Christopher Scapelliti

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GuitarPlayer.com editor-in-chief

Christopher Scapelliti is editor-in-chief of GuitarPlayer.com and the former editor of Guitar Player, the world’s longest-running guitar magazine, founded in 1967. In his extensive career, he has authored in-depth interviews with such guitarists as Pete Townshend, Slash, Billy Corgan, Jack White, Elvis Costello and Todd Rundgren, and audio professionals including Beatles engineers Geoff Emerick and Ken Scott. He is the co-author of Guitar Aficionado: The Collections: The Most Famous, Rare, and Valuable Guitars in the World, a founding editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine, and a former editor with Guitar World, Guitar for the Practicing Musician and Maximum Guitar. Apart from guitars, he maintains a collection of more than 30 vintage analog synthesizers.

Latest articles by Christopher Scapelliti

David Roback performs with Mazzy Star in 2013

Watch Mazzy Star’s Spellbinding “Fade Into You” Live Performance

By Christopher Scapelliti published 10 November 22

Video This timeless rendition of the band’s ‘90s dream pop classic is a great example of influential guitarist David Roback’s neo-psychedelic approach

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The Bangles (l-r): Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson (drums), Susanna Hoffs and Michael Steele

Merging Late ‘60s Jangle Rock With Punk, the Paisley Underground Signaled a Psychedelic Rock Revival

By Christopher Scapelliti published 8 November 22

This musical movement inspired countless artists including Prince, the Teardrop Explodes and Echo and the Bunnymen

Here's Why Jimmy Page Is a Missing Link Between ‘60s Psychedelia and ‘70s Hard Rock

By Rod Brakes, Ian Fortnam, Christopher Scapelliti published 8 November 22

The guitarist was on the path of the exotic long before he bridged the gap with Led Zeppelin

Pink Floyd in the late '60s. Clockwise from top-left: Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Rick Wright and Roger Waters,

“It Was a Huge Loss. And I Did Love Him”: Roger Waters Tells the Tragic Tale of Syd Barrett

By Rod Brakes, Christopher Scapelliti published 8 November 22

Video The Pink Floyd co-founder recounts the inside story of one of psychedelic rock’s greatest in this unmissable ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ clip

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Roger McGuinn performs with the Byrds in 1970

Watch the Byrds’ Epic Instrumental Rendition of Their Breakthrough Psychedelic Masterpiece, "Eight Miles High"

By Christopher Scapelliti published 8 November 22

Video Roger McGuinn channels the spirit of John Coltrane in this expansive 1970 performance at the legendary Fillmore East venue

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Robyn Hitchcock and Andy Metcalfe of The Soft Boys supporting The Damned at the Rainbow Theatre, London, England, on April 8th 1978

Listen to the Soft Boys’ “Queen of Eyes” – a Track That Helped Launch the Neo-Psychedelic Revolution

By Christopher Scapelliti published 4 November 22

The group are credited for paving the way for Britain’s shoegaze and dream pop bands

“That’s the Guy I Just Played With in New York! His Name’s Not Jimi Hendrix”: Randy California Talks Playing With the Artist FKA Jimmy James in This Classic Interview

By Christopher Scapelliti published 3 November 22

Video Spirit's legendary guitarist recounts Hendrix’s epochal Cafe Wha? gigs

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“I Get Down on My Knees and Pray Before Every Show”: Watch My Morning Jacket’s Otherworldly “Circuital” Performance

By Rod Brakes, Christopher Scapelliti published 2 November 22

Video Gibson signature artist Jim James and Co deliver a stirring rendition of this epic track live at Red Rocks

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The Beatles 'Revolver' Special Edition release

Get 22% Off the Beatles’ New ‘Revolver’ Special Edition 5CD Box Set

By Christopher Scapelliti published 28 October 22

Remixed in stereo, this expanded version of the psychedelic rock masterpiece is available now at a special introductory price

“They Started out Unbelievable and They Ended That Way Too”: Roky Erickson Recalls the 13th Floor Elevators’ Rise From Obscurity to Psychedelic Rock Heroes in This Vintage Interview

By Christopher Scapelliti published 27 October 22

Video Here’s how the pioneering band elevated the genre to the record charts

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“The Whole Musical World Went on a Trip”: Listen to Keith Richards Recollect His Memories From the Summer of Love and ‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’

By Christopher Scapelliti published 26 October 22

The Rolling Stones took the full plunge into psychedelic rock on this classic 1967 album

Here’s Why Bob Dylan Was Essential to the Birth of Psychedelic Rock

By Christopher Scapelliti published 25 October 22

From the Beatles and the Byrds to Jimi Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane, the folk legend laid the groundwork for all

George Harrison (1943-2001), Paul McCartney and John Lennon (1940-1980) of The Beatles perform at Empire Pool in Wembley at the New Musical Express Annual Poll Winner's Concert in what would be their final scheduled performance in Britain, May 1, 196

“I Think It Comes From Their Fingers and the Guitars”: Listen to Tracks From the Beatles’ New ‘Revolver’ Releases and Read Giles Martin’s Unmissable Interview on Re-Mixing (and De-Mixing!) the Landmark Album

By Christopher Scapelliti published 21 October 22

Wielding a sonic scalpel, the producer presents the Beatles’ 1966 milestone recording as you’ve never heard it

Watch Jeff Beck Playing a ‘Burst in This Far-Out Film of the Yardbirds’ Genre-Defining Track "Shapes of Things"

By Christopher Scapelliti published 18 October 22

Video The pioneering band’s 1966 single is widely considered the first psychedelic rock release

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Walrus Audio Mira Compressor Review

By Christopher Scapelliti last updated 30 September 22

Like the souls rising skyward on its painted chassis, Mira will take your guitar’s sound to a more perfect place

Boss RE-2 and RE-202 Space Echo Reviews

By Christopher Scapelliti last updated 15 September 22

Roland's iconic RE-201 tape delay/spring reverb sound is recreated by Boss with unparalleled depth and realism

Positive Grid Spark Mini Smart Guitar Amp & Bluetooth Speaker Review

By Christopher Scapelliti last updated 9 September 22

The Spark Mini is small and versatile, and delivers loads of great tones and musical joy.

Positive Grid Spark Review

By Christopher Scapelliti last updated 9 September 22

Has Positive Grid just designed the ultimate amp for the home?

Phil Jones Bass Nanobass X4 Digital Amp Review

By Christopher Scapelliti last updated 31 August 22

Don't let the name fool you, this super-compact portable combo is a full-range amplifier that makes a superb practice platform for your electric guitar.

Positive Grid's RIFF guitar interface and app

Positive Grid RIFF Guitar Interface and App Review

By Christopher Scapelliti last updated 29 July 22

As a recording tool, RIFF is a no-nonsense, easy-to-use interface that should be a welcome addition to any guitarist’s DAW setup.

See Rory Gallagher’s Famous Strat and Other Guitars Up Close

By Christopher Scapelliti last updated 13 May 22

The sunburst Stratocaster – Gallagher's workhorse guitar throughout his career – was reportedly the first Stratocaster in Ireland.

Ronson's 'Ziggy Stardust' guitar as photographed by Lisa S. Johnson and featured in her book '108 Rock Star Guitars.' The body still shows signs of Ronson's message and signature from when he gave it to the Hard Rock Cafe. Johnson's latest book is 'Immortal Axes: Guitars That Rock,' edited by Brad Tolinski.

The Incredible Story of Mick Ronson’s 'Ziggy Stardust'-Era 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom

By Christopher Scapelliti published 13 May 22

How Rick Tedesco found and lost his dream guitar.

The Mysterious History of George Harrison’s “Mad” Bartell Fretless

By Christopher Scapelliti published 5 May 22

'Finding Fretless' Author Paul Brett reveals how his relentless sleuthing uncovered a most unusual Beatles guitar.

How to EBow Like a Pro

By Rod Brakes, Christopher Scapelliti, Art Thompson published 29 April 22

Video Watch guitarists Phil Keaggy and Big Country’s Stuart Adamson demonstrate their mastery of this oft-misunderstood guitar gadget.

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Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars in 1972 (l-r): guitarist Mick Ronson, bassist Trevor Bolder, David Bowie and drummer Mick Woodmansey

Watch David Bowie Guitar Genius Mick Ronson Perform His Epic “The Width of a Circle” Solo

By Rod Brakes, Christopher Scapelliti published 29 April 22

Video We examine the technique and tone of the late, great Spiders from Mars guitarist.

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