Guitarist

Guitarist is the longest established UK guitar magazine. You'll find authoritative gear reviews, artist interviews, technique lessons and advice. Plus, Guitarist's digital edition now includes all of the same audio and video content as the print edition; available to download from a special area of the Guitarist website!

Back To The Future

Editor’s Highlights

Guitarist

Affordable Flight • With plenty already in the line-up, Gretsch has released a new range of both Electromatic and Streamliner Jets that appear modern-aimed and very affordable. What’s new?

The King’s Head • The bombastic benchmark of the ‘brown’ sound has been channelled through a single-ended EL34 power section and hybrid preamp, with significant volume and price savings

All Aboard • Reading a manual to find out how to connect your acoustic guitar to Bluetooth might deter some traditionalists, but there is treasure to be found for the adventurous

Go Getter • Blackstar’s palm-sized audio interface is a godsend for players who want better audio on their phone-recorded videos

Fuzz King • Electro-Harmonix revives the classic three-transistor Tone Bender and evolves it for more sonic variety

the Wishlist • Dream gear to beg, borrow and steal for...

Gas Supply • Our pick of the month’s most delectable and wallet-bothering new gear

Fretbuzz • A monthly look at must-hear artists from all corners of the guitar world, from the roots of their sound to the tracks that matter most

Albums • The month’s best guitar music – a hand-picked selection of the finest fretwork on wax

Tones Behind The Tracks • Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Larry McCray’s new album combines a rich tapestry of influences with an uplifting spirit

Gone Shopping… • Neville Martin attempts to seek out a quality acoustic 12-string, but ends up salivating over a sunburst single-cut instead

Making History • Alex Bishop takes a trip to Oxford to indulge in the beauty and craftmanship of guitars from centuries past

On Record • Recording acoustic guitars at home can be frustrating and rewarding in equal measure – Michael Watts shares some hard-won advice

Chord Names: 11ths (PART 2) • For this month’s chord exploration, Richard Barrett shows how 11th extensions deviate from the usual naming conventions

Feedback • Your letters to the Guitarist editor. Drop us a line at guitarist@futurenet.com

STEVE STEVENS • Best known as Billy Idol’s collaborator of 40-plus years, Steve Stevens transcends the punk-rock guitarist mould, taking in flamenco, jazz-fusion, prog and classical styles – and he remains as excited about guitar today as he was when he first picked one up

GEAR of The YEAR THE BEST GUITARS, AMPS & PEDALS OF 2025 • It’s the time of year when we look back over the previous 12 months and select the gear that has impressed our team of reviewers the most. The contenders, as always, are drawn from the body of guitars, amps and effects that have secured either a Guitarist Choice award or a top-of-the-class 10/10 Gold medal. In other words, all the gear you’ll find hopping up onto the winners’ podium in the following pages is, quite literally, the best in class and has been selected for inclusion based on its innovation, sound quality and overall playability. As we’ve found previously, the champion’s league is populated by some familiar faces and, quite refreshingly, a few newcomers, too. Overall, it’s been a pretty good year…

MAINSTREAM ELECTRICS • In spite of rising prices, the affordable electric market remains in rude health

MAINSTREAM ELECTRICS • Moving into four figures, there’s a considerable, very diverse choice of serious electrics

PRESTIGE ELECTRICS • These...