The Awards Issue 2021: inside the new issue of Total Guitar
Also in issue 353! Interviews: Billy Gibbons, Jake Kiszka, Idles, Courtney Barnett, Architects, Joe Bonamassa and more! Gear reviews: Epiphone, Rapier, LTD, Blackstar. Learn songs by Tash Sultana, ZZ Top, REM and Slipknot
Back in November, TG conducted a poll to ask readers of GuitarWorld.com to vote for their favourite guitarist of 2021. The winner and runners up are revealed inside the mag this month. Also as part of this special issue, we pick out 2021’s finest songs, riffs and solos, and give special awards for the best album and TG’s guitar icon of the year. Plus we round up the year’s best gear, revealing 25 of TG’s favourite guitars, amps and pedals which had us GAS-ing to part with our cash.
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Interviews
Idles:
With two guitarists experimenting with new techniques and the mother of all pedalboards, this is how Idles reinvented their sound
Volbeat
The power of Volbeat comes from Michael Poulsen’s mighty riffs. But as a self-taught player, he admits: “I’m pretty terrible at solos!”
Courtney Barnett
Courtney Barnett is the singer-songwriter who doesn’t identify as one. Her secret weapon: “My ‘guitarmonies’...”
Cover Feature: The Total Guitar Awards 2021
2021: The Year In Guitar
Albums, songs, riffs and solos of 2021
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The best guitarists of 2021, as voted by you!
Gear of the year!
Learn To Play
ZZ Top – Sharp Dressed Man
REM – Everybody Hurts
Tash Sultana – Jungle
Slipknot – The Chapeltown Rag
Reviewed
Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Lazarus 1959 Les Paul Standard
Epiphone BB King Lucille
Rapier 33 electric guitar
LTD EX Black Metal electric guitar
Blackstar Dept. 10 Boost
Guitar Lessons
Quick-Start Guitar: Begin your guitar-playing journey here with our beginner’s lesson on essential chords and techniques
Open-position powerchords: Make easy changes to five chords you already know to master riff rock and classic metal
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Total Guitar is one of Europe's biggest guitar magazines. With lessons to suit players of all levels, TG's world-class tuition is friendly, accessible and jargon-free, whether you want to brush up on your technique or improve your music theory knowledge. We also talk to the biggest names in the world of guitar – from interviews with all-time greats like Brian May and Eddie Van Halen to our behind the scenes Rig Tour features, we get you up close with the guitarists that matter to you.