Let’s examine what it takes to build a pedal board. Things to consider are the foundation, or the “board” part of the pedal board, fasteners, power, cables, the effects themselves and how they’ll be chained. And finally the transportation and protection of the board.

Concept albums rarely fare well with critics, with reviewers often lambasting such efforts as pretentious or rife with Spinal Tap-ish excess. Nonetheless, in recent years the concept album has enjoyed a resurgence, with discs by the likes of Radiohead, The Flaming Lips and Arcade Fire sporting connected storylines or overarching themes. It’s too soon to say whether these albums will rise to the level of a Tommy, but as shown by the list below, the history of the concept album is strewn with classics.

When I think back on my favorite scales to play in, they tend to have a certain elegance in common. The simplicity and intuitiveness of the Major Scale, the floaty dreaminess of the Lydian Mode, the exotic Jason Becker-like vibe of the Hirajoshi Scale - they're all beautifully melodic, and they all have a built-in ability to resolve nicely, providing a satisfying emotional and musical conclusion to a musical phrase.

When it comes to The Rolling Stones, I most often find myself listening to the five albums produced by Jimmy Miller. Starting in 1968 with Beggars Banquet all the way up to Goats Head Soup from 1973, these recordings contain some of the best rock songs ever released, and some of the best guitar riffs ever imagined.

Brazilian guitar sensation Rafael Moreira is the true representation of a diverse musician. Infinitely creative, this guitarist, vocalist and producer prides himself with an incredible pedigree of accomplishments working not only independently, but with many of the world’s most influential musical elite.

Whether it’s an amazing solo, an unforgettable riff or simply a power chord that hangs suspended in the air, a great guitar intro can set the tone for an entire song. Rock history is loaded with great examples – the ten below rank among the very best.

Hard rockers Cinderella ruled the ‘80s, churning out catchy, hair metal nuggets such as “Nobody’s Fool,” “Don’t Know What You’ve Got (Till It’s Gone)” and “Gypsy Road.” While the group’s popularity waned with the grunge explosion in the ‘90s, Cinderella were one of the few hair metal bands able to consistently churn out new music and maintain their fan base.

With the rock and roll scene in London well and truly all shook up, members of Parliament still outraged at John Lydon’s sneering arrogance and parts of the etablishment still scared to death of the Sex Pistols’ potential to inspire riots, what was there left for Johnny Rotten and crew?

Rock history was built on a foundation of rhythm guitar. Think about it. The two main musical pillars of the style – Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley — were primarily rhythm players. And the list goes on to include a wide range of six-string rhythm kings who’ve created distinctive sounds, ricocheting from James Hetfield in metal land to Catfish Collins in funk nation.

No one could accuse Joe Bonamassa of not staying busy. This year alone, the guitar sensation has released three albums—a solo disc titled Dust Bowl; a group album titled 2, with Black Country Communion; and a duet album of soul classics, titled Don’t Explain, with acclaimed singer Beth Hart.