In this issue

Steve Howe: The Guitarist’s Guide to Close to the Edge.

Paul Reed Smith HDRX 100..

GOING BIG

Josh Smith's band grows a larger horn section. The result is his big-band extravaganza Bird of Passage.

6 mins

MY CAREER IN FIVE SONGS

Joe Ely shares highlights from his rockabilly career and recalls his former Lubbock, Texas, neighbor: Buddy Holly.

8 mins

SOME KIND OF MONSTER

Kirk Hammett set out to write background music. Instead, he created the four horror movie-themed guitar instrumentals that his debut solo effort, Portals.

6 mins

LIVING ON THE EDGE

WRITTEN AND RECORDED PIECEMEAL ON DAYS OFF BETWEEN GIGS, CLOSE TO THE EDGE COALESCED INTO A PROG-ROCK MASTERPIECE. ON THE ALBUM'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY, STEVE HOWE REVEALS HOW YES CREATED THEIR GREATEST TRIUMPH.

10+ mins

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE

Following a 13-year hiatus, Porcupine Tree regroup with one less member and a broader musical palette. Steven Wilson explains why this is a new beginning for the progressive-rock group or maybe the end of the road.

9 mins

The LAST of the SINGING COWBOYS

He tutored under Woody Guthrie and influenced a young Bob Dylan. Now 90, folk legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott reflects on his role in the postwar folk revival and a life spent making music.

9 mins

KING of the ROW

With more than 700 albums to his credit - including his Dean DeLeo project, Trip the Witch Nashville session ace Tom Bukovac is one of the world's busiest guitarists. Here he shares the guitars behind Music Row's biggest records.

10+ mins

Let It Rub

Trey Anastasio on using "rubs" to open up standard tuning.

2 mins

PHIL JONES BASS

Nanobass X4 digital amp

4 mins

How I Wrote..."Close My Eyes Forever"

Lita Ford looks back at her badass signature 1989 power ballad.

3 mins

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Guitar Player Magazine Description:

Guitar Player educates, empowers, and inspires obsessed guitarists to sound better and play better. Through its comprehensive print, online, and social-networking media—as well as community-rousing events such as Guitar Superstar—Guitar Player feeds a player’s passion for mastering tone, technique, gear, technology, composition, and live performance. Revered for its insightful artist interviews, multi-faceted music lessons, and trusted product reviews since 1967, Guitar Player has influenced generations of players— including some world-renowned guitar stars—and continues to encourage and motivate serious guitarists of all ages, styles, and skill levels.