Alternative rock is often associated with the ‘90s grunge movement, when Nirvana’s Nevermind took center stage, leaving ‘80s hair metal trends in the dust. But, of course, the alternative music experience really started in the late-‘70s and ‘80s, when college radio embraced pretty much anything that mainstream radio wouldn’t—and that was a lot.

What guitar do you think of first when you hear the words 'Gibson Les Paul?' A beautiful '59 Sunburst? A Les Paul Jr. in TV Yellow finish? Maybe even the Les Paul Studio, a true workhorse of the Gibson line?

Playing a good show is sometimes about preparation.

Novelist William Burroughs may have coined the term “heavy metal,” but it was Black Sabbath who gave that phrase its musical signature. Rife with thunderous bass lines, sledgehammer percussion, and, most importantly, some of the most menacing guitar riffs ever committed to tape, Sabbath’s music remains the standard for any band intent on exploring the darker side of riff-driven rock.

From Peter Frampton’s Frampton Comes Alive! to Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow, albums throughout rock’s glorious history have often featured Gibson instruments prominently on their covers.

In the process of forging his or her own style, every guitarist studies the work of some master – or masters – who came before. Even the great Chuck Berry, who seemingly invented a whole new approach to the instrument, readily cites T-Bone Walker as his prime inspiration. Below we’ve collected thoughts from 10 guitar giants about their biggest influences.

Criminally under-appreciated yet darn near ubiquitous in some of the greatest rock and roll songs ever recorded, today is the day we celebrate a musical instrument first developed to assist herdsmen in keeping track of their wayward future Big Macs and Whoppers:the cowbell.

2013’s The Next Day proves that David Bowie still has the power to surprise. What is never surprising is the calibre of musicians in Bowie’s go-to contact list. Here’s a rundown of his greatest guitarists…

Pete Townshend is a perfect example of the adage “rock ‘n’ roll keeps you young.” Although the mastermind behind the Who and some of the greatest rock songs of the 20^th century turns 68 this Sunday, May 19, he’s in the midst of yet another world tour with his classic band, wind milling through the rock opera Quadrophenia in packed arenas before sold-out multi-generational audiences.

Few things are more vexing on stage or in rehearsal than a guitar that won’t stay in tune. We’ve all experienced this irritation, and most likely at the least convenient time. Here are 10 common reasons why guitars refuse to stay in tune and how they can be addressed...