Features

George Lynch on his custom ESP that’s too valuable to leave the house

By Andrew Daly published 20 May 26

Mr Scary on how his heart melts for the 1990 ESP Custom Haji/Wicked Sensation from the cover of Guitar World's November 1990 issue

Berton Averre on writing My Sharona – and why the Knack were never the next Beatles

By Joe Bosso published 19 May 26

My Sharona was the perfect pop-rock anthem, and as Averre reflects on the life and times of the Knack he admits he knew he had something special back then

Charles Spearin on how Broken Social Scene embrace “the ridiculousness” of everyone playing guitar

By Gregory Adams published 19 May 26

The multi-instrumentalist and indie lynchpin recalls his early gear, how BSS make sure every guitarist gets their say, and explains why Remember the Humans is deliberately difficult to work out

14 ways to improve your Telecaster: tried and tested methods to get more out of Fender’s original mod platform

By Huw Price published 19 May 26

Players were already modifying their Telecasters in the 1950s, and a thriving aftermarket parts industry provides countless ways to enhance playability, reliability and tone

Suzi Quatro on the spirit that’s driven her, and the moment of fate that made her a bassist

By Andrew Daly published 18 May 26

She reflects on never having learned to play with a pick, using her late drummer’s kit to keep his vibe, her son’s influence as a bandmate, and the three quotes she’s given about retirement

Backed by Fugazi’s rhythm section, even guitarist Anthony Pirog can’t signpost the turns in The Messthetics’ avant-jazz sound

By Jim Beaugez published 18 May 26

On The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis’ latest collab, all bets are off on where Pirog will take his guitar next

Joe Perry on the weirder guitars in his collection

By Andrew Daly published 18 May 26

The Aerosmith guitarist shares the story behind his custom-made Dazzle guitars and his greatest gear modding mistakes

Her guitar playing had already reached the ears of millions, but advice from Johnny Marr re-shaped her approach

By Jim Beaugez published 17 May 26

Already an established instrumental composer, Rebecca Mardal took up acoustic guitar at the Smiths man’s suggestion, and she changed her playing style after he gave her a slimmer neck than she’d used before

Paul McCartney’s greatest post-Beatles bassline

By Chris Jisi published 16 May 26

After the Beatles, Paul McCartney wasn’t done writing killer basslines – as L.A. session and Wings guitarist Laurence Juber can attest

How Richard and Linda Thompson regrouped to record a folk-rock classic after Gerry Rafferty tried to turn them “pop”

By Andrew Daly published 16 May 26

Is 1982’s Shoot Out the Lights the best album Richard Thompson ever made? Fans think it is. His own opinion might surprise you