
Phil Weller
A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He's also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.
Latest articles by Phil Weller

Misha Mansoor completes his Juggernaut jigsaw with new Jackson that introduces a firm-first feature
By Phil Weller Published
The djent master’s new signature is an eight-string, EverTune-equipped beast
![Tailgunner [L-R]: Bones, Rhea Thompson, Craig Cairns, Zach Salvini and Eddie Mariotti](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9efNJrexXv7Gm4D5VwJVie-320-80.jpg)
Rhea Thompson sets the record straight on her Tailgunner departure
By Phil Weller Published
Thompson has confirmed she’s left the fast-rising, K.K. Downing-backed metal revivalists

Before he died, Brent Hinds recorded a solo for a Marcus King track – and it’s been released
By Phil Weller Published
The late guitar great made a surprise guest appearance on King’s latest release

Ibanez’s S-style lineup gets a serious expansion with 6 sleek new AZ models
By Phil Weller Published
Additions to the Iron Label, Premium and Standard lineups are built for everything from jazz to metal

The IGF Summer School moves to the historic spa town of Cheltenham for its 31st year
By Phil Weller Published
Sponsor Content Created With International Guitar Foundation
Taking place 11-16 August in the historic UK town of Cheltenham, the five-day event will celebrate guitar playing in all its forms, helping players take their talents to new heights

Ed Sheeran and PRS drop a new baritone – and they’re even gunning for metal and jazz players
By Phil Weller Published
The PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody I Piezo Baritone is the songwriter’s second baritone model, and will be released far more widely than it’s limited edition predecessor

How Billy Strings’ guitar mentor approached the challenge of teaching the “monster” bluegrass player
By Phil Weller Published
Robb Cappelletto says the bluesgrass star was far from a novice when approached him, but still wanted to expand his knowledge

Dr. Hook’s enigmatic guitarist and vocalist, Dennis Locorriere, dead at 76
By Phil Weller Published
The hit-making songwriter had also worked with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Jerry Lee Lewis

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson on the drummers that tried to force a Rush reunion
By Phil Weller Published
The band was still in mourning when they started getting offers to replace Neil Peart

Nate Amos on accidentally fooling Rick Beato with amp sims
By Phil Weller Published
Beato named the track one of his top songs of 2025

How Ozzy Osbourne pushed Gus G to change his guitar of choice
By Phil Weller Published
Gus G rocked up to the Ozzy gig with his Star guitar – a distinct stylistic departure from the guitars wielded by his predecessors

“Despite its unassuming looks, I think this is a lot of guitar for the money”: Charvel Standard Series San Dimas Style 2 SD2 HH HT Gloss Black review
By Phil Weller Published
Charvel scales down its T-type to around half its usual outlay, but the quality remains largely intact

A luthier has made a headless version of Brian May’s Red Special, and it’s dividing opinions online
By Phil Weller Published
It’s a Brian May tribute like no other

Ritchie Blackmore issues health update – and explains how he’ll get back to live gigs
By Phil Weller Published
The guitarist was forced to scrap touring plans last year, and ongoing health issues are forcing him to reconsider how and when he’ll return to the stage

The time Misha Mansoor found his lost Jackson Juggernaut signature guitar in a Guitar Center
By Phil Weller Published
Mansoor was left with seller’s remorse until social media saved the day

Don Felder names the most important guitar in his 300-strong collection
By Phil Weller Published
Every guitar is painstakingly ordered in his vault, but there's one he finds himself grabbing more than most

Grace Bowers’ tone tips to get the most out of the Gibson SG
By Phil Weller Published
There’s one pickup position she hardly ever uses

You can now get an official Ibanez Tube Screamer watch
By Phil Weller Published
Its design features a nod to one of the most iconic pedals of all time

How Victor Wooten got his hands on his biggest hero’s bass guitar
By Phil Weller Published
Wooten idolized the bass hero, so knew he had to get involved when he started selling off his gear

The crazy method a thief used to steal 50 bass guitars – including one belonging to Guy Pratt
By Phil Weller Published
The session ace lost his beloved during a spree of thefts, and he’s still looking for it today

The metal amp brand beloved by Dimebag Darrell, Kirk Hammett and Scott Ian is on the cusp of making a comeback
By Phil Weller Published
The once-giant amp firm has quietly reignited its product development in recent years

Alex Van Halen says they tried to recruit Michael Anthony for Van Halen’s David Lee Roth reunion
By Phil Weller Published
Wolfgang Van Halen would take Anthony’s place, but he didn’t get the gig because of “family influences,” the drummer says

How the hunt for clicks has made the lone guitar intro obsolete
By Phil Weller Published
Contemporary counterparts to Smoke on the Water and Whole Lotta Love are increasingly rare. Are we about to see the tables turned?
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