Latest articles by Mark McStea
Black Midi: “We played for two hours; the first hour and 20 minutes was all improvised"
In this day in age, it's difficult to find a band that truly doesn't sound like anyone else. Black Midi is that group
Big Wreck's Ian Thornley: "The greatest reward is chasing down the connection with the instrument and being able to slay with one note"
Tone-Meister Ian Thornley explains his riff-heavy approach to …but for the sun, the beloved Canadian Rockers’ latest slice of gut-crunching rock and roll
John 5: "I play so much guitar that it might not even be healthy - and I’m not joking"
The Tele master on Invasion, his relationship with Marilyn Manson and the joys of self-sufficiency
Stray Cats legend Brian Setzer: "Nothing feels right after a Gretsch"
The rockabilly icon talks big-band productions, his Stratocaster fascination and the Cats' new studio album, 40
Classic guitar albums of 1979: ZZ Top's Degüello
This record proved that the “Little Ol’ Band from Texas” was continuing to refine their unique brand of boogie
Classic guitar albums of 1979: David Bowie's Lodger
On Lodger, Bowie recruited one Adrian Belew as the latest guitar great to compliment his vision
Classic guitar albums of 1979: The Cars' Candy-O
Much like the Heartbreakers, the Cars were able to straddle the new wave and classic rock genres without alienating fans of either
Classic Guitar Albums of 1979: Pink Floyd, 'The Wall'
That prog-rock staple, the “concept” album, has never been employed to better effect than here.
Judas Priest, Queen, Cheap Trick and Neil Young: Four Killer Live Albums Turn 40
Behold four 1979 releases that have aged a lot more gracefully than Steve Martin's 'The Jerk.'
Alexi Laiho on Writing Riffs, Imitating Yngwie and Children of Bodom's New Album, 'Hexed'
Y’all sent us a ton of questions for Laiho, the longtime lead guitarist and frontman for Children of Bodom. Here are some of the best — and some of the rest!
Buzz Feiten Introduces a Bo-dacious Bo Diddley Tribute Guitar
Buzz Feiten’s latest creation pays tribute to the late, great Bo Diddley (and Joe Walsh has already claimed one!)
Tracii Guns Talks Revitalized L.A. Guns and Their New Album, 'The Devil You Know'
"Every time you work on something, it should be better than the last." Tracii Guns muses on the magic of L.A. Guns, and their inspired new album.
Guitar Phenom Jake Dreyer Talks New Witherfall Album, 'A Prelude to Sorrow'
Although Jake Dreyer has been making waves as a major-league shred monster for years, it’s astonishing to remember that he’s only 26.
Five Questions with 'SNL' and Pearl Lion Guitarist Jared Scharff
"The best thing is getting to play with that great band."
Killers Riff-Meister Dave Keuning Talks Debut Solo Album, 'Prismism'
'Prismism' is certainly not a typical “guitarist’s solo album.”
Jim Dunlop Sr. (1936-2019): Tribute to a Guitar Accessories Pioneer
As a guitarist, it’s pretty much a certainty that you will have bought — or at least used — one of the late Jim Dunlop Sr.’s products.
Rammstein's Richard Kruspe on Riffs, Gear, Creativity and Emigrate's Hot New Album, 'A Million Degrees'
When this German guitarist and songwriter isn’t burning down the house with Rammstein, he’s exploring other musical avenues with Emigrate. But what GW readers really want to know is...
Acoustic Master Laurence Juber Talks New Album, 'Touchstones: The Evolution of Fingerstyle Guitar'
"It’s all about servicing the song.”
Sean Lennon: Hendrix, Famous Parents and the Claypool Lennon Delirium's Latest, 'South of Reality'
"I definitely pushed my playing further than it’s ever been."
Disparity: Sarah Longfield Talks Making a Living, Eight-String Guitars and Bold New Album
"It’s all hard work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Steve Hackett Talks Favorite Genesis Moments, Joe Bonamassa and New Album, 'At the Edge of Light'
He was two-hand tapping long before it became “the thing to do,” was a member of Genesis, formed GTR with Steve Howe and has been releasing top-notch solo albums for more than 40 years. But what GW readers really wanna know is...
Tele-Meister Wilko Johnson Is Ready, Willing and Able to 'Blow Your Mind'
Anyone who’s ever loved Johnson's music has got a major treat in store with the guitarist's new album.
