CATEGORIES

BLOOD COMMAND

NIKKI WALKS US THROUGH HER HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.

PERFECT TEN

10 NEW RELEASES YOU NEED TO HEAR

NO FEAR

PUT VERY VERY BLUNTLY, THE NEW ITHACA ALBUM COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY CRUSHES. DJAMILA BODEN AZZOUZ WALKS US THROUGH IT...

WE GO AGAIN

TRAVIE LIFTS THE LID ON HIS PAST FEW YEARS, AND TELLS SOME TRUTHS ON HIS LONG-AWAITED NEW ALBUM, 'NEVER SLEPT BETTER'.

COMING CLEAN

DEAF HAVANA HAD MORE UPS AND DOWNS DURING THE PANDEMIC THAN MOST BANDS HAVE IN AN ENTIRE CAREER. HERE'S HOW JAMES AND MATTHEW VECK-GILODI SET OFF ON A PATH TO SOMETHING BRIGHTER.

A PROMISE KEPT

AFTER FIVE YEARS OF HEARTBREAK, UNCERTAINTY AND RESILIENCE, WE CAME AS ROMANS ARE READY TO TELL THEIR STORY. THIS IS HOW THEY OVERCAME TRAGEDY TO CREATE THEIR MOST VITAL, EMOTIONAL AND STUNNING ALBUM TO DATE.

PLAY LIKE… GEORGE HARRISON

John Wheatcroft discovers that, when it comes to guitar, the so-called quiet Beatle had plenty to say, as he explores George’s varied styles with four full-length pieces for you to learn and enjoy.

IMPROVE YOUR STRUMMING!

RGT’s Simon Barnard kicks off a brand new series designed to improve a variety of guitar techniques. This issue; strumming.

TRADITIONAL CATALAN Farewell Lad

While Declan takes a short break Bridget Mermikides returns to arrange, transcribe and perform this delightful Catalan folk song for solo classical guitar.

JOE BONAMASSA

This month David Gerrish takes over from Phil Short while he's away, and delves deep into the style of modern blues titan, Joe Bonamassa.

SLASH

Martin Cooper checks out the melodic lead style of rock legend Slash, as heard in his post Guns N’ Roses project Slash’s Snakepit.

GUTHRIE GOVAN

Guitar instrumentals have supplied some of music’s most evocative moments. Jason Sidwell asks top guitarists for their take on this iconic movement. This month: Hans Zimmer’s guitarist and The Aristocrats’ virtuoso, Guthrie Govan.

KRIS BARRAS Four Lead Licks

In this special one-off video feature Andy Saphir transcribes four licks from Devon’s explosive blues-rock powerhouse and live performer extraordinaire, Kris Barras.

ERIC JOHNSON

Stuart Ryan unveils the acoustic style of the legendary Texan guitarist Eric Johnson, but in his lesser-known role as a fine fingerpicker.

THE CROSSROADS Eric Gales Pentatonic Sequences

For this month’s Crossroads, John Wheatcroft explores the style of Eric Gales and discovers how melodic sequencing can enhance your phrasing and expand your soloing vocabulary.

NICK JOHNSTON Video Masterclass

In this exclusive feature, we welcome back Canadian virtuoso Nick Johnston. Nick treats us to a plethora of flowing rock phrases, all of which are played over Jason Sidwell’s specially written track, A Joy Fulfilled. Jon Bishop is your guide.

GOING BIG

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

MY CAREER IN FIVE SONGS

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PHIL JONES BASS

Nanobass X4 digital amp

Let It Rub

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

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

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

EVOLUTION OF THE STRATOCASTER

It's often said that Leo Fender got it right the first time - but, actually, he got most of it right the first time and then figured out the rest as he went along. Join us as we examine how the Stratocaster evolved throughout the pre-CBS era

Light Fantastic

Blackstar claims its latest release is "the lightest 50-watt all-valve combo in the world". Is this really the future for valve amplification? Time to plug in

Tones Behind The Tracks

Al Di Meola on how a legendary live session with Paco de Lucía and John McLaughlin came to light after 40 years...

All Aboard

While Guild's Newark St Collection features numerous repros of past models, the latest bolt-on Surfliner is an all-new creation. What's going on?