Features

YouTube superstar, entrepreneur, guitarist for the Haunted… Inside the unstoppable rise of Ola Englund

By Jon Wiederhorn published 25 February 26

The affable Swede on how he got his big break in Six Feet Under, the amps that make him feel “terrible” about his playing, and how he found YouTube success by being himself. As for Solar Guitars? Why not make the guitars himself?

Karnivool explain the 13-year wait for their new album – and why we have Guthrie Govan to thank for two of its standout sonics

By Rob Laing published 25 February 26

Guitarists Drew Goddard and Mark “Hoss” Hosking break down In Verses’ long gestation period, reveal their Soundgarden-level tunings, and share Govan’s unexpected bagpipe connection

Why Leo Fender’s favorite custom color finish still drives guitarists wild

By Huw Price published 25 February 26

As this small selection from a very large vintage collection proves, Candy Apple Red looks fantastic on any Fender guitar – but the process of applying it changed over the years

From inventing the Quad Guitar to fast times with Yngwie, Michael Angelo Batio has stories for days – and no regrets

By Andrew Daly published 24 February 26

Determined to be a star from age 10, his highlights include seeing Yngwie Malmsteen's first US show, joining Manowar, being saved from a stage fail by Billy Corgan, and inventing the double guitar, Quad Guitar, and over 20 signature models

He played for pop A-listers, now he's transformed himself into one of instrumental guitar's leading voices

By Joe Bosso published 24 February 26

When he learned he couldn’t be Eric Johnson or John Petrucci, Mateus Asato decided to be someone else – himself

Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons are making Kiss a rock ’n’ roll dynasty – just don't mistake their music for their fathers'

By Andrew Daly published 23 February 26

Bands formed by rock stars’ kids rarely work out – but this one does. Say hello to Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, whose dads you might just recognize, despite all that Kiss makeup

How bassist Andy Fraser electrified a Free classic with his less-is-more brand of fiery blues-rock

By Nick Wells published 23 February 26

When Andy Fraser joined Free in 1968, he arrived as a teenage guitarist, but his melodic bass style became essential to the band’s success

The life and legacy of the Grateful Dead icon Bob Weir

By Andrew Daly published 23 February 26

Remembering the Grateful Dead co-founder, songwriter and rhythm guitarist, and legend of the San Franciscan psychedelic scene

The history and mysteries of Eric Clapton’s Cream guitars

By Neville Marten published 22 February 26

The history of Eric Clapton’s guitars during Cream’s brief but influential existence – from Fresh Cream to Goodbye – reveals an intriguing mix of instruments but also offers up a mystery or two

5 modern blues guitar heroes on the impossible task of imitating the blues greats

By Charlie Wilkins published 22 February 26

Blues and rock is still being shaped by the British blues boom of the ’60s – and the O.G. bluesmen who influenced them. But how can today’s players nail their tone and sound? Marcus King, Samantha Fish, Zach Persons, Philip Sayce and Jared James Nichols have their say