INNOVATIONS ONLY MATTER if someone puts them to use, and in the world of the electric guitar, there has always been a player or two eager to put the latest piece of gear to work, all in the hope of taking performance and tone to the next level. Ever since Charlie Christian moved the electric guitar from the back of the orchestra to the forefront with his blade pickup–equipped Gibson ES-150, players have been exploring new ways to make the guitar speak what is inside of them, whether through pickups, hardware, amps, effects or newfangled accessories that can spark the imagination.
While the bulk of these innovations have been the handiwork of enterprising inventors like Ray Butts, Seth Lover, Jim Marshall and Roger Mayer, many of them were pushed along their path by guitarists unsatisfied with the sound of their instrument, amplifier or effects. A few remarkable individuals — like Les Paul and Tom Scholz — wore both the hat of performer and inventor.
All of which is to say the electric guitar would be nowhere today if it weren’t for the players who we celebrate in this issue.
CHARLIE CHRISTIAN
HE BROUGHT THE ELECTRIC GUITAR TO THE FOREFRONT OF MUSIC
Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Guitar Player.
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Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Guitar Player.
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'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.
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.”
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.
