Whether you began on an electric or an acoustic guitar, there's no doubt the latter will eventually find its way into your hands at some point. The nature of the acoustic guitar's efficiency (no amp!) makes it a commonality among players, collectors and dorm-room guys looking to impress girls. Even the most devout shredder will be tempted to noodle on a dreadnought — particularly in front of the aforementioned girls.

Now in paperback, Randy Poe's Skydog: The Duane Allman Story (Backbeat Books) is revised and expanded, with a new afterword by the author, plus a foreword by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. It's the definitive biography of Duane Allman, one of the most revered guitarists of his generation.

Here's our interview with Yngwie Malmsteen from the January 1986 issue of Guitar World. The original story ran with the headline "Like Him or Not, He Demands Your Attention" and started on page 24.

Gina Stile has been involved in several successful projects over the years, including the '80s bands Poison Dollys and Envy. She's opened for Aerosmith on a string of dates and had an album produced by Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. Her current all-female project, Thunderbox, is generating a lot of buzz in the New York area. And it doesn't hurt that she’s one hell of a guitar player.