Brendon Small discusses his guitar background, practicing approach, and the parallels between learning guitar and developing an identity as a comedian. He also talks about Dethklok and Metalocalypse, and shares recording tips he received from guitar pals Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
Mar 18, 2015•59 min
Eric Chaz talks about his start in the business and working with high-profile artists. He also provides some background about the world of guitar repair, discusses the differences between vintage and modern guitars, and offers tips about maintaining your instrument.
Dec 11, 2014•44 min
Steve Morse describes how the Dixie Dregs evolved through his early years at high school and later attending the University of Miami, and their early difficulties at landing a record contract. He also talks about his brief turn as a commercial airline pilot and playing with legendary bands like Kansas and Deep Purple.
Sep 12, 2014•32 min
Chris Payton talks about playing big gigs, performing on TV shows like Leno and Letterman, and life on the road with Robin Thicke. He also discusses his favorite pedals, amps and instruments, plus how his family influenced his desire to become a guitarist at an early age.
Jul 08, 2014•24 min
Donna Grantis talks about her musical background, making a name for herself in the Toronto scene, and what it’s like to play with Prince. She also goes into detail about her amps, custom pedalboards, and favorite BOSS stomps.
Jun 10, 2014•35 min
Alternative rock legend Johnny Marr discusses his early life and influences, his highly successful music, the amazing journey as one of the most influential guitarists and his equipment of choice.
Feb 11, 2014•36 min
Herman Li discusses what it was like to grow up in three different countries and details life on the road with his band. He also describes his amp setup and favorite pedals, and even reveals some secret gear tricks.
Oct 18, 2013•31 min
Billy Duffy discusses his early life and influences, how he formed The Cult with Ian Astbury, and the evolution of the band’s sound in the late 1980s.
Aug 07, 2013•38 min
Thomas Nordegg describes how he left his home in Vienna, Austria, in the 1970s and ended up landing a job with Frank Zappa in Los Angeles. He also offers behind-the-scenes stories from his life as a tech with various artists and talks about his favorite gear.
Mar 26, 2013•25 min
Jude Gold describes managing 45 guitar teachers at MI, why he likes his Telecaster, and discusses his favorite pedals and amps. The way his pedal collection grows, he’s convinced they must breed at night!
Dec 10, 2012•25 min
Jude Gold discusses his philosophy on playing funky guitar, and dispenses some advice on improving your rhythm. He also offers some highlights from the many interview features he’s worked on over the years for Guitar Player magazine.
Dec 10, 2012•29 min
Bubby Lewis talks about his early years playing in church in Flint, Michigan, and describes being discovered at a NAMM Show by Andrew Gouche, whom he calls “the godfather of bass.” Bubby also shares what it’s like travelling the world and playing those huge Snoop Dogg concerts, and discusses his basses and other gear.
Sep 07, 2012•31 min
Pete Thorn talks about starting out in Canada and how his career has evolved over the years into what it is now. He also offers a few behind-the-scenes stories and reveals some secrets on auditioning for the big gigs.
Jul 19, 2012•36 min
Eric Johnson talks about how he’s used Roland’s guitar synthesizers through the years, and how he’s now integrating the latest, the GR-55, with his vintage and modern analog gear.
May 04, 2012•14 min
JB Brubaker talks about the formation of August Burns Red and working with today’s top metal producers. He also takes us through the band’s unusual recording process, and discusses his guitar rig and favorite BOSS effects.
Mar 15, 2012•31 min
Andy Summers discusses his approach to guitars and gear, as well as his philosophy on playing. He also covers many other topics, including the creation of his signature sound with The Police, tape echo, using Roland guitar synths, his favorite pedals, and his affection for the Roland VG-99.
Jan 04, 2012•27 min
Steve Lukather talks about his start in music, playing the piano his mom won on The Hollywood Squares TV show. He also discusses working on recording sessions for countless hits, his long history with Toto. In addition, Steve tells about growing up as a Beatles fan and his later relationship with George Harrison.
Oct 03, 2011•29 min
More talk about Bruce Bouillet’s experiences with Racer X, plus playing with The Scream and Epidemic. We also discuss his participation on the 2007 G3 tour with Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, and Joe Satriani.
Aug 02, 2011•20 min
Bruce Bouillet describes moving from Indiana to Los Angeles in the 1980s, and then goes behind teaming up with Paul Gilbert to form an amazing shred-guitar duo in the band Racer X.
Aug 02, 2011•20 min
Rick Derringer talks about his early days with The McCoys and his years producing and playing with Johnny and Edgar Winter. He also discusses his solo career and many hit songs, as well as the 2010 tour with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.
Jun 01, 2011•20 min
Mike Scaccia discusses the recording of Ministry’s platinum-selling Psalm 69 album and how they came up with the formula of combining sampling and metal. He also talks about gear, guitars, amps, BOSS pedals, and more.
Feb 02, 2011•15 min
Mike Scaccia talks about his early days in Texas and his legendary metal band Rigor Mortis. He also discusses his longtime partnership with Al Jourgensen, the founder of Ministry, and the tragic death of his friend Dimebag Darrell of Pantera.
Feb 02, 2011•16 min
Nick Nolan outlines an average week writing music for the Emmy®-winning series Curious George. He also talks about his biggest musical influence, The Beatles, and discusses his favorite guitar gear and pedals.
Nov 24, 2010•25 min
Nick Nolan describes his early career as a session guitarist and details how he landed the composing gig for a top-rated TV series.
Nov 24, 2010•19 min
Jeff Loomis talks about auditioning for Megadeth at the age of 16, and goes into his gear and how he started playing seven-string guitars. He also offers some helpful advice for young guitarists.
Aug 13, 2010•21 min
Paul Hanson and Jeff Loomis discuss picking technique, practice, songwriting, and the recording of the recent Nevermore record. Jeff also describes his signature-model seven-string guitar.
Aug 13, 2010•19 min
Jeff Loomis talks about growing up in Wisconsin, winning Wisconsin’s Guitar Wars contest, and being influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen.
Aug 13, 2010•19 min
Billy talks about his many fascinating projects through the years, and both guys go deep into the guitars, amps, and effects they use. They also offer some advice for up-and-coming guitar players.
Jun 10, 2010•20 min
Steve tells stories about recording with Billy Idol and playing guitar on the GRAMMY®-winning song “Top Gun Anthem,” while Billy talks about playing in The Cult and how the supergroup Camp Freddy came together. Both guitarists also discuss their twin-guitar approach with Billy Idol.
Jun 10, 2010•19 min
Jon Gutwillig talks about guitars, amps, and his pedal board, which is filled with a vast array of effects. He also reveals many of his secrets about tone and discusses the Biscuits’ recording process.
Apr 20, 2010•20 min