Adrian Belew | Guitar World

“I’ve always had a knack for emulating sounds or creating new ones”: Adrian Belew on the weird, wonderful and utterly unique tones behind his new solo album, Elevator

By Ryan Reed published 11 July 23

The former Frank Zappa and King Crimson guitarist keeps putting his decades-old knack for sonic invention to good use

Robert Fripp in-depth: his quest to combine Hendrix and Bartók, what made King Crimson “problematic” and why he has “no interest in gear at all”

By David Mead last updated 25 August 22

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the brilliant and divisive progressive guitar icon to discuss the art of Guitar Craft and the highs and lows of King Crimson – and get an intimate look at his guitar collection

(from left) Matthew Murphy, Dan Haggis and Tord Øverland Knudsen of The Wombats perform at Lollapalooza 2022 at Grant Park on July 28, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois

From somber blues guitar duels to Shadows-esque guitar-pop: here are this week's essential guitar tracks

By Matt Owen, Jonathan Horsley, Sam Roche, Jackson Maxwell published 19 August 22

The best in new guitar music – featuring fresh tracks from Hermanos Gutiérrez and Dan Auerbach, Buddy Guy and Jason Isbell, Fit For a King, Demi Lovato, the Wombats and more

(from left) Adrian Belew, Todd Rundgren and David Bowie

Adrian Belew, Todd Rundgren announce Celebrating David Bowie 2022 North American tribute tour

By Jackson Maxwell last updated 8 June 22

The fall trek is also set to feature Narada Michael Walden bassist Angeline Saris, Scrote, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, veteran session drummer Michael Urbano and more

Adrian Belew drops energetic new single, a13

By Matt Owen published 28 April 22

The track is lifted from the former King Crimson guitarist's 25th solo studio album, Elevator, which arrives later this year

Adrian Belew on how Eddie Van Halen advanced guitar playing "to the next level"

By Matt Owen published 20 December 21

Belew recalls seeing an unsigned Van Halen expertly tapping away on his fretboard during a time when he was trying to master the then-unnamed technique himself

Kirk Hammett performs with Metallica at the Tres de Marzo Stadium on March 1, 2009 in Zapopan, Mexico

Kirk Hammett's 8 favorite unsung guitar heroes

By Guitar World Staff published 18 November 21

We know about Randy Rhoads, Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Peter Green... but the Metallica lead guitar hero has also been inspired by the likes of Tuck Andress, Adrian Belew and George Helm

Fender Custom Shop Adrian Belew Stratocaster

Adrian Belew shows off two dazzling new Fender Custom Shop Strats built by Ron Thorn

By Matt Parker published 30 July 21

The red and blue Belew builds boast an onboard Sustainer pickup and a custom aluminum-aesthetic pickguard and controls

Classic guitar albums of 1979: David Bowie's Lodger

By Mark McStea published 14 August 19

On Lodger, Bowie recruited one Adrian Belew as the latest guitar great to compliment his vision

High Tech: 10 Players Embracing Guitar Technology to its Fullest

By Tom Gilbert published 14 June 19

GW highlights guitarists who have embraced gear to its fullest, innovating new sounds and styles in the process.

Full Lineup for Yes’ Cruise to the Edge Announced

By Richard Bienstock published 13 November 18

New additions include the Neal Morse Band and the Adrian Belew Power Trio.

Adrian Belew Discusses Gizmodrome, Parker Guitars and Auditioning for Frank Zappa

By Damian Fanelli published 26 November 17

Steve Vai Confirms Participation in Frank Zappa Hologram Tour

By Jackson Maxwell published 27 September 17

Steve Vai has confirmed that he will participate in the upcoming Eyellusion/Zappa Family Trust Frank Zappa hologram tour, explaining his involvement in a lengthy Facebook post.

Dweezil Zappa Will Not Participate in Upcoming Frank Zappa Hologram Tour

By Jackson Maxwell published 25 September 17

Dweezil Zappa—son of legendary guitarist Frank Zappa—has confirmed that he will not participate in the upcoming Eyellusion/Zappa Family Trust Frank Zappa hologram tour.

Gizmodrome—Featuring Adrian Belew and Stewart Copeland—Premiere "Summer's Coming" Lyric Video

By Damian Fanelli published 21 September 17

15 of Prog-Rock's Best Guitarists Through the Years

By Guitar World Staff published 13 September 17

15 of the greatest six-string talents in prog through the years.

Dear Guitar Hero: Submit Questions for Adrian Belew

By Damian Fanelli published 29 August 17

Got a question for your favorite guitarist? Let us be your go-between. The concept is easy—you submit your queries and we pass them on to some of the world's greatest guitarists.

Synth City: 10 Classic Guitar Synth Songs

By Damian Fanelli, Josh Hart published 30 July 15

Adrian Belew, Matt Smith and Snarky Puppy Demo Supro Royal Reverb Amp — Video

By Guitar World Staff published 13 February 15

Guitarist Adrian Belew Quits Nine Inch Nails: "It Didn't Work"

By Damian Fanelli published 7 June 13

Yesterday, guitarist Adrian Belew announced he was quitting Nine Inch Nails.