Features

Dead Pioneers on how indigenous politics and pedal-builds have powered them to punk glory

By Jason T. Mays published 23 June 26

An extensive and expansive gear list helps the Pearl Jam-approved band express their hopes for global improvement – as heard on their explosive new album, Wagon Burner

Kirk Hammett didn’t play rhythm guitar on Metallica's first five albums. That all changed with 1996’s controversial Load

By Janelle Borg published 23 June 26

In an attempt to explore new musical directions, Hammett was summoned to share rhythm guitar duties with James Hetfield, helping to kickstart a new phase for Metallica

Alex Lifeson’s 20 greatest guitar moments in Rush

By Ryan Reed published 23 June 26

From fever-dream epics to blistering solos, weird harmonizer effects and 12-string chime, here are Lerxst’s finest hours with the iconic Canadian prog trio

Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto aims to defy skepticism with his new house brand

By Matt Owen published 22 June 26

The CEO’s Guitar Labs ambition – to create an in-house guitar brand that’ll last a century – has its detractors, but Dalporto argues his crowd-sourced approach is essential in achieving such a lofty goal

How a late-night drinking session with Lars Ulrich almost ruined Robert Trujillo’s Metallica audition

By Nick Wells published 22 June 26

Robert Trujillo was announced as Metallica's new bassist on February 24, 2003, following a two-day try-out for the metal giants

Inside 60 years of Yamaha guitars – how the Japanese firm forged its own six-string path

By Amit Sharma published 22 June 26

Yamaha’s Yusuke Ota and Shingo Ekuni take a look back at key guitars and artists from the brand’s history – from Carlos Santana and Billy Corgan to the current one-two Revstar punch of Chris Buck and Matteo Mancuso

“Its popularity extends beyond jazz boundaries – notable players include Steve Howe, B.B. King and even John Frusciante”: Why Gibson’s longest-running production electric remains one of the world’s more affordable vintage guitars

By Bob Wootton published 22 June 26

In production for seven decades, the hollow-bodied ES-175 was the perfect partner for jazzers of the 1950s – especially at its original $175 price point

Jeff Berlin on meeting his bass hero – and playing White Room alongside him

By Nick Wells published 20 June 26

According to bass virtuoso Jeff Berlin, Jack Bruce is still the bass guitar’s most underrated innovator

“David Bowie didn’t even show up”: Herbie Flowers on the making of Lou Reed’s Walk On the Wild Side

By Nick Wells published 19 June 26

Having recorded over 20,000 sessions for the likes of David Bowie, Dusty Springfield, T.Rex, Paul McCartney and Elton John, Brian ‘Herbie’ Flowers was not your average bassist

Rowan Robertson was 17 when he joined Dio. He recalls how he got the gig – and why it came to an end

By Andrew Daly published 19 June 26

The English guitarist recalls the advice Ronnie James Dio gave him, the demo tape that landed him the role, and why he never reunited with the iconic singer