country

Latest about country

Keith Urban performs on the main stage during CMA Fest 2025 at Nissan Stadium on June 06, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Keith Urban on the virtuoso who got him fired from a heavy metal band

By Phil Weller Published

Urban’s growing love of country music derailed his metal career — but he had the last laugh

Guitarists
Danny Gatton performing with Robert Gordon at The Ritz in New York City on June 4, 1981.
Joe Bonamassa on the blues giant who made him the guitarist he is today

By Phil Weller Published

The rockabilly star taught the 11-year-old future blues whiz some key lessons

Guitarists
Johnny Paycheck 'Live at Carnegie' album artwork
Spectacular Pedal Steel and Virtuosic Vocals: Here’s Why Johnny Paycheck’s ‘At Carnegie Hall’ Is a ’60s Country Classic

By Jim Campilongo Published

Along with recordings by the likes of Merle Travis, Willie Nelson and Ray Price, Johnny Paycheck albums remain sonic templates

Music
Black Tele and Deluxe amp
Hot Country 101: Learn the Nuts and Bolts of High-Tech Country Lead Guitar

By Tom Kolb Published

This lesson will give you the tools you need to start rubbing shoulders with masters of the style

Lessons
Jim Weider performs at the "Masters of the Telecaster" show in New York City, 2016.
Telecaster Master Jim Weider Drops New Album with the Weight Band

By Rod Brakes Published

The Band guitarist delivers trademark Tele tone on ‘Shines Like Gold.’

Albums, Singles & New Releases
Ethan Ballinger
“I Think Your Style Comes More From Your Limitations Than From Being Able To Play Every Style Perfectly:” Ethan Ballinger Talks Technique & Tone

By Michael Ross Published

The country guitar maverick is forging a career as a studio player, producer and solo artist by combining the “weird” with traditional technique.

Guitarists
Lindsay Ell performing at the Troubadour on December 07, 2019 in West Hollywood, California
No One Works Harder to Keep Guitar in the Nashville Sound than Lindsay Ell.

By Jim Beaugez Published

The Canadian country star talks Strats and touring with A-listers.

Guitarists
Albert Lee and Vince Gill
Learn the Power of Open-String Country Guitar Licks in the Style of Vince Gill, Brent Mason, and Albert Lee

By Patrick Brennan Published

Open strings mean tonal power and fretless convenience, and they help you put some zip into your licks.

Lessons
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Adam Darksi on Gretsch Guitars, Johnny Cash and Rounding Up an All-Star Metal Posse to Ride the High Country

By Richard Bienstock Published

Adam Darski returns with his goth-country side project, Me and That Man. And this time he’s brought his gang.

Guitarists
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Learn 18 Country-Shred Licks With Double-Stops, Pedal-Steel Bends and Other Tricks of the Trade

By Guitar Player Staff Published

Add some flash and sass to your playing with these electrifying licks.

Lessons