“Guitar for the Practicing Musician” was a popular guitar magazine that had a huge impact on guitar players and music enthusiasts alike. Published from 1983 to 1999, the magazine was known for its coverage of heavy metal and hard rock guitarists, and it was a go-to resource for guitar players of all levels who wanted to learn how to play their favorite songs and improve their skills.

The magazine was jam-packed with features, including interviews with famous guitarists, gear reviews, and lessons on techniques and theory. However, one of the most popular sections of the magazine was the song transcriptions, which were accompanied by detailed “Performance Notes” that provided insights and tips on how to play the songs accurately.

In the early days of “Guitar for the Practicing Musician,” the magazine was somewhat of an outlier in the guitar publishing world. While other guitar magazines focused on blues and classic rock, “Guitar for the Practicing Musician” was geared towards heavy metal and hard rock, which were still niche genres at the time. However, the magazine’s timing was perfect, as the rise of heavy metal in the 1980s led to a huge demand for guitar instruction and information.

One of the unique features of the magazine was the quality of its song transcriptions, which were often accurate and detailed. In fact, many guitarists learned how to play their favorite songs from the magazine, and some of the transcriptions are still used as reference material today.

Another popular feature of “Guitar for the Practicing Musician” was the “Flexi-Disc” insert, which featured audio recordings of songs, gear demos, and interviews with famous guitarists. These Flexi-Discs were often highly sought after, and they provided a valuable learning tool for guitar players who wanted to hear how their favorite songs were supposed to sound.

Over the years, “Guitar for the Practicing Musician” featured interviews with some of the biggest names in heavy metal and hard rock, including Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and many others. The magazine also helped to launch the careers of many up-and-coming guitarists, who were given exposure and recognition through the magazine’s coverage.

While “Guitar for the Practicing Musician” ceased publication in 1999, its legacy lives on. The magazine had a huge impact on the guitar world, and it helped to inspire and educate countless guitar players over the years. Today, many guitarists still look back on the magazine with fondness, and some even credit it with helping them to become the players they are today.

In conclusion, “Guitar for the Practicing Musician” was a legendary guitar magazine that left an indelible mark on the guitar world. Its accurate song transcriptions, insightful “Performance Notes,” and in-depth interviews with famous guitarists made it a must-read for guitar players of all levels. While the magazine may be gone, its impact will continue to be felt for years to come.