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
Gibson’s ultra-classy Dark Walnut finish has been reborn for a range of irresistible new-look models
By Phil Weller published
Five iconic Gibson guitars are given the luxurious finish, with premium appointments to boot
Taylor’s latest GS Mini drop offers MLB fans a unique opportunity to support their favorite baseball team
By Phil Weller published
The limited-edition collection redresses Taylor’s hugely popular short-scale acoustic, allowing baseball fans to sport their team colors in a new way
The FreeStyle is a wild new customizable device that lets you harness thousands of alternate tuning possibilities
By Phil Weller published
From tuning-free experimentations to unlocking ridiculous chord shapes, the next-level innovation hopes to change guitar playing forever
ESP officially unveils Gojira’s Joe Duplantier as a signature artist
By Phil Weller published
After setting the world ablaze with a custom-made, chromed-out XJ-1, the metal hero has now joined the ESP ranks
Flea names his pick for “the greatest rock bass player” of all time
By Phil Weller published
The Red Hot Chili Peppers member has singled out a player for his ability to subvert what is expected of a traditional bassist
Ex-Ozzy Osbourne bassist recalls how Randy Rhoads wrote the guitar parts to Diary of a Madman
By Phil Weller published
In a sprawling new interview, Bob Daisley has given fans a fresh look behind the curtain at Ozzy’s first two solo records – and Rhoads' virtuosic guitar talents
David Gilmour has fallen in love with the Gibson ES-335 – and he's used one on his latest single
By Phil Weller published
Gilmour says his forthcoming solo album is his best piece of work since The Dark Side of the Moon, and its latest single cements the Pink Floyd legend's new-found love for the semi-hollow classic
Quilter’s latest pedal amp crams classic tones into a single stompbox
By Phil Weller published
The DirectAmp studio-in-a-pedal is designed to be travel-friendly and goes directly into mixing desks and recording devices, promising huge tonal scope
Rabea Massaad confirms an affordable Sterling by Music Man version of his signature Sabre is on the way
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist has revealed a scaled-back signature is in the works, and it might arrive in time for NAMM 2025
Andy Summers wishes he’d let loose on more solos in The Police
By Phil Weller published
Summers says his guitar chops were stifled by the hardcore punk scene, and that players like him “weren’t supposed to be able to play”
How The Edge's guitar parts – and a rare Fender prototype – helped save one of U2’s biggest hits
By Phil Weller published
The Edge crafted his now-iconic lead lines on a uniquely modded Fender, and helped resurrect a song that was destined for the scrap heap
Has Mark Morton just given us a glimpse of his upcoming signature Gibson Les Paul?
By Phil Weller published
Two years after he signed with Gibson, the Lamb of God metal machine has seemingly teased his long-awaited signature model
Mark Knopfler says the lack of a guitar amp growing up helped him develop his now-iconic fingerpicking style
By Phil Weller published
Sensitivity to his family’s finances – as well as an exchange involving his sister and a tennis racket – helped Knopfler on the way to crafting his legendary approach to the guitar
Eric Johnson says the ever-expanding world of guitar gear has resulted in “so much option anxiety”
By Phil Weller published
As the amp modeler and digital multi-effects markets continue to grow, Johnson has responded with a back-to-basics record that demonstrates the benefits of a stripped-back signal chain
Wolfgang Van Halen explains how Eddie’s game-changing talents “kind of ruined” the ’80s guitar scene
By Phil Weller published
The Mammoth WVH frontman reflects on the guitar playing trap that emerged as a result of his father's groundbreaking style – and names one player who managed to avoid it
MXR's Randy Rhoads Distortion+ pedal finally gets a release date
By Phil Weller published
MXR’s boffins opened up Rhoads' legendary chip pan pedalboard for the first time in 40 years to create the new stompbox, and after several delays, it will be out very soon indeed
Harley Benton launches three new ‘build your own guitar’ kits – starting from $117
By Phil Weller published
Thomann’s budget gear firm extends its entry-level guitar-building kits with okoume and basswood six-strings inspired by V and Explorer shapes
Marcin brings virtuosic acoustic playing to mainstream TV – and tackles Tim Henson’s guest solo with a mid-song guitar switch – in Late Show performance
By Phil Weller published
The percussive guitar extraordinaire wowed with his ambidextrous modern acoustic playing
GoFundMe page launched in the wake of Spiritbox bassist Bill Crook’s passing
By Phil Weller published
The former Spiritbox bassist tragically passed away last week, and the metalcore scene has shown its support to Crook’s grieving family, helping cover funeral costs
A new whiskey company has been launched in Dimebag Darrell’s name – but the wait for his guitars and amps continues
By Phil Weller published
Founded by the Pantera legend’s widow, Rita Haney, Blacktooth Beverages should help the wait for new Dimebag guitars and amps go down smoother
Jackson just made a serious play for the metal baritone market with its new Pro Plus XT series
By Phil Weller published
The blacker-than-black 27”-scale models are built with no quarter and high-end specs for aggressive tones
Tim Henson 7-string headlines mega new Ibanez signature guitar drop – including a Paul Gilbert Fireman with a world-first mod
By Phil Weller published
The Polyphia guitarist’s first extended-range signature guitar lines up alongside fresh models for Paul Gilbert, Andy Timmons, Pat Metheny and John Scofield
How Steve Vai helped Jacob Collier become a better player without even touching a guitar
By Phil Weller published
The newly crowned Strandberg signature artist discusses how Vai’s progressive mentality informed his approach to the guitar
Mooer cements itself as the accessible amp modeler maker to beat with upgraded GE200 Pro
By Phil Weller published
IR and MIDI compatible with nearly 300 amps and effects, a looper, and an “intuitive” interface, the GE200 Pro looks to bring the modeler magic of the industry's big guns to the more affordable end of the market
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!