Latest articles by Michael Astley-Brown
Every Time I Die guitarist and pro wrestler Andy Williams dies aged 48
Williams collapsed during a wrestling match and passed away in hospital
![GW Aug 26 Editor's Picks [L-R]: Johnny Marr, Kele Okereke, Grace Bowers, Tim Henson, Phoebe Bridgers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XzxK468Th8bnWsFFdxo92L-840-80.jpg.webp)
Guitar World Editors’ Picks – our favorite tracks this month
Featuring a tongue-in-cheek single from a certain Rivers Cuomo, a dash of microtonal pop, and jangly riffs from a very charming man
The story of Oceansize, the unsung prog icons worshipped by Sleep Token and modern guitar heroes
Major players including Misha Mansoor and Yvette Young have cited Oceansize as an influence, yet the combustible UK outfit remain under the radar – in part because they simply cannot be imitated
Ibanez teams up with Wes Hauch for a 7-string Iceman signature, and fans are all talking about one thing: the price
Preorders list the eagerly awaited guitar for $9,999, but there’s a reason for that
Baritone Telecasters are back on the menu as Fender unveils new 75th Anniversary models
The Nocaster is also making a return in the American Vintage II lineup while the Player II Telecaster gets four limited-edition colorways
July 2026 Guitar World Editors' Picks
Featuring a ferocious new single from the future of shred, defiantly optimistic post-punk, “ecstasy for the ears” indie, irresistible jazz fusion, and much more
The guitar solo Joe Satriani wished he never wrote
Tuning issues and a desperate need to blow off musical steam from limiting session work made it a lesson learned for the esteemed shredder
The pedal that changed me – I asked the Guitar World staff to name the stompboxes that actually made a difference to their playing
Whether it was fun, frustrating, or forced us to think differently, these are the 12 pedals that GW staffers say have actually changed the way they play
June 2026 Guitar World Editors' Picks
This month's hottest guitar tracks, all in one place
Sleep’s new guitarist was once nearly drafted into Soundgarden
In his new memoir, Kim Thayil reveals that Chris Cornell wanted Bubba Dupree to join Soundgarden before they split up in the late ’90s
Thomann, the world’s largest music retailer, is suing Fender over cease-and-desists
Thomann, whose own brand Harley Benton is caught up in the Stratocaster cease-and-desist dispute, says it is engaging in legal action on behalf of the entire guitar industry
The Fender legal furore is a damn shame, because Squier just launched its coolest guitars in years
The Paranormal range is back, and it’s bringing baritones, Bigsbys and a 6-string that thinks it’s a 12-string
The moment Jack Gardiner realized Giacomo Turra had lifted his licks
The serial solo thief targeted a range of virtuosos, but Jack Gardiner was one of the first to realize he’d been a victim
Best budget guitar amps under $500 2026: cost-cutting amplifiers for every player
Get great sounds and features without blowing your budget – from affordable tube amps to wallet-friendly digital modeling amps and everything in between
May 2026 Guitar World Editors' Picks
From The Rolling Stones to Julian Lage, Tamikrest to the Warning, this month's guitar greatness spanned many generations of players
Fender is finally speaking out on its cease-and-desist strategy
Fender might not be declaring war after all – but if its legal campaign succeeds, the guitar market will change forever
Best modeling amps 2026: get iconic amp and effects tones at your fingertips
I break down the best modeling amps available, covering a range of budgets, brands and sizes
I saw Angine de Poitrine live – and witnessed the greatest polka-dot guitar hero since Randy Rhoads and Buddy Guy
Some have dismissed the microtonal duo as a gimmick, but their musicianship is no joke
Guitar Center reveals the 10 most-played guitar riffs in its stores – and no, Stairway to Heaven isn’t one of them
CEO Gabe Dalporto surveyed GC staff to discover the riffs that torment them on a daily basis – but some surprisingly big names don’t get a look-in
April 2026 Guitar World Editors’ Picks
Fresh new cuts from all corners of the guitar world courtesy of Muse, Arlo Parks, Jack White, Ed O'Brien, Weezer, Periphery, and more...
How a Smashing Pumpkins superfan made the only amp Billy Corgan has ever truly loved
Brian Carstens spent 30 years obsessing over Corgan’s guitar tone. Then he ended up making amps for his hero – not to mention John Fogerty, Tool and Misha Mansoor
Mike McCready opens up on his new rock opera, the Seattle jams that changed him, and the future of Pearl Jam
Farewell to Seasons documents McCready’s path through the Seattle grunge explosion of the ’90s. He reflects on the singers he’s loved and lost, the guitarists who left the biggest mark on his playing and why going digital has made him a better player
March 2026 Guitar World Editors’ Picks
Collaborative instrumental greatness from six-string aces new and old (SatchVai), bossa nova guitar bliss, sublime slide work, swashbuckling 12-bar blues... we've had it all this month
