GUITAR PLAYER Magazine Oct 2023 NITA STRAUSS BRIAN MAY Queen Steve Howe Yes

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Nita Strauss has been one of the more extraordinary guitarists to explode on the scene in recent years, taking over for Orianthi as Alice Cooper’s guitarist in 2016, and becoming the first female woman to have her own Ibanez signature model, the JIVA10, two years later. As Nita releases her new, unapologetically shred sophomore album, ‘The Call of the Void,’ she sits down with Guitar Player for a deep discussion about shredding, soloing — and the importance of heeding Yngwie’s famous quote: “How can less be more? More is more!”

• Eddie Van Halen: In a rare interview, producer Ted Templeman reveals what went down when Eddie plugged in to write and record Van Halen’s groundbreaking debut album. Plus, we get his first-hand account of how “Eruption” came to be.

• Brian May: As he releases his expanded ‘Star Fleet Project’ box set, Brian May expounds on how the 1983 album came about, what went on behind the scenes, and Eddie Van Halen’s role in it. We also learn about Queen’s plans for the future, and Sir Brian delivers a warning about the dangers that AI poses for music in the coming year, saying: “We might look back on 2023 as the last year when humans really dominated the music scene.”

• Steve Howe: “They wanted to chop our heads off!” As Yes’s 1973 epic ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’ turns 50, their long-running guitarist dives deep into its history to discuss how it all began — and how it divided fans and critics alike. Plus, he reflects on his new re-imagined version of his psychedelic band Tomorrow’s debut album and the creation of Yes’s latest release, ‘Mirror to the Sky.’

• Michael Schenker: From his legendary high-octane tone to his elegantly melodic metal riffing — we home in on the roots of the metal master’s style.

• The world’s rarest acoustic? Gary Brewer shares with us half a dozen Martin’s from his collection — including an 1899 0-28 Herringbone that is among the rarest of the rare.

James Burton: From “Susie-Q” to famous cuts for Ricky Nelson and Elvis — the man with the Paisley Tele tells the stories behind some of his most famous recorded tracks.

Reb Beach: The former Winger guitarist reveals how “Seventeen” saved the group from obscurity…before it became a mark of hair-metal infamy.

Ally Venable: On the heels of her 2021 number-two album, this blues-breaking rule-breaker steps up to the big leagues with Real Gone.

Eddie 9V: The blues-soul firebrand shares the tips that have made him a fast-rising guitar star to keep your eye on.

…all this, plus reviews of the Tim Bram Tribute Archtop; Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V and Explorer; Fishman AFX Pro EQ Mini, Broken Record, AcoustiVerb and Pocket Blender Mini Acoustic pedals; Peavey 6505 1992 Original amp head; DOD Overdrive Preamp 250, Envelope Filter 440 and Meatbox Subsynth effects pedals; and EarthQuaker Devices Ledges Tri-Dimensional Reverberation Machine.