Tom Mulhern

Writer/Editor

Tom Mulhern worked at Guitar Player magazine for over 13 years and has contributed to Guitar World, Guitar, Guitar Shop, Billboard, Musician, and more. He has edited a number of books, including Bass Heroes: Thirty Great Bass Players, Concert Photography: How To Shoot And Sell Music-Business Photographs, and contributed chapters to The Gibson and 100 Years Of Gibson Guitars. Visit his website here.

Latest articles by Tom Mulhern

CREAM 1967 Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce
“It was magic.” Jack Bruce on the day he met Eric Clapton and how the guitarist changed his way of listening and playing

By Tom Mulhern Published

Bruce recalled the very first jam between Cream's future members at the Windsor Jazz Festival

Guitarists
Peter Frampton with Blakc Les Paul next to his 1981 cover of Guitar Player magazine
"Very few people can play fast and put feeling into it…" Peter Frampton: The Guitar Player Interview

By Tom Mulhern Published

The ultimate interview, from November 1981

Guitarists
Paul McCartney of English rock and pop group The Beatles tunes up his Hofner 500/1 violin bass guitar on stage during rehearsals for the ABC Television music television show 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' Summer Spin at Teddington Studios in London on 11th July 1964. The band would go on to play four songs on the show, A Hard Day's Night, Long Tall Sally, Things We Said Today and You Can't Do That.
“When I saw this 'Let It Be' footage, I noticed how easy it looked to play.” Paul McCartney on why he pulled his Höfner bass out of mothballs after ignoring it for nearly two decades

By Christopher Scapelliti Published

McCartney credited Elvis Costello for encouraging him to return the instrument to his lineup when the two began working together in 1987

Electric Guitars
Portrait of British musician Paul McCartney as he plays acoustic guitar against a red background, October 7, 1984.
Paul McCartney made some surprising revelations about his favorite guitar in our historic interview with him

By Tom Mulhern Published

The former Beatle gave Guitar Player insights into "Taxman" and "Blackbird," as well as John Lennon's previously unknown fingerpicking skills

Guitarists
Paul McCartney (left) and Jeff Beck, performing onstage
“‘Those old Beatle bashers?’”: Paul McCartney talks Vox amps, and his love of dirty tones

By Jackson Maxwell Published

In a 1990 GP interview, McCartney expressed his personal preference for getting gnarlier rock tones out of his Vox amps, despite his pop reputation

Amps
Robert Fripp
Ten Great Robert Fripp Quotes

By Rod Brakes, Tom Mulhern Published

Tired of churning out the same old Oscar Wilde quips? Bedazzle your friends with these Frippian gems.

Guitarists
Mike Rutherford
“I Was Primarily a Guitarist”: Mike Rutherford Talks Early Genesis

By Rod Brakes, Tom Mulhern Published

Discover how the prog rock pioneer straddled the realms of 4-, 6- and 12-string guitars in this classic archive interview.

Guitars
aul McCartney performing at the 38th Sanremo Music Festival. 1988
“We All Wanted to Be Guitar Players”: Paul McCartney Talks Early Beatles

By Rod Brakes, Tom Mulhern Last updated

Macca reveals the origins of his role as a bass player and names his favorite guitarists in this classic interview from the GP vault.

Guitarists
The Beatles (L-R) Paul McCartney, George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Ringo Starr and John Lennon (1940 - 1980) at the BBC Television Studios in London before the start of their world tour, June 17, 1966.
“It Was Really My First Voyage Into Feedback”: Paul McCartney on His “Taxman” Beatles Guitar Solo

By Rod Brakes, Tom Mulhern Published

Macca reveals his inspiration behind the Beatles' riotous ‘Revolver’ opener.

Guitarists