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Explore the world of musicians and the music industry with our Artist & Industry guides. Discover artist profiles, interviews, industry news, and more.
Blue: The Story Behind Billie Joe Armstrong's Legendary Guitar
Picture this: a scrawny kid from working-class California, barely tall enough to reach the fretboard, unwrapping his first electric guitar. Little did young Billie Joe Armstrong know that this modest Fernandes Stratocaster copy would become the stuff of guitar legend. From the grimy clubs of Berkeley to sold-out stadiums worldwide, this battle-scarred instrument - now affectionately known as 'Blue' - has been Armstrong's faithful companion, helping to craft the unmistakable sound that catapulted Green Day from local misfits to global superstars.
Read MoreLast updated January 2025
Keith Richards’ Micawber: Inside the Rolling Stones Guitar Legend’s Five-String Telecaster
It's a battle-scarred Telecaster named after a Dickens character... and it helped define the Rolling Stones' swagger. When Keith Richards steps onto any stage worldwide, fans instantly recognize the butterscotch blonde instrument slung low across his body. This isn't just any guitar; it's Micawber, perhaps the most famous Telecaster in rock history and certainly the instrument most associated with Keith Richards.
Read MoreLast updated April 2025
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Clapton's Blackie Fender Strat: Specs, History and Legacy
In the pantheon of iconic guitars, few instruments have achieved the legendary status of "Blackie," Eric Clapton's faithful black Stratocaster that shaped the sound of modern blues rock for over a decade. This isn't just another famous guitarist's tool of trade. Blackie represents something far more significant in the guitar world: a custom-built masterpiece that became an extension of one of rock's greatest guitarists during his most creatively fertile period.
Read MoreLast updated April 2025
33 Famous Guitarists: Their First Guitar & How They Learned to Play
We look at 33 famous guitarists, their first guitar, how they learned to play, and the first song they learned.
Read MoreLast updated August 2025
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Jimi Hendrix's Iconic Guitar: The Woodstock White Strat Story
When Jimi Hendrix took the stage at Woodstock with his Olympic White Stratocaster, he didn't just play music; he created a moment that would forever change rock history. This is the complete story of the guitar that transcended its role as a mere instrument to become a symbol of artistic revolution and cultural transformation.
Read MoreLast updated August 2025
Notable Pianists Who Started Late: Inspiring Stories
We look at some notable pianists, how they learned to play, and why it's never too late to learn to play the piano.
Read MoreLast updated August 2025
Guitars Used In The 50 Best Guitar Solos
Unsurprisingly, the brand most used in the top 50 guitar solos was...
Read MoreLast updated July 2025
The EVH Frankenstrat Revolution: Rock's Most Famous Guitar
The Frankenstrat isn't just another modified guitar - it's the physical embodiment of Eddie Van Halen's innovative spirit. Born from necessity and built with parts-bin specials, this legendary instrument revolutionized guitar design and defined the sound of modern rock. Each modification, from its angled pickup to its innovative tremolo system, tells a story of relentless experimentation.
Read MoreLast updated January 2025
Slash & His Les Paul Guitar: Rock's Most Legendary Partnership
Few guitarists are as visually and sonically linked to one guitar as Slash is to his sunburst Les Paul. But here's the surprising twist that many fans don't know: the guitar that helped create the groundbreaking sound on Guns N' Roses' legendary "Appetite for Destruction" album wasn't actually a Gibson at all. It was a replica, crafted by a luthier named Kris Derrig. This revelation opens up a fascinating story about tone hunting, happy accidents, and how sometimes the "right" guitar finds the right player through unexpected channels.
Read MoreLast updated October 2025
The Genius of Russell Lissack | Arts & Industry
In the first episode of the series "The Genius Of" we discuss the guitar abilities of Russell Lissack. Russell Lissack is known for being a lead guitarist in Bloc Party, as well as lead guitarist in project Pin Me Down. He also briefly joined Irish rock band "Ash" for live performances. He is one of the most innovative and experimental guitarists of the 2000's...
Read MoreLast updated August 2025
Buying a Guitar at Guitar Center | What To Know
Love it or hate it, Guitar Center is everywhere. But is it actually a good place to buy gear? We break down the pros, the cons, and the little-known perks - including how to score discounts on floor models.
Read MoreLast updated October 2025
The History of Fender: Strumming Through Time
Fender’s iconic guitars have shaped the sound of music for over seven decades, from rock and roll to jazz and beyond. Dive into the fascinating history of Fender, exploring how innovation and passion led to the creation of legendary instruments like the Stratocaster and Precision Bass.
Read MoreLast updated October 2024
Nick Valensi Gives Advice on Forming a Rock Band
Nick Valensi - lead guitarist of The Strokes and frontman of CRX - dishes out advice on forming a rock band, songwriting, and gear.
Read MoreLast updated September 2025
Buying a Used Guitar Online from Guitar Center
Thinking about buying a used guitar online? See how I scored a near-mint Fender Telecaster from Guitar Center - despite vague listings, questionable photos, and radio silence from support. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge!
Read MoreLast updated October 2025