Latest articles by Matt Blackett
“For me it was just frustrating”: Why Brian May never took to the Strat or Les Paul
In Queen's early days, May didn't have backup copies of the Red Special – let alone a company that manufactures replicas of it – leading him to keep both models around as Plan Bs
“Paco needed to relax, so he smoked a joint and the second take was the one”: Al Di Meola on the magic of Mediterranean Sundance
Reflecting on his chemistry with Paco De Lucia in a 2009 GP interview, Di Meola revealed that the spontaneous creative fire of the Mediterranean Sundance session stunned all of its participants – including the guitarists themselves
David Cassidy on seeing Hendrix, learning from the session guitar greats, and jamming with Paul McCartney and John Lennon
A mega-star with the Partridge Family, Cassidy was nonetheless a serious guitarist, and worked in the studio with the likes of Larry Carlton and Mick Ronson
How Guitar Player's Spotlight column made Yngwie Malmsteen a guitar hero overnight
“It wasn’t just the notes in his playing, but the energy and the attitude behind them,” tastemaker and Spotlight author Mike Varney told GP
“A lot of guitarists don’t consider themselves part of the rhythm section. I could always count on Randy to come up with great rhythm guitar parts”: Rudy Sarzo on the magic of Randy Rhoads' rhythm work, and the tonal quirks that set him apart
Rhoads' former bandmate details how the late guitar legend's rig changed over time, and what about his playing often gets overlooked
“Mick Taylor would play the top lines. Keith Richards would write most of the songs... Once, Keith said, ‘You play too f*cking loud. I can’t work with you in the room right now‘”: Andy Johns on the Rolling Stones' turbulent Exile on Main St. sessions
Though the late engineer had already worked with George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Free, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin, he saw what would become the Stones' masterpiece as “the most important project” he'd ever taken on
“You wouldn’t hear his influence in my earlier recordings... but on the David Lee Roth album and as my hands got weaker, you can hear a little more Eric Clapton in my notes”: How Jason Becker's light-speed style was forced to evolve as his ALS progressed
As the '80s ended and the '90s began, changing tastes in the guitar universe, the tasks of a new gig, and the tragedy that would forever transform Becker's life would force the guitarist to look back at early lessons he learned from a blues master
“I got into the Who when I was playing my Mom’s Martin. I thought it looked cool to do the windmill, but when my Mom saw how badly I scratched her guitar she said, ‘No more pick for you’”: Carolyn Wonderland on Tele Thinlines and Houston guitar heroes
In this classic GP interview, the Texan with the stunning voice (and equally impressive six-string chops) discusses her tonal inspirations, and why – decades after her early windmilling damage – she continues to stick with fingerstyle
"I Once Did a Solo on a David Crosby Record Without Ever Hearing the Song": Steve Lukather Reveals His Most Shocking Studio Sessions
"He said, 'You bastard! You never even heard the song!'" recalls Luke in this hilarious interview
“Music Is About Completing Those Little Circuits That Connect You to Your Past”: Mark Knopfler Looks Back on the Journey From “Sultans of Swing” to His Latest Solo Album, ‘Down the Road Wherever’
“It’s still about that, and it’s endlessly fascinating,” says the Dire Straits guitar legend
“It All Starts In the Mind”: Steve Vai Shares Some Words of Wisdom for Guitarists
We get in the zone with Vai in this interview excerpt from the GP archives.
Fender Limited Edition HM Strat Review
A go-faster Strat with a finish so loud it's visible from space. What's not to like?
Discover the Flawed Genius of Guitar Master Lenny Breau
VIDEO A hero and mentor to guitar greats like Steve Vai, Andy Summers, and Randy Bachman this rare virtuoso was a giant among giants.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen review
No matter how complete your home studio or live rig is, it probably has a place for the compact Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen audio interface
Steve Lukather Remembers His Friend, Eddie Van Halen
“He was the magic. The guitar just gave him a means to perform that magic.“
Guitar Heroes Pay Tribute to the Genius of Eddie Van Halen
Joe Satriani, Vinnie Moore, Richie Kotzen, and more on the man who changed guitar playing.
How Eddie Van Halen Made Music, and Our World, So Much Richer
Steve Vai, Nuno Bettencourt, and a host of stars join Guitar Player in paying tribute to a revolutionary guitarist.
Fender Lead II and III Review
A pair of retro doublecuts that were sadly long forgotten. Can they find an audience in 2020?
Steve Lukather’s Most Terrifying Session: “It Was a Humbling Experience”
Out of 1,500+ sessions, this is one that Luke definitely doesn't want to revisit.
Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster V4 Review
The latest evolution of the Slipknot guitarist's favorite offset welcomes his signature EMGs to the plate.
One Control BJF-S66 review
This compact solid-state head is a triumph of Swedish design and might just be the pedal platform you're looking for.
Richie Kotzen Tells the Epic Story Behind His Magnum Opus
For Kotzen, 50 is the new 50 as he celebrates his birthday with his biggest record ever.
The Tuning that Flummoxed Pete Townshend and David Gilmour
English Beat and General Public guitarist Dave Wakeling reveals the tuning that baffled two of his guitar heroes.
