Free rider

RIGHT AROUND 700. That’s how many issues of Guitar Player reside in our archive, from our debut publication to our last. (We tried running the numbers several times, but we’d lose count after being di

Contributors past and present share their recollections and closing thoughts on GT’s incredible 30-year ride!

Jerry Cantrell shaped the sound of alternative rock with Alice In Chains, but on his new solo album he’s taking inspiration from the heroes of his youth: for tone, Jeff Beck and blues-rock master Robin Trower, and for guitar harmonies, Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy

Jeff Beck had no equal for the joyous, headstrong energy and beguiling subtlety he brought to his playing. When he died suddenly in January of 2023, he left behind the lightning rods through which his electrifying talent passed – an eclectic collection of guitars, many of which are as heavily customised as the hot-rod cars that were Beck’s other ruling passion. Almost exactly two years after his passing, these legendary instruments are now set to go under the hammer in London. We join the experts from Christie’s auction house on the eve of the sale to take a closer look at ‘Oxblood’ and other historic instruments from Jeff ’s career – and discuss the portrait they paint of a pragmatic, restless yet peerlessly gifted ta lent and his musical legacy