Jude Gold

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Los Angeles Editor, Guitar Player

After becoming a full-time Guitar Player editor in 2001, Jude Gold went on to write cover stories on every guitar hero from Slash and Brad Paisley to Pat Metheny and Neal Schon. He also hosts the No Guitar Is Safe podcast – “The guitar show where guitar heroes plug in” – which now has over 160 episodes (and counting!) you can stream for free.

In 2009, Jude moved to Los Angeles, where he became director of the guitar program at Musicians Institute (GIT). Then, in 2012, Jude joined Jefferson Starship and has been lead guitarist for the iconic rock band ever since. No matter which musical adventure Jude is on, though, he maintains his role as Los Angeles Editor of Guitar Player.

To see Jude’s “full contact” guitar style in action, check out his rendition of “Funkytown." Notably, after seeing this video, guitar legend Joe Satriani raved, “Jude’s ‘Funkytown’ is killin’!”

Grid List

Latest articles by Jude Gold

Simon McBride Deep Purple perform at Freiluftarena B on July 13, 2023 in Graz, Austria.

Think You Know How to Play “Smoke on the Water” Properly? You Could Be Playing It Wrong. Deep Purple Guitarist Simon McBride Reveals the Secrets of This Iconic Riff

By Jude Gold published 30 August 23

It’s one of rock’s most misunderstood riffs – here’s how to play “Smoke on the Water” like a pro

“If You Try to Make Things Too Perfect, You’ll Start Killing the Feel”: Vinnie Moore Talks Recording Guitars and His Genre-Spanning New Solo Album, ‘Double Exposure’

By Jude Gold published 22 August 23

“The more time you spend on something, the more you get drawn into that vortex of overanalyzing,” says the UFO axeman and solo artist, “and then you’ll fix something that doesn’t need to be fixed.”

Gator Cases GTR Minivault E2 Review

By Jude Gold published 16 June 23

Gives two solidbody-sized guitars a snug, foam-lined ride to the gig in one convenient, quiet-rolling vessel

Rock Virtuoso Rafael Moreira Relives the Musical Adventures – and Demonstrates the Stunning Guitar Techniques – That Have Made Him a Top-Call California Guitar Ace

By Jude Gold published 13 June 23

Don't miss our latest 'No Guitar Is Safe' podcast featuring the dynamic six-string wizard

Steve Lukather from TOTO onstage at the Over Oslo Festival on June 20, 2019 in Oslo, Norway.

“My Goal Was Simply Longevity – to Have a Long Career – Not to Become Famous”: Steve Lukather Looks Back on His Extraordinary Life as a Guitarist

By Jude Gold published 18 April 23

From Toto and Boz Scaggs to Michael Jackson and Ringo Starr, it’s hard to name a guitarist who has landed more dream gigs than Luke

“I’ve Been Paid to Play Rhythm Guitar 90 Per Cent of the Time”: Steve Lukather Reveals the Truth About Session Work

By Jude Gold published 17 April 23

Video Watch Luke’s captivating interview with Rick Beato as he explains the importance of mastering rhythm guitar

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Luke and Jeff in 1997. Luke is holding the November 1997 issue of 'Guitar Techniques,' featuring Beck and Jennifer Batten

“One of the Greatest Times of My Life”: Steve Lukather Recalls Six Magical Weeks in the Studio With Jeff Beck

By Jude Gold published 29 March 23

“Jeff probably has 10 or 11 unfinished albums hidden somewhere,” says the Grammy-winning Toto guitarist

"Only in Retrospect Do You Realize That Something Was Your Peak”: Billy Duffy Looks Back on the Cult’s ‘Sonic Temple’

By Jude Gold published 9 March 23

The Gretsch White Falcon stalwart details making the Platinum-selling late '80s classic (and shares the biggest Spinal Tap moment he’s ever seen!)

Brian Setzer (left) and guitar tech Tyler Sweet

“He’s Both a Great Guitar Player and a Great Guy”: Tyler Sweet Reflects on His Long Career as Brian Setzer’s Trusted Guitar Tech

By Jude Gold published 2 March 23

Find out how pros deal with a blown amp (and why the Stray Cats frontman rarely changes his strings!)

Steve Lukather live at Rock In Karuizawa 1986 with Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Nagano, July 1, 1986.

“Jeff’s Playing Hit Me Hard”: Steve Lukather Gives His Take on Jeff Beck’s Life, Legacy and Music in Our Latest ‘No Guitar Is Safe’ Podcast

By Jude Gold published 15 February 23

‘GP’ joins the Toto/Ringo Starr guitar ace to talk about the profound influence of the electric guitar master

Vinnie Moore of UFO performs at The Forum on May 7, 2015 in London, United Kingdom

“I’ll Get Too Perfectionist, and It’s Stupid”: UFO Guitarist Vinnie Moore Dishes out Some Sound Advice in the Latest ‘Guitar Player’ Podcast

By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published 20 December 22

Listen to our ‘No Guitar Is Safe’ podcast here – the guitar show where guitar heroes plug in

Simon McBride of Deep Purple performs at Mediolanum Forum of Assago on October 17, 2022 in Milan, Italy

Deep Purple Guitarist Simon McBride Shares His Mesmerizing Guitar Approaches

By Jude Gold published 10 November 22

Listen to our ‘No Guitar Is Safe’ podcast here – the guitar show where guitar heroes plug in

Jackson American Series Soloist SL3 Review

By Jude Gold last updated 21 October 22

Rev up this race car of a guitar for a few minutes and you’re not going to want to give up the driver’s seat any time soon

Keeley Electronics Halo Andy Timmons Dual Echo Review

By Jude Gold last updated 3 October 22

Get Timmons’ treasured echo sound without having to spend hours or days toying with a mountain of old analog delays and tape echoes

Lee Ritenour Details His New Album, ‘Dreamcatcher,’ on the 'No Guitar Is Safe' Podcast

By Jude Gold last updated 13 September 22

“Captain Fingers” relives some of his most memorable sessions, and shares the inspiration behind his captivating new solo album.

Jim Peterik is shown at his Burr Ridge, Illinois home Monday, June 28, 2010.

“You’ve Got to Be an Open Page”: Jim Peterik Talks Songwriting on GP’s No Guitar Is Safe Podcast

By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published 17 August 22

One of America's most successful rock 'n' roll tunesmiths joins Jude Gold on the latest episode.

"Michael Jackson Was the Most Driven Individual I’ve Ever Seen": Erick Walls Reflects on His Five Favorite Sessions

By Jude Gold published 29 July 22

Walls has worked with countless gospel, rock, R&B, pop, and country artists, and his list of favorite sessions is similarly eclectic.

Could This Be the Coolest Stereo Chorus Tone Ever? Watch Jamie West-Oram Demonstrate His “One Thing Leads to Another” Guitar Chops

By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published 14 July 22

Video The Fixx guitarist reveals the studio secrets of the band’s 1983 top ten hit on GP's ‘No Guitar Is Safe’ podcast.

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Erick Walls: "Playing in Church is Real-World Experience, and it Helps You Develop Good Sensibilities. You Recognize Early on What Works Versus What Doesn’t"

By Jude Gold published 8 July 22

The first-call session guitarist discusses the usefulness of the Kemper Profiler, the power of his ultra-funky thumb-pick attack, and the versatility of his Grosh Retro Classic.

Watch Greg Howe Shred on the GP ‘No Guitar is Safe’ Podcast

By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published 16 June 22

Video The formidable virtuoso unleashes a barrage of licks and tricks from his considerable arsenal.

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Watch Samantha Fish Up Close Performing “Gone for Good” on a Gibson Firebird

By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published 24 May 22

Video Cop some moves from the blues-shredding firebrand in this classic 'No Guitar Is Safe' podcast episode.

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Watch Kirk Fletcher Demonstrate His Favorite Blues Shuffles and Gospel Licks

By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold, Art Thompson published 13 May 22

Video Take away some knowhow from one of the greatest blues guitarists around.

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Jude Gold's 'No Guitar Is Safe' podcast still features Philip Sayce

Watch Philip Sayce’s Insane Human Whammy Demonstration

By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published 11 May 22

Video The Jeff Healey guitarist shows us how to execute this attention-grabbing technique on Jude Gold’s fantastic ‘No Guitar Is Safe’ Guitar Player podcast.

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This photograph taken on August 11, 2014, shows guitarist Guthrie Govan of the band The Aristocrats performing in Hong Kong.

“There Are Some Bizarre, Nebulous Forces At Work”: Guthrie Govan on Gigging

By Jude Gold published 5 January 22

With a new album in the bag – ‘Freeze: Live in Europe 2020’ – the Aristocrats guitar virtuoso delivers a faithful account of touring his rock-fusion supergroup.

20 Blues Turnarounds Every Guitarist Should Know

By Jude Gold last updated 3 September 21

Discover some inspiring new blues turnaround approaches.

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