artist Archives

Play Like Marty Friedman: Distinctive Phrasing and Technique

July 29, 2026

To play like Marty Friedman is to commit to sounding like nobody else on the planet. His lead playing is instantly recognizable: melodic lines that pull from Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Eastern…...

Play Like Yngwie Malmsteen: Neo-Classical Technique Explained

July 29, 2026

Yngwie Malmsteen did something few guitarists have managed: he imported the full vocabulary of Baroque and Romantic classical composition into rock guitar and built a technique precise enough to…...

Play Like Andy Timmons: Melody, Bending, and Singing Lead Tone

July 29, 2026

Andy Timmons is one of the most respected guitarists working today, and for good reason. He can play virtually anything, yet he almost always chooses the most musical option over the flashiest one....

Eric Johnson: Clean Tone, Touch, and Picking Secrets

July 29, 2026

Eric Johnson sits in a category of his own among rock guitarists. His tone is instantly recognizable, his phrasing sounds like someone singing rather than shredding, and his attention to every detail…...

Steve Vai Techniques, Tone, and Gear: How to Play Like a Legend

July 29, 2026

Steve Vai has spent decades doing something most guitarists only dream about: making every note sound completely intentional, even when the music veers into territory that sounds almost inhuman....

Fireside Chat: Larry Carlton

February 21, 2016

It stands as no reminder that a guitar is made of wood, glue and metal. It is not a living thing. But when the 18-time Grammy nominated legend of guitar, Larry ...

7 Ways to Tour (Without Getting in the Van)

August 29, 2012

by Tammy Brackett Let’s face it. Touring is enticing and exciting, but can also be financially exasperating and emotionally draining. Once the modus operandi...

Recording Digitally: 7 Helpers for Guitarists

August 27, 2012

by Rich Tozzoli Whether you’re on your laptop running freeware or laying down tracks on a $75,000 digital rig, take a few tips on computer-based recording. ...

Fireside Chat: Mike Stern

August 11, 2012

A legend among modern jazzers yet still a hard-working musician, Mike Stern is a rare breed of guitarist. Even those who don't know his name have probably heard...

7 Quick Tips for Recording Great Amp Sounds

May 3, 2012

Very simple recording techniques that have a huge, positive impact on the guitar/amp sound you lay down....

Amps vs. Amp Simulators

May 1, 2012

by Rich Tozzoli By now you’ve probably had a chance to run your guitar through one or more of the available amp simulators on the market. With hardware and s...

7 Deadly Sins of Rehearsing

July 18, 2011

by Rich Maloof 1. No agenda Make the most of the band’s time together by knowing what you plan to accomplish. Is it a writing session or a performance rehea...