Eric Clapton: The Gibson Years

In 1970, Derek and the Dominos released “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,” one of the landmark rock albums of all time. Arguably Eric Clapton’s definitive musical statement, “Layla” is also the record that made Slowhand synonymous with the Fender Stratocaster.But, while Clapton and Fender are synonymous today, his early sound, and some of his most famous recordings, were actually created using Gibson instruments. Today, we’re going to run through Eric Clapton’s Gibson years, and three of the Ted McCarty-and-co designed guitars that he staked his name with.

Leo Kottke: Three Inspiring Live Performances

Leo Kottke is a fingerstyle institution, and an inspiration to guitaristsacross the globe. His unique blend of folk, blues and jazz and his distinctive syncopated, polyphonic melodies have earned him accolades and followers galore. And, his battles with adversity – he’s overcome partial hearing loss and a near career-ending bout with tendonitis – are testament to his dedication to his craft.

MTV Unplugged, Martin, and the ‘90s Acoustic Revival (Part One)

We’re living in a great time for acoustic music. Fingerstyle guitar is thriving, and outlets like YouTube give exposure to new guitarists on a regular basis. But, this wasn’t always the case. In the ‘80s, when synths and electronic sounds reigned supreme, some thought the humble hollow-bodied six-string would go the way of the dinosaur.

David Gilmour: Words of Wisdom

Today, we’ve compiled some of our favourite Gilmour quotes from interviews we’ve read over the years; on everything from influences to improvisation. Whether you’re a full-on-Floydian, or a casual fan, these are well worth a read.

Three Ways Martin Revolutionized Acoustic Guitar

Martin is an acoustic institution. Their instruments are the stuff of legend, and everyone from Johnny Cash to Kurt Cobain has used a Martin guitar at one time or another.

Doyle Dykes: Words of Wisdom

In today’s post, we’re running through a few of our favorite Doyle Dykes quotes, including his takes on faith, learning to play and why he doesn’t consider himself an acoustic guitar player?

Is Neil Young a Great Guitarist?

Is he really a great guitarist, or do his detractors have it right? Today, I’m going to try and get to the bottom of it.

Remembering Ginger Baker

Earlier this week, Ginger Baker passed away at the age of 80. To say that music lost a legend is an understatement.

Thalia Meets Jared James Nichols Part 3

Welcome back to the final part of Thalia’s in depth interview with Jared James Nichols.

In this final edition, we pick up on Jared’s Blues Power mantra, life on the road, and how his impressive Epiphone signature Les Paul came to be…

What is the Greatest Beatles Solo Album?

Of course, choosing a favorite is by no means easy; there’s so much to like about the Beatles’ solo offerings, and for different reasons. To get you thinking, here are some of our musings on the Fab Four’s post-Beatles records.

Metallica’s James Hetfield: A Little Bit Country

Naturally, when we think of James Hetfield, we tend to think hard rock. But, if you know your Metallica, you’ll know just how indebted Papa Het is to the world of country.

Guitar Stories: Eddie Van Halen’s Ibanez Destroyer

Super-Strats became Eddie’s guitars of choice by the 1980s. But, in the early days of Van Halen, the Ibanez Destroyer was the king of his rig. And, it’s the guitar that he played for some of VH’s defining early moments.

Thalia Meets Jared James Nichols Part 2

Welcome back to Thalia’s in depth interview with Blues Power prodigy Jared James Nichols. In part two, we pick up as Jared moves to L.A. and the moment that he nailed down his distinctive playing style.

Is Jimi Hendrix the Greatest Guitar Player of all Time?

"Jimi Hendrix exploded our idea of what rock music could be: He manipulated the guitar, the whammy bar, the studio and the stage."-Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine

That Time I Played a $100K Les Paul with Jared James Nichols

“Try it on for size, man,” Jared smiles, casually handing me an instrument that could buy me a house. I’m initially hesitant. There’s the cost - $100,000 according to the man who took it for a spin on stage this evening - not to mention the pressure of demonstrating my merely competent chops in front of the blues-rock wunderkind.

Know Your Acoustic Body: Parlor

In this edition, we’re taking a look at the Parlor guitar. The smallest guitar we’ve covered so far, the Parlor made waves in the late 19^th century, offering a musical outlet for living room strummers.

Three Ways to Play like B.B. King

When it came to guitar playing, B.B. King was a true original. B.B. King had a knack for locking in a particular pattern of notes and strings when playing in a specific key. In fact, it’s one of the main signature elements of the B.B. King sound.

“Sympathy for the Devil”: The Making of a Stones Masterpiece (Part Three)

Welcome to the final edition of our series on the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil.” Over the course of these articles, we’ve talked about how the band created one of their defining masterpieces, and the tremendous impact the song had on popular culture.

“Sympathy for the Devil”: The Making of a Stones Masterpiece (Part Two)

Welcome back to our three part series on the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil.”

“Sympathy for the Devil”: The Making of a Stones Masterpiece

“Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m a man of wealth and taste.” So begins “Sympathy for the Devil.” When released in 1968, the song cemented the Rolling Stones as genre-defining songwriters par excellence.But more than that, it became one of the most culturally significant tracks of the 20^th century.

The Guitars That Made… Jimmy Page (Part Two)

Welcome back to the Guitars That Made Jimmy Page. Last time, we got to grips with Page’s iconic Telecaster, double neck and, of course, his Number 1 Gibson Les Paul. Now, to kick off Part Two, we’re jumping back in with another Les Paul. This one’s less well known, but equally important to Page’s guitar playing history. It’s also the one that got away. The reasons for that will become clear momentarily…