Avenged Sevenfold news and features

“A work of art”: Schecter and Synyster Gates have released a gnarly new-look signature guitar – but it’s not the headless model we were expecting

By Phil Weller published 22 March 24

The new release offers a fresh take on the Avenger, but leaves fans waiting on Gates’ gold headless guitar

“Steals the spotlight”: Schecter bestows Avenged Sevenfold’s Zacky Vengeance with a new familiarly styled signature guitar – could a headless model for Synyster Gates follow in its wake?

By Phil Weller published 13 March 24

Vengeance’s newest model goes for a more classic look and feel – and with Gates currently playing what appears to be Schecter’s first headless guitar, could another A7X signature be right behind it?

Towa Bird, Nuno Bettencourt, Nita Strauss, Synyster Gates

“At its best, the solo can tell a story, give us a sense of spectacle, and even offer a window into a player’s soul”: These are the best guitar solos of 2023

By Jonathan Horsley published 20 December 23

Guitar World staff and readers choose the outstanding lead efforts of the year – including “this decades's Eruption”

“The essence of Zacky’s tone”: KHDK collaborates with Zacky Vengeance for gnarly Night of the Living Shred pedal

By Matt Owen published 31 July 23

According to the Avenged Sevenfold guitarist, the grisly signature fuzz/distortion pedal recreates the sounds “that made me want to play guitar in the first place”

Ernie Ball's Synyster Gates signature strings, and Gates' mystery guitar amp

Ernie Ball has unveiled Synyster Gates signature string sets – but what is that mystery guitar amp?

By Matt Owen published 28 July 23

Two sets have been awarded to the Avenged Sevenfold guitarist, who was filmed sitting next to what could possibly be a new signature guitar amp

Joe Satriani performs at the Fox Theater on October 2, 2022 in Oakland, California

From revived ’80s hard-rock collabs to a very different kind of Meshuggah: here are this week's essential guitar tracks

By Michael Astley-Brown, Jackson Maxwell, Matt Owen, Matt Parker published 16 March 23

Fresh must-hear cuts from Joe Satriani & Brian Tarquin, Sweet & Lynch, Avenged Sevenfold, Yes, Tinariwen, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and many, many more

Synyster Gates reminds everyone why he's one of the greatest metal players on the planet in surprising new Avenged Sevenfold single

By Matt Owen published 14 March 23

Titled Nobody, the new single is A7X's first in five years, and previews the band's forthcoming album, Life Is But a Dream... in stunning fashion thanks to some astonishing soloing from Gates

Synyster Gates performs gypsy jazz at Guitar Center

Avenged Sevenfold’s Synyster Gates is also a world-class gypsy jazz guitarist – watch him channel Django Reinhardt in this insane performance

By Sam Roche published 28 October 22

A new A7X album is on the horizon, at last. While you wait, feast your eyes and ears on this killer Minor Swing-inspired acoustic performance

10 times fans played guitar onstage with their heroes – and absolutely killed it

By Sam Roche published 13 October 22

These fans were plucked from the crowd by their guitar idols, and answered the call in roof-raising style

Avenged Sevenfold give fan a signed guitar

Avenged Sevenfold's Synyster Gates and Johnny Christ personally deliver fan a signed Schecter guitar

By Sam Roche published 19 January 22

The fan is visibly shocked as the pair of Orange County rockers turn up at his doorstep for an impromptu meet-and-greet

Guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen (R) and Steve Vai of Generation Axe performs on stage at Humphrey's on April 10, 2016 in San Diego, California

Sweep picking: how to get started with this awe-inspiring guitar technique

By Charlie Griffiths published 6 April 20

Exercises and patterns that will have you integrating sweep picking into your solos in no time

Riff-savvy guitarist plays 50 Avenged Sevenfold songs in five minutes - how many can you name?

By Richard Bienstock published 12 March 20

From Unholy Confessions to, well, see for yourself

Avenged Sevenfold’s Synyster Gates offers up two new limited-edition autographed Schecter signature guitars

By Richard Bienstock published 6 December 19

Black-with-red-pinstripes and white-with-gold-pinstripes designs feature Floyd Rose bridges, signature humbuckers and custom fretboard inlays

Avenged Sevenfold to Sell Guitars and Other Gear on Reverb.com

By Richard Bienstock published 31 May 19

Items include a Schecter Custom S played onstage by Synyster Gates.

Watch Avenged Sevenfold Members Detail “Mad Hatter” Writing and Recording Process

By Richard Bienstock published 19 November 18

M. Shadows and Synyster Gates explain how the music and vocals came together.

Watch Avenged Sevenfold Play Unplugged Version of "Exist"

By Richard Bienstock published 8 November 18

The performance comes off the band's 'Live at the Grammy Museum' release.

Watch Synyster Gates Discuss the Fractal Axe-Fx III

By Richard Bienstock published 18 October 18

The Avenged Sevenfold guitarist has also released a new Fractal Signature Cab Pack.

Listen to a Brand New Avenged Sevenfold Song, "Mad Hatter"

By Richard Bienstock published 17 September 18

The track will be featured on the band's forthcoming EP, 'Black Reign.'

What to Look For At This Year's Grammys

By Guitar World Staff published 25 January 18

Avenged Sevenfold Announce New Acoustic Album, 'Live at the Grammy Museum'

By Guitar World Staff published 5 December 17

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