Jonathan Horsley
Jonathan Horsley has been writing about guitars since 2005, playing them since 1990, and regularly contributes to publications including Guitar World, MusicRadar and Total Guitar. He uses Jazz III nylon picks, 10s during the week, 9s at the weekend, and shamefully still struggles with rhythm figure one of Van Halen’s Panama.
Latest articles by Jonathan Horsley
How Ibanez raised the bar for high-performance electric guitar with the RG
By Jonathan Horsley published
In partnership with Ibanez
With its quick Wizard neck and super-stable Edge tremolo, the RG arrived in '87 to deliver speed and the promise of the spectacular – and decades on, it remains the go-to electric for virtuosos and shred radicals
Joe Knaggs on the tonewoods, inspirations and story behind his high-end guitar craft
By Jonathan Horsley published
In partnership with Knaggs
For Joe Knaggs, making guitars was the opportunity to combine a love for art and music, and it is writ large in his designs. With Knaggs about to turn 15, he discusses the brand's evolution and explains the search for “the Knaggs ring”
How Laney brought volume and best-in-class tone for digital rigs with the world’s loudest active guitar cabinet
By Jonathan Horsley published
In association with Laney Amplification
Developed with a little help from Devin Townsend and Guthrie Govan, the LFR-412 is the first active 4x12 for digital rigs, giving players old-school power and volume to make their amp modeler sing
“Anyone looking for a budget retro acoustic will be charmed”: Gretsch Jim Dandy Concert review
By Jonathan Horsley published
Vintage catalog chic for under $200. We’ve found the mojo, but have we found the tone?
Kirk Hammett doesn't pay attention to solo trolls – and thinks “bad” solos are a thing of the past
By Matt Owen published
The Metallica guitarist's lead effort in Lux Æterna came under intense fire from online commenters upon its release, with some even recording their own 'improved' versions
“This super-playable, stage-ready electro is hard to put down”: Martin X Series GPC X2E review
By Jonathan Horsley published
A cutaway above the rest? This ‘Remastered’ crowd-pleaser presents high-end finesse at high street prices
“All the main food groups of electric guitar tone… The sounds are stellar”: Line 6 Catalyst CX 60 review
By Jonathan Horsley published
Get serious tonal DNA and features from this Helix-powered combo
10 songs you should never cover (or at least think twice before trying)
By Jonathan Horsley published
“Good evening, Long Island! Are we havin’ a good time? All right. Now we’re gonna do a song by the Killers. This is Mr. Brightside!” Not tonight, Satan…
Giacomo Turra’s energetic guitar skills evolved from his love of dance – and his self-taught style might just be the future of funk
By Jonathan Horsley published
That Turra is self-taught and oblivious to theory is one of the biggest guitar flexes in history – but as he explains, playing funk is all about connecting with an audience
Best 12-string guitars 2025: our pick of 12-string acoustic and electric guitars
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Our expert guide to the best 12-string guitars from Taylor, Rickenbacker, Fender, and others
Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic with our expert picks
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Whether it be for performing live or recording at home, the best acoustic guitar pickups from LR Baggs, Fishman and others will help you enhance your tone
The 50 greatest acoustic guitar songs of all time
By Jonathan Horsley published
As voted for by you, this list spans some of the most significant acoustic moments ever committed to tape – and features a controversial winner…
Best pedalboards 2025: budget-spanning picks to help organize your guitar effects
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Get the best from your effects with expert-recommended 'boards from Pedaltrain, Voodoo Labs, Boss, and more
Best compressor pedals 2025: tame your tone's dynamics with compression
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
With great options from Boss, Keeley, MXR, and more, there has never been a better time to add a comp pedal to your 'board
Best distortion pedals 2025: the top 11 high-gain stompboxes for guitarists
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Crunch, filth, mayhem! Dive into our expert round-up of the best distortion pedals available today
With Strats, Magnatones, and an all-star lineup of friends, Slash embraces the blues – with one of the last Dumbles ever built
By Jonathan Horsley published
Turning to spontaneity, and changing habits both gear and playing-wise, Slash's new record is a laid-back, charming tribute to an ever-lasting strain of guitar playing
Acoustic vs electric guitar: which is better for beginner guitarists?
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
For new guitarists this is one of the biggest questions. We’re here to help you choose the right path and find the right guitar for you
Slash reveals one of the biggest lessons he learned from his blues hero, B.B King
By Matt Owen published
Slash was into B.B. King's music before he even thought about picking up the guitar – and the blues great would have a huge impact on the Guns N' Roses guitarist's mindset and style
How the Fender Stratocaster ushered in an evolution in guitar design – and a revolution in guitar music
By Jonathan Horsley published
The Strat’s radical design transformed electric guitar and reshaped culture, and continues to do so after 70 years of service – and it’s only just getting started
Slash explains why he used a Strat to cover a Peter Green track on his new blues album
By Matt Owen published
The Les Paul loyalist dipped into his Fender collection for the new album, which was also recorded using a '50s Telecaster
Dweezil Zappa on selling his out-there guitar collection, mixing Hendrix and building an immersive rig
By Jonathan Horsley published
The Zappa Plays Zappa tour is heading out this summer and Dweezil has funded it with an immense gear auction – the steep price, he says, is worth it
Best bass amps 2025: killer low-end amplification options for bassists
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Give yourself the gift of thunder with the best bass guitar amps money can buy – featuring Trace Elliot, Hartke, Ampeg and more
Best guitar wireless systems 2025: set your playing free, from the rehearsal room to the stage
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Fed up with cumbersome cables? Here's our pick of the best wireless guitar systems for every budget
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