Why Grace Bowers prefers the Gibson SG to the Les Paul By Jackson Maxwell published 3 October 24 Though her preference was originally based on aesthetics and weight, her reasons have – as she's grown more seasoned – expanded to feel and tone
How Elton John and Hall & Oates guitarist Caleb Quaye ended up inheriting the Led Zeppelin legend’s studio work By Janelle Borg published 3 October 24 Jimmy Page decided to quit his lucrative career as a session guitarist in favor of joining the Yardbirds, and Quaye was right on time to take his spot
Learn the ‘chanking’ funk approach popularized by game-changing James Brown guitarist Jimmy Nolen By Donnie Laudicina published 3 October 24 You can chank us later for this lesson in an approach that could revolutionise how you execute your rhythm guitar manoeuvres
James Hetfield reflects on the anxieties he experienced after stepping away from the guitar for too long By Jackson Maxwell published 3 October 24 Speaking to GW in 1996, the always-candid Hetfield recounted how Metallica's post-Black Album break left him “vegging”, and out of practice
Yvette Young explains why she's rebooting her a solo career – and redefining her guitar playing along the way By Janelle Borg published 2 October 24 Young is temporarily putting aside Covet to lean into different facets of her guitar playing, focusing less on virtuosity and more on melody-driven composition
Philip Sayce channels the blues licks of the greats – and his masterclass will supercharge your pentatonic solos By Jon Bishop published 2 October 24 The Canadian maestro is your instructor today, and for this lesson you're going to be digging deep for some Texas sizzle and red-hot pentatonic turnarounds
“‘What are you doing?’” When Les Dudek guested with Mike Bloomfield (without him knowing) By Jackson Maxwell published 1 October 24 Caught up in the music and the moment, the veteran guitarist – who played on Allman Brothers Band's Ramblin' Man and Jessica – ran onto the stage while Bloomfield was at the keys, none the wiser
Everybody knows John Petrucci for his God-like shredding abilities, but the Dream Theater virtuoso’s next-level rhythm playing deserves more attention By Jamie Hunt published 1 October 24 We examine the different approaches Petrucci takes for world-building with metal riffs – playing in different time signatures and executing them with on-point precision
Why Gen Z guitar star Beabadoobee’s chords have confused her fellow guitarists – but won over Rick Rubin By Janelle Borg published 30 September 24 Beabadoobee, aka Beatrice Laus, recently landed a number one album in her native UK, but her fondness for My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and Elliott Smith has spawned a guitar style that has confounded her fellow players
Dweezil Zappa says he recorded Eddie Van Halen playing a “greatest hits guitar solo” at 5150 – and had to give EVH pointers By Matt Parker published 30 September 24 The session was the result of an unreleased ‘audio movie’ concept of Zappa’s in which he envisioned solo contributions from Brian May and Angus Young
Why Steve Vai kept his guitar playing a secret when he first started By Matt Owen published 30 September 24 Vai didn't tell anyone when he began learning the guitar, but eventually announced his new-found fretboard abilities in quite spectacular style
“You can look at Nashville pre-Kris and post-Kris, because he changed everything”: Kris Kristofferson dies aged 88 By Matt Owen published 30 September 24 The actor, songwriter and country giant was lauded by Bob Dylan, had his material covered by Johnny Cash and Janis Joplin, and joined a supergroup with some of country music's biggest names
Instrumental guitar was pioneered by Link Wray, Les Paul and Hank Marvin – and they shaped the sound of every guitarist who followed By Jon Bishop published 30 September 24 We pay tribute to the kings of twang with this electric masterclass in early rock ’n’ roll instrumental guitar
Trey Anastasio masterclass: nail the Phish frontman’s unique approach to songwriting and soloing By Jeff Jacobson published 30 September 24 Anastasio draws from influences across the musical spectrum. This lesson breaks down his dynamic soloing and songwriting approach
5 shapes to try using 6/9 chords – a voicing loved by the likes of Brian Setzer and a perfect closer By Richard Barrett published 27 September 24 What are 6/9 chords? Well, it might sound complicated but they simply have the 6th and 9th of the parent scale, and their stacking of 4ths gives them a sound like no other
Jimmy Page reflects on his guitar journey as the British Embassy celebrates his achievements By Janelle Borg published 26 September 24 The Led Zeppelin icon was honored in Washington D.C. for “his and the band's more than five decades making brilliant British music – and his life of philanthropy”
Open G minor chords: 5 shapes you need to know By Jon Bishop published 26 September 24 Tuned D G D G Bb D, open G minor will give you a fresh perspective on the instrument, and with it new chord shapes to learn
George Lynch opens up about his bodybuilding days – and how this impacted his guitar playing By Janelle Borg published 25 September 24 Lynch discusses the ramifications of bodybuilding, noting that the pressure to look good on stage was akin to a Faustian bargain
The evolution of selective picking – one of modern guitar’s most expressive techniques By Phil Weller published 25 September 24 Tosin Abasi crafted it, but in the hands of countless others, selective picking has taken on a life of its own. We explore why it’s become one of the most personal guitar techniques around
Sue Foley shows you how to stop your blues solos from sounding “scaley” By Janelle Borg published 25 September 24 Foley has shared her go-to early Chicago blues lick that, according to her, always does the trick
