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Tears for Fears pictured on the cover of their 1985 album Songs From the Big Chair
How a simple guitar hook inspired Tears for Fears’ biggest hit: “I tuned the E string down to D and came up with this riff”

By Gary Graff Published

Roland Orzabal wasn’t convinced by the song at first, but a chance idea on his walnut Fender Stratocaster helped keep it alive

Guitarists
Brian May of Queen performs at the "We Will Rock You" musical premiere at Stage Palladium Theater on October 17, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany.
Brian May says Eric Clapton changed his guitar playing — then Jimi Hendrix came along. “He just made me feel like I couldn’t play”

By Christopher Scapelliti Published

Before Queen, May was learning to make the guitar “talk” when Hendrix showed him just how far the instrument’s expressive possibilities could go

Guitarists
Eric Clapton, Albert Lee and Bobby Keys with The Crickets at the House of Blues Hollywood in West Hollywood, California, August 4, 2004
Albert Lee on Ritchie Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen and his five years with Eric Clapton

By Joe Matera Published

The guitar legend looks back on memorable encounters with the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Crickets and more

Guitarists
Guitarist Ronnie Montrose performs with American rock group Montrose at the Summer of '74 one-day festival, held at Charlton Athletic's football ground, The Valley, London, 18th May 1974.
“We were gonna be the American Led Zeppelin — and he couldn’t take it.” Sammy Hagar on the torment of Ronnie Montrose

By Gary Graff Published

The Red Rocker shares insights into Montrose, Joe Satriani, Neal Schon and Vic Johnson as he recalls four guitar greats he’s played with

Guitarists
Samantha Fish performs in concert at Foxwoods Resort Casino on May 22, 2026 in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Samantha Fish on the guitarists and music of her life

By Gary Graff Published

The blues-rock guitarist looks back at the players who shaped her approach, and explains why she prefers musical conversation to competition.

Guitarists
The Joe Perry Project live on stage at the Brighton Centre on April 11, 2010.
"The Echoplex sound EVH did on Eruption was such an old trick…" Joe Perry looks back

By Jude Gold Published

The impact of EVH, the problem of judging Hendrix by his live recordings, how he gets his sound – a classic interview with Joe Perry

Guitarists
Barbra Streisand wearing blue jeans and a Balinese jacket and playing a guitar.
Barbra Streisand recorded over 30 takes of “The Way We Were.” Nothing worked. Then the bassist tried something different

By Joe Matera Published

Session legend Carol Kaye says the song came alive the moment she ignored the written part 

Music
David Gilmour is seen at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on March 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
David Gilmour on his magical duet playing John Lennon with Paul McCartney

By Elizabeth Swann Published

The guitarist recalled a pair of live appearances from the latter half of the 1990s that took place during a lull his career with Pink Floyd and his solo activities

Guitarists
Buddy Guy performs during the 52nd annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Buddy Guy just turned 90, but he still remembers the guitar lesson that changed everything

By Adam Levy Published

The future blues legend wanted to learn how Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker played. His high school music teacher had other ideas.

Guitarists
Ritchie Blackmore of Rainbow performs at Genting Arena on June 25, 2016 in Birmingham, England
Ritchie Blackmore on the anxiety he couldn’t outrun

By Christopher Scapelliti Published

The guitarist blamed his ruthlessness on insecurity — and said he owed a debt to Eric Clapton

Guitarists
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