In the hands of ADRIAN LEGG, a guitar becomes an orchestra, which explains why Guitar Player magazine readers voted Adrian Legg "Best Acoustic Fingerstylist" four years in a row in the '90s. This episode puts you onstage with Adrian at the Tower Theatre Lounge in Fresno, CA, an hour or so before doors open. Get ready -- the British guitar legend is about to blow your mind when he demonstrates several of his sonic secrets for you, including his soulful pedal-steel-style bends, his sneaky use of s...
Apr 13, 2018•57 min
Wielding his favorite Fender Stratocaster, blues guitar ace KIRK FLETCHER stops by No Guitar Is Safe headquarters and jams with host Jude Gold, shares nine or ten of his favorite blues shuffle approaches, and demonstrates some of the wonderful gospel licks he learned as a youth playing in the Compton church built by his father, pastor Walter Fletcher, Sr., who died recently at age 86. BONUS: Kirk previews tracks from his forthcoming self-titled album!
Apr 05, 2018•1 hr 3 min
Vertical Horizon lead guitarist, lead singer, and band leader MATT SCANNELL has come a long way since he was a kid in his parents' living room trying to play his first riff on a nylon-string guitar. Since then, Scannell has sold millions of records with Vertical Horizon, become buddies with one of his heroes (Rush drummer Neil Peart), and amassed a wonderful collection of tube amps. I was thrilled to talk shop and jam with Matt at his home studio, as well as hear tracks from Vertical Horizon's n...
Mar 21, 2018•1 hr 50 min
GUTHRIE TRAPP, presented by AUDIO-TECHNICA. From Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, and George Jones to Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett, and John Oates, Nashville guitar ace GUTHRIE TRAPP has worked with an astounding array of renowned headliners. He also has a new solo album coming out March 9 called LIFE AFTER DARK that features such A-list guest stars as Vince Gill, Paul Franklin, and Sam Bush. And Trapp tells you all about these musical adventures and more — and plays a ton of guitar for you, as well as...
Mar 02, 2018•1 hr 36 min
MITCH PERRY has worked with everyone from The Edgar Winter Group, David Lee Roth, The Michael Schenker Group, Quiet Riot/Dubrow, and Talas to Alphonso Johnson, Steeler, Sam Kinison, and Cher. Mitch has also released solo albums of his own, including Wire to Wire, which you're about to hear excerpts from. On this episode, Mitch plugs in his weathered, black P-90-loaded Les Paul and jams a lot with me at his home in Southern California. Mitch currently tours with The Sweet, and you can also catch ...
Feb 14, 2018•1 hr 32 min
Previewing tracks from his forthcoming album, GUITRONICA, and playing a ton of guitar for you, solo artist and super sideman JAY GORE is on the show. Surrounded by guitars and amps in his Hollywood Hills studio, Jay details an adventurous professional odyssey that began when he was a 13-year-old kid trying to land gigs on the Sunset Strip and has since taken him all over the world. Jay has shared stages and/or studios with Sly Stone, Mindi Abair, Rick James, Hillary Duff, the Pointer Sisters, Se...
Feb 03, 2018•1 hr 41 min
Presented by AUDIO-TECHNICA and their E-Series in-ear monitoring headphones, Grammy-winning guitarist STEVE LUKATHER reflects on five years as a member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band, and 40 years on stage (and 40 million albums sold) with Toto, the band Lukather co-founded when he was still a teenager. Lukather also jams with host Jude Gold on a variety of songs; comments on the art of rhythm guitar; examines his sobriety; discusses both his new autobiography, The Gospel According to Luke; and...
Jan 15, 2018•1 hr 23 min
From Django jazz to pop, rock, bebop, and beyond, JOSH WORKMAN is an astonishingly well-versed cat. And from the opening moment of this episode forward, he plays a ton of spirited guitar for you, and even shares a super-useful, Barry Harris-inspired "six-to-diminished" lesson. I've been friends with Josh since we met as youths at music camp, where he was already playing like a pro. It was only a few years later that Josh actually BECAME a pro, ultimately landing gigs with Indigo Swing (we'll hea...
Dec 21, 2017•1 hr 11 min
Presented by D'ADDARIO strings and accessories, JOE SATRIANI plugs into a Marshall half-stack and shares sneak previews of his forthcoming album, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, releasing January 12. (Album samples used with permission from Sony/Legacy.)That's right — we not only hear final mixes from the record, Joe also shows you on the fretboard exactly how he plays the songs, and what inspired the parts. And he jams with me on a few tunes, too! This episode also marks the first time a No Guitar Is Safe g...
Dec 14, 2017•1 hr 53 min
From touring her own brand of virtuoso prog-metal to delivering guitar pyrotechnics (sometimes literally!) in her role as the mesmerizing guitar goddess who lights up the stage of Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil, Israeli-American guitar badass NILI BROSH always finds exciting gigs. I was thrilled to sit down with her in Las Vegas in the lobby of the Michael Jackson One theater at Mandalay Bay before the show to talk shop, trade licks, hear about her new life as Cirque du Soleil's stunt g...
Nov 19, 2017•1 hr 18 min
Known for his rippin' solo albums, high-profile session work, and long tenure as lead guitarist for multi-platinum rock band Supertramp, CARL VERHEYEN is one of the most versatile guitarists on the planet. His latest album, ESSENTIAL BLUES, shows off his soulful and virtuosic approaches to everyone's favorite 12-bar progression. I loved visiting his Southern California home, plugging into a couple Fender Princeton Reverbs with him, and jamming with him and learning lick-by-lick some of the ways ...
Nov 06, 2017•1 hr 36 min
It's no wonder CHRISTIAN LOPEZ landed a record deal when he was just a freshman in college — his old-soul singing, playing, and writing abilities belie his youthful age. Now 22, Christian is touring his latest album, RED ARROW (Blaster Records), and recently, at the Los Angeles home of his girlfriend, actor SKYLER SHAYE, we sat down and jammed on several of his wonderful songs, and he explained to me how he constructed them. He also shared how he evolved from playing restaurant gigs as a teenage...
Oct 26, 2017•57 min
From the tragedy of his first gig to the triumph of his new album, Galaktikon II: Become the Storm, BRENDON SMALL plugs in his signature-model Gibson and Epiphone guitars and shows you how he succeeded in blending metal riffs, animation, and standup comedy to forge one of the most unique careers in the history of guitar. Picking up where Dethklok (the animated intergalactic thrash band from Brendon's hit series Metalocalypse) left off, Galaktikon has an even more massive sound, courtesy of huge ...
Oct 10, 2017•2 hr 2 min
AUDIO-TECHNICA and their E-Series in-ear monitoring headphones present wild jams and great guitar discussion with 28-year-old finger-style rock prodigy JARED JAMES NICHOLS. Heading out on the road with Saxon and UFO for a run of U.S. shows starting September 22, Jared is no stranger to touring, as he's already played arenas and theaters around the world supporting huge acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Glenn Hughes, Blue Oyster Cult, and Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society. This tour finds Jared pushing h...
Sep 21, 2017•1 hr 30 min
Def Leppard's PHIL COLLEN is on the show! Presented by FU-TONE (check out FU-TONE's tone-enhancing guitar hardware at www.fu-tone.com), this interview was conducted at Studio A in the Capitol Records building in Hollywood nearly 30 years to the day since Def Leppard released their hugest selling album, HYSTERIA. With a guitar in his hands the entire time, Phil shows you exactly how the guitar parts on the album's many hit singles were created and tracked (and, when needed, I play rhythm guitar p...
Sep 12, 2017•1 hr 17 min
Presented by PRS GUITARS, this episode finds us in Atlanta talking and jamming with the great JIMMY HERRING. Beloved for his powerful solos and humble nature alike, Herring has played with several of the world's top "jam" artists, including Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Phil Lesh, the Dead, Project Z, and the Allman Brothers Band. Currently, Herring enjoys his long-running gig as lead guitarist with Widespread Panic—the band that has set the record for most sell-outs ever at C...
Aug 21, 2017•1 hr 48 min
Recorded at Swing House Studios in Los Angeles, this episode features an interview and jam with Grammy-winning guitarist/producer SHANE THERIOT. Currently the lead guitarist for multi-platinum rock-soul hitmakers Hall and Oates, Shane has also worked with everyone from Jewel and Willie Nelson to LeAnn Rimes and the Neville Brothers. Shane's "other" job is being musical director for Daryl Hall on Daryl's popular music show, "Live From Daryl's House," wherein Daryl, Shane, and the band perform set...
Aug 10, 2017•1 hr 33 min
Grammy-nominated thumb-picker TOMMY EMMANUEL is one of the most beloved and respected guitarists on the planet. The Aussie-turned-Nashvillian is one of a small handful of players dubbed a "CGP" (Certified Guitar Player) by the late, great Chet Atkins, and the accolade is well-deserved — as proves one listen to Tommy's mesmerizing new concert album, LIVE! AT THE RYMAN. Tommy is on the road mesmerizing audiences around the world 300 nights per year, and his zest for life and music never ceases to ...
Jul 20, 2017•54 min
For the two-year anniversary of No Guitar Is Safe, I am proud to bring you a guitar hang with "the Jimi Hendrix of podcasting," MARC MARON. I met up with the famed interviewer/comedian/actor (and, yes, guitarist) in his now-legendary garage — the same place he has interviewed everyone from famous actors, musicians, and comedians to President Obama. The garage is also the same place where, as you'll hear, Marc likes to crank up vintage amps and play the blues. (Check out Maron's new hit comedy se...
Jun 29, 2017•1 hr 14 min
A versatile, super-tasty jazz cat who found his way onto huge-selling crossover records by star singers such as Norah Jones and Tracy Chapman, ADAM LEVY is one of the chillest, most thoughtful and grounded pro guitarists you're likely to meet. I had a wonderful time jamming with him on everything from John Coltrane's "Equinox" and Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason" to Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why" and Adam's own solo song, "This Is Our House" (off his stellar EP, Blueberry Blonde). We explore ...
Jun 19, 2017•2 hr 14 min
Presented by AUDIO-TECHNICA and their E-Series monitoring headphones, this episode features a deep guitar hang with JEFF KOLLMAN. Whether Kollman is playing blazing instrumentals with his own band, Cosmosquad, rocking stadiums with Japanese superstar Eikichi Yazawa, or blowing off steam with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith in the Bombastic Meatbats, his brilliant guitar playing lights up every stage he graces. Here, Jeff tells you all about each of those gigs and more. He also runs you ...
May 25, 2017•1 hr 56 min
Today, the guitar 'copter descends upon Soundtek Studios in San Jose, California, to jam with platinum rocker GREG KIHN and his lead guitarist RY KIHN (who also happens to be his son). Jude and the Kihns also talk about everything from Greg's classic hit songs (such as "Breakup Song" and "Jeopardy") and tunes on his brand new album, which is called REKIHNDLED; to great moments with the great guitarists the Greg Kihn Band has employed over the decades and what it's like being parodied by "Weird A...
May 12, 2017•1 hr 37 min
Oh, the brutality! On this episode, Texas shred monster RUSTY COOLEY plugs in his signature-model Dean 7-string and shows Jude how he forged his merciless metal style. Rusty also explains how he took inspiration from violinist Izhak Perlman, metal sensei Doug Marks, and the late Shawn Lane while developing his sound. And with help from lead singer Brad Lambert, Rusty shows you some crushing tunes from his band, DAY OF RECKONING.
May 02, 2017•1 hr 13 min
Presented by TECH 21, this episode features virtuoso guitarist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist RICHIE KOTZEN plugged in, jamming, and talking technique with host Jude Gold. Richie also discusses the recording of his new album, SALTING EARTH, as well as the inspiration behind his signature Tech 21 RK5 Fly Rig preamp. Bonus: Kotzen also shares stories of the epic rock-and-roll pranks he has pulled on people on stage and off. GIVEAWAY ALERT: Head to www.guitarplayer.com/kotzen and enter before M...
Apr 13, 2017•1 hr 24 min
TOSHI YANAGI came to America with no English skills and nowhere to stay. But he had a dream. Now, he is the house guitarist on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, and has released stellar solo albums under his own name, and his dream of becoming a pro musician has been realized. On this episode, Toshi visit's host Jude Gold's house, bringing with him a killer pedalboard full of sounds, and the pair jam on a variety of grooves. Toshi also recalls funny skits he has filmed with Kimmel and remembers how when ...
Mar 30, 2017•1 hr 16 min
Guitarist/composer/pilot GRETCHEN MENN details the making of her new instrumental album, Abandon All Hope. She also reflects on her adventures with Led Zeppelin tribute band, Zepparella, and jams with host Jude Gold on riffs and themes by J.S. Bach, Jimmy Page, and Django Reinhardt, to name a few. Bonus: Gretchen argues that Texas Chainsaw Massacre is high art.
Mar 18, 2017•1 hr 31 min
Twenty-four-year-old Aussie guitar wunderkind PLINI takes a break from touring the world to plug in, jam a few tunes with Jude, and detail his clever playing, recording, and mixing approaches. Plini also tries to prove that his production tactics are based on "laziness," but his stunning recordings indicate otherwise. Also making a cameo is ANDY ALT, creator of A Little Thunder pickups.
Mar 03, 2017•1 hr 26 min
Presented by AUDIO-TECHNICA, this episode tracks down guitar ace TIM STEWART just three days after he rocked the Super Bowl with Lady Gaga. Talking shop, demonstrating pedals, and jamming with host Jude Gold, Stewart gives you his insights into what it’s like playing stadiums with Lady Gaga and Rihanna. He also shows you some sweet gospel guitar moves, and details the tracking of KNIVES' debut album, Boy Thursday.
Feb 09, 2017•1 hr 27 min
Like a one-man band, BEN LACY magically weaves together guitar, bass, drum, and vocal parts on his 6-string electric guitar to produce irresistibly funky grooves. On this episode, the Kentucky-based guitarist plugs in with host Jude Gold to demonstrate some of his amazing song arrangements and reveal many of his signature techniques.
Jan 27, 2017•1 hr 22 min
Brought to you by AUDIO-TECHNICA, this episode presents JAKE SHIMABUKURO—“The Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” as Guitar Player magazine’s Matt Blackett described Jake when he burst onto the scene back in 2005. When it comes to advancing the musical and sonic boundaries of ukulele, no one has done so more spectacularly than Shimabukuro. In this one-on-one interview/jam, host Jude Gold sits down with Jake, who performs many songs, tells you everything you need to know to play ukulele like a pro, and...
Jan 11, 2017•1 hr 40 min
