The term ‘guitar hero’ is part of the furniture of modern music, but the classic albums and spine-tingling live performances from which legends are carved were made by real musicians inspired by their own guitar heroes in their turn. In this lavishly illustrated 132-page digest, we explore the insights, influences and hard-won playing experience of some of the world’s greatest guitarists in a series of classic interviews. We also take a close look at the instruments with which they made history, including Jimi’s Strats, Peter Green’s legendary ’59 Les Paul, Rory Gallagher’s eclectic collection of electric and folk instruments, and much more. We also look back to the true pioneers: the early 20th century guitar innovators who showed the way for all who followed, from Django Reinhardt to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Any aficionado of guitars and great guitar playing will love this in-depth study of the roots of guitar greatness, which enriches and enlarges your own appreciation of guitar, as these masters of the instrument would surely wish. Containing insights into era-defining artists such as Larry Carlton, Robert Fripp, St Vincent, Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder, this beautifully presented volume is a rich well of six-string insight that is indispensable for anyone passionate about guitar.
Welcome to HEROES of GUITAR • THE MUSIC & GUITARS OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST PLAYERS
Guitarist Presents: Heroes of Guitar
JENNIFER BATTEN • After 30 years on the road and still very much in demand as one of the world’s busiest performers, Jennifer found some time away from her deliriously busy touring schedule to talk about life in music’s fast lane – and how her flight‑friendly ‘lite’ rig enables easy travelling and reliable tone
LARRY CARLTON • Larry Carlton’s fretwork has been the magic ingredient of so many great albums, it’s ridiculous. From his graceful, jazzy playing on Joni Mitchell’s Hejira to the ecstatic solos on Steely Dan’s The Royal Scam, he is the heavyweight champ of ES-335 artistry
Backing BB King • Larry Carlton on playing with the late, great King of the blues
Django Reinhardt • Few guitarists in the history of the instrument have inspired such devotion as the Belgian-born Gypsy genius Django Reinhardt. Nearly 70 years after his death, his infectious and, at times, outrageous guitar playing continues to delight, enthral and perplex generations of guitarists who fall under his spell
Super Selmer • Inside the guitar that gave Django his unique tone
ROBERT FRIPP • WITH A 32-DISC BOXSET OF HIS SOLO WORK DURING THE LATE 1970s ALREADY RELEASED INTO THE WILD AND A GUITAR BOOK COMING OUT IN EARLY AUTUMN, ROBERT SITS DOWN WITH US AT FRIPP HQ IN THE MIDDLE ENGLAND COUNTRYSIDE TO TALK ALL THINGS KING CRIMSON, AS WE TAKE AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE INSTRUMENTS THAT HAVE GIVEN VOICE TO SOME OF PROG-ROCK’S FINEST MOMENTS
WILD THINGS IN SEARCH OF JIMI’S STRATS • Over five decades since his untimely death, Jimi Hendrix remains synonymous with the Fender Stratocaster, a guitar that he would set alight – both figuratively and literally – on stages across the world throughout the 60s. But what became of those fated instruments? And will we ever find out since so many were reduced to splinters in his onstage histrionics? We set out to track down the Strats that accompanied the legendary musician on his musical journey
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
PIECES OF HISTORY
Find Your Perfect Tone • Every issue, Guitarist brings you the best gear, features, lessons and interviews to fuel your passion for guitar
ERIC GALES • ERIC GALES’ NEW ALBUM ‘CROWN’ IS THE WORK OF AN ARTIST AT HIS APEX. THE CHOPS ARE STAGGERING, BUT IT’S THE SONGWRITING – WHICH DELVES DEEP INTO HIS PAINFUL EXPERIENCES OF PREJUDICE, DEMONS OF SELF-DOUBT AND ADDICTION – THAT HITS YOU IN THE GUT. IS THERE ANYONE TO BETTER HIM...