: Alt-rock nomad Emma Ruth Rundle on channeling Smashing Pumpkins, her nylon-string awakening, and what made her sell her beloved Gibson SG
The Portland alt-rock polymath returns to the full-band format for new album These Killing Times. She explains why she’s making uplifting, empowering music in a difficult era, and names the rare baritone she’ll never part with
Why Tony Iommi said no to a final Black Sabbath album with Andrew Watt: “He was a bit too excited”
Watt produced Ozzy Osbourne’s last two albums, but never got the chance to reunite the original Sabbath in the studio
“Slayer’s Kerry King saw Mustaine rip it up on this guitar, leading to him accepting the offer to join Megadeth… for three weeks”: Dave Mustaine’s life in guitars – how the Megadeth main man weaponized the Flying V
From B.C. Rich to Jackson King Vs and and his current range of signature Flying Vs, we chart the evolution of Mustaine's guitar arsenal
“We strongly deny allegations of ill intent”: Mastodon respond to Brent Hinds estate lawsuit
Mastodon have broken their silence after it was announced the band is being sued by the estate of the late Brent Hinds.
“For me, what sets it apart is its sheer versatility and interactivity”: Zvex Vexter Fuzz Factory review
A more affordable way to gain entry to the factory floor
“I don’t want to say it was a dirty little secret. Insiders knew, but I wasn’t really allowed to talk about it”: Why Anthrax’s riff-writing isn’t like other bands’
With their 12th studio album, Cursum Perficio, arriving next week, thrash metal titans Anthrax are showing no signs of slowing down.
“That energy popped back like we had been playing all the time. Nobody was rusty, man. Everybody was on – like we’d just got off the J.B.’s bus!” How Bootsy Collins and his James Brown alumni brought the J.B.’s back to life for the Superbad soundtrack
“Recording with the J.B.’s cats again felt incredible – beyond sex,” said Bootsy Collins in the October 2007 issue of Bass Player. The funk bass legend was talking of his soundtrack session for the comedy film Superbad.
“There’s the Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs, and Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass. But there’s no mother of bluegrass”: How Lindsay Lou, Molly Tuttle and an all-star cast united to uncover the women behind bluegrass’ biggest songs
After discovering women had written many of the standards she’d grown up singing, Lindsay Lou went digging into history. What she found inspired a four-day Nashville session – and a record designed to put the mothers of bluegrass back in the room
“When I’ve played the guitars of people I’ve looked up to, it always feels like there’s DNA on them – like you’re getting a visit from your heroes”: Marcus King on his new signature Epiphone acoustic, playing Tiger, and his brotherhood with Brent Hinds
The El Dorado is based on his first-ever guitar, which he thought he’d never see again but came back to him. And while he’s at it, he has thoughts on a signature Marshall amp – but will it happen?
“We tell our guitar techs we’re sorry profusely. I feel horrible for making theirlives miserable”: Mark Holcomb on how Periphery harnesses super-heavy guitars for a super-heavy album that takes djent to a dark place
After burning the playbook and facing his demons on Periphery’s jet-black new concept album, A Pale White Dot, Holcomb tells us he owes a big apology to his guitar tech
“I walked into the studio, and she was playing the song that we were going to cut that day. It’s hard when you’re in a room with greatness like that”: Steve Lukather recalls his first studio session with Joni Mitchell
The treasure trove of artists that session legend – and Toto guitarist – Steve Lukather has worked with includes the likes of Michael Jackson, George Benson, Ringo Starr, and Aretha Franklin.
“Gibbons has used his frequently on ZZ Top albums – he often plays through two at once”: Meet the world’s first ‘pedal’ – a steampunk wonderland you need Windex to use
The electric guitar was still in its infancy when guitarists and electrical engineers sought new ways to make the instrument sound different than an acoustic guitar ever could.
“The first thing he said to me was, ‘You’re in the band, but you gotta get a new guitar. You can’t play that SG’”: Neil Giraldo on how a push from Rick Derringer led him to the B.C. Rich Eagle
Before he met his partner-in-crime in both music and life, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo cut his teeth in late rocker Rick Derringer’s band.
“I’m not trying to toot horns, but Joe Bonamassa said there are only a few guitar players that can do the Albert King bends correctly, and he said my name”: From teenage rigs to stage disasters – the life and times of Eddie 9V
The South Carolina guitar phenom was cooking up some barbecue when GW called to talk dream collabs, Strats vs Les Pauls, and all kinds of guitar stuff
Pink Floyd has a Dark Side of the Moon guitar pick made from gold – and it’s one of the most expensive guitar picks ever made
Considering that David Gilmour’s iconic Black Strat has sold twice at auction for a combined $18.55 million to make it the world’s most expensive guitar, it’s safe to say there’s money in rare Pink Floyd memorabilia.
“That fine line between a trainwreck and a stroke of genius is exactly what Ted McCarty tapped into”: The Gibson Flying V – how a misunderstood design conquered the guitar world
It's not the most player-friendly proposition, this triangular wedge of guitar – but is there anything cooler than a Flying V?
“It was not about making a copy of somebody else’s guitar. It was about improving the guitar in general”: Petr Furch on 45 years of acoustic guitar innovation – and the challenge to make his guitars better
Czech guitar maker Furch celebrates its 45th birthday this year – but it’s what acoustic guitars will look like in the future that spurs the company on, CEO Petr Furch tells us