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July 28th, 2016
THUMP! – Tosin Abasi’s Guitar Instructional DVD
THUMP! is an in-depth exploration of the modern playing techniques of Tosin Abasi. Together with his trio, Animals As Leaders, Tosin has cemented himself...
February 20th, 2016
NAMM 2016: Mayones Guitars
Dawid Dziewulski of polish guitar company Mayones and John Browne of Monuments talk about some of the company’s newest additions to their guitar line-up. Be...
February 10th, 2016
NAMM 2016: Ultimate Ears Pro – In-Ear Monitors
Ultimate Ears Pro general manager Philippe Depallens gives us an insight about the company’s approach to creating industry leading in-ear monitors for musicians and engineers....
February 10th, 2016
NAMM 2016: Equilibrium Guitars
Guitar Messenger’s Ivan Chopik chats with the founder of Equilibrium Guitars, Dave Cohen, at NAMM 2016. From EQGuitars.com: Resonance, sustain, tone, ergonomics and...
January 21st, 2016
NAMM 2016: Exclusive Updates
Follow us on Facebook for exclusive updates as we report from NAMM 2016 in Anaheim, California! Check out our photo album here: NAMM 2016 Ultimate...
August 27th, 2015
Axes & Anchors – First Ever Guitar-Dominated Music Cruise
SHRED GUITAR MAESTRO MARTY FRIEDMAN ADDED TO INAUGURAL AXES & ANCHORS CRUISE SAILING FROM MIAMI ON FEBRUARY 20, 2016 Friedman To Perform Two Complete Sets...
April 29th, 2015
Misha Mansoor Interview – Periphery (2015)
The past five years of Misha Mansoor’s career with progressive metal pioneers Periphery have been filled with exciting landmarks: tours with legendary bands like Dream Theater and Deftones,...
April 11th, 2015
Hungarian Prog-Quartet SPECIAL PROVIDENCE Release Fourth Album
Special Providence is one of the most well-known modern instrumental bands in the Central-Eastern European region with their virtuosic, yet easily digestible style. Prioritizing their music...
March 30th, 2015
Scale The Summit: Chris Letchford Lesson – Atlas Novus
[Chris’ Strandberg Boden CL7 signature 7-string guitar is in Standard Tuning: B E A D G B E.] Atlas Novus In this lesson, Chris Letchford...
February 18th, 2015
Heavy Metal Ninjas: Richie Allan Lesson – Istagey & Melodyk
[Richie’s Ibanez RG 8-string guitaris tuned to Drop-E: E B E A D G B E, his Strat-type custom guitar is in Drop-B tuning: B F# B E G#...
January 24th, 2015
NAMM 2015: Zakk Wylde Interview @ Wylde Audio
Guitar Messenger’s NAMM 2015 interview with Zakk Wylde began with a long black car with tinted windows pulling into the 7-11 parking lot where we’d been...
December 23rd, 2014
Rest Among Ruins – ‘Beyond The Storm’ Guitar Playthrough
[Ben Schmitz and Mike Semesky are playing ESP LTD EC-1000 and Ibanez S Series Prestige S5470 6-string guitars, respectively. Both are tuned to Drop-C: C G...
September 23rd, 2014
Heavy Metal Ninjas: Richie Allan Lesson – Interstellar Abduction
[Richie’s Ibanez RGD-7 string guitar is in Standard tuning: B E A D G B E, and his Strat-type custom guitar is in Drop-B tuning: B F# B E G#...
September 2nd, 2014
Heavy Metal Ninjas: Richie Allan Lesson – Design
[Richie’s Ibanez RG 8-string guitar is tuned to Drop-E: E B E A D G B E, and his Ibanez Jem 555 guitar is in Standard...
June 15th, 2014
ARMAGEDDON: ‘Captivity & Devourment’ Lyric Video Posted
Armageddon first came to life in Sweden in 1997 as a studio project, with the cult release Crossing the Rubicon. The sci-fi themed concept album was...
April 30th, 2014
Francesco Artusato (Devil You Know) – Gear
Devil You Know’s Francesco Artusato walks us through his arsenal of Ibanez guitars that he’s currently using on the Revolver Golden Gods tour with Black...
April 30th, 2014
Francesco Artusato Interview (Devil You Know): Part 2
In PART ONE of our interview, guitar maestro Francesco Artusato revealed details about the formation of his new band, Devil You Know, and gave us a glimpse into...
April 30th, 2014
Francesco Artusato Interview (Devil You Know): Part 1
Known for his explosive, harmonically-laden guitar fireworks, solo artist and All Shall Perish axe-slinger Francesco Artusato has fired off a new chapter with his supergroup,...
March 24th, 2014
Paul Masvidal Interview – Cynic (2014): Part 4
Having covered the ins and outs of his musical past, present, and future in parts I-III of our interview series, Paul Masvidal now opens...
March 24th, 2014
Paul Masvidal Interview – Cynic (2014): Part 3
In the third installment of our interview series with Paul Masvidal, we discussed what Paul does to keep his hands busy when he’s not working on...
March 24th, 2014
Paul Masvidal Interview – Cynic (2014): Part 2
In the first part of our interview, Paul Masvidal took us inside the composition and recording process for Kindly Bent to Free Us. Read on...
March 24th, 2014
Paul Masvidal Interview – Cynic (2014): Part 1
When the ‘prog’ label is invoked, does it imply a ‘progressive’ take on broader musical traditions, or rather, can it refer to an individual band’s...
March 18th, 2014
FRESHMAN GUITARS Reveal Songwriter Series, Featuring AER
At the 2014 Frankfurt Musikmesse, Freshman Guitars have revealed the new Songwriter Series – an inspiring range of guitars featuring new AER systems and designed...
February 18th, 2014
Animals As Leaders: The Joy Of Motion (Updated 3/4)
ANIMALS AS LEADERS have officially set March 25th as the release date for their much-anticipated new album, The Joy of Motion. This offering is quickly going...
January 26th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Hanson Guitars & Lakland Basses
At this year’s NAMM, Guitar Messenger’s Ivan Chopik had a chance to hear from John Pirruccello of Chicago-based Hanson Guitars and Lakland Basses about the careful craftsmanship...
January 26th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Marco Sfogli Interview @ DV Mark Amplifiers
Marco Sfogli has been blowing the minds of industry veterans like James Labrie for a decade now with his trademark blend of soulful, inflective rock stylings and stunning technique. We first...
January 25th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Samson Technologies (Hotone Skyline Pedals & UHF Wireless System)
You’ve never seen slide guitar like this. Grammy Award-winning producer, engineer, and guitarist extraordinaire Larry Mitchell gives us a funk-filled demonstration of Samson’s Hotone Skyline effects...
January 25th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Ola Englund Interview – Part 2
In PART ONE of our interview with Ola, he opened up about building his own brand as a high-gain amp expert, playing with bands like The...
January 25th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Ola Englund Interview – Part 1
Ola Englund is living the dream. The gear-demoing guru and ferociously accurate riff machine from Swedish bands Feared and The Haunted is an incredible example of a...
January 25th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Strandberg Guitarworks
Ivan Chopik talks with Ola Strandberg of Strandberg Guitarworks and Astral EXR Systems at NAMM 2014 in Anaheim, CA. Check out the video above and then...
January 25th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Marty Friedman Interview
At this year’s winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, I had a chance to speak with guitar legend Marty Friedman, who is known for his...
January 25th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Kemper Profiling Amplifier
LA-based guitarist John Huldt, who spends his time playing for the band Ampora and teaching at the Los Angeles College of Music when he isn’t...
January 25th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Christoph Kemper Interview (Kemper Profiling Amplifier)
Guitar Messenger’s Ivan Chopik had a chance at this year’s NAMM to speak with Christoph Kemper, the mastermind behind the legendary Access Virus synthesizers, as well as...
January 25th, 2014
The Haunted: Ola Englund Lesson – Eye Of The Storm (Solo)
[Ola’s signature Washburn Solar guitar is tuned down one step to D Standard: D G C F A D.] Eye Of The Storm Solo Ola Englund shows...
January 25th, 2014
Feared: Ola Englund Lesson – Mass Destruction (Solo)
[Ola’s signature Washburn Solar guitar is tuned down one step to D Standard: D G C F A D.] Mass Destruction Solo Ola kicks off the solo to...
January 25th, 2014
Ola Englund Lesson – Downpicking
[Ola’s signature Washburn Solar guitar is tuned down one step to D Standard: D G C F A D.] Ola On Downpicking A very common question I...
January 24th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Randall Amplifiers
At this year’s NAMM convention in Anaheim, CA, I had a chance to meet with Mike Fortin of Randall Amplifiers. By the time Mike joined the...
January 24th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Tosin Abasi Interview @ Ibanez (Animals As Leaders)
Since revitalizing the landscape of instrumental music with their self-titled debut in 2009, Animals As Leaders‘ Tosin Abasi and his bandmates have been busy refining and...
January 24th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Leonardo Guzman Update (GM / Per Nilsson Guitar Solo Competition Winner)
This year at NAMM we had the pleasure of running into Leonardo Guzman, the fleet-fingered Colombian guitarist whose entry in our Guitar Solo Competition earned...
January 24th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Caparison Guitars
Ivan Chopik chats with Jeff Williams of UK thrash metal band Onslaught about Caparison Guitars at NAMM 2014 in Anaheim, CA. Check out the video above and then...
January 24th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Jake Bowen Interview @ Ibanez (Periphery)
It would be difficult to overstate Periphery’s impact on modern metal, and guitarist Jake Bowen’s contributions as a composer and riffmaster have been an...
January 24th, 2014
NAMM 2014: Ibanez Guitars (Jake Bowen, Kiko Loureiro, Tosin Abasi)
This year at NAMM, Ibanez’s Mike Orrigo hosted a reveal of three new formidable signature models for three of their artists: Periphery’s Jake Bowen, Angra’s...
January 23rd, 2014
NAMM 2014: Bohemian Guitars
Ivan Chopik talks with brothers Adam and Shaun Lee about their company Bohemian Guitars at NAMM 2014 in Anaheim, CA. Guitarist Brandon Massey demonstrates some of the...
January 23rd, 2014
NAMM 2014: Ernie Ball Music Man
From musiciansfriend.com: Featuring laser-etched maple that’s finished to resemble carbon fiber, the Majesty guitar boasts a super-lightweight body with unparalelled fret access, DiMarzio voicing and...
January 23rd, 2014
NAMM 2014: TronicalTune
TronicalTune is a retrofit robotuning device that tunes your guitar at the push of a button and strum of the strings. From Tronical.com: The TronicalTune...
January 23rd, 2014
NAMM 2014: Vigier Guitars
Guitar Messenger’s Ivan Chopik visited the Vigier Guitars booth at this year’s NAMM to talk to the friendly DJ Scully and find out what master...
January 22nd, 2014
NAMM 2014: Fender Stratocaster 60th Anniversary
At this year’s NAMM convention in Anaheim, California, Guitar Messenger was invited to an exclusive media event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Fender...
December 17th, 2013
Riffstation Software
Riffstation is a top-notch collection of tools that were designed with the practicing guitarist in mind. It’s available in both Mac and PC formats and...
December 3rd, 2013
PERIPHERY Announce New Experimental Release: CLEAR (Updated 1/14 – Full Album Stream)
From Sumerian Records: The new experimental recording, Clear, represents the sum total of Periphery’s unrivaled achievements. Clear is set for a Jan 28th North American...
November 29th, 2013
Don Lappin Interview
Don Lappin is renowned for his one-of-a-kind voice on his instrument, developed in part due to his unorthodox two-handed tapping technique. Paired with a keen sense...
November 29th, 2013
Jason Richardson – Thought: Main Theme Tabs
We’re happy to announce that we’re working together with Jason Richardson on an upcoming lesson series. In the meantime, we wanted to share the...
November 25th, 2013
Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso JON GOMM Releases Album ‘SECRETS NOBODY KEEPS’ + First New Video In 2 Years
A special message from Jon Gomm: Hello everyone! I’m really happy to announce that Secrets Nobody Keeps is out today, and so is my first new...
November 8th, 2013
Seymour Duncan Releases The Dirty Deed Distortion Pedal
Our friends over at Seymour Duncan have recently unveiled a new distortion pedal called THE DIRTY DEED, with which they were looking to create a...
November 1st, 2013
VEIL OF MAYA Re-Sign To Sumerian Records, Post New Track, & Prepare For US Headlining Tour
Chicago-based VEIL OF MAYA are extremely proud to announce their re-signing to Sumerian Records, the label which the band has been a part of since...
October 30th, 2013
Don Lappin’s Tapping Technique & West Tide Lesson
Hi, everybody! Thank you for checking out this lesson. I will be discussing my two-hand tapping technique, as well as showing you one of my...
October 28th, 2013
DEVIL YOU KNOW Post New Demo – HOWARD JONES (Killswitch Engage), FRANCESCO ARTUSATO (All Shall Perish), & JOHN SANKEY (DEVOLVED)
Already known for working with some of heavy music’s most vetted talents, Nuclear Blast Entertainment is proud to announce the signing of DEVIL YOU KNOW. ...
October 20th, 2013
Jarle H. Olsen Interview
Hailing from Norway, Jarle H. Olsen is one of today’s finest guitarists and composers of melodic progressive metal. His full-length debut album, Quadrasonic, showcases his...
October 1st, 2013
ANDREA BALESTRA Releases PAINTING ON SILENCE featuring Scott Henderson, Dave Hill, Julien Kasper, John Pisano, Steve Trovato and Carl Verheyen
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA – On September 24th, 2013, guitarist Andrea Balestra unveiled Painting on Silence, an all-instrumental solo album issued on his Spleen Records label. The...
September 17th, 2013
The Safety Fire: Derya ‘Dez’ Nagle – The Ghosts That Wait For Spring & Glass Crush
[Dez’s custom Wirebird guitar is tuned down to an Amin7 open chord: A A C G A E.] The Ghosts That Wait For Spring Chorus...
September 17th, 2013
The Safety Fire: Derya ‘Dez’ Nagle – Beware The Leopard (Jagwar)
[Dez’s custom Wirebird guitar is tuned down to Drop D: D A D G B E.] Beware The Leopard (1:33 – 1:44) Dez shows us...
September 17th, 2013
Michael Keene Interview – The Faceless: Part 2
PART 2 (continued from PART 1…) I want to talk a little bit about your recording and production process. Your productions consistently feature some of the...
September 17th, 2013
Michael Keene Interview – The Faceless: Part 1
Michael Keene is the mastermind behind California’s progressive death metal band, The Faceless. They first broke onto the worldwide stage with the 2006 debut release...
August 16th, 2013
Stepping Out: A Guide To Playing Outside (Part 2)
In part 1 of the Stepping Out: A Guide To Playing Outside series, we looked at the use of side stepping (moving a motif, scale,...
August 15th, 2013
Artist Riff: Yossi Sassi of Orphaned Land Plays ‘Numbers World’
[Yossi’s Paul Reed Smith guitar is tuned to Standard Tuning: E A D G B E.] Numbers World – Main Riff Over the past 20+...
August 10th, 2013
NAMM 2013: Ibanez Iron Label Series
From ibanez.co.jp: “Built on the ‘chassis’ of our famous RG and S-Series models… with metal and nothing but metal in mind, we modded and tweaked...
July 27th, 2013
The Black Dahlia Murder: Ryan Knight – Emin7 Lick
[Ryan’s Ibanez FR custom shop guitar is tuned down 2 whole steps to C Standard: C F Bb Eb G C] The following lick is...
July 27th, 2013
The Black Dahlia Murder: Ryan Knight – ‘In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me’ Solo
[Ryan’s Ibanez FR custom shop guitar is tuned down 2 whole steps to C Standard: C F Bb Eb G C] In this masterclass, Ryan...
July 27th, 2013
The Black Dahlia Murder: Ryan Knight – A7 Lick
[Ryan’s Ibanez FR custom shop guitar is tuned down 2 whole steps to C Standard: C F Bb Eb G C] The following fretboard-spanning deluge...
July 27th, 2013
Ryan Knight Interview – The Black Dahlia Murder: Part 2
In PART ONE of our interview, The Black Dahlia Murder’s Ryan Knight revealed details about the band’s latest album Everblack, his journey as a developing guitarist, and...
July 27th, 2013
Ryan Knight Interview – The Black Dahlia Murder: Part 1
As hard as it can be to stand out amidst the annual metal festival line-ups, The Black Dahlia Murder have managed to do so for...
July 27th, 2013
The Black Dahlia Murder: Ryan Knight – Tapping & String-Skipping
[Ryan’s Ibanez FR custom shop guitar is tuned down 2 whole steps to C Standard: C F Bb Eb G C] Ryan credits some of...
May 16th, 2013
Robert Cray – Nothin’ But Love
When Muddy Waters sang ‘The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll’ in 1977 it was a lesson to the youth...
May 13th, 2013
Jakub Żytecki – Living Mirrors: A Lesson In Songwriting & Arrangements
Welcome to my lesson at Guitar Messenger! Today, I’m going to talk about my approaches to songwriting and arrangements. I’ve taken a few examples from...
April 22nd, 2013
Guitar Messenger Solo Competition
CONTEST WINNERS (TOP 5) #1 Leonardo Guzman #2 Benjamin Ellis #3 Plini #4 Ramiro Gamarra #5 Morgan Reid FINALISTS (#6-10,...
March 27th, 2013
Exclusive Video: SCALE THE SUMMIT Tracking Guitars For New Album – THE MIGRATION
Progressive instrumentalists SCALE THE SUMMIT have released a second behind-the-scenes video update from the recent recording sessions for their new album, The Migration, which will...
March 26th, 2013
Tim Sult Interview – Clutch
Consider Clutch the kale of a metal head’s diet: a superfood long growing in the underground, ever-ready to spread leaves sprouting a wealth of heavy...
March 10th, 2013
NAMM 2013: Strandberg Guitarworks
From strandbergguitars.com: “Strandberg Guitars is committed to innovation. We continuously strive towards new solutions that address the needs of guitarists today. The global musician community...
March 10th, 2013
NAMM 2013: Ibanez Artstar Series
From ibanez.com: After decades of building guitars for legends like George Benson, John Scofield, and Pat Metheny, Ibanez has proven its dedication to jazz guitar luthiery. That...
March 10th, 2013
NAMM 2013: Ibanez Meshuggah M8M Signature Model
From musiciansfriend.com: “The Ibanez M8M Meshuggah 8-String Electric Guitar is perfectly balanced to deliver a truly great 8-string experience. Martin and Fredrik of Meshuggah worked...
March 10th, 2013
NAMM 2013: Ibanez Tosin Abasi TAM100 Signature Model
From musiciansfriend.com: “The Ibanez TAM100 Tosin Abasi Signature 8-string Electric Guitar is made in Japan to the specs of the progressive guitarist. It has a...
February 22nd, 2013
Two-Handed Tapping Virtuoso DON LAPPIN Releases New Album TAPPED IN
Guitar virtuoso Don Lappin has just released Tapped In – an instrumental rock album featuring Steve Hunt (Allan Holdsworth, Billy Cobham, Stanley Clark) on keyboards, Joe Santerre (Jon...
February 13th, 2013
SellThisGuitar.Com: New Global Interface For Guitar Selling & Buying
SANTA BARBARA, CA (February 8, 2013) — Walk into your local music store and see if you can find a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Jr....
February 8th, 2013
Opeth: Fredrik Åkesson Masterclass
[Fredrik’s Paul Reed Smith Signature Model guitar is in Standard Tuning: E A D G B E] String-Skipping / Tapping Lick This lick utilizes both...
January 7th, 2013
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Announce DISARM THE DESCENT As Title Of New Album Out April 2
(New York, NY): Grammy-nominated, Massachusetts-based hard rockers Killswitch Engage –singer Jesse Leach, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D’Antonio, guitarist Joel Stroetzel and drummer Justin Foley–...
December 10th, 2012
ORDER SCAR GUITAR TODAY! Per Nilsson’s Guitar Instructional DVD
SCAR GUITAR: Per Nilsson’s Guitar Instructional DVD CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SAMPLE VIDEO AND ORDER TODAY! Over 2 hours of lessons and performances,...
December 10th, 2012
SCAR GUITAR: Per Nilsson’s Guitar Instructional DVD
Scar Guitar is a detailed journey into the modern playing styles of Per Nilsson, one of the world’s finest guitarists. Best known for his work...
December 9th, 2012
OSCAR’S GUITAR SHOP WITH OSCAR JORDAN TO DEBUT ON LATALKRADIO.COM ON JANUARY 4TH
Music journalist, guitarist, songwriter, and actor Oscar Jordan, will debut Oscar’s Guitar Shop on January 4th 2013 at 2pm on LATalkRadio.com. This long anticipated Internet...
November 27th, 2012
JAVIER REYES (ANIMALS AS LEADERS, T.R.A.M.) Releases New EP BASAL GANGLIA
World renowned guitarist, Javier Reyes (Animals As Leaders, T.R.A.M.), has inked a new solo deal with Sumerian Records for his new project Mestis, which is...
November 7th, 2012
COMING SOON: Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry) Instructional DVD – Teaser #2
Guitar Messenger will soon be releasing their first ever instructional DVD featuring Per Nilsson of Scar Symmetry. The 2-hour program will cover Per’s approaches to...
October 24th, 2012
CONTEST: Answer Trivia Questions & Win A Copy Of INTERVALLIC FRETBOARD Book
Pêle-Mêle Works’ instructional book, Intervallic Fretboard – Towards improvising On The Guitar, offers guitarists a different take on the fingerboard, with improvisation as the underlying...
September 20th, 2012
Jazz-Fusion All-Star Trio SCOTT HENDERSON, JEFF BERLIN, DENNIS CHAMBERS To Release New CD ‘HBC’
Asheville, NC – Much to the excitement of musicians and jazz aficiandos worldwide, the highly anticipated CD release by jazz-fusion legends Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin...
September 19th, 2012
JOE BONAMASSA To Release Beacon Theatre Double Live Album
Joe Bonamassa: Beacon Theatre – Live From New York is a double live album to be released by J&R Adventures in the US on Tuesday September...
September 18th, 2012
DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT Releases New Album EPICLOUD Today In North America
Renowned multi-instrumentalist and producer Devin Townsend has released the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT‘s new album, Epicloud, today in North America! To hear Epicloud in its entirety,...
September 2nd, 2012
Elevon Audio Pro Series Guitar Cable
Mike Dunne and Rob Stepnowski are two avid guitarists with a synchronous vision of both music and audio product design philosophy. While their musical background...
August 22nd, 2012
Devin Townsend – Gear
Guitars & Rig Guitars make or break songs. I firmly advocate that while certain guitars have a ton of songs in them, certain guitars have...
August 16th, 2012
Prog-Metal band THE DEADSTATION Release EP Mastered By JENS BOGREN
Boston progressive-metallers The Deadstation released their debut EP “Episode 01: Like Peering Into The Deepest Ocean Abyss” recently as a free digital download, which can be...
August 10th, 2012
The Faceless: Michael Keene Masterclass
[Michael’s guitar is tuned down to Drop-C for all examples in this Masterclass: C G C F A D] The Ancient Covenant (0:01 – 0:07) Michael’s...
August 7th, 2012
DESTINY POTATO Signs To Century Media Records & Posts New Track ‘DARK SIDE OF YOU’
Century Media recently announced the signing of the Serbian-based band DESTINY POTATO. “Just a few months after we officially formed the band we got an opportunity to...
July 31st, 2012
Misha Mansoor Interview – Periphery (2012)
Since their influential debut album release in 2010, Periphery have morphed from a fledgling young group with an eclectic blend of styles into a modern...
July 31st, 2012
Artist Lick: Jake Bowen of Periphery Plays ‘Luck As A Constant’ Solo
[Jake’s Ibanez Prestige 6-string guitar is tuned to Drop-C. Low to high: C G C F A D.] Luck As A Constant – 2nd...
July 31st, 2012
The Faceless: Wes Hauch Masterclass
[Wes’ guitar is tuned down a whole step for all examples in this Masterclass: D G C F A D] E Minor Lick In this...
July 31st, 2012
Artist Riff: Mark Holcomb of Periphery Plays ‘Make Total Destroy’
[Mark’s Ernie Ball Musicman John Petrucci Signature Model 7-string guitar is tuned to Drop-Ab. Low to high: Ab Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb.] ...
July 24th, 2012
STEVE VAI To Release New Solo Album THE STORY OF LIGHT August 14th on Favored Nations Records
LOS ANGELES, CA, July 23rd, 2012: Virtuoso guitarist and visionary composer Steve Vai will release The Story of Light, a new solo album of original...
July 4th, 2012
PERIPHERY II: ‘This Time It’s Personal’ Out Now
Combing the complex atypical rhythms and technical precision of math rock with the sensational brutality of progressive metal, Washington D.C’s PERIPHERY have redefined the boundaries...
June 17th, 2012
ANIMALS AS LEADERS House Robbed – Help Recover Stolen Gear
It is with sadness that we report the following information published via the Animals As Leaders Facebook page yesterday, Saturday 16th, 2012: Hey guys. We’ve...
May 6th, 2012
The Ophidian Trek – Meshuggah / Baroness / Decapitated @ The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA
Leave it to the world of metal to produce a concert bill where the outfit called Decapitated is the “normal” one. Still, Poland’s death-metal droogs...
April 29th, 2012
High On Fire – De Vermis Mysteriis
Another couple years, another High on Fire LP, and another sturdy contender for album of the year. De Vermis Mysteriis seems at once a staggering...
April 17th, 2012
MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN, TONY MACALPINE, DEREK SHERINIAN To Tour Europe And Asia
Drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), bassist Billy Sheehan (STEVE VAI, DAVID LEE ROTH), guitarist Tony MacAlpine (neo classical-metal style, STEVE VAI) and...
March 30th, 2012
Meshuggah – Koloss
Few bands can claim to be both mirror and hammer to the modern metal scene, at once reflecting the zeitgeist whilst forging its future. And...
March 22nd, 2012
Evan Brewer Interview – The Faceless
Many of you know of Evan Brewer as the bassist for technical death metal band The Faceless, as well as for his collaboration with Tosin...
March 19th, 2012
Guitar Icon ROBERT CRAY Working On New Studio Album To Be Released In September 2012
(New York, NY, March 14, 2012) Five-time Grammy award winning legend and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee Robert Cray heads into the studio this month...
February 29th, 2012
Marc Okubo Interview – Veil Of Maya (2012)
Since their inception in 2004, Chicago’s Veil Of Maya have established themselves as one of the premier bands in today’s modern metal scene. With the...
February 12th, 2012
The Black Keys – El Camino
You’d be forgiven if you didn’t bet on The Black Keys to outlive the wave of retro-fitted rock bands that broke out during the dawn...
February 11th, 2012
Veil Of Maya – Eclipse (Featuring Track-By-Track Commentary From Marc Okubo)
Let’s get one thing out of the way: how you regard Veil of Maya and their Sumerian brethren likely runs parallel to your impressions of...
February 11th, 2012
Devin Townsend Masterclass
I think that the instrument that you first become proficient with ultimately defines the way in which you write music. I do play an equal...
February 9th, 2012
Listen To MESHUGGAH’s New Track From Upcoming Album KOLOSS (UPDATED – 2nd Track Added!)
UPDATE 02/17/2012: Listen to “Do Not Look Down,” a second track off the upcoming new album KOLOSS here: [soundcloud url=”http://soundcloud.com/nuclearblastrecords/meshuggah-do-not-look-down/s-hlFcg”] 02/9/2012: A new track from Swedish masters...
February 8th, 2012
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Announce New Singer: JESSE LEACH
(New York, NY): Killswitch Engage are pleased to announce that they have filled the singer vacancy in the band and they have done so with...
February 1st, 2012
OPETH & MASTODON Announce Co-Headlining “HERITAGE HUNTER TOUR”
New York, NY: This is one tour that rock fans will be talking about for years to come and if you miss it, you’ll be terribly sorry. Opeth and Mastodon...
January 23rd, 2012
PAUL WARDINGHAM Announces Forthcoming Release THE HUMAN AFFLICTION
Australian guitar shredder and producer, Paul Wardingham, has announced The Human Affliction as the title of his new instrumental cyber metal album. Wardingham, who released his acclaimed...
January 23rd, 2012
Gary Moore – Live At Montreux Jazz Festival 2010
Though his passing earlier this year registered as little more than a blip in Rolling Stone, the loss of Gary Moore proved all too heavy...
January 16th, 2012
MESHUGGAH Announce New Album Title
Sweden’s extreme, technical metal band MESHUGGAH have chosen KOLOSS as the title to their eighth studio album, set for North American release on March 27th and European release...
January 14th, 2012
T.R.A.M. To Release Debut Album on February 28th (Mars Volta, Animals As Leaders, Suicidal Tendencies)
It’s extremely rare to come across a new band that just flips the script of conventionality throwing caution to the wind, but the debut effort...
December 27th, 2011
Insomnium – One For Sorrow
I often struggle to pin-point just what metal is these days. Much in the way that the monikers “alternative” and “indie” spawned a train of...
December 23rd, 2011
Stepping Out: A Guide To Playing Outside (Part 1)
Playing ‘outside’ is a term synonymous with jazz rock/fusion guitar players. Within traditional forms of jazz this term is replaced by ‘using chromaticism.’ In blues,...
December 14th, 2011
EVER FORTHRIGHT Release Self-Titled Debut
Ever Forthright have released their self-titled debut this week. The NYC-based collective is pushing the boundaries progressive metal with their with infusions of hip hop, DnB and...
December 12th, 2011
NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL 14 Announces Lineup
WORCESTER, Mass. – Killswitch Engage has been confirmed as the headliner of the 14th Annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. The festival helped to...
November 21st, 2011
Mastodon, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Red Fang @ House Of Blues – Boston, MA
“I remember doing some W.C. Fields impression when I was in second grade and the crowd went ‘YEAH!’” Red Fang vocalist and co-guitarist Bryan Giles confesses...
November 18th, 2011
Tony MacAlpine Interview
Whether you know him as the young shredder who made 1986’s Edge of Insanity or as the architect of the heavy prog riffs for Planet...
November 16th, 2011
Tony MacAlpine Masterclass
[Tony's 7-string Ibanez guitar is tuned to Standard Tuning for all examples in this Masterclass: B E A D G B E]. Tony likes to...
November 16th, 2011
PERIPHERY Part Ways With Bassist TOM MURPHY
On November 15th, 2011 Periphery made the following announcement on their Facebook page: “We have some sad news to announce, unfortunately Tom Murphy has decided...
November 9th, 2011
Roadrunner Records Announces The Signing Of GOJIRA
Roadrunner Records announced today the addition of French metal behemoths Gojira to the label. The band is universally recognized as one of the most talented...
November 7th, 2011
Artist Lick: Chris Letchford of Scale The Summit
[For this lesson Chris is playing his custom Artinger 7-string guitar (ArtingerGuitar.com) in standard tuning low to high: B E A D G B E....
November 7th, 2011
Paul Masvidal Interview – Cynic
A mere decade ago, Cynic was somewhat of a password between fans of extreme metal – a secret handshake that itched at a curious footnote...
November 7th, 2011
Artist Lick: Travis LeVrier of Scale The Summit
[For this lesson Travis is playing his Ernie Ball Musicman 7-string guitar in standard tuning low to high: B E A D G B E....
November 6th, 2011
Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper
Andy Timmons is a world-renowned proponent of instrumental rock, known just as much for his impeccable taste and gorgeous tone, as his blazing chops and...
November 3rd, 2011
Joe Bonamassa @ Wang Theater – Boston, MA
With his old-school belting voice and incredible guitar prowess, Joe Bonamassa has quickly become one of America’s best exports of British-style blues. It’s been only...
October 27th, 2011
Mastodon – The Hunter
Mastodon set the bar dizzyingly high with 2009’s Crack the Skye. Following a trio of element-themed records, their ‘air’ album married brutal riffs and brain-melting...
October 27th, 2011
Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso JON GOMM Releases PASSIONFLOWER
With a once-seen-never-forgotten two-handed style, both physical and complex, Jon Gomm is an incredible guitar virtuoso, using one acoustic instrument to create drum sounds, bass...
October 24th, 2011
EVILE Unleash New Album “FIVE SERPENT’S TEETH”
British thrash metal band EVILE will release their third studio album, Five Serpent’s Teeth, in North America on October 18 via Earache Records. A 15-minute...
October 20th, 2011
ANDY TIMMONS BAND Plays SGT. PEPPER To Be Released October 24
One of the most beloved cultural milestones of the ‘60s generation and every generation since, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles gets...
October 19th, 2011
PERIPHERY Announces New Guitarist and Dream Theater Off Day Shows
PERIPHERY have redefined the boundaries of progressive music and previously announced they will be touring as direct support to the legendary Dream Theater throughout Europe...
October 18th, 2011
Progressive Death Metallers ORDINANCE Release Debut Album INTERNAL MONOLOGUES
Ordinance is a four piece Progressive Death Metal act based out of Frederick, Maryland. The band is comprised of Alex Rudinger (of Threat Signal), Greg...
October 11th, 2011
Metal Foundations Lesson 3: Intermediate Riff Concepts
Welcome back, metal Guitar Messengers! The last lesson introduced you to some basic riff construction concepts based off of common chord diads and the palm...
October 10th, 2011
Electro-Harmonix Unveils The Ravish Sitar Pedal
Electro-Harmonix introduces the Ravish Sitar pedal, which transforms a guitar into a sitar. A traditional sitar achieves its instantly recognizable sound through a combination of...
October 3rd, 2011
Opeth – Heritage
Mikael Åkerfeldt doesn’t growl at all on Opeth’s new album Heritage. One could assume he left that duty to his diehard fans who still bemoan...
September 28th, 2011
Arbitrary Chromatics: The Bonehead Easy Way To Get A Jazzy Sound
So, what are arbitrary chromatics? To say it simply, whenever you’re playing a minor (or major, or whatever mode) scale, in any position, you’ll have...
September 27th, 2011
GUTHRIE GOVAN’s Group THE ARISTOCRATS Release Album & Announce Tour Dates
Featuring three of the most accomplished virtuosos in the world in the genre of rock-fusion instrumental music, The Aristocrats was formed shortly after January, 2011...
September 19th, 2011
Fredrik Åkesson Interview – Opeth
Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden is one of metal’s finest axemen – Fredrik Åkesson. Best known for his work in Arch Enemy, Krux, and progressive metal...
August 4th, 2011
The Human Abstract – Digital Veil
Technical and progressive metal quintet The Human Abstract may have fallen off the metal community’s radar over the past few years, but their third album,...
August 1st, 2011
DREAM THEATER Announce Tour Dates, Special Editions of ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events’
New York, NY: Dream Theater, who were recently voted one of the top 10 Prog Rock bands of all time by RollingStone.com readers, will return...
July 28th, 2011
ALL SHALL PERISH Release New Album THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS
This Is Where It Ends was mixed and mastered once again by long time collaborator Zach Ohren (DECREPIT BIRTH, SUFFOCATION). The bands fourth album marks...
July 27th, 2011
OPETH Premiere First Track From New Album HERITAGE: “The Devil’s Orchard”
Swedish progressive metal stalwarts Opeth’s 10th album Heritage — which follows 2008′s Watershed and 2005′s Ghost Reveries — is their strangest, most genre-melding to date....
July 19th, 2011
Devin Townsend Interview
Following Devin Townsend’s career has been a diverse musical journey through the many facets of his compelling personality. First introduced to the world as Steve...
July 6th, 2011
Unexpect – Fables Of The Sleepless Empire
Up until now, purchasing an Unexpect record has felt like buying a shiny golden ticket to a nameless theater your friends and family have never...
July 6th, 2011
ALL SHALL PERISH’S FRANCESCO ARTUSATO Releases New Album CHAOS AND THE PRIMORDIAL
Renowned guitar shredder Francesco Artusato (All Shall Perish) has released his new solo album, Chaos and The Primordial, under THE FRANCESCO ARTUSATO PROJECT moniker on...
July 6th, 2011
Periphery Part Ways With Alex Bois
Earlier today Periphery have issued the following announcement on their Facebook and MySpace pages: Hey Guys! We have some sad news to share. Alex Bois...
June 23rd, 2011
Cliff Chase Interview (Fractal Audio)
As the founder of Fractal Audio and the mastermind behind the acclaimed Axe-Fx guitar preamp and effects processor, Cliff Chase has inspired the sound of...
June 22nd, 2011
Tony MacAlpine Releases New Self-Titled Solo Album
New York, NY: He’s been a producer, band member and solo artist. Guitarist Tony MacAlpine, in his 25-year career, has redefined hard rock jazz-fusion for...
June 21st, 2011
Auditioning For Lady Gaga
Dear Fellow Musicians, In January 2010 I had the opportunity to audition for the guitarist position on Lady Gaga’s international arena tour. I made it...
June 16th, 2011
PERIPHERY Announces Their First Ever North American Headlining Touring Package
Very rarely does a band come along that just defies the boundaries of conventionality, but the experimental, progressive metal outfit PERIPHERY have done just that...
June 10th, 2011
[UPDATED] OPETH Announce New Album & Tour Dates
Sweden’s most revered and respected progressive metal mavens Opeth will release Heritage, their third album for Roadrunner, on September 20th. The first single and video...
June 9th, 2011
CHRISTIAN MUENZNER Releases Debut Solo Album TIMEWARP
Guitarist Christian Muenzner (Obscura, Spawn Of Possession, ex Necrophagist) has just released his first all instrumental solo album Timewarp. Being described by Muenzner as “80’s...
June 8th, 2011
Rehearsal Tips From The Stars
It can be said that the key ingredient for a successful career in the music business is 5 percent inspiration and 95 percent perspiration. Whether...
June 8th, 2011
DREAM THEATER Announce New Album Name, Tracks & Release Date
(New York, NY): The recent announcement that Mike Mangini would be joining Dream Theater, replacing departed drummer Mike Portnoy, caused such fanfare that Mangini was...
May 24th, 2011
Tapping In Harmony
Hello Guitar Messenger readers! Today’s lesson focuses on spicing up chords by actively engaging both hands on the fretboard. Don’t be fooled by all the...
May 24th, 2011
UNEARTH Premieres New Track ‘Ruination Of The Lost’ Through MetalSucks
Today popular metal portal MetalSucks hosts the worldwide premiere of UNEARTH‘s ‘Ruination Of The Lost,’ the explosive second track off the band’s upcoming Darkness In...
May 22nd, 2011
BEHOLD OBLIVION Releases New Song ‘The Desert’s Curse’
Pushing boundaries seems to be the norm for Boston based metal band Behold Oblivion. Their music fuses progressive and traditional styles of metal and hardcore, and...
May 20th, 2011
SYMPHONY X Offers Behind-The-Scenes Interview & Releases New Song For Sale (UPDATED)
Taking a break from their current headlining North American tour, New Jersey’s progsters SYMPHONY X checked in from the House of Blues in Hollywood via...
May 18th, 2011
Australia’s DEAD LETTER CIRCUS Signs With Sumerian Records For North American Release
Some bands truly defy the odds of innovation, spinning the wheels of creativity to venture into previously unchartered waters without any hesitancy and with only...
May 16th, 2011
Future Metal Shred
Welcome to Guitar Messenger! My name is Paul Wardingham, and I’m going to be showing you how to play some futuristic-themed shred ideas using excerpts...
May 14th, 2011
Norwegian Guitar Virtuoso JARLE H. OLSEN Releases QUADRASONIC
Norwegian virtuoso Jarle H. Olsen has just released his full-length debut Quadrasonic, the follow-up to his acclaimed instrumental release JHO. The album serves to showcase his...
May 13th, 2011
UFO @ B.B. King’s Blues Club – New York, NY
One wonders if B.B. King could predict the kind of talent that would hold court in his subterranean blues club in the heart of New...
May 13th, 2011
Vinnie Moore Interview
Though his first big break came in the form of a Pepsi commercial, Vinnie Moore’s guitar playing is anything but saccharine. He’s able to adapt...
May 12th, 2011
DAVID GILMOUR Joins ROGER WATERS Onstage At O2 Arena
Legendary guitarist David Gilmour made good tonight on his promise to join former Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters at a show during Waters’ ‘The Wall...
May 11th, 2011
TONY MACALPINE To Release New Self-Titled Solo Album
Legendary guitar and piano/keyboard virtuoso, Tony MacAlpine‘s new selftitled album, to be released June 21 on Favored Nations, marks a highly-anticipated return to solo work...
May 10th, 2011
Artist Spotlight: DAVID MAXIM MICIC
Name: David Maxim Micic Age: Just turned 21! Hometown: I was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 5th, 1990, but I live in Belgrade, Serbia,...
May 9th, 2011
VEIL OF MAYA Prepares For European Tour & Demos New Tracks With PERIPHERY’S MISHA MANSOOR
Chicago’s VEIL OF MAYA are perennial road warriors and will continue their worldwide tour de force in support of their highly acclaimed [id] album, heading...
May 9th, 2011
Fractal Audio Systems Unveils The AXE-FX II
Check out Fractal’s press release here for the full list of improvements! Fractal Audio Systems, the creators of the popular Axe-Fx Standard and Ultra guitar processors,...
May 7th, 2011
Extended Range Composition
Hey everyone! I’m David – guitar player, composer and producer for the band Destiny Potato. In this lesson I will show you the tuning that...
May 2nd, 2011
THE KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND Announces New Album HOW I GO
Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud is releasing The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band’s new album, How I Go, on August 2nd, 2011. This is the band’s first...
April 29th, 2011
Creative Tapping Sequences
This lesson will explore tapping sequences that depart from the typical rock and metal patterns we all know and love. To drive this lesson, I...
April 28th, 2011
UNDEROATH & TIMES OF GRACE Embark On Illuminato[u]r
Open your mind and your eyes, hard rock fans! You are about to be illuminated this summer, thanks to the “Illuminato[u]r,” a brand new road...
April 27th, 2011
ALL SHALL PERISH Announces Album Title & Release Date
Oakland, California extreme metallers, ALL SHALL PERISH, have announced This Is Where It Ends as the title of their fourth full-length record and follow up...
April 23rd, 2011
Michael Romeo Interview – Symphony X (2011)
After touring the world in support of their acclaimed release Paradise Lost, progressive metal mastermind Michael Romeo and his band Symphony X returned to their studio,...
April 22nd, 2011
Sweeping Harmony
I’m going to break down a segment of my song ‘Event Horizon,’ from my album Quadrasonic, for you to check out and study. For me,...
April 20th, 2011
STRYPER Return To Their Roots With THE COVERING
Christian rockers Stryper are offering fans a headbanging view of who their influences were early on, with the arrival of almost an entire album’s worth...
April 20th, 2011
DREAM THEATER Offer An Exclusive Look Into Their Search For A New Drummer
A little more than a month after original drummer Mike Portnoy’s sudden departure from Dream Theater, the band held three days of auditions in New...
April 19th, 2011
PERIPHERY Releases ICARUS EP, Posts Webisode & Announces Drum Performance
There is no doubt that PERIPHERY are innovators, and guitarist Misha Mansoor is being hailed by industry experts and his peers as one of the...
April 16th, 2011
Lee McKinney & Jason Richardson Interview (Born Of Osiris)
As those of you into the metal scene are probably aware, all the rage about Born Of Osiris’s new album turned their March release into...
April 14th, 2011
SCAR SYMMETRY Post Album Trailers And 2 Songs From THE UNSEEN EMPIRE
Swedish progressive melodic death metal heroes SCAR SYMMETRY have uploaded another short album teaser for their upcoming masterpiece The Unseen Empire. Check it out above,...
April 12th, 2011
Between the Buried and Me – The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues
Between the Buried and Me have again managed to warp all preconceived notions of the metal genre with their new EP The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues....
April 11th, 2011
Turisas – Stand Up And Fight
Compared to most bands in the folk/Viking metal world, Turisas’s understanding and control of complex harmonic structures and unique melodic writing is exceptional. This, combined...
April 3rd, 2011
Metal Foundations Lesson 2: Riff Concepts
Welcome back, fellow metallers! Last lesson, I introduced some basic rhythmic subdivisions and the palm muting technique. Expanding on palm muting and timing importance, this...
April 2nd, 2011
Scale The Summit: Chris Letchford & Travis LeVrier Masterclass
Learn ‘The Levitated’ Part One CL: This first part is the intro that I play by myself in the beginning. What I’m doing is starting...
April 2nd, 2011
Chris Letchford & Travis LeVrier Interview (Scale The Summit)
Modern prog instrumentalists Travis LeVrier and Chris Letchford of Scale the Summit discuss their new album The Collective as they unfold a new and exciting...
April 1st, 2011
Artist Spotlight: DANNY DODGE
Name: Danny Dodge Age: 19 Hometown: I was born in Ottawa, Canada. I lived there for 5 years before moving to the States. I plan...
April 1st, 2011
DDM Releases Debut Album LUCIDITY
Danny Dodge, who recently captured the public’s attention with ‘Death Metal Friday,’ his brutal answer to Rebecca Black’s ‘Friday,’ released his first album Lucidity today...
March 29th, 2011
Fusion Licks That Rock
Hi, my name is Murilo Romano. It's a great pleasure to be here with you! Today I’ll be using the solo from my song ‘Nostradamus’...
March 24th, 2011
PERIPHERY Streams New Track ‘Frak The Gods’
Periphery has released the song ‘Frak The Gods‘ from their upcoming Icarus EP for fans to stream! Having completed their European League Of Extraordinary Djentlemen...
March 21st, 2011
JOHN WESLEY Releases THE LILYPAD SUITE And Prepares To Tour The Northeast
the lilypad suite is a six-song collection that was written over the last few years and recorded over the last few weeks in Tampa’s RedRoom...
March 18th, 2011
ALL SHALL PERISH Studio Update #4
Oakland, California extreme metallers ALL SHALL PERISH have posted the fourth installment of their new studio reports. ALL SHALL PERISH recently completed their fourth album, the follow up...
March 17th, 2011
TEXTURES Studio Report (Part One)
Progressive technical metal band TEXTURES continue their work on their fourth studio album at Split Second Sound studios in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In their first...
March 11th, 2011
BLACK STONE CHERRY Announces New Record Due May 31
Kentucky’s Black Stone Cherry, comprised of vocalist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Jon Lawhon and Drummer John Fred Young, is a band adept at...
March 10th, 2011
SOILWORK Forced To Cancel Upcoming North American Tour
Swedish modern metallers SOILWORK – who were originally scheduled to head out this April & May supporting SYMPHONY X – have regretfully been forced to...
March 9th, 2011
Mike Starr (ALICE IN CHAINS) Dies
Mike Starr, the original bassist for grunge icons Alice In Chains, was found dead by police on March 8th at his home in Salt Lake...
March 8th, 2011
T.R.A.M. (Featuring Tosin Abasi) Signs With Sumerian Records
The newly-formed T.R.A.M. is comprised of such renowned artists as Adrian Terrazas (The Mars Volta) on saxophone, flute, bass clarinet and percussion, Javier Reyes (Animals...
March 7th, 2011
20 Tips: How To Choose Your Next Record Producer
The most important thing to a musician is the music that you create. You spend years developing a distinctive sound and style before finally getting...
March 4th, 2011
PERIPHERY Launches North American Tour With Extended Set For All Headlining Shows This Week
There is no doubt that PERIPHERY are innovators and guitarist Misha Mansoor is being hailed by industry experts and his peers as one of the...
March 2nd, 2011
DRAGONFORCE Reveals New Singer
UK based metal heroes DRAGONFORCE have announced that their long search for a new vocalist is finally over. After entries from thousands of hopefuls across...
March 1st, 2011
Falkenbach – Tiurida
Originality is hard to come by in the vast realm of folk metal. Although the music can certainly be catchy and undeniably fun, the essence...
March 1st, 2011
BETWEEN THE BURED AND ME To Release THE PARALLAX: HYPERSLEEP DIALOGUES
Globally celebrated progressive rock/cutting-edge metal innovators BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME (aka BTBAM) will release their new album The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues on April 12,...
February 28th, 2011
SCAR SYMMETRY Reveals Album Cover + Details For THE UNSEEN EMPIRE
Swedish progressive melodic death metallers SCAR SYMMETRY just revealed the cover artwork for the bands upcoming album The Unseen Empire. Furthermore, drummer Henrik Ohlsson stated the following about...
February 25th, 2011
Motörhead – The Wörld is Yours
With many bands trying too hard to reinvent their image and sound, it’s refreshing to come across such consistency. The Wörld is Yours, Motörhead’s twentieth studio...
February 19th, 2011
Veil Of Maya: Marc Okubo Masterclass (Part 2)
Unbreakable Riff [Marc’s guitar is tuned to Drop-B for all examples in this Masterclass: B F# B E G# C#] This riff calls for left-hand flexibility...
February 19th, 2011
Veil Of Maya: Marc Okubo Masterclass (Part 1)
We Bow In Its Aura Riff 1 [Marc’s guitar is tuned to Drop-B for all examples in this Masterclass: B F# B E G# C#]...
February 18th, 2011
James Smith & Timothy McTague Interview (Underoath)
Throughout their decade-long journey, Tampa, Florida’s Underoath have crafted a unique and ever-evolving style, securing them as one of the premier acts in today’s heavy...
February 17th, 2011
Putting Jazz In Metal With Ever Forthright
Welcome to Guitar Messenger! I’m Nick from the band Ever Forthright. Today we’re going to use excerpts from two of our recent songs, ‘The Counter...
February 12th, 2011
A Lesson On Tensions Part 2: Putting the Voicings Into Action
In my last lesson I bombarded you with tons of thick, gooey tension-filled voicings, and explained how they work. As we all know, with new...
February 9th, 2011
Agalloch – Marrow Of The Spirit
As one of the greatest bands you’ve probably never heard of, Agalloch has been changing the landscape of the metal genre since their formation in...
February 7th, 2011
Guitar Legend STEVE VAI and BERKLEE Attempt World Record For Largest Online Guitar Lesson
Berkleemusic, the online continuing education division of Berklee College of Music, along with Grammy-award winning guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, announced a call to action today...
February 6th, 2011
Irish Guitar Luminary GARY MOORE Dies At 58
The legendary guitarist Gary Moore passed away early this morning in Spain. Moore was known among rock fans for his stints with Irish hard rock...
January 31st, 2011
HAUNTED SHORES Releases ‘Terra Firma’ With Vocals
Haunted Shores by Haunted Shores In anticipation of the release of their full-length debut, Washington, DC-based Haunted Shores has released their latest song ‘Terra...
January 26th, 2011
PERIPHERY Announces New ICARUS LIVES EP Details And Tour Info
There is no doubt that Periphery are innovators, and they continue to raise the bar of originality upon the release of their much anticipated new...
January 25th, 2011
TIMES OF GRACE Announces Touring Lineup
Times of Grace are excited to announce that they have solidified the touring lineup for their forthcoming debut tour this February. The core of the...
January 24th, 2011
Metal Foundations Lesson 1: Rhythm Guitar Development
What’s that? You want to learn some metal guitar? You’re a beginner, too? No way! You came to the right place, my friend. Welcome to...
January 22nd, 2011
HD Trailer Released For New JASON BECKER Documentary PERPETUAL BURN
Perpetual Burn tells the inspiring story of Jason Becker, a guitar prodigy who despite being diagnosed with ALS at the height of his promising performing career...
January 21st, 2011
EVER FORTHRIGHT Releases ‘Dispose Of Your Optimism’ & Prepares To Unveil Debut EP (UPDATED)
Progressive Metal/Jazz or ‘Djazz’ ensemble Ever Forthright has released ‘Dispose Of Your Optimism,’ their third song with new vocalist Chris Barretto, of Friend For A Foe...
January 19th, 2011
Pierre Bensusan Interview
Musical nomad Pierre Bensusan discovered the guitar in his early teens, and it wasn’t long before his home-crafted skills earned him critical acclaim at the...
January 19th, 2011
Pierre Bensusan Masterclass
[Pierre’s guitar is tuned to D A D G A D, low to high, for all examples in this Masterclass.] Chords in Alternate Tunings If you play...
January 11th, 2011
Tommy Emmanuel Interview
Australian virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel is going on five decades of professional guitar playing. At an age when most of us were occupied with learning our...
December 31st, 2010
Soulive @ The Paradise – Boston, MA
New Year’s Eve: The clock ticks down to midnight like the master plan of a James Bond nemesis. The secluded lair is the Paradise, the...
December 30th, 2010
Kylesa – Spiral Shadow
Remember the days when all that was heavy could be traced geographically? The Bay Area forged titans of thrash, the East Coast staked a claim...
December 15th, 2010
TIMES OF GRACE Announces First-Ever Tour
Times of Grace, the collaboration between Adam Dutkiewicz and Jesse Leach, two old friends and renewed colleagues, are getting ready to take the show on...
December 14th, 2010
JOHN PETRUCCI Demonstrates His MESA/BOOGIE Mark V Amp Settings
For these videos, Dream Theater’s John Petrucci visited Mesa/Boogie’s California factory to give the world an insight into the way he uses the new Mark...
December 13th, 2010
BEN LEVIN GROUP Releases PULSE OF A NATION
Last week New England’s Ben Levin Group released Pulse of a Nation, a cathartic multi-movement epic depicting humanity’s reaction to the end of the world. Pulse is...
December 8th, 2010
THIS TIME IT’S WAR Releases TERROR PLOTS
After a lengthy recording process, the collapse of a record deal and a triumph of the independent spirit, Richmond, VA’s This Time It’s War released...
December 7th, 2010
TIMES OF GRACE Releases Their First Video: THE HYMN OF A BROKEN MAN
Alternative Press has teamed up with Jesse Leach and Adam D’s Times of Grace to premiere the duo’s first official video for “Strength in Numbers”...
December 6th, 2010
OPETH To Record Their Tenth Album In January; STEVEN WILSON To Mix
Swedish progressive metal legends Opeth will be entering Stockholm’s Atlantis Studios on January 31st of the new year to start recording their tenth album, which they...
December 2nd, 2010
BTBAM Vocalist TOMMY ROGERS To Release Debut Solo Album ‘PULSE’
TOMMY ROGERS, lead vocalist, keyboardist and founding member of the award-winning North Carolina progressive rock band BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME (also BTBAM) will release...
December 1st, 2010
GUTHRIE GOVAN CONTEST and CONCERT At Berklee – Winner PLAYS WITH GUTHRIE At The Show!
On January 28th of 2011, Guthrie Govan returns to Boston’s Berklee College of Music to play at the Berklee Performance Center, where he conducted a clinic...
November 24th, 2010
SOILWORK Releases 6 Parts Of Tour Documentary (UPDATED)
The Godfathers of Swedish modern metal, SOILWORK, have uploaded 6 parts of the bands tour documentary. The footage was filmed and edited by Tommy Jones and taken during...
November 21st, 2010
Blind Guardian @ The Palladium – Worcester, MA
Blind Guardian’s ‘The Bard’s Song – In The Forest’ tells us that no matter what lives and dies in this world, the tales woven by...
November 20th, 2010
Scar Symmetry: Per Nilsson Masterclass (Part 2)
The nimble Per Nilsson of progressive metal band Scar Symmetry demonstrates parts of 'Holographic Universe' and 'Prism And Gate,' and explains his approach to tapping...
November 20th, 2010
Scar Symmetry: Per Nilsson Masterclass (Part 1)
The nimble Per Nilsson of progressive metal band Scar Symmetry demonstrates licks from 'Ghost Prototype Part 1' and 'Ascension Chamber,' and breaks down the devious...
November 20th, 2010
Per Nilsson Interview (Scar Symmetry)
With their progressive blend of melody and brutality, Sweden’s Scar Symmetry are pioneering metal with their own distinct take on the genre. Per Nilsson makes his...
November 16th, 2010
HAUNTED SHORES Releases ‘Passenger’ and ‘My The Man’, Announce Partial Lineup Of Vocalists (UPDATED)
Haunted Shores, a collaboration between Mark Holcomb and Periphery’s Misha Mansoor, released a track on September 24th from their upcoming full-length debut. The album, which...
November 15th, 2010
Periphery / Haunted Shores: Mark Holcomb Masterclass (Part 2)
Haunted Shores' riff artist Mark Holcomb breaks down chunks of 'Sentient Glow,' 'Scarlet' and 'Terra Firma.'...
November 15th, 2010
Periphery / Haunted Shores: Mark Holcomb Masterclass (Part 1)
Haunted Shores' riff artist Mark Holcomb discusses chord voicings for drop-tunings and offers a treasure trove of tricky riffs from the songs 'Immaterial' and 'Passenger.'...
November 12th, 2010
Artist Riff: Alex Bois of Periphery Plays ‘Frak The Gods’
Periphery's Alex Bois demonstrates some of his favorite riffs from the devastating Battlestar Galactica-inspired 'Frak The Gods' off the band's Icarus EP. 'We play with...
November 12th, 2010
Marc Okubo (Veil Of Maya) & Misha Mansoor (Periphery) Interview
We at Guitar Messenger already had plans to interview Veil Of Maya’s Marc Okubo, but once we saw the announcement of their tour with Periphery,...
November 9th, 2010
Buying Your First Guitar: Part 2
Welcome back! In Part 1 of this article, we looked at various considerations and research tips to guide your search for the right guitar. Now...
November 9th, 2010
SYMPHONY X Announces Headlining North American Tour (UPDATED)
New Jersey’s progressive metal masters SYMPHONY X are pleased to announce their headlining North American tour featuring Seattle’s Nevermore, Soilwork from Sweden, Boston‘s Powerglove, and...
November 7th, 2010
Eric Johnson Interview (2010)
We last spoke with guitar luminary Eric Johnson during his debut with the Experience Hendrix tour in 2008. Two years later, following his third appearance...
November 5th, 2010
Dimmu Borgir with Enslaved @ The Palladium – Worcester, MA
It was a night of legendary Norwegian metal at the Palladium, with both Enslaved and Dimmu Borgir taking the stage in support of their acclaimed...
November 5th, 2010
Silenoz & Galder Interview (Dimmu Borgir)
Dimmu Borgir’s international success in a genre that celebrates dissonance and gritty production is nothing short of remarkable. Since their formation in 1993, Norway’s Dimmu...
November 4th, 2010
The Orb Featuring David Gilmour – Metallic Spheres
Alex Paterson is an unsung audio chemist. As the main brain of the musical collective known as The Orb, he first dosed the music scene...
October 29th, 2010
Devin Townsend Project with TesseracT @ The Palladium – Worcester, MA
Anyone who has experienced a performance by Devin Townsend can attest to his incredible charisma and stage presence. Few musicians have carved out careers comparable...
October 28th, 2010
SLASH Debuts New Music Video Featuring FERGIE
Slash will premiere his steamy new music video for current single, ‘Beautiful Dangerous,’ featuring Fergie, from the guitarist’s self-titled debut today, October 28, 2010. Directed by...
October 28th, 2010
A Lesson On Tensions: Can You Paint With All the Colors of the Jazz Chord?
What’s so great about Jazz? What about that sound is so appealing? Why should we as guitarists take the time to study Jazz, even if...
October 28th, 2010
Slash Interview
Slash is more than an extraordinary musician – he’s a cultural icon. The top hat-wielding and Les Paul-slinging axeman’s instantly identifiable sound has helped to...
October 26th, 2010
VEIL OF MAYA Prepares For North American Fall Tour With DARKEST HOUR and PERIPHERY
The Chicago based Veil Of Maya encompass the good old American blue collar work ethic and have definitely taken the hard road to success grinding...
October 25th, 2010
ERIC JOHNSON Releases Expansive New Album & Joins EXPERIENCE HENDRIX Tour
Guitarist, songwriter and singer Eric Johnson brings listeners Up Close to his stunning musicality when the Grammy winning artist releases his sixth studio album on...
October 19th, 2010
Black Label Society @ House Of Blues – Boston, MA
In the darkness of the House Of Blues, the anxious calm was broken by the screeching cry of an air raid siren as Black Label Society...
October 18th, 2010
Iron Maiden – The Final Frontier
The Law of Aging Metal Bands would dictate that Iron Maiden, now in its 35th year, should be long excused from the artistic role call....
October 14th, 2010
SLASH Signs On For OZZY OSBOURNE Tour
Living legend Slash is set to hit the road again. After wrapping up his sold out “We’re All Gonna Die” headlining tour featuring Myles Kennedy,...
October 13th, 2010
Buying Your First Guitar: Part 1
Greetings to everyone at Guitar Messenger! I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the Guitar Messenger community with this article. If you are...
October 13th, 2010
Hardcore Heavyweights THE EMPIRE SHALL FALL Release Debut Album ‘AWAKEN’ To Major Retailers
Providence, RI-based The Empire Shall Fall, the brainchild of longtime friends Nick Sollecito and former Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach, celebrated the retail release of...
October 8th, 2010
Richie Kotzen @ The Viper Room – West Hollywood, CA
Vocalist and guitar hero Richie Kotzen has toured the world many times, both in bands such as Poison and Mr. Big, and as a solo...
October 5th, 2010
Basic Blues Substitutions
Over the years I’ve found that while most guitarists have an easy time learning to comp and solo over the 12-bar blues, many people struggle...
September 28th, 2010
Ignition Part 1: Listening
Now, I know that since this is a recording column, naturally everyone wants to know what gear is good and what they should buy and...
September 27th, 2010
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Prepares To Release ‘RELENTLESS’
“Shred guitar” and “neo classical metal” are two phrases that have been commonplace in the world of heavy metal for decades by this point, but...
September 24th, 2010
KING’S X Kick Off Co-Headlining Tour With ACCEPT
International music critics and rock gourmets agree: King’s X is among the most unusual acts in the history of rock music. Their technical skills are...
September 23rd, 2010
NEVERMORE Prepares For Massive Headlining North American Tour
The anticipation for NEVERMORE’s headlining North American fall trek is now at an all-time high as the massive tour prepares to kick off in the...
September 22nd, 2010
STONE SOUR Debuts Top 10 With ‘AUDIO SECRECY’
New York, NY: Fueled by hit single ‘Say You’ll Haunt Me,’ new STONE SOUR album Audio Secrecy (Roadrunner Records) entered Billboard’s Top 200 this week...
September 21st, 2010
HALFORD Confirms North American OZZY OSBOURNE Tour Dates
Metal God Records and Rob Halford are pleased to confirm Halford North American concert dates November and December with Ozzy Osbourne! Twelve cities are currently available...
September 20th, 2010
THREAT SIGNAL Seek New Drummer
Canada’s modern metal masters, THREAT SIGNAL, have parted ways with drummer Norm Killeen and are currently auditioning new members for the position. The band has issued the...
September 19th, 2010
TESSERACT Release New Samples From THE CONCEALING FATE EP
Progressive Metal act TesseracT will release their Concealing Fate EP on Oct. 12th. This EP will be available online with a limited edition digipack sold...
September 19th, 2010
5 Tech Tools to Maximize Your Practice
The metronome, invented in 1812, sounded the first four even beats of a new era for music technology. Since the onset of the digital...
September 18th, 2010
FIREWIND Announce Four Special North American Headlining Shows This Fall
The Greek melodic metal phenomenon FIREWIND, led by the young guitar sensation Gus G., have returned with the scathing new studio album Days of Defiance,...
September 17th, 2010
TEXTURES Announces New Keyboard Player
The members of Dutch extreme progressive technical metal band TEXTURES are proud to announce the addition of new keyboard and sample-maestro Uri Dijk to their line-up....
September 16th, 2010
‘DIO At Donington UK’ Coming This November
2010 will go down as the year that we lost one of hard rock/heavy metal’s all-time great vocalists, Ronnie James Dio (after a valiant battle...
September 15th, 2010
Slash @ House Of Blues – Boston, MA
Slash has been busy since his departure from rock powerhouse Guns ‘N Roses – first with Slash’s Snakepit, then Velvet Revolver and now with the...
September 15th, 2010
Where The Wild Things Are DOUBLE VINYL
Available September 14th, 2010 With over 15 million career album and DVD sales around the world, Steve Vai will soon be adding to these figures...
September 14th, 2010
In The Wake Of Portnoy’s Departure
Drummer Mike Portnoy, who announced his withdrawal from Dream Theater last Wednesday September 8th, followed up soon after with this message: “I BEG of the...
September 8th, 2010
BLIND GUARDIAN Announce North American Tour Dates
Triumphantly returning to North American shores in support of their Billboard-charting new album At The Edge Of Time, Germany’s favorite sons BLIND GUARDIAN are pleased to...
September 8th, 2010
Mike Portnoy LEAVES Dream Theater
Today drum legend and Dream Theater co-founder Mike Portnoy announced the following through his forum and Facebook page: “I am about to write something I...
September 7th, 2010
The Almighty ii-V: Part 2 (Minor)
Sultry. Spicy. Rich. Exotic. No, I am not talking about your mother. I’m talking about Jazz standards in minor keys. Though they make up a...
September 7th, 2010
MESHUGGAH’s “Bleed” now available on the RockBand Network
The MESHUGGAH track “Bleed” is now available for purchase from the RockBand Network’s online store for Playstation 3 & XBOX 360. The track comes off the band’s...
September 3rd, 2010
DIMMU BORGIR Announce North American Tour
A foreboding Wagnerian majesty will soon shroud all major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Launching the “Darkness Reborn Tour” on Friday, November 5th in Worcester, Massachusetts,...
September 2nd, 2010
TEXTURES Guitarist Launches “Inside The Songs” Online Video Series
TEXTURES 7-string guitarist Bart Hennephof has launched an “Inside The Songs” online video series explaining “some of the coolest riffs used in the songs by TEXTURES. I...
September 1st, 2010
TESSERACT Announce THE CONCEALING FATE EP Details; Prepare For Devin Townsend North American Tour
Progressive Metal act TesseracT will release their Concealing Fate EP on Oct. 12th. This EP will be available online with a limited edition digipack sold...
August 31st, 2010
BEHEMOTH’s Nergal responds to overwhelming fan support
Since news on Nergal’s recent health issues has been released, the band, management, and label has received an overwhelming response from fans and bands all...
August 26th, 2010
ERIC JOHNSON and others unite for an acoustic guitar masters tour
Three of the most popular, talented, innovative and musically rich guitar players and composers in contemporary music will bring their acoustic guitars together to perform...
August 23rd, 2010
The Robert Cray Band – Cookin’ In Mobile
Release Date: July 27, 2010 After decades of serving up smooth, soul-infused blues, singer and master guitarist Robert Cray has at last released a live...
August 16th, 2010
Friend For A Foe Release Debut Song!
Washington DC based progressive metal group Friend For A Foe just released their debut song called “Niacin”. Niacin will be on an upcoming 6 song...
August 10th, 2010
Steve Morse & Sarah Spencer – Angelfire
Release Date: August 10, 2010 Throughout Steve Morse’s memorable career he has written music that draws on hard rock, country, British fusion and baroque classical....
July 31st, 2010
Animals As Leaders: Tosin Abasi Masterclass (Part 2)
In this second part of his masterclass for Guitar Messenger, Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders demonstrates the main riff and breaks down the opening...
July 31st, 2010
Artist Lick: Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders
Tosin Abasi of Animal As Leaders shows us one of his favorite licks – a fretboard-spanning flurry of arpeggiated fury. ...
July 31st, 2010
Animals As Leaders: Tosin Abasi Masterclass (Part 1)
In this first part of his masterclass for Guitar Messenger, Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders demonstrates his distinctive approach to tapping using a new...
July 31st, 2010
Tosin Abasi Interview (Animals As Leaders)
First emerging onto the metal scene with the Washington D.C.-based Reflux, extended-range guitarist Tosin Abasi quickly distinguished himself with his relentless riffage and captivating lead...
July 31st, 2010
Francesco Artusato Interview
2010 has been a landmark year for guitarist extraordinaire Francesco Artusato; within months he joined forces with California’s extreme metal powerhouse All Shall Perish and...
July 29th, 2010
Century Media announces worldwide signing of TESSERACT
Hailed as one of the best unsigned bands from everyone from the Washington Post to UK’s Rock Sound magazine, TESSERACT are pleased to finally shed...
July 22nd, 2010
Dream Theater’s JAMES LABRIE Unveils His New Static Impulse Solo Release
Dream Theater’s JAMES LABRIE is easily one of the defining, elite and naturally talented vocalists the world has to offer and after selling over a...
July 20th, 2010
Electro-Harmonix Release The Freeze Sound Retainer & Headphone Amp
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY — Electro-Harmonix releases the Freeze Sound Retainer, a performance device that captures a frozen moment and turns it into a unique...
July 20th, 2010
Soilwork Kick Off North American Tour
The Godfathers of Swedish modern metal, SOILWORK, recently kick off their North American headlining tour with San Francisco Bay Area thrash legends DEATH ANGEL, Quebec’s tech-death masters...
July 16th, 2010
Jamming With Eric Krasno
Soulive's six-string soul maestro Eric Krasno demonstrates his dynamic style while improvising over two stellar grooves....
July 16th, 2010
Eric Krasno Interview
An acclaimed musician in today’s jazz, hip-hop, and funk circuits, Eric Krasno is best known as the guitarist and co-founder of the soul-funk powerhouse Soulive....
July 13th, 2010
Francesco Artusato joins All Shall Perish & Unveils Details of a New Solo Effort
June 9th, 2010 Guitar Messenger’s very own Francesco Artusato has recently been announced as the new touring guitarist for Oakland, California’s extreme metal unit All Shall Perish....
July 9th, 2010
George Bellas Interview (2010)
George Bellas is a unique figure in the world of instrumental guitar. His fusion of technical facility and compositional prowess allows him to consistently deliver...
June 30th, 2010
Tour Survival 101
I remember it perfectly. It was 19 weeks ago that I arrived in Manhattan, guitar in hand, frantically looking for Chelsea Studios. Chelsea is one...
June 28th, 2010
Steve Vai Presents: Western Vacation
In the early 1980s, Steve Vai had just moved to California and bought a house in rural Sylmar California. At the time, it was a...
June 14th, 2010
Altered Dimensions: The Altered Dominant Chord
The Altered Scale. Sound scary? Well it is. It’s a 20 story tall, fire-breathing beast with enough tension in it to break the entire universe...
June 9th, 2010
Electro-Harmonix releases the Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi & 44 Magnum Power Amp
ELECTRO-HARMONIX RELEASES THE GERMANIUM 4 BIG MUFF Pi, a combination overdrive and distortion pedal using four classic Germanium transistors. Electro-Harmonix has resurrected the warm sound...
June 3rd, 2010
George Bellas – The Dawn of Time
The Dawn Of Time – Coming July 16th, 2010. In the beginning there was nothing… And then there was light! The Dawn Of Time. Fifteen...
May 28th, 2010
Guitar Virtuoso Month at Lion Music
To celebrate the release of new albums from world acclaimed guitar virtuosos George Bellas and Alex Masi on July 16th, Lion Music are celebrating “Guitar...
May 16th, 2010
Dark Tranquillity @ Harper’s Ferry – Allston, MA
Only three months after playing a short set in Boston with Killswitch Engage, Dark Tranquillity returned to treat their loyal fans to a headlining show...
May 16th, 2010
Legendary Heavy Metal Vocalist RONNIE JAMES DIO Dies
Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:...
May 14th, 2010
Peter Wichers Comments on Producing New SOILWORK Record
The Godfathers of Swedish modern metal, SOILWORK, will release The Panic Broadcast on July 2 (EUROPE) and July 13 (N. America) via Nuclear Blast. It...
April 24th, 2010
Periphery: Misha Mansoor Masterclass (Part 2)
Periphery's Misha Mansoor teaches you the djenty ending of 'Insomnia,' a slew of riffs from 'Racecar' and some 'Zyglrox' madness in AGCFAD!...
April 24th, 2010
Periphery: Misha Mansoor Masterclass (Part 1)
Periphery's Misha Mansoor talks djent, demonstrates his favorite chord voicings and teaches exceprts from 'Buttersnips!'...
April 24th, 2010
Misha Mansoor Interview (Periphery)
Always striving to expand the outer limits of their sound, Periphery is a band that’s living up to their name – and storming onto the...
April 15th, 2010
Periphery debuts ‘Icarus Lives’ Video
Today Periphery have released their video for ‘Icarus Lives’ off their upcoming self-titled debut via Metal Injection. The album is coming out on April 20th...
April 13th, 2010
Guitar Legend Steve Vai to Release “Where The Other Wild Things Are”
Los Angeles, CA, February 10, 2010: Triple GRAMMY® Award winning guitarist Steve Vai will release a new live album, “Where The Other Wild Things Are,”...
April 10th, 2010
Create Marketing Tools
Creating marketing tools (A.K.A “Merch”—T-shirts, hats, and stickers that bear your name, logo or slogan) help to increase your exposure, strengthen your brand name, and...
March 30th, 2010
KORN sign to Roadrunner Records – Album Due Summer 2010
New York, NY: Roadrunner Records announced today the worldwide signing of multi-platinum, genre-defining hard rock band Korn to the label. Korn III – Remember Who You...
March 25th, 2010
TEXTURES Announce New Front Man
Dutch extreme progressive technical metallers TEXTURES are excited to announce that Daniel de Jongh, former front man of the Dutch metal band Cilice, will replace...
March 24th, 2010
Guitar Tone: Body Woods
Today we’ll discuss the piece of your guitar which many believe has the biggest influence on your sound – one which is a huge deciding...
March 18th, 2010
Finntroll – Nifelvind
The trolls have returned from the depths of the Finnish swamps, releasing their most wicked and whimsical offering yet. Nifelvind surely packs in more variety...
March 7th, 2010
Red Light District
Hello readers, if you’ve stumbled upon this then I guess you’re somewhat interested in the wide (and very confusing) world of audio production/recording. Throughout this...
March 4th, 2010
DREAM THEATER to support IRON MAIDEN on Summer Tour
New York, NY: Prog rock/metal icons DREAM THEATER will spend their summer supporting Iron Maiden on the band’s month-long tour of major US and Canadian...
March 3rd, 2010
Workshop Featuring Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, Alex De Grassi, Scott Tennant
Bigfork, Montana (PRWEB) March 3, 2010 – The non-profit Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation (CCGF) announced today its first annual guitar festival and workshop....
February 27th, 2010
Oz Noy Interview
The first time I heard about Oz Noy was when I saw an advertisement for his first record in a guitar magazine. The ad had...
February 25th, 2010
DARK TRANQUILLITY Vocalist Checks In From Killswitch Engage Tour
As the anticipation surrounding the new, highly acclaimed DARK TRANQUILLITY album, We Are The Void, continues to build to epic proportions Mikael Stanne (vocals) checks...
February 24th, 2010
Harmonic Overlapping
I first came about Harmonic Overlapping when studying the formation and inversion of chords, a subject that quickly became an obsession of mine. The idea of...
February 23rd, 2010
No 800 Numbers
Quit waiting for magic potions and 1-800 numbers to success. Put together a plan and get your work ethic in check! In order to attract...
February 13th, 2010
God of War III: Blood & Metal EP
Release Date: March 2, 2010 If any game deserves to have a soundtrack written for it featuring some of today’s leading metal bands, that game is...
February 9th, 2010
The Almighty ii-V: Part 1 (Major)
The ii-V. All hail the ii-V. Never question it. Accept it. Embrace it. And then once you’re sick of it you can puke it out...
February 5th, 2010
Guitar Scale Magnets Inc. Launches New Products for Learning and Playing Scales
Guitar Scale Magnets is a finger positioning tool for learning and playing musical scales that is located on the top of the guitar’s neck adjacent...
February 4th, 2010
Dark Tranquillity @ House Of Blues – Boston, MA
Fans of melodic death metal were treated to some of Sweden’s finest when Dark Tranquillity took the stage at the House Of Blues in Boston...
February 4th, 2010
Martin Henriksson & Niklas Sundin Interview (Dark Tranquillity)
Few bands are as committed to crafting quality melodic death metal as Gothenburg, Sweden’s Dark Tranquillity. Since their formation in 1989, the band’s music has...
January 29th, 2010
Guthrie Govan Interview (2010)
We last spoke to guitarist extraordinaire Guthrie Govan at the NAMM 2009 Show in Anaheim, California. Throughout the past year Guthrie’s kept quite busy with...
January 23rd, 2010
TEXTURES Singer Leaves Band
Singer Eric Kalsbeek has left TEXTURES to focus on his job and his family. He’s issued the following statement: “Dear Fans & Friends, I decided...
January 20th, 2010
Guthrie Govan announces clinics and performances in Massachusetts with Jon Finn Group
Virtuoso guitarist Guthrie Govan has recently announced a string of clinics and performances in Massachusetts with the Jon Finn Group beginning with a special clinic at...
January 20th, 2010
Periphery: New Singer & New Album Teaser
Bethesda, Maryland based djentlemen PERIPHERY have announced some major news of new singer Spencer Sotelo joining the band and posted an album teaser for their...
January 14th, 2010
Katatonia – Night Is The New Day
Release Dates: November 2, 2009 (Europe)/November 10, 2009 (North America) Katatonia have been honing their brooding brand of rock for years. Originally formed as a...
January 6th, 2010
New George Bellas Album – The Dawn Of Time
Combining elements of Romanticism and Futurism with mind boggling drum performances by Marco Minnemann, and guitar, bass and keys performed by George Bellas, “The Dawn...
January 4th, 2010
Soundgarden to reunite in 2010
“Soundgarden will reunite for concerts in 2010, according to a Twitter message from frontman Chris Cornell which directs fans to a new Web site, Soundgardenworld.com....
December 29th, 2009
Avenged Sevenfold drummer dies at 28
James Owen Sullivan, the drummer with California band Avenged Sevenfold, was found dead on Monday, according to police. He was 28. Sullivan was found “unresponsive”...
December 11th, 2009
Killswitch Engage announce winter headline tour with The Devil Wears Prada & Dark Tranquillity
FIRST HEADLINE TOUR IN SUPPORT OF NEW ALBUM KICKS OFF IN MASSACHUSETTS IN FEBRUARY New York, NY: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, whose critically acclaimed, self-titled album Killswitch...
December 4th, 2009
DREAM THEATER Updates
Dream Theater release documentary road video for new single WITHER. The Progressive Rock Titans are now in midst of touring Australia and New Zealand. The...
December 3rd, 2009
More LION MUSIC artists speak out on THE MURDER OF MUSIC
In support of Borislav Mitic’s statement on the murder of music more Lion Music artists are adding their own weight and support to our awareness...
December 2nd, 2009
Exclusive clip of Yngwie Malmsteen’s cover of BEAT IT
Yngwie Malmsteen will release a new album called “High Impact” on December 8 (one day earlier internationally). The set is described as “a mind-boggling, high-paced...
December 1st, 2009
Opeth Announce 20th Anniversary Shows
“Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology” Band to perform six exclusive shows to celebrate twentieth anniversary this spring. New York, NY: Sweden’s OPETH, easily one of...
November 24th, 2009
BORISLAV MITIC Discusses the Murder of Music
Borislav Mitic returns with a majestic new album The Absolute. The virtuoso Shredmaster delivers his strongest musical statement as of yet for Lion Music. The...
November 17th, 2009
Symphony X: “Working hard on the new CD”
Michael Romeo, guitarist & songwriter for North America’s progressive metal gods SYMPHONY X, comments on the band’s recent signing with Nuclear Blast Records and the...
November 10th, 2009
Richie Kotzen – Peace Sign
Release Date: September 9, 2009 Richie Kotzen’s latest offering, Peace Sign, once again showcases the distinctive blend of styles that has won the virtuoso guitarist...
November 6th, 2009
Yngwie Malmsteen new album details revealed
Yngwie Malmsteen’s new album is called HIGH IMPACT and it’s set to release on December 7 (Europe) and December 8 Worldwide. “Can’t wait! The rumor...
October 21st, 2009
Steve Morse Interview
Arguably, Steve embarked upon his career in the 10th grade, after being expelled from school for refusing to cut his hair. It makes sense then,...
October 21st, 2009
Steve Morse Masterclass
Electric guitar luminary Steve Morse welcomes you with a stunning solo, runs through his warm-up routine and teaches you to play harp harmonics using Deep...
October 21st, 2009
Artist Lick: Steve Morse
Guitar legend Steve Morse demonstrates his burning take on the blues, in an Artist Lick taken from the Dixie Dregs’ 'Rock & Roll Park' from...
October 20th, 2009
Steve Morse Bonus: Gear Gallery
Come take a look at Steve Morse's live rig from his Out Standing In Their Field tour with the Steve Morse Band. These pictures were...
October 16th, 2009
OPETH members involved in auto crash
Guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH has issued the following update: “Myself, Axe [OPETH drummer Martin Axenrot], Fredrik [Åkesson; OPETH guitarist] and our...
October 7th, 2009
SCAR SYMMETRY – Video Introduction of New Singers Posted!
Swedish-progressive-melodic-death metallers SCAR SYMMETRY have just posted the first of two video trailers to introduce their new singer duo, Lars Palmqvist & Roberth “Robban” Karlsson,...
September 27th, 2009
John Wesley Interview (Porcupine Tree)
A multi-faceted guitarist, singer, and songwriter, John Wesley is best known for his work as touring guitarist and backing vocalist for British progressive rock luminaries...
September 16th, 2009
Coldplay’s Joe Satriani lawsuit dismissed from court
Guitarist Joe Satriani’s lawsuit against Coldplay, based on his accusation that Chris Marin and co plagiarised his 2004 song ‘If I Could Fly’ for their...
August 31st, 2009
Norway’s DIMMU BORGIR part ways with 2 members
Norwegian symphonic black metal band DIMMU BORGIR have issued the following statement: “We regret to inform you that we have parted ways with both I.C.S....
August 29th, 2009
OASIS Split After Backstage Brawl
The break-up is already being called “Wonderbrawl”. A smashed guitar, shouted words and angry exchanges on the internet signalled an end to the rock band...
August 21st, 2009
BEHEMOTH’s “Evangelion” debuts in the Billboard Charts!
Los Angeles, CA – August 19, 2009 – Metal Blade Records is proud to announce that leaders of blackened death metal, BEHEMOTH, have landed on...
August 20th, 2009
Rotosound launch British Steel strings
Rotosound’s world class reputation for making the best guitar strings goes before them. They have drawn on this history, experience and knowledge in designing the...
August 19th, 2009
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE announce 2 special one off shows
New York, NY: Fresh off their stint as one of the main stage attractions at this summer’s RockStar Energy Mayhem Fest, Massachusetts’ favorite sons KILLSWITCH...
August 12th, 2009
Joel Stroetzel Interview (Killswitch Engage)
Joel Stroetzel is best known for being one of the axe-slingers for Massachusetts-based Metalcore pioneers Killswitch Engage. In June 2009 the band released the self-titled Killswitch...
August 12th, 2009
Matt Heafy Interview (Trivium)
Matt Heafy was born on January 26, 1986 in Iwakuni, Japan and is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the Orlando, Florida...
July 24th, 2009
John Petrucci Interview (2009)
It’s been 2 years since we last spoke to guitar virtuoso John Petrucci. Since then John has reunited with Liquid Tension Experiment to complete a...
June 3rd, 2009
Francesco Artusato & Roy Lev-Ari (Hiss of Atrocities)
Hiss of Atrocities have established themselves as a band capable of delivering a brutal onslaught of complex rhythms, dark harmonies, and calculated aggression. Their particular...
April 13th, 2009
Jeff Beck @ House Of Blues – Boston, MA
Visits from Jeff Beck are cause for celebration – not only because these visits are so infrequent, or even because Beck was one of three...
March 18th, 2009
Eric Johnson – Anaheim DVD
Release Date : November 11, 2008 As any Eric Johnson fan knows, a new release from the legendary Texan is cause for celebration. A guitarist...
March 1st, 2009
How To Make A Kick-Ass Video
Just mention the word “video” and most of us think of those high-priced MTV videos only top artists can get played. This reminds me of...
February 21st, 2009
Diminished Possibilities: Part 2
Hey guys! Welcome again to my “Technical Difficulties” column – this is number 6 already! As the title suggests, this is the second part of...
January 21st, 2009
Artist Lick: Carl Verheyen
Renowned session pro, solo artist, and Supertramp guitarist Carl Verheyen presents his Guitar Messenger Artist Lick. This C minor lick is a great example of...
January 18th, 2009
Dave Martone Interview
Dave Martone hails from Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada), though he’s originally from outer space, where he devised his unique brand of modern progressive fusion. His...
January 17th, 2009
Guthrie Govan Interview (2009)
Guthrie Govan is one of the most versatile guitarists around. His vast range of influences and terrifying technique has allowed him to develop what seems...
January 17th, 2009
Dave Martone Masterclass
Instrumental rock and fusion virtuoso Dave Martone demonstrates his unique approach to two of his favorite techniques: tapping and hybrid picking, along with selections from...
January 10th, 2009
Framus Dragon Head & Cabinet
The appropriately-named Framus Dragon is indeed a fire-breathing beast. It’s a versatile 3-channel boutique amp that can deliver a range of tones, from sparkly cleans,...
December 16th, 2008
Jason Becker Interview
Jason Becker was born on July 22, 1969 and started playing the guitar at the age of 5. By the time Jason was only 16...
December 2nd, 2008
Social Networking vs. Business Networking
An open-ended letter to a friend on the topic of Social Networking versus Business Networking in the music industry [Editor’s Note: The views expressed are...
October 18th, 2008
Eric Johnson Interview
Eric Johnson is a remarkable artist who makes no compromises with any aspect of his music – from the well-crafted songwriting that spans various styles,...
September 25th, 2008
Scott Henderson’s “Stella by Infra-Red High Particle Neutron Beam” Solo
Welcome back to the Technical Difficulties column! As I previously did with the “Day of the Dead” solo by Allan Holdsworth, today I am going...
September 18th, 2008
Using a Metronome Effectively Part 4: Being One With the Tick
So you’ve got your metronome – (Part 1) – check. You understand the basics of rhythmic notation – (Part 2) – check. And now you’ve...
August 26th, 2008
Team Players
If you’re a member of a band, set ground rules early in your relationship to prevent legal and financial problems down the road. Being a...
July 16th, 2008
Opeth – Watershed
Release Date: June 3, 2008 With each album Opeth have released since their first album in 1995, they have been perfecting their combination of extreme metal’s...
July 1st, 2008
Joe Bonamassa Guitar Give-Away Contest (Closed)
Win an Epiphone Les Paul Special II Guitar signed by Joe Bonamassa! Made with a basswood body, bolt-on mahogany neck, smooth 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, and...
June 24th, 2008
Richie Kotzen Interview
Richie Kotzen is one of today’s most intriguing guitarists. He arrived on the music scene in the late 80’s through Mike Varney’s Shrapnel Records and...
June 23rd, 2008
Liquid Tension Experiment @ B.B. King’s Blues Club – New York, NY
After 10 years, Liquid Tension Experiment fans finally get what they want: another tour. Ever since Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Portnoy and guitarist John Petrucci...
May 31st, 2008
Opeth: Mikael Åkerfeldt Masterclass
In this Masterclass, progressive death metal legend Mikael Åkerfeldt discusses and demonstrates several songs from Opeth's Watershed, Still Life and the melancholy Damnation....
May 30th, 2008
Mikael Åkerfeldt Interview (Opeth)
Opeth’s newest release, Watershed, marks the band’s ninth studio album since their formation in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden. The band has always been known for...
May 30th, 2008
Opeth: Bonus – Mikael Åkerfeldt’s Gear
Take a backstage gear tour as Coty Allinson, Opeth's guitar technician, walks us through frontman and mastermind Mikael Åkerfeldt's live guitar rig....
May 30th, 2008
Progressive Nation 2008 @ Fillmore – Miami Beach, FL
Progressive rock luminaries Dream Theater founded the Progressive Nation tour this year in an effort to bring together some of the genre’s most exciting acts....
May 22nd, 2008
2-1-2 Arpeggio Permutations
Welcome to my fourth column/lesson. This time I would like to talk about a component of guitar playing that has always fascinated me: arpeggio permutations/fragments....
May 19th, 2008
Richie Kotzen – Go Faster
Release Date: August 21, 2007 Former Poison and Mr. Big guitarist Richie Kotzen has matured gracefully in the years since he entered the scene in 1989...
May 1st, 2008
Vanna @ Harper’s Ferry – Boston, MA
A gentle breeze softly caresses the dawning of a new spring day. The birds chirp merrily in the tranquil meadow, without a hint or warning...
April 27th, 2008
Mårten Hagström Interview (Meshuggah)
Meshuggah is a band that truly stands in a musical category of its own. Over the past two decades, the Swedish experimental metal group has...
April 12th, 2008
Eddie Jelley and Cold Shot (SRV Tribute) @ Palace Theater – Waterbury, CT
Every inch of the Waterbury Palace Theater is elegant enough to hold a crowd wearing tuxedoes and cocktail dresses – a far cry from the...
April 10th, 2008
Joe Satriani – Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock
Release Date: April 1, 2008 Joe Satriani has been in the business of making memorable instrumental guitar rock for more than two decades. After helping...
March 14th, 2008
Marco Sfogli Interview
Marco Sfogli is at the forefront of the new generation of virtuoso guitarists. He first appeared on the map after handling the guitar duties on...
February 21st, 2008
Artist Lick: Joel Stroetzel of Killswitch Engage
Joel Stroetzel of Killswitch Engage presents his screaming, guitar tech-thrilling Guitar Messenger Artist Lick. Joel is tuned to Drop-C [C G C F A D]...
February 21st, 2008
Putting It Together: Playing Bass Lines & Guide Tones Simultaneously
It’s great to be able to play guide tones as a stripped down approach to comping, and it’s awesome to be able to play bass...
February 20th, 2008
Meshuggah – obZen
Release Date: March 11th, 2008 The little preview I got of “Bleed” a few weeks prior to receiving my promo copy of obZen was not...
February 19th, 2008
Hate Eternal – Fury And Flames
Release Date: February 19th, 2008 Hate Eternal have once again proven that they are the King of all Kings. After facing several dilemmas last...
January 28th, 2008
Using a Metronome Effectively Part 3: Clocking Your Speed
So now that you’re set up with a quality metronome (Part 1) and understand the basics of how rhythmic time is divided, (Part 2) lets...
January 21st, 2008
Killswitch Engage: Learn to Play ‘This Fire Burns’
Metalcore riff gurus Adam D. and Joel Stroetzel of Killswitch Engage show you how to play their track 'This Fire Burns' from the WWE Wreckless...
January 21st, 2008
Artist Lick: Adam D of Killswitch Engage
Adam D of Killswitch Engage introduces the world to the almighty VERTIGO SQUEAL. Consult your physician before attempting to play this lick....
January 20th, 2008
Killswitch Engage: Learn to Play ‘Holy Diver’
Adam D. and Joel Stroetzel of Killswitch Engage teach you how to play their righteously reverent cover of Dio's classic 'Holy Diver.' Both Adam and...
January 20th, 2008
Messiaen – Canteyodjaya [1949]
Welcome back to Beyond Theory and to what already is column #5! Today we will be talking about Hindu Rhythms as applied by Oliver Messiaen...
January 19th, 2008
Killswitch Engage: Metal Moo Cows, Foghorns, and Elephants
Take a walk on the wild side with Adam D. and Joel Stroetzel of Killswitch Engage as they demonstrate how to create the wonderful noises...
January 9th, 2008
Diminished Possibilities: Part 1
Welcome to my third column/lesson. This time I’d like to talk a little bit about diminished scales/arpeggios with their possible application solos. Knowing how to...
January 7th, 2008
Ayreon – 01011001
Release Date; Jan. 29th, 2008 Arjen Lucassen never ceases to amaze, and nothing changes with the latest Ayreon masterpiece. Ayreon – 01011001 (or Y) is...
January 4th, 2008
Polyphonic Writing for Keyboard: Part 1
Hello and welcome back to Beyond Theory. In this column I would like us to get away from THEORY altogether and look closer at texturing...
January 3rd, 2008
Down in the Basement: Constructing Bass Lines on Guitar
As guitarists, our primary role in a jazz setting is to play chords, and very often we also play melody and/or solos. Because of our...
January 1st, 2008
Advanced Tapping: Extended Arpeggios
For many guys that want to tap better, they do not have the hand strength or built up dexterity to hammer onto the fretboard hard...
December 21st, 2007
Job For A Cowboy: Riffing Style
Watch Bobby Thompson and Ravi Bhadriraju of Job For A Cowboy demonstrate their death metal riffing techniques in this brutal showcase....
December 21st, 2007
Artist Lick: Bobby Thompson of Job For A Cowboy
Bobby Thompson of Job For A Cowboy presents his Guitar Messenger Artist Lick - a dizzying flurry of diminished tapping, accompanied by an alternate-picked variation....
November 21st, 2007
Artist Lick: Joe Stump
Berklee professor and neoclassical master Joe Stump demonstrates a deadly passage in F# Phrygian Dominant that utilizes alternate and economy picking....
November 18th, 2007
B.B. King Interview
[Editor’s Note: Very special thanks to Phillip-Michael for contributing this unique and intimate discussion with his uncle, the King, to Guitar Messenger.] Noble, Legendary, Dignified;...
November 16th, 2007
Bobby Thompson & Ravi Bhadriraju Interview (Job For A Cowboy)
Hailing from the depths of Glendale, Arizona, Job For A Cowboy have been stirring up a storm within the metal community ever since the release...
November 16th, 2007
Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Civic Center – Hartford, CT
They came upon the Midnight Clear, and lit up the Hartford Civic Center on November 16th with lights, lasers, pyrotechnics, smoke, and even snow, and...
November 10th, 2007
Joe Bonamassa Interview
Joe Bonamassa is one of the leading lights in today’s modern blues scene. His latest release, Sloe Gin, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues...
November 9th, 2007
Mark Tremonti Interview (Alter Bridge, Creed)
Mark Tremonti is a renowned guitarist and leader of rock powerhouse Alter Bridge, who just released their second album, Blackbird, in October 2007. The new...
October 28th, 2007
Allan Holdsworth’s “Day of the Dead” Solo
Welcome to my second column/lesson! This month I’d like to talk about one of my favorite players of all time – Allan Holdsworth. He’s been...
October 18th, 2007
Using a Metronome Effectively Part 2: Things Start to Click
Now that you know what to look for when you purchase a metronome (Part 1), let’s get started with actually practicing with one. A lot...
October 17th, 2007
Using a Metronome Effectively Part 1: Nervous Tick?
If you are a half capable guitarist you’ve probably heard the words, “Play something really fast,” by your friends, and it’s usually meant as a...
October 17th, 2007
The Octatonic Scale & Symphony of Psalms (Stravinsky)
I mentioned in the introduction to this column that it was my goal to talk about certain topics that rarely get mentioned on guitar related...
October 16th, 2007
Artist Management
Managing your career can be a daunting task. That’s why the artist management profession exists! If you actually break down what a manager does, you...
October 16th, 2007
Minor Scale Harmony
In the last column, we talked about harmonizing the Major Scale in 3rds so that we could find all diatonic chords for that scale from...
October 15th, 2007
Guide Tones: The Bare Essentials
Very often, "less is more" is a good policy to adopt when playing jazz. Overplaying usually gets both players and listeners pissed off because you're...
October 15th, 2007
Major Scale Harmony
For this first column, I feel its best that we start off with something simple. The purpose of this column is to show which chords...
October 15th, 2007
Different Groupings & Finger Independence
One of the most essential things that a guitar player can try to develop is the independence of fretting hand digits (equal control over every...
October 11th, 2007
John Petrucci Interview (2007)
John Petrucci is one of the founding members of Dream Theater, arguably today’s biggest progressive metal band. He has come to be known as one...
August 9th, 2007
Michael Romeo Interview – Symphony X (2007)
Michael Romeo is the founder and leader of power/progressive metal band Symphony X. This is a band that has been able to create their own...
May 1st, 2007
Robert Cray Interview
We’ve all heard a variation of the phrase “he can say more with one note than others can say with a million notes.” This one...
April 18th, 2007
Sasha Ostrovsky Interview
This interview features a true guitar master. However, Alexander ‘Sasha’ Ostrovsky’s talent is not limited to just the one type of guitar – he plays...
March 14th, 2007
Ron Thal (Bumblefoot) Interview
Wikipedia defines Bumblefoot as “ulcerative pododermatitis – a bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction on the foot of birds of prey and rodents.” However, it’s safe...
February 12th, 2007
Al Di Meola Interview
World-renowned guitar virtuoso Al Di Meola known for his eclectic mix of Latin jazz-fusion and fiery guitar lines. Over the years, he’s been named Best...
December 12th, 2006
Adam Dutkiewicz Interview (Killswitch Engage)
With a unique style, ferocious riffs, and great melodic sensibility, Killswitch Engage has morphed into one of today’s most successful acts in heavy music. The...
December 1st, 2006
Blind Guardian @ The Palladium – Worcester, MA
After four long years, German power metal kings Blind Guardian made their triumphant return to the United States to tour their new album A Twist...
November 26th, 2006
James Byrd Interview
James Byrd is perhaps one of the most underrated guitarists out there today. In fact, Guitar One Magazine named him one of “The 10 Best...
August 20th, 2006
Zakk Wylde Interview (2006)
Jeffery Phillip Wiedlandt was born on January 14, 1967 in Bayonne, New Jersey. Today, however, he’s best known as Zakk Wylde – leader of Black...
August 20th, 2006
Herman Li Interview (Dragonforce)
Over the last few years Dragonforce have established themselves as one of the premier bands in today’s metal scene. Their latest release, Inhuman Rampage, is...
May 1st, 2006
Joe Stump Interview
Shredlord Joe Stump is a professor at Berklee College of Music and is the head of the department of metal. GuitarOne Magazine rated him as...
April 18th, 2006
Paul Gilbert Interview
Paul Gilbert is best known for his work in the greatly successful band Mr. Big. However, Gilbert is also one of the leading guitar virtuosos...
March 28th, 2006
Joe Satriani Interview
Legendary guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani is one of the most widely respected musicians in the business and an inspiration to many other guitarists. In addition...
March 13th, 2006
George Bellas Interview 1
George Bellas is a guitar virtuoso and one of the leaders of the neoclassical scene, with three solo albums released and a truly unique musical...
February 27th, 2006
Greg Howe Interview
Guitar legend Greg Howe was one of the leaders of the virtuoso guitar movement of the 80’s, but soon thereafter he set himself apart from...
February 24th, 2006
Yngwie Malmsteen Interview
Yngwie Malmsteen is the undisputable king of neoclassical metal. Drawing from hard rock and blues influences in combination with classical music, he pioneered the genre...
February 13th, 2006
Michael Angelo Batio Interview
Shred virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio was rated by Guitar World magazine to be one of the “Top 100 Greatest Metal Guitar Players of All Time,”...
December 2nd, 2005
Derek Trucks Interview
Derek Trucks is a virtuoso blues artist and is also known as one of the greatest slide guitarists. In addition to leading the Derek Trucks...
