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Top 10 Big 5 Interviews of 2022

This year’s quick-hit interviews revealed that Phil Collen sees a connection between your vibrato and ego, how a short-scale Strat is rocking Neal Schon’s world, Halestorm hates “Instagram guitar” faces, and Steve Vai’s secret weapon.


10. Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger

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Plus, which Halestorm guitarist’s custom Explorer is coolest—her baritone or his brand-new Mod Collection buy?

9. Band of Horses' Ben Bridwell

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Band of Horses’ Ben Bridwell admonishes us (and himself) on how to “get your shit together” and stop annoying bandmates.

8. Dropkick Murphys' James Lynch

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Dropkick Murphys’ James Lynch on the cleverly hidden 1/4" jack on his go-to guitar. Plus, the sage advice from his dad that formed the foundation of his success.

7. Kirk Fletcher

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Bluesman Kirk Fletcher on his favorite Gibson ES-345 mods, and why we all need to push the soul “button” more.

6. Queensrÿche’s Michael Wilton

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Plus, why the platinum-selling progger has stuck with the same guitar brand for 30+ years.

5. Orianthi

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Plus, how her childhood Hendrix T-shirt figured into her latest signature PRS guitar.

4. Steve Cropper

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Plus, the Booker T. & the MG’s legend shares the toughest part of working with other musicians in the studio.

3. Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher

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Plus, how he minimizes stress during the riff-writing process.

2. Journey's Neal Schon

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Plus! The Journey legend talks about the short-scale Custom Shop Strat currently rocking his world.

1. Steve Vai

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Plus, what the shred shaman looks for in a guitar, and the surprising solo artist whose catalog he always has on hand.