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Articles by: Mark McStea

Big Wreck's Ian Thornley: "The greatest reward is chasing down the connection with the instrument and being able to slay with one note"

By Mark McStea

Tone-Meister Ian Thornley explains his riff-heavy approach to …but for the sun, the beloved Canadian Rockers’ latest slice of gut-crunching rock and roll

John 5: "I play so much guitar that it might not even be healthy - and I’m not joking"

By Mark McStea

The Tele master on Invasion, his relationship with Marilyn Manson and the joys of self-sufficiency

Stray Cats legend Brian Setzer: "Nothing feels right after a Gretsch"

By Mark McStea

The rockabilly icon talks big-band productions, his Stratocaster fascination and the Cats' new studio album, 40

Classic guitar albums of 1979: ZZ Top's Degüello

By Mark McStea

This record proved that the “Little Ol’ Band from Texas” was continuing to refine their unique brand of boogie

Classic guitar albums of 1979: David Bowie's Lodger

By Mark McStea

On Lodger, Bowie recruited one Adrian Belew as the latest guitar great to compliment his vision

Classic guitar albums of 1979: The Cars' Candy-O

By Mark McStea

Much like the Heartbreakers, the Cars were able to straddle the new wave and classic rock genres without alienating fans of either

Classic Guitar Albums of 1979: Pink Floyd, 'The Wall'

By Mark McStea

That prog-rock staple, the “concept” album, has never been employed to better effect than here.

Judas Priest, Queen, Cheap Trick and Neil Young: Four Killer Live Albums Turn 40

By Mark McStea

Behold four 1979 releases that have aged a lot more gracefully than Steve Martin's 'The Jerk.'

Alexi Laiho on Writing Riffs, Imitating Yngwie and Children of Bodom's New Album, 'Hexed'

By Mark McStea

Y’all sent us a ton of questions for Laiho, the longtime lead guitarist and frontman for Children of Bodom. Here are some of the best — and some of the rest!

Buzz Feiten Introduces a Bo-dacious Bo Diddley Tribute Guitar

By Mark McStea

Buzz Feiten’s latest creation pays tribute to the late, great Bo Diddley (and Joe Walsh has already claimed one!)

Tracii Guns Talks Revitalized L.A. Guns and Their New Album, 'The Devil You Know'

By Mark McStea

"Every time you work on something, it should be better than the last." Tracii Guns muses on the magic of L.A. Guns, and their inspired new album.

Guitar Phenom Jake Dreyer Talks New Witherfall Album, 'A Prelude to Sorrow'

By Mark McStea

Although Jake Dreyer has been making waves as a major-league shred monster for years, it’s astonishing to remember that he’s only 26.

Five Questions with 'SNL' and Pearl Lion Guitarist Jared Scharff

By Mark McStea

"The best thing is getting to play with that great band."

Killers Riff-Meister Dave Keuning Talks Debut Solo Album, 'Prismism'

By Mark McStea

'Prismism' is certainly not a typical “guitarist’s solo album.”

Jim Dunlop Sr. (1936-2019): Tribute to a Guitar Accessories Pioneer

By Mark McStea

As a guitarist, it’s pretty much a certainty that you will have bought — or at least used — one of the late Jim Dunlop Sr.’s products.

Rammstein's Richard Kruspe on Riffs, Gear, Creativity and Emigrate's Hot New Album, 'A Million Degrees'

By Mark McStea

When this German guitarist and songwriter isn’t burning down the house with Rammstein, he’s exploring other musical avenues with Emigrate. But what GW readers really want to know is...

Acoustic Master Laurence Juber Talks New Album, 'Touchstones: The Evolution of Fingerstyle Guitar'

By Mark McStea

"It’s all about servicing the song.”

Sean Lennon: Hendrix, Famous Parents and the Claypool Lennon Delirium's Latest, 'South of Reality'

By Mark McStea

"I definitely pushed my playing further than it’s ever been."

Disparity: Sarah Longfield Talks Making a Living, Eight-String Guitars and Bold New Album

By Mark McStea

"It’s all hard work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Steve Hackett Talks Favorite Genesis Moments, Joe Bonamassa and New Album, 'At the Edge of Light'

By Mark McStea

He was two-hand tapping long before it became “the thing to do,” was a member of Genesis, formed GTR with Steve Howe and has been releasing top-notch solo albums for more than 40 years. But what GW readers really wanna know is...

Tele-Meister Wilko Johnson Is Ready, Willing and Able to 'Blow Your Mind'

By Mark McStea

Anyone who’s ever loved Johnson's music has got a major treat in store with the guitarist's new album.

Jethro Tull Six-String Legend Martin Barre Chats About His New Album, 'Roads Less Travelled'

By Mark McStea

"I wanted to make an album that reflected everything I like about music and playing the guitar."

Guitarist Tim Rockmore Blazes Instrumental Trails with New EP, ‘Noodles’

By Mark McStea

The in-demand session master tames a slew of genres with his fluid playing.