It was scorching all around. Hundreds of guitarists gathered in Union Square in New York City last week for Mass Appeal Guitars. This event, part of MakeMusic NY day, was a mass play-along that many braved despite the brutally blistering weather. And it was probably one of the most fun guitar-related events I’ve ever been a part of. Such guitar camaraderie!

As I learn about the many benefits and challenges of going electric, one question keeps invading my brain: Why are these tube amps SO DARN HEAVY?! And here’s where being a female musician can actually be a benefit, as most of the time someone will offer to help me move my amp around.

Can you believe it’s been a year since this Guitar Girl’d column was born? To celebrate, I thought it only fitting to resurrect my favorite column of the last 52 weeks: my list of the top 10 hot male guitar players. Yep, last year when I broke this concept, I admit I was a bit perturbed by all those lists of hot female guitarists … with the word “hot” not defining their scathing performance skills. Oh no!

Hailing from Australia, Laura Wilde already has a well-shaped leg up with great looks and a fabulous accent. But it’s her rip-your-head-off, full-fledged guitar assault that’ll really get your attention. No gimmicks. No backing down. Just gonna have-a-good-time raunch rock with fierce guitar riffs, searingly unapologetic lyrics and a driving back line. Oh yeah. Remember when rock was rockin’? Now you know what I’m talking about.