Christopher Scapelliti
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
Watch As 12-Year-Old Joe Bonamassa Opens for B.B. King in 1989
By Christopher Scapelliti published
“He’s the nicest person I’ve ever met in the music business. He is the blues, the blues is him,” Bonamassa said.
The Gear Behind the Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’
By Christopher Scapelliti published
In the days before the release of the 'Get Back' documentary, we look back at the guitars and gear that defined the Fab Four's long, cold, lonely winter of 1969.
Ethan Russell Unzips the Story Behind His Infamous 'Who’s Next' Cover Photo
By Christopher Scapelliti published
How a slag heap on the heartland of England's heavy industry framed one of the most iconic shots in rock history.
How a 1959 Gretsch 6120 Became Pete Townshend’s Steady
By Christopher Scapelliti published
A gift from Joe Walsh, the 6120 is described by the Who guitarist as the best guitar he has ever owned.
EarthQuaker Devices Astral Destiny Review
By Christopher Scapelliti last updated
Modulated octave reverbs are among the off-road ambient treats awaiting you in this latest pedalboard maverick from EQD.
How Pete Townshend Turned the Trauma of His Aborted Sci-fi Rock Opera into the Triumph of 'Who's Next'
By Christopher Scapelliti published
In 1971, the Who guitarist was taken to the brink trying to follow the success of 'Tommy.' He came out the other end with a masterpiece.
Watch CeDell Davis Play Slide with a Butter Knife
By Christopher Scapelliti last updated
This distinctive and impressive Delta bluesman played like no one else.
Eventide MicroPitch Delay Review
By Christopher Scapelliti published
Borne of the H910 Harmonizer, micro-pitch shifted delay has come of age in this most-excellent, high-end stompbox.
Get Your Mojo Workin' Pro-Style
By Christopher Scapelliti published
10 blues guitar giants share the magic behind their six-string technique.
Watch Tommy Emmanuel Shred Jimi Hendrix and a Stevie Ray Vaughan-Style Blues on an Acoustic Guitar
By Christopher Scapelliti last updated
“If you like guitar playing, it simply doesn't get any better than Tommy,” Jason Isbell once said of Tommy Emmanuel. This clip shows exactly what he means.
How to Build Your Own License Plate Electric Guitar
By Christopher Scapelliti last updated
These fun home-builds are perfect for swampy slide and blues work.
Hear Jimi Hendrix’s Final Performance
By Christopher Scapelliti published
On September 16, 1970, just two days before his death, Hendrix joined War onstage at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London.
Watch Steve Vai Shred for Eight Minutes at Donington
By Christopher Scapelliti published
The "Seven-String Sorcerer" steals the show at the 1990 Monsters of Rock Festival.
Hear Eddie Van Halen Play Clapton's "Crossroads" Solos
By Christopher Scapelliti published
The man who redefined virtuoso guitar soloing tips his cap to one of his great influences.
Unsung Guitar Heroes: Phil Baugh Played Shred Before It Had a Name
By Christopher Scapelliti published
This guitar genius paved the way for modern pickers like John 5, Steve Morse, and Brad Paisley.
Watch Fender “Pickup Artist” Abigail Ybarra Hand Wind an Esquire Bridge
By Christopher Scapelliti published
Meet the woman behind 57 years of guitar tone.
Get an Up-Close Look at Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Number One” Strat in This Historic Video
By Christopher Scapelliti published
A detailed look at the guitar SRV called his "first wife."
Watch Gary Moore and B.B. King Play “The Thrill Is Gone” in 1992
By Christopher Scapelliti published
The amazing 10-minute performance was recorded at the Town and Country Club in London.
Watch Randy Rhoads Perform with Quiet Riot in 1979
By Christopher Scapelliti published
This show – which you can watch an hour of here – marked the first time Rhoads ever used his now-legendary custom black-and-white polka-dot Flying V.
Watch B.B. King Change His String Onstage Without Stopping the Song
By Christopher Scapelliti published
They sure didn't call him the King for nothing.
George Harrison's Four Key Late-’60s Guitars
By Christopher Scapelliti published
Learn more about a quartet of George Harrison's favorite guitars from The Beatles' final years.
Go Inside Ritchie Blackmore's Guitar Collection
By Christopher Scapelliti published
The Deep Purple legend shows off a number of his favorite guitars in this fascinating video.
Boss OC-5 Octave Review
By Christopher Scapelliti published
Does this compact stompbox set a new standard for octave pedals?
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