Latest Updates

Slash joins forces with Tom Morello at LA Wildfire Relief shows – taking on MC5 and an AC/DC classic, in the process
By Phil Weller published
Morello added an extra Slash to AC/DC – and recruited his guitar-slinging son, plus members of System of a Down, Måneskin, and Wu-Tang Clan for his all-star fundraiser

Jimi Hendrix said he was a better guitar player than he was – yet this Telecaster icon often remains overlooked
By Jackson Maxwell published
Had he not died tragically at 31, there's no telling what virtuoso Chicago guitarist Terry Kath would have gone on to do with the instrument

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's final show will play host to a Tool, Rage Against the Machine and Smashing Pumpkins supergroup
By Janelle Borg published
The July 5 mega-event's lineup is stacked with top-tier names, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira and Alice in Chains

Jack Bruce’s Gibson EB-1 is going up for a one-time-only public display
By Phil Weller published
Bruce’s iconic EB-1 will go on display for four weeks at the Gibson Garage in London as part of the Gibson Garage Fest later this month

Ace Frehley interrupted the band when he auditioned for Kiss – and Gene Simmons was ready to throw fists
By Phil Weller published
Although the guitarist eventually aced his audition, his relationship with Simmons and the rest of the band got off to a rather rocky start

Pioneering pedal steel guitar virtuoso Susan Alcorn has died aged 71
By Janelle Borg published
Having released over a dozen albums and collaborated with a multitude of artists throughout her career, Alcorn is widely revered for her experimental approach to the instrument

James Tyler Guitars will become more affordable than ever as the boutique builder announces China-made JTG Series
By Matt Owen published
Two distinct JTG models will be made in China, and each will come loaded with a range of surprisingly premium appointments – from high-quality tonewoods to onboard preamps and custom hardware

How Andy Timmons gave a bargain guitar a new lease of life – taking inspiration from Hendrix and Beck
By Janelle Borg published
The virtuoso has owned “a long chain of guitars” throughout his decades-spanning career but calls one Strat he bought off eBay a particularly memorable find

I played the last Overdrive Special that Dumble worked on – and it completely changed my perspective on the amp of my dreams
By Matt Owen published
The Dumble Preservation Society went to NAMM with a hall-of-fame amp display, and playing through one of its Overdrive Specials was an eye-opening experience

Billy Gibbons once covered Jimi Hendrix hits while supporting Hendrix on tour
By Phil Weller published
Few players would have had the nerves to cover Hendrix while supporting him on tour, but Gibbons is made of sterner stuff – and the bold move sparked a lasting friendship

Eric Johnson broke new ground with his semi-hollow Strat – but he’d take inspiration from Gibson if he made another
By Matt Owen published
Johnson’s 2018 signature model was the first to combine a semi-hollow design with a contoured Strat body, but it didn’t take long for him to settle on a concept

Meet West Valley Guitars, the UK brand making offsets like you’ve never seen before
By Dave Burrluck published
Josh Stopford wanted to make a more player-friendly offset, a more feminine guitar – and finished in Tahitian Coral, this might be the coolest boutique offset we've played in a while

Nita Strauss on the guitarist that truly inspired her to pursue a career in music
By Janelle Borg published
When this shredder played alongside Michael Jackson at his iconic 1993 Super Bowl performance, it lit the fire in a young Nita Strauss to follow in her footsteps

D’Addario recruits players to help test its strings – and there's one jazz veteran who is more reliable than most
By Janelle Borg published
This particular player, who has been a D'Addario artist since 1982, is instrumental in analyzing the nitty gritty of in-progress guitar strings

Rosanne Cash on her father’s six-string salute to Dylan – and why it’s the ultimate country music honor
By Matt Parker published
The country legend says her father was not precious with instruments – instead, he respected the players

Brian May issues health update after suffering ‘minor stroke’ last year
By Matt Owen published
The Queen guitar hero suffered a health scare late last year, which left him briefly fearing he might not be able to pick up the guitar again

The remarkable untold story of Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios – from the man who helped him build it
By Henry Yates published
Founded by Hendrix just months before his death, Electric Lady Studios was a mind-expanding creative mothership where his guitar playing reached new heights...

Joe Satriani was days away from signing Jeff Beck for G3 – before the Yardbird dropped out and suggested Prince as a replacement
By Janelle Borg published
Satriani discusses how Beck may have overlooked him due to their generational differences as guitarists

Phil X confirms new Bon Jovi material will feature one seriously ripping solo – and a tour is also in the works
By Matt Owen published
Guitar World caught up with Phil X to discuss rumors of a new Bon Jovi record, and the guitar ace dished out some spoilers on one of his standout contributions