Steel of a Deal

Jerry Byrd’s Steel Guitar Favorites packs a heap of American styles in one outstanding disc.

The Knockoff That Became a Knockout

Forced to stop copying U.S. guitars, Ibanez launched the all-original Artist line and took America by storm.

UNCOMMON FOLK

He grew up in a folk music haven. As he celebrates his latest album, Wide Open Light, Ben Harper shares sights and memories of his childhood home.

WILD SIDE

After Lou Reed's Berlin concept album bombed, guitarists Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner helped him get his groove back. The result was Rock 'n' Roll Animal, the live classic that redeemed his spirit and saved his career.

'THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF OUR BAND IS TWO GUITARS'

Sleater-Kinney were making bass-less records long before the White Stripes and the Black Keys came along. Says co-leader Carrie Brownstein, \"The power comes from the conversation the guitars are having with each other.\"

YOUR INFLUENCES STICK WITH YOU

Scott Henderson spent lockdown training his ears and building improv skills. As Karnevel! shows, his jazz chops flourished, but his blues-rock roots remain as strong as ever.

EYE ON THE PRIZE

Erstwhile blues-rocker Hannah Wicklund finds her true self with an album of songs she calls the most authentic I’ve ever written.”

'I PLAY LESS NOTES THESE DAYS, BUT THEY ALL MEAN A LOT MORE'

On Broken, Walter Trout packs his licks for maximum impact as he testifies to the hope that can save our divided world.

TIP SHEET

Think effects are a crutch? Reeves Gabrels has a few choice words and good advice) for you.

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE

As he releases One Deep River, Mark Knopfler reflects on the guitars he's loved, the music that keeps his passion youthful... and how he'd like a do-over on that Dire Straits Rock Hall induction.

MY CAREER IN FIVE SONGS

\"La Grange\" aside, these are the songs Billy F. Gibbons considers among his finest achievements.

TIP SHEET

He's played with and learned from the masters. Here are Christone \"Kingfish\" Ingram's best practices for performance.

How I Wrote..."The Story in Your Eyes"

Justin Hayward reveals the story and hidden message behind the Moody Blues' timeless 1971 hit single.

TWA

Krytical Mass KM-01 Reactive Octave Fuzz

FENDER

Tone Master Pro FR-10 Powered Cabinet

TWO NOTES

Special Edition Limited Run Torpedo Captor X

FENDER

Tone Master Pro Floor Modeler

AMERICANA AMBASSADOR

David Grisman details the historic mandolins, guitars and banjos he played on the Acoustic America album, as exhibited at Arizona's Musical Instrument Museum.

CAN'T STOP THE BOP

He's a bebop originator who's played with everyone from Charlie Parker to Jimmy McGriff. Now 96 and fronting a new album, Chicago guitarist George Freeman shows no sign of slowing down

DIRTY DEEDS

Looking for fresh musical inspiration, Kenny Wayne Shepherd left Nashville for Alabama's FAME Studios. The result is Dirt on My Diamonds, Vol. 1, the first half of a new album project that continues his blues-rock evolution.

How to Play a Telecaster

On Second Album, Tele evangelist Roy Buchanan raised Leo's creation to new heights.

BLUES WITH 808 BEATS

With programmed drums, samples and a renewed sense of purpose, Buffalo Nichols ponders what blues might have been on The Fatalist.

MELODY MAKER

As Dave Hause puts the focus on songs, he keeps the guitar work all about the hooks.

HUMBUCKER HEAVEN

With the Espada HH and Espada HH Active, G&L offers two versatile variations on Leo Fender's late-1960s design.

WINNER TAKES ALL

Twenty years ago, Joe Bonamassa placed a bet on himself and hit the jackpot. Now he celebrates two decades of musical independence with Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, a return to the album concept that made him the blues' reigning champion. Guitar Player visits Nerdville for a little chat and a look at a few of Joe's very fine vintage axes.

A rule-breaker breaks through

On the heels of her 2021 number-two album, blues phenom Ally Venable steps up to the big leagues with Real Gone.

EARTHQUAKER DEVICES

Ledges Tri-Dimensional Reverberation Machine

PEAVEY

6505 1992 Original

EPIPHONE

1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer

Thick and Thin

Pick pointers with bluegrass master Gary Brewer of the Kentucky Ramblers