Beyond the basics lies the territory of the giants. Welcome to the masterclass of guitar history. From the intricate, lightning-fast jazz odysseys of John McLaughlin to the soulful, precise blues mastery of Robben Ford, we explore the players who left an indelible mark on music. Uncover how masters like prog icon Ian Crichton shape their unique sonic identities, dissect their legendary gear setups, and follow the journeys of the guitar’s true pioneers.
Explore the legacy of Robert Doc Mthalane, widely revered as the Jimi Hendrix of South Africa. Known for his explosive work with Afro-rock band Kabasa and Busi Mhlongo, Mthalane revolutionized South African guitar culture by fusing traditional Zulu Maskandi rhythms with high-gain electric rock, creating a fiery, enduring sound that continues to inspire guitarists worldwide.
Stepping into the spotlight on an international arena tour requires far more than technical proficiency which demands absolute confidence, razor-sharp timing, and a stage presence that commands the entire room. British guitarist Anna Cara has proven she possesses all three in abundance, earning her place as one of the most compelling talents in modern hard … Read more
When director Jonathan Demme decided to greenlight the 2015 comedy-drama Ricki and the Flash, he handed down a terrifying, uncompromising directive to his cast and technical crew: no playback, no studio overdubs, and absolutely no miming. Every single note played by the fictional bar band “The Flash”—fronted by Meryl Streep as Ricki Rendazzo, an aging, … Read more
Standing at the absolute pinnacle of that musical crossroads is British guitar icon Richard Thompson. As a co-founding member of Fairport Convention and a legendary solo artist, Thompson didn’t just play folk-rock; he drew the literal blueprint for it.
To truly understand the sonic possibilities of the acoustic guitar, one must look past the conventional boundaries of standard tuning and academic fingerpicking. For over five decades, French-Algerian guitarist Pierre Bensusan has operated not merely as a musician, but as a sonic alchemist. Often hailed by peers as the “Mojo Man” or the “Mozart of … Read more
Todd Huth is the unsung architect behind the original, dissonant guitar voice of Primus and Sausage. By rejecting standard rock scales in favor of augmented intervals, scratching tritone riffs, and percussive syncopation, he helped create a completely new vocabulary for alternative rock guitarists. As Primus launches their three-band “Claypool Gold” tour, Huth’s early creative stamp remains a definitive blueprint of alternative rock innovation
If progressive rock has a quiet guitar hero whose style is instantly identifiable within a single bar, it is Ian Crichton. As the co-founder and explosive engine behind Canadian progressive rock giants Saga, Crichton built a legacy out of subverting what people expected from a 1970s prog guitarist. Instead of the sweeping, blues-based soloing of … Read more
Jerry Jeff Walker was the “Gypsy Songman” of the outlaw era. By blending folk storytelling with a rowdy Texas rhythm, he created a blueprint for generations of independent musicians. In 2026, his “gonzo” spirit remains the heart of Americana music
David Bromberg is the ultimate Americana alchemist. From bluegrass speed to soulful blues, his “M-model” Martin has defined the sound of roots music for generations. In 2026, he remains the gold standard for any guitarist who believes that versatility is the greatest virtuosity.
Derek Murray is the master of the “soulful twang.” As the lead guitarist for The Stunning, his blend of blues, soul, and rockabilly phrasing helped create the soundtrack of a generation. In 2026, as the band reaches new global heights, Murray remains the definitive example of a guitarist who plays for the song.
