No Guitar Is Safe

Episode 100 finds PUDDLE OF MUDD lead guitarist MATT FULLER plugging in and detailing the recording of the band’s new album, WELCOME TO GALVANIA, as well as chronicling the adventures and misadventures he has had with the group since joining in 2012. Matt also shares an an inspiring BRIAN MAY story, reflects on playing with BOW WOW WOW and other bands, and introduces you to his cool SHECTER guitars and ORANGE amplifiers …. And, yes — this is the 100th episode of No Guitar Is Safe! Thank you to the the many of you who have been faithful listeners and helped spread the word about this show. In celebration of this milestone moment, at the end of my interview with Matt I offer you a special epilogue in which I share some insights into the nearly 100 “helicopter rides” I have embarked upon to bring all these epic guitar hangs to your podcast feed. KIATY95! — JUDE GOLD, host and creator, No Guitar Is Safe

Episode 99 features SAMANTHA FISH, the soulful young, Kansas City-bred guitarist/singer, plugging in with me in Beverly Hills, performing songs from her new album, KILL OR BE KIND [Rounder Records], as well as riffing on other cool staples of her live set. Samantha also proves "War Pigs" can be performed in blues clubs and shares the funniest banana prank since Eddie Murphy's banana shenanigans in Beverly Hills Cop .... Actually, Samantha's prank is actually funnier than Eddie's, I think. You decide. -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Episode 98 finds us plugging in with 25-year-old Norwegian guitar virtuoso FREDRIK HALLAND. As a solo artist, Fredrik has released three new singles under his own name, and he has a résumé that includes playing guitar on Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber albums, performing on the soundtrack to the hit dramatic series Empire, and touring with star singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat. On this episode, Fredrik is plugs a Tom Anderson T-style guitar into his pedalboard and a Two Rock head and cabinet, while host JUDE GOLD plays one of Fredrik's Fender Stratocasters through an Egnater combo. Presented by GUITAR PLAYER magazine.

From Ray Charles to Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt to Stevie Wonder, BRAD RABUCHIN has played guitar with a long list of legends. He has also released albums under his own name. Brad's latest record is actually a duo effort, called FOR JOHN, which he recorded with co-guitarist David Becker. In this episode (Ep. 97), host JUDE GOLD "flies the chopper" over to Brad's Los Angeles home, plugs in some guitars with Brad, jams on some tunes, talks about Brad's prolific career, tries to find out what the meaning of jazz is (!), and even takes a spin on Brad's electric sitar. Brought to you by Guitar Player magazine and GuitarPlayer.com.

For episode 96, I plug in with MARC BONILLA — virtuoso guitarist, established composer, renowned solo artist, longtime musical partner of the late, great KEITH EMERSON (of Emerson, Lake & Palmer fame), and king of all metaphors — and take a deep dive into his new solo album, CELLULOID DEBRIS, which is available at marcbonillamusic.com. We also learn how Marc engineered his incredible career and close with an epic jam in honor of another of Marc's late, great friends, RONNIE MONTROSE. BONUS: I also tell you about an adventure I went on with Marc wherein I discovered there IS, in fact, one guitar that is safe from this show. Hosted by JUDE GOLD and presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com

Episode 95 features a visit with "guitar coach to the stars" JEAN MARC BELKADI. Showing up with his favorite Telecaster, Jean Marc plugs in with host JUDE GOLD and demonstrates his encyclopedic knowledge of riffs, licks, and guitar styles, a prowess that spans funk, fusion, jazz, and more. Jean Marc also tells you about an amazing friend he made back when he was studying guitar at GIT in Hollywood, and goes on to explain how he evolved a career teaching A-list celebrities, musicians, and power players in the Hollywood area. ("It's the accent," he jokes. "They like the accent.") BONUS: We also hear tracks from Belkadi's two albums, TOULOUSE LOS ANGELES and STOPOVER. (Tip: If you want a guitar lesson with Jean Marc, visit his website, jeanmarcbelkadi.com.) This episode is presented by Guitar Player Magazine, and guitarplayer.com

Grammy-winning guitarist JAMIE KIME plugs in, jams with me on one of the funkiest tunes of all time (hope we do it justice!), shares some cool improvisation/soloing techniques you might dig, and looks back on his tenures as guitarist for JEWEL, ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA (feat. DWEEZIL ZAPPA), and the late, great New Orleans funk legend, DR. JOHN, who died mere weeks ago. This episode is brought to you by Guitar Player magazine and www.guitarplayer.com. ——JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Episode 93 finds us jamming with PARTHENON "HUX" HUXLEY, the great lead guitarist/lead singer of The Orchestra (which features former members of ELO). In this episode, Hux and I plug in our guitars at Woodrum Productions (the five-star studio of producer Michael Woodrum)in Southern California and explore everything from ELO songs to tracks off Huxley's new studio album, "This Is the One." -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe Podcast.

The Cult's BILLY DUFFY plugs in his live rig for you on a soundstage in Los Angeles where the band was rehearsing for their current tour, which celebrates 30 years since the release of their platinum fourth album, SONIC TEMPLE. The album is being remastered for an August re-issue that will feature bonus tracks, rare demos, and other sonic goodies. In 1989, the album catapulted the Cult to a new level of touring and radio airplay, and in this interview Duffy reflects on the glories and perils of such sudden success. Also on hand is Duffy's guitar tech MATT McKENNA. No Guitar Is Safe is hosted by JUDE GOLD. Thanks to Mitch Schneider of MSO for setting up the interview. Made possible by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com.

Bass virtuoso and composer STUART HAMM gained instant renown worldwide in the late '80s, when his boss at the time, Joe Satriani, let him take over the stage for ten minutes each night on tour, during which the innovative bassist would consistently blow people's minds with his thunderous, contrapuntal, and funky solo pieces. Stuart is also a prolific solo artist, and his latest album, Diary of Patrick Xavier finds him playing several hypnotic solo electric bass compositions. Additionally, Stu, as his friends and fans often call him, has played with dozens of other great guitar players. Besides backing Satch on stage and in the studio, Stu has worked with Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, Lorn Leber, Mark McGee, Eric Johnson, and Greg Howe. A particularly entertaining session Stu did was with Yngwie Malmsteen and the late, great singer Ronnie James Dio. (We'll check that out towards the end of the episode.) Heck, I'VE even had some thrilling adventures touring and tracking with my friend Stu. It was a pleasure to stop by his home studio and catch up with him, plug in our instruments and play, listen to samples from his discography, and be reminded by him to -- as the giant, hilarious, and intentionally misspelled tattoo across his forearm proclaims -- live life with "no regerts." --JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Today we visit the great producer, bandleader, and composer ALAN PARSONS and hang out with him in his magical home studio, which is seated on a hill high above the Pacific Ocean. Also present, plugged in, and ready to rock for you is Parsons' lead guitarist, JEFF KOLLMAN (whom you may remember from an earlier episode of this podcast). With Jeff's spectacular playing and Parsons' unforgettable stories and production insights, the pair share with you how they produced and recorded the new Alan Parsons solo album, THE SECRET. The Secret comes out April 26th, but here's a bonus: On this episode of No Guitar Is Safe, you get to hear song samples of Parsons' amazing record well in advance. Yeah! Parsons also shares tales from earlier days, when he recorded the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and other notable artists. Enjoy. JUDE GOLD, Host, No Guitar Is Safe.

Proclaimed by Guitar Player magazine to be the greatest shredder ever, JASON BECKER has also emerged as a world-class composer. He used to play guitar -- now, after battling ALS for nearly three decades, he "plays guitar players," as well as writes for orchestras and choirs. And when he puts the two together, he blows your mind -- as you'll find out if snag his new album, TRIUMPHANT HEARTS. The record should please insatiable guitar fans everywhere, because it features an A-list roster of guest guitarists, including Trevor Rabin, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Ben Woods, Aleks Sever, Steve Morse, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Daniele Gottardo, Dave Shul, Steve Hunter, Gus G, Uli Jon Roth, Chris Broderick, and others, as well as ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. In addition to speaking with Jason, I caught up with people close to him who have helped him along his wild guitar adventure over the years, including MARILYN WHITE, MIKE BEMESDERFER, DAN ALVAREZ, DAVE LOPEZ, MATT BLACKETT, and Jason's father, GARY BECKER. It was a thrill to dive into the Jason Becker legacy with all of these great humans, and I thank them all for being so generous with their time. -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

German Strat master, solo artist, and amp designer THOMAS BLUG never backs down from a challenge. As a teenager, Blug taught himself to both play guitar and build guitar amps. Later in life, Blug’s killer playing skills caught the attention of renowned amplifier manufacturer Hughes & Kettner, who immediately hired Blug as a clinician. Soon, they discovered Blug — who would be crowned “Strat King of Europe” by Fender in 2004 — wasn’t just a great guitarist, but also a crafty amp designer, so they hired him in that capacity as well. Blug went on to create or co-create many of the company’s most successful products. Now, Thomas has launched his own company — BluGuitar and its flagship product is a ferocious 100-watt pedalboard amp called Amp1. I was thrilled to plug in with Blug at the home studio of Gunnar Larsson (laguitarteacher.com) in Los Angeles. PRESENTED BY Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com. -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

RICK HOLMSTROM is one of the most tasteful blues/gospel/Americana guitarists I know. Whether he's playing lead for gospel/R&B legend (and Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer) Mavis Staples, or recording his own albums, Holmstrom somehow manages to keep his guitar parts powerful and groovy without ever getting in the way of the vocals. He's a pocket player with plenty of blues sting in his solos. It was a thrill to set up some mics at Holmstrom's house, trade licks with him, hear him demonstrate a wide range of cool blues grooves, and talk with him about how he moved from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Southern California, where he built an inspiring career playing guitar. This episode is presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com. Thanks for listening! -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe.

Surprisingly, there are many working guitarists who are not fully "capo literate." If you listen to this special episode of No Guitar Is Safe, you won't be one of them, because host Jude Gold is about to explore for you many magical ways that legendary guitarists use the little string-clamping, neck-choking guitar accessory we call the capo. (Thanks to Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com for supporting this podcast, and thanks to Fender for the use of their new Parallel Universe American Elite Telecaster herein.)

Tonight we land the 'copter at JEFF MARSHALL's house, where the versatile guitarist plugs in his favorite Iconic guitars and shows you some of the great guitar approaches (and great guitar pedals) he employs with artists such as BLEEDING HARP -- his "blusion" band -- ALAN PARSONS and MARK MACKAY. He also relives such adventures as being involved in perhaps the first big rock band performance at BURNING MAN (with Parsons) and surviving two weeks opening for "The Nuge" himself, Ted Nugent. Hosted by JUDE GOLD. Presented by GUITAR PLAYER magazine and GUITARPLAYER.COM.

ADAM HAWLEY, the funky young guitarist who has already topped Billboard's Smooth Jazz chart five times, plugs in his favorite Paul Reed Smith, jams with me, and reflects on his evolution as a musician. He also talks about what it was like earning a doctorate in music and becoming a sideman to Jennifer Lopez, Joss Stone, the Manhattan Transfer, and countless other headlining vocal acts — including his wife, Kat Hawley. I also poke a little fun at Adam by getting him to explain the epic case of "champagne problems" he related to me when we were chatting in the hall one day at Musicians Institute. This episode is brought to you by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com. Thanks for listening. Enjoy! -- JUDE GOLD, host and creator of No Guitar Is Safe

This episode (Ep. 83) is a bonus show presenting exclusive audio from MARTY FRIEDMAN's recent guitar clinic at Musicians Institute. With 50 or so guitar students to interact with, the renowned rocker discussed everything from why he feels that backing tracks are "the devil" to how, one year, a single cab ride dramatically changed his musical trajectory; from epic hair/image fails to what it is he believes is the very most important thing you can do to further your career as a guitarist and develop your voice as an artist. (To hear my sit-down interview with Marty - and hear him play his Jackson Signature Model Marty Friedman guitar - listen to the previous episode of No Guitar Is Safe, which was Ep. 82.) Also, be sure to check out Marty's new live album, ONE BAD M.F. LIVE, and catch him on his 2019 winter U.S. tour, which spans the continental United States and starts on January 23rd. Hosted by JUDE GOLD.

Renowned guitar virtuoso MARTY FRIEDMAN visits Los Angeles to plug in his signature-model Jackson guitar, throw down a few licks for you, and talk about the planning and tracking of his explosive new live album, ONE BAD M.F. LIVE. He also reflects on what it's like to be a well-known TV personality in Japan. Hosted by JUDE GOLD. Presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com.

Founding Kiss lead guitarist ACE FREHLEY, aka "the Spaceman," has released a hard-rocking new solo album called just that — SPACEMAN. Plugging in one of his favorite ’59 reissue Les Pauls, Ace sits down with me to jam a little, as well as detail the writing and recording of Spaceman, reflect on reuniting (for two songs) with Gene Simmons, and, of course, look back on his legacy — a wild ride that spanned everything from a youth spent surviving the streets of the Bronx to adult years surviving adventures with the Hall-of-Fame rock band that made him famous. Hope you enjoy it! -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast. Presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com.

From Django jazz to death metal to his hypnotic new instrumental album, Verlorener, EMIL WERSTLER and his Paul Reed Smith guitars deliver a vast (and very impressive) array of guitar tones, techniques, and styles. In addition to Verlorener and his guitar seminars, Emil is also known for his work with heavier acts such as Daath and Chimaira. I caught up with Emil after his weekend in Los Angeles appearing at Loni Specter’s raucous tone-party/hotel takeover known simply as the L.A. Amp Show. A huge thanks to guitarist Josh Smith (whom you know from Episode 18 of this podcast) who invited Emil and I to record this episode at Flat V studio, the full-service recording facility Josh built from the ground up in his backyard. PRESENTED BY GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE. -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe

For this episode we head to Brooklyn, NY, to plug in with the great JIM CAMPILONGO in his home studio/music lair. As you'll hear, blues, country, jazz, and pop all emanate beautifully from Jim's fingers, and he gets a great tone with just a cable, a Fender Princeton Reverb, and his trusty '59 Telecaster. Jim has a dozen solo albums out, and also two records with the Little Willies, featuring star singer/pianist Norah Jones, and we dive deep into some of his tracks. Hosted by Jude Gold.

In the music of TOSIN ABASI, prog, djent, shred, funk, fusion, and other guitar styles coexist with spectacular results. This episode finds host JUDE GOLD plugging in with Tosin at Tosin's Los Angeles home studio, where the Animals As Leaders founder takes time to demonstrate his favorite riffs, favorite approaches, favorite gear (including his new line of custom Abasi guitars), and creative process. This episode is presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com.

Producer/bassist JMJ plugs in his new Fender Artist Series JMJ Roadworn Mustang bass and jams with host Jude Gold. JMJ also reflects on his adventures touring and recording (he has worked with such headliners as Beck, Nine Inch Nails, Air, Dixie Chicks, Pink, and more), shares what he has learned as a producer (his clients have included Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, Wolf Alice, and other bands), and offers insights into what it means to have great "time," be a great musical director, and be a great touring musician. Bonus: JMJ also shares the story of how he got guitar virtuoso Steve Vai to drop an epic solo on a trance-pop tune by M83.

Esteemed guitar virtuoso and educator DANIEL GILBERT plugs a Suhr guitar into a Suhr amp and demonstrates the mighty power of triads and other handy guitar shapes. Gilbert also reflects on his 30+ years of teaching at Musicians Institute, as well as shares hilarious and inspiring stories of those magical days back when he, Tommy Tedesco, Pat Hicks, Howard Roberts, Beth Marlis, Frank Gambale, Paul Gilbert, Jennifer Batten, Don Mock, Ron Escheté, Steve Lynch, and many other famous alumni and teachers all roamed the halls and performance rooms of GIT together. Hosted by JUDE GOLD. Presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com.

Presented by Guitar Player magazine, this episode finds us cruising the 'copter way up to Rochester, NY, to rock out with MICHAEL STAERTOW, lead guitarist for legendary Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm. Staertow has held the Gramm gig for nearly seven years, and from "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," and "Urgent" to "Feels Like the First Time," "Head Games," and "I Wanna Know What Love Is," the set of tunes Staertow plays lead guitar on each night is packed with an astonishingly high number of hits. It's a dream gig for Staertow, and, as you'll find out, it's one he had to wait a long time to get. BONUS: Staertow also shares songs from his forthcoming solo album, and relates adventures such as meeting Stevie Ray Vaughan, Neal Schon, and other of his heroes. Enjoy. —JUDE GOLD Host, No Guitar Is Safe Podcast—the Guitar Show where Players Plug In.

Today, we cruise the 'copter up the Bay Area, north of San Francisco, and drop in on renowned jazz virtuoso MIMI FOX. Playing both acoustic (a Taylor steel-string) and electric (her signature-model Heritage jazz box), Mimi reveals some of her favorite approaches to improvisation, song arranging, and performing. She also shares what it was like be the only jazzer at Paul Gilbert's guitar camp, sign a record deal with Steve Vai, and have late, great jazz legend Joe Pass as her mentor.

Guitar virtuoso SCOTT TARULLI invites host Jude Gold up to his Boston guitar attic to share the improvisation, composition, and risk-taking approaches that inform his playing, teaching (his side hustle is teaching at Berklee College of Music) and songwriting, as heard on his solo album, Anytime Anywhere.

ELLIOT EASTON and THE CARS were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month, and on this episode Elliot plugs in with host JUDE GOLD to show you exactly how he created the iconic guitar parts that helped the band get there. Elliot also shares music from his new band, THE EMPTY HEARTS, and reflects on what he learned tracking Cars guitar parts with super-producers such as ROY THOMAS BAKER and ROBERT JOHN "MUTT" LANGE. Presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com

After an afternoon rehearsal with Ozzy Osbourne, metal guitar titan ZAKK WYLDE plugs in with host Jude Gold, mere days before the launch of Ozzy's globe-spanning, two-year No More Tours 2 farewell tour. On this episode, Zakk plays several great Ozzy riffs for you and shares guitar approaches he used on Black Label Society's new album, Grimmest Hits.

In the hands of ADRIAN LEGG, a guitar becomes an orchestra, which explains why Guitar Player magazine readers voted Adrian Legg "Best Acoustic Fingerstylist" four years in a row in the '90s. This episode puts you onstage with Adrian at the Tower Theatre Lounge in Fresno, CA, an hour or so before doors open. Get ready -- the British guitar legend is about to blow your mind when he demonstrates several of his sonic secrets for you, including his soulful pedal-steel-style bends, his sneaky use of set-interval banjo tuners, and what he feels is the ultimate Piezo pickup.

Wielding his favorite Fender Stratocaster, blues guitar ace KIRK FLETCHER stops by No Guitar Is Safe headquarters and jams with host Jude Gold, shares nine or ten of his favorite blues shuffle approaches, and demonstrates some of the wonderful gospel licks he learned as a youth playing in the Compton church built by his father, pastor Walter Fletcher, Sr., who died recently at age 86. BONUS: Kirk previews tracks from his forthcoming self-titled album!

Vertical Horizon lead guitarist, lead singer, and band leader MATT SCANNELL has come a long way since he was a kid in his parents' living room trying to play his first riff on a nylon-string guitar. Since then, Scannell has sold millions of records with Vertical Horizon, become buddies with one of his heroes (Rush drummer Neil Peart), and amassed a wonderful collection of tube amps. I was thrilled to talk shop and jam with Matt at his home studio, as well as hear tracks from Vertical Horizon's new album, THE LOST MILE. It was an inspiring guitar hang that I hope you will enjoy. -- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe

GUTHRIE TRAPP, presented by AUDIO-TECHNICA. From Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, and George Jones to Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett, and John Oates, Nashville guitar ace GUTHRIE TRAPP has worked with an astounding array of renowned headliners. He also has a new solo album coming out March 9 called LIFE AFTER DARK that features such A-list guest stars as Vince Gill, Paul Franklin, and Sam Bush. And Trapp tells you all about these musical adventures and more — and plays a ton of guitar for you, as well as plays samples of the new album for you — on episode 67 of No Guitar Is Safe, which is hosted by Jude Gold and is presented by Audio-Technica and their highly evolved USB-ready microphone, the AT2020USB+. To enter to win an Audio-Technica At2020USB+ microphone, visit www.guitarplayer.com/contest/guthrie.

MITCH PERRY has worked with everyone from The Edgar Winter Group, David Lee Roth, The Michael Schenker Group, Quiet Riot/Dubrow, and Talas to Alphonso Johnson, Steeler, Sam Kinison, and Cher. Mitch has also released solo albums of his own, including Wire to Wire, which you're about to hear excerpts from. On this episode, Mitch plugs in his weathered, black P-90-loaded Les Paul and jams a lot with me at his home in Southern California. Mitch currently tours with The Sweet, and you can also catch him most Tuesday nights at Ultimate Jam Night (no cover!) at the famed Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. —JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Previewing tracks from his forthcoming album, GUITRONICA, and playing a ton of guitar for you, solo artist and super sideman JAY GORE is on the show. Surrounded by guitars and amps in his Hollywood Hills studio, Jay details an adventurous professional odyssey that began when he was a 13-year-old kid trying to land gigs on the Sunset Strip and has since taken him all over the world. Jay has shared stages and/or studios with Sly Stone, Mindi Abair, Rick James, Hillary Duff, the Pointer Sisters, Seal, Eddie Money, Lauryn Hill, Dave Koz, Bobby Caldwell, and Michael McDonald, and has composed for major television shows such as E.R. and American Dad. And while his main gigs these days are in the contemporary ("smooth") jazz arena, you’re about to find out that he’s just as handy at rock, funk, metal, and other genres. — JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe Podcast

Presented by AUDIO-TECHNICA and their E-Series in-ear monitoring headphones, Grammy-winning guitarist STEVE LUKATHER reflects on five years as a member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band, and 40 years on stage (and 40 million albums sold) with Toto, the band Lukather co-founded when he was still a teenager. Lukather also jams with host Jude Gold on a variety of songs; comments on the art of rhythm guitar; examines his sobriety; discusses both his new autobiography, The Gospel According to Luke; and Toto's new album, 40 Trips Around the Sun; and looks back on his years as a session ace tracking guitar parts on hit records by Michael Jackson, Don Henley, Boz Scaggs, and other stars.

From Django jazz to pop, rock, bebop, and beyond, JOSH WORKMAN is an astonishingly well-versed cat. And from the opening moment of this episode forward, he plays a ton of spirited guitar for you, and even shares a super-useful, Barry Harris-inspired "six-to-diminished" lesson. I've been friends with Josh since we met as youths at music camp, where he was already playing like a pro. It was only a few years later that Josh actually BECAME a pro, ultimately landing gigs with Indigo Swing (we'll hear some great examples of Josh blazing with them later in the episode), the Hot Club of Los Angeles, Lynda Carter, Debbie Harry, David Grisman, John Jorgenson, Jon Hendricks, Maria Muldaur, Groove Collective/Groove Thing, Deanna Martin, the Hot Club of San Francisco, Benny Green, and others. On this episode, Josh also plays tracks for you from his solo album, called Jumpin' at the Border. (This episode brought to you by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com.) Dig it! — JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast

Presented by D'ADDARIO strings and accessories, JOE SATRIANI plugs into a Marshall half-stack and shares sneak previews of his forthcoming album, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, releasing January 12. (Album samples used with permission from Sony/Legacy.)That's right — we not only hear final mixes from the record, Joe also shows you on the fretboard exactly how he plays the songs, and what inspired the parts. And he jams with me on a few tunes, too! This episode also marks the first time a No Guitar Is Safe guest has returned for a second interview — and who better to be that person than the great Joe Satriani? After all, he was my very first guest, 62 episodes ago! .... Thanks again to D'Addario (www.daddario.com) for making this very special episode happen! —JUDE GOLD, host, NO GUITAR IS SAFE podcast.

From touring her own brand of virtuoso prog-metal to delivering guitar pyrotechnics (sometimes literally!) in her role as the mesmerizing guitar goddess who lights up the stage of Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil, Israeli-American guitar badass NILI BROSH always finds exciting gigs. I was thrilled to sit down with her in Las Vegas in the lobby of the Michael Jackson One theater at Mandalay Bay before the show to talk shop, trade licks, hear about her new life as Cirque du Soleil's stunt guitarist, and learn how she self-produced her amazing sophomore album, A Matter of Perception. EXTRA: The sad news of Malcolm Young's passing hit the the music world today, so, at the end of the episode, I share a tribute to the powerhouse AC/DC strummer, one of the greatest rockers of all time. RIP Malcolm! Thanks for listening! — JUDE GOLD, host and creator of No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Known for his rippin' solo albums, high-profile session work, and long tenure as lead guitarist for multi-platinum rock band Supertramp, CARL VERHEYEN is one of the most versatile guitarists on the planet. His latest album, ESSENTIAL BLUES, shows off his soulful and virtuosic approaches to everyone's favorite 12-bar progression. I loved visiting his Southern California home, plugging into a couple Fender Princeton Reverbs with him, and jamming with him and learning lick-by-lick some of the ways he honed his stunning six-string chops. — JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

It's no wonder CHRISTIAN LOPEZ landed a record deal when he was just a freshman in college — his old-soul singing, playing, and writing abilities belie his youthful age. Now 22, Christian is touring his latest album, RED ARROW (Blaster Records), and recently, at the Los Angeles home of his girlfriend, actor SKYLER SHAYE, we sat down and jammed on several of his wonderful songs, and he explained to me how he constructed them. He also shared how he evolved from playing restaurant gigs as a teenager in the tiny town of Martinsburg, West Virginia, to becoming one of the hottest up-and-coming signed artists in Nashville. —JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe

From the tragedy of his first gig to the triumph of his new album, Galaktikon II: Become the Storm, BRENDON SMALL plugs in his signature-model Gibson and Epiphone guitars and shows you how he succeeded in blending metal riffs, animation, and standup comedy to forge one of the most unique careers in the history of guitar. Picking up where Dethklok (the animated intergalactic thrash band from Brendon's hit series Metalocalypse) left off, Galaktikon has an even more massive sound, courtesy of huge armies of guitar and vocal overdubs stacked in spectacular harmony. On this episode, Brendon not only reveals how he planned, produced and recorded Become the Storm, he also shows you some of his favorite guitar techniques — some learned from other great players, and others arrived at on his own. Every time I meet with Brendon, he inspires me to take my playing, composition, and music production abilities to the next level; hopefully, with this in-depth interview, he will do the same for you. — JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe.

AUDIO-TECHNICA and their E-Series in-ear monitoring headphones present wild jams and great guitar discussion with 28-year-old finger-style rock prodigy JARED JAMES NICHOLS. Heading out on the road with Saxon and UFO for a run of U.S. shows starting September 22, Jared is no stranger to touring, as he's already played arenas and theaters around the world supporting huge acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Glenn Hughes, Blue Oyster Cult, and Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society. This tour finds Jared pushing his new single, "Last Chance," the first release from his forthcoming album, Black Magic (which he recorded at the home studios of Johnny Depp and Joe Perry). I had a wonderful time trading licks and stories with Jared at Swing House studios in Los Angeles, and, most of all, I was (as I'm sure you will be) thrilled by how many sounds this inspired guitar mangler is able to get using just a bridge-position P-90 and his ten fingers. Young gun, old soul! Tip: Enter your email address for a chance to win groovy E-Series gear from Audio-Technica at this page: www.guitarplayer.com/jared —JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast

Def Leppard's PHIL COLLEN is on the show! Presented by FU-TONE (check out FU-TONE's tone-enhancing guitar hardware at www.fu-tone.com), this interview was conducted at Studio A in the Capitol Records building in Hollywood nearly 30 years to the day since Def Leppard released their hugest selling album, HYSTERIA. With a guitar in his hands the entire time, Phil shows you exactly how the guitar parts on the album's many hit singles were created and tracked (and, when needed, I play rhythm guitar parts beneath Phil so he can show you the leads). Phil also recalls the magical role super-producer John "Mutt" Lange played in delivering one of the biggest rock albums of all time. —JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Presented by PRS GUITARS, this episode finds us in Atlanta talking and jamming with the great JIMMY HERRING. Beloved for his powerful solos and humble nature alike, Herring has played with several of the world's top "jam" artists, including Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Phil Lesh, the Dead, Project Z, and the Allman Brothers Band. Currently, Herring enjoys his long-running gig as lead guitarist with Widespread Panic—the band that has set the record for most sell-outs ever at Colorado's famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Throughout this interview, Jimmy has his PRS NF3 guitar in his hands, so he can show you musical concepts and passages that are meaningful to him ... and so he can jam! Catch Jimmy Herring on tour this summer with his band, Jimmy Herring and the Invisible Whip, or this fall, when he'll be playing concert halls with his hero, John McLaughlin. The McLaughling/Herring tour is called The Meeting of the Spirits, and it starts November 1. I hope you enjoy this in-depth hang and jam with with one of guitar's very best improvisors. And after listening, you'll surely be a better improvisor yourself. —JUDE GOLD Host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Recorded at Swing House Studios in Los Angeles, this episode features an interview and jam with Grammy-winning guitarist/producer SHANE THERIOT. Currently the lead guitarist for multi-platinum rock-soul hitmakers Hall and Oates, Shane has also worked with everyone from Jewel and Willie Nelson to LeAnn Rimes and the Neville Brothers. Shane's "other" job is being musical director for Daryl Hall on Daryl's popular music show, "Live From Daryl's House," wherein Daryl, Shane, and the band perform sets with a wide cross-section of famous singers. A soulful soloist and a super funky rhythm player, Shane has a rare versatility that should continue to land him huge gigs for many years to come. From what it's like growing up in New Orleans to sharing the guitar approaches he used on his new album, Still Motion, Shane covers a lot of territory on this interview, and I thank him for that. I offer Additional thanks to Swing House Studio's Phil Jauriqui (who visits the mics near the end of the episode to talk a little shop as well). His generosity made this episode happen. — JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

Grammy-nominated thumb-picker TOMMY EMMANUEL is one of the most beloved and respected guitarists on the planet. The Aussie-turned-Nashvillian is one of a small handful of players dubbed a "CGP" (Certified Guitar Player) by the late, great Chet Atkins, and the accolade is well-deserved — as proves one listen to Tommy's mesmerizing new concert album, LIVE! AT THE RYMAN. Tommy is on the road mesmerizing audiences around the world 300 nights per year, and his zest for life and music never ceases to amaze. I enjoyed this guitar hang with him immensely, and hope you do, too. —JUDE GOLD Host, No Guitar Is Safe podcast.

For the two-year anniversary of No Guitar Is Safe, I am proud to bring you a guitar hang with "the Jimi Hendrix of podcasting," MARC MARON. I met up with the famed interviewer/comedian/actor (and, yes, guitarist) in his now-legendary garage — the same place he has interviewed everyone from famous actors, musicians, and comedians to President Obama. The garage is also the same place where, as you'll hear, Marc likes to crank up vintage amps and play the blues. (Check out Maron's new hit comedy series, GLOW, which is binge-watchable now on Netflix!) Thanks for listening to No Guitar Is Safe. JUDE GOLD Host, No Guitar Is Safe

A versatile, super-tasty jazz cat who found his way onto huge-selling crossover records by star singers such as Norah Jones and Tracy Chapman, ADAM LEVY is one of the chillest, most thoughtful and grounded pro guitarists you're likely to meet. I had a wonderful time jamming with him on everything from John Coltrane's "Equinox" and Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason" to Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why" and Adam's own solo song, "This Is Our House" (off his stellar EP, Blueberry Blonde). We explore many different musical worlds in this super-size episode, and I learned a lot. Hope you do, too. —JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe