Techniques

“It’s about building intensity… think of Jeff Beck shifting to Billy Gibbons!” How to solo over one-chord blues

By Richard Barrett published 19 March 26

Soloing over changes is cool, but sometimes the blues is all about exploring melody over a single chord

KT Tunstall’s 5 guitar tips to boost your songwriting skills

By Jason Sidwell published 23 February 26

Learn KT's five go-to guitar techniques: from power strumming to rich chords, colorful picking, and unison vocal/guitar riffs.

“Albert King once advised Gary Moore to ‘play every other note’”: Why keeping it simple can improve your blues solos

By Richard Barrett published 7 January 26

Peter Green, George Harrison, Gary Moore, David Gilmour... These are just some of the players inspiring this lesson in stylistic restraint, all in the pursuit of the blues

Speed bursts are the path to Shred Heaven: boost your rock chops with 6 jaw-dropping examples (that won't break your fingers)

By Jamie Humphries published 6 January 26

Learn how short and fast sequential patterns favoured by legends such as Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci and Zakk Wylde can be connected to create blazing solos

Master the 12-string guitar: restringing, tuning and strumming made simple

By Leon Todd published 12 December 25

Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, the Eagles, and Richie Sambora swear by 12-string guitars for sonic sparkle – after this guide, you will too

How to use triads in blues solos like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix

By Richard Barrett published 26 November 25

When you’re the only guitarist in the band, triads are your best friends in a guitar solo – and Hendrix and SRV were the masters

Great tone starts with the pick – just ask Steve Vai. Here’s how honing your picking can improve your tone for free

By Charlie Griffiths published 18 November 25

Unlock every pick color – from warmth and brightness to the secretive clarinet tone

Explore open G tuning: a fresh perspective that reshapes your fretboard and inspired timeless blues and Americana songs

By Stuart Ryan published 6 November 25

Open G has been embraced by legends including Keith Richards, The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin. Now it’s your turn to revel in its golden tones

Learn the chord secrets of Joe Pass, Barney Kessel and Wes Montgomery with this iconic jazz progression

By Alex Farran published 19 October 25

Want to add sophistication to your chords? Master this essential chord progression as played by 5 guitar legends

How to master the art of tremolo picking – the indispensable picking technique heard in everything from death metal to surf rock that can power up your playing

By Dre DiMura published 7 October 25

Sharpen your chops and ramp up your speed with our technique-focused workout inspired by power pickers Dick Dale, Jonny Greenwood and Kerry King