HOW TO BE A MODERN GUITARIST
Back in 2019, we proclaimed in these very pages that, despite what some voices in the media were telling us at the time, the guitar was not over. The two years since have proved this beyond a shadow of doubt. In the past year alone, the guitar industry has turned a global pandemic into a record-setting boom, with brands big and small barely able to keep up with the demand, as millions of people turned or returned to the instrument for comfort in these darkest of times. Meanwhile, artists as diverse as H.E.R., Phoebe Bridgers, Machine Gun Kelly and The 1975 continue to demonstrate that the versatility and creativity of the guitar remains undimmed after more than 70 years at the heart of popular music.
But what does it really mean to be a guitarist in 2021? With guitar culture a broader church than ever before, the answer is undeniably difficult to pin down. But the simplest way to find out is to ask. So that’s what we did.
Here, we’ve pulled together nearly two dozen notable names from across the wonderful world of guitar – from Grammy-winning slingers and social media influencers, to boutique builders and up and coming artists – to ask them questions that will hopefully help us get to the bottom of what that grand statement at the top really means.
How do you make your voice heard in the maelstrom of social media? What’s great about our industry? Where do we need to improve? What really matters? The guitar, as ever, contains multitudes – but the community we’ve formed is as vital as ever before. This is what they have to say…
MEET THE PANEL
MICHAEL JAMES ADAMS
@puisheen
Not only is Mike a guitar player, guitar tech and guitar educator, he’s also a regular columnist for Guitar Magazine, and a Star Trek obsessive. He is best known for his encyclopedic knowledge of offsets, and for being the purveyor of a mean Lt Cmdr Data cosplay.
RYAN BURKE
@60cyclehum
As the host of the 60 Cycle Hum podcast and YouTube channel, Ryan covers the buying, selling, trading, fixing, modifying, breaking, reviewing and playing of all manner of guitars, amps and effects.
SOPHIE BURRELL
@sophieburrell1
British player Sophie began making guitar videos at home when she was just 14. Today, the 21-year-old is a PRS endorsee, as well as a popular tutor and guitar influencer. She recently released her debut single, Tranquility.
CELISSE HENDERSON
@celissemusic
Celebrated Oakland singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Celisse has appeared in everything from the Broadway national tour of Wicked, to TV shows such as 30 Rock and The Big C. She’s also performed in concert with the likes of Macy Gray and Mariah Carey. Her single Freedom is out now.
MATTHEW HOOPES
@1981inventions
The owner of pedal brand 1981 Inventions, whose DRV remains one of the most sought-after boutique pedals on the market, Matthew is also a founding member of Grammy-nominated US rock band Relient K.
JAY LEONARD J
@jayleonardj
Touring guitarist, session musician and content creator Jay is best known for his popular eponymous YouTube channel, through which the Canadian shares advice on everything from better playing to
