Features

Is this the holy grail of all holy grail Fender Stratocasters?

By Huw Price published 4 February 26

Only two features distinguished a Mary Kaye Stratocaster from any other Strat that might have rolled off Fender’s production line during the mid-to-late 1950s. So why are vintage examples so darn valuable?

I've spent 20 years as a touring guitarist. The live industry is broken – now it’s breaking musicians too

By Glen Phillips published 4 February 26

When an average gigging life includes permanent damage to financial, physical and mental wellbeing, it’s time to re-evaluate what the business is doing to the people who stand on stage

Top players and a gun-wielding Phil Spector: the wild story of John Lennon's rock 'n' roll covers album

By Jackson Maxwell published 3 February 26

Recorded under threat of a lawsuit, while in the midst of his infamous “Lost Weekend”, Rock 'n' Roll was the craziest ride of the Beatle's career – featuring top players and a gun-wielding Phil Spector

The Rolling Stones guitar tech on the secrets behind their onstage sound

By Amit Sharma published 3 February 26

Ryan Bullington has teched with everyone from the Stones to Paul McCartney and Keith Urban. He shares the joy of playing instruments he could never afford, the best amp he’s ever heard, and the invention that’s saved him years of pain

“Dave helped us understand how to make a good Megadeth album”: Teemu Mäntysaari on the making of Megadeth’s final album

By Andrew Daly published 3 February 26

Mäntysaari says Dave Mustaine's last hurrah was a very modern collaboration built upon the established principles of Megadeth's sound

Marcus Miller and Pino Palladino share the stage alongside Lauryn Hill at the 2026 Grammy Awards

By Nick Wells published 2 February 26

The two bass legends took to the biggest stage in music for a tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack

How a Chicago alt-rock stalwart and Hollywood A-lister put together a supergroup to celebrate their favorite records

By Jon Wiederhorn published 2 February 26

You might know Jason Narducy from playing bass with Bob Mould. You might recognize Michael Shannon, too. He’s in the movies. But they are also in band, and are celebrating R.E.M.’s Lifes Rich Pageant in concert. Narducy tells GW how it all went down

When he joined the Black Crowes, Marc Ford had no time to second-guess his playing – even when he found it embarrassing

By Andrew Daly published 2 February 26

After he was hurried into the studio, Ford’s instincts took over for the Black Crowes’ The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. Now, he wouldn’t change a note. Back then, however…

How to record acoustic guitars at home – and why you need a dedicated setup

By Michael Watts published 2 February 26

Recording acoustic guitars at home can be frustrating and rewarding in equal measure – but it doesn't need to be. Here’s how to get started, and how to get great results

Guitarists are looking for more bang for their buck – but does the cheaper guitar always mean better value?

By Dave Burrluck published 31 January 26

With so much choice and range in price, is it getting harder to know the true worth of a potential purchase?