Deftones

Latest about Deftones

Stephen Carpenter of Deftones performs at Fabrique on April 21, 2017 in Milan, Italy
Stephen Carpenter sheds light on the health struggles that have impacted his playing

By Janelle Borg Published

The Deftones guitarist opens up about how his undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes impacted the writing and recording of Private Music

Guitarists
Deftones playing with Polish fan Kacper in Poland 2026
Deftones invite superfan onstage to play in front of sold-out arena crowd

By Phil Weller Published

The fan seized his moment under the stage lights to play 7 Words alongside Chino Moreno and co

Guitarists
A comped image of Dream Theater's John Petrucci, Yungblud and Wet Leg's Rhian Teasdale performing onstage
Yungblud, Dream Theater, Wet Leg, Turnstile among guitar’s heavy hitters at the 2026 Grammy nominations

By Jonathan Horsley Published

There are no guitar-led artists in the AOTY shortlist but there's no shortage of guitar talent here, including Joe Bonamassa, Billy Strings, Buddy Guy, Larkin Poe, and Deftones

Artists
Stephen Carpenter (left) and Chino Moreno perform onstage in 2003
Deftones' White Pony was one of the first metal masterpieces of the new millennium. Its creation was anything but smooth sailing

By Helen Dalley Published

Resident riffmaster Stephen Carpenter minced no words in this 2000 interview, rolling his eyes at “our friends” Korn, and even – before walking it back – calling his bandmate's guitar-work “awful.” Still, though, he was proud of the band's “really awesome record”

Bands
Stephen Carpenter (L) and Chino Moreno of Deftones perform during Riot Fest at National Western Complex on September 2, 2016 in Denver, Colorado
Chino Moreno opens up on how Stephen Carpenter’s health problems forced him to play more guitar on Deftones’ new album

By Janelle Borg Published

Carpenter’s undiagnosed type 2 diabetes forced Moreno to step up to the plate and get more involved in writing private music’s guitar parts

Guitarists
Stephen Carpenter of Deftones performs at Pier 17 Rooftop on May 15, 2022 in New York City
Why Stephen Carpenter has returned to tube amps for Deftones’ latest tour

By Janelle Borg Published

The Deftones guitarist was an early champion of amp modelers, but has re-embraced a more hybrid, amp-dependent setup

3 Comments
Guitarists
The singer and the guitarist of the Deftones Chino Moreno and Stephen Carpenter in concert at the Fabrique, in Milan. Milan, Italy. 21st April 2017
Even Chino Moreno doesn’t know why Stephen Carpenter isn’t touring with Deftones

By Matt Owen Published

Carpenter stepped away from touring duties in 2022 and hasn't played any overseas shows since

6 Comments
Guitarists
Stephen Carpenter of Deftones holds his green ESP Custom Horizon backstage at a Vans Warped show in 1998. On the right, the Horizon he used to track Around the Fur and White Pony.
Stephen Carpenter’s ESP Horizon Custom from the Back to School video has been valued at $55,000

By Jonathan Horsley Published

The S-style – which was used on Around the Fur – has been verified by Carpenter himself

Electric Guitars
KHDK Electronics Digital Bath
“Arresting, unsettling, sometimes unpredictable… nails the Deftones brief”: KHDK Digital Bath review

By Michael Astley-Brown Published

This signature stompbox recreates one of Deftones’ dreamiest tones – but is it more than just a one-trick (white) pony?

Effects & Pedals
Stephen Carpenter in concert at the Fabrique, in Milan, Italy on 21st April 2017
Stephen Carpenter shares his power chord addiction as Deftones announce new album

By Janelle Borg Published

In a candid conversation with Zane Lowe, Stephen Carpenter and Chino Moreno describe how they search for soundscapes instead of songs – while Carpenter reveals his long-lasting guitar tone influences

Guitarists
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