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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.

Onstage, Tommy Emmanuel executes a move that is not from the playbook of his hero, Chet Atkins.

Photo by Simone Cecchetti

Recorded live at the Sydney Opera House, the Australian guitarist’s new album reminds listeners that his fingerpicking is in a stratum all its own. His approach to arranging only amplifies that distinction—and his devotion to Chet Atkins.

Australian fingerpicking virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel is turning 70 this year. He’s been performing since he was 6, and for every solo show he’s played, he’s never used a setlist.

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Sleep Token announces their Even In Arcadia Tour, hitting 17 cities across the U.S. this fall. The tour, promoted by AEG Presents, will be their only headline tour of 2025.

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Bergantino revolutionizes the bass amp scene with the groundbreaking HP Ultra 2000 watts bass amplifier, unlocking unprecedented creative possibilities for artists to redefine the boundaries of sound.

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A touch-sensitive, all-tube combo amp perfect for clean & edge of breakup tones. Featuring a custom aesthetic, new voicing, & Celestion Creamback 75 speaker.

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