Features

From Raye to Zara Larsson, how session pro Liv Thompson learned to nail pop’s big gigs

By Nick Wells published 18 April 26

Having performed everywhere from SNL to the Grammys, Thompson knows a thing or two about the bass and its role in pop

"Modeling tech has gotten so good I doubt many guitarists would be able to tell the difference": Analog vs. digital rig build challenge - here’s how two very different players would spend $2,500

By Daryl Robertson published 17 April 26

One player puts his stake in tubes and pedals; the other in IRs and FRFRs. We gave them both $2,500 to build the ultimate mid-tier rig

The life and times of B.B. King

By Henry Yates published 17 April 26

To celebrate the King of the Blues' centenary, we rewind the reels of a life story that’s equal parts pain and redemption…

Decoding the mysteries of the 1967 Martin D-35S with the slotted headstock

By Dave Davidson published 17 April 26

Martin’s slope-shouldered dread style meets innovative three-piece rosewood backs in this slept-on design from an undervalued period in the acoustic brand's storied history

Chris Spedding on his favorite sessions with Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce and John Cale

By Joe Matera published 17 April 26

From handling Jack Bruce’s temper, to Brian Eno’s budget studio and Macca’s post-Beatles era, the UK session veteran picks his most treasured moments

Out went David Lee Roth and Frankenstein, in came Sammy Hagar and Kramer – the story of Van Halen’s rebirth

By Chris Gill published 16 April 26

It was the end of an era. Roth’s exit, Frankenstein's last hurrah. But it was the start of a new one as Eddie Van Halen got experimental on 1986's blockbuster, 5150

Steve DiGiorgio’s life with Death – and why he wouldn’t trade Testament for Megadeth

By Andrew Daly published 16 April 26

The fretless metal bass pioneer recalls refusing to leave Testament, the homemade bass built out of necessity and Death’s determination to avoid the familiar

From touring with Metallica, to filling Geddy Lee’s shoes, they were the ’90s Seattle band that did it all – without taking the grunge tag

By Andrew Daly published 15 April 26

Candlebox guitarist Peter Klett owns up to having a big ego in the early days, recalls hitting the road with Rush, and the magical demo session for Far Behind

Jake E. Lee on the ultimate ’70s oddball guitar

By Andrew Daly published 15 April 26

The ex-Ozzy guitarist talks about his love for SGs, his disdain for bad amps, and how you can find a connection with the most unlikely instruments

Ziggy Marley on what he learned from his dad, why the guitar can be a weapon, and how music can still change the world

By Henry Yates published 14 April 26

Returning with a powerful new album, the Grammy-winning bandleader reflects on fighting racism through music, his father’s “dangerous” licks, and the “higher vibrations” of recording at 432Hz