April 2012 Vol 23 No 07

BEST IN SHOW

COVERSTORY

16

The world’s biggest guitar expo opens its doors once again. We uncover the treasure trove of treats unleashed at NAMM 2012

Interviews

Michael Schenker

48

He’s the ultimate hard rock guitarist. Matt Lamy chats to the man who’s got 40 years and three truly iconic bands under his belt

Richard Thompson

54

Thompson’s an enigmatic master of the live arena and now he’s released a spectacular live Blu-ray disc that proves it Brian Ray 58 Lars Mullen sits down with the lucky musician who’s been filling both guitar and bass duties for the legendary Sir Paul McCartney

Workshops

Play like Steve Vai

112

Douglas Noble explores the finer details of the album that defined Steve Vai as one of the planet’s most incredible guitarists

Play like Roger Glover

120

Fancy turning your bass skills to one of heavy metal’s greatest-ever albums? We show you how to nail Deep Purple’s Machine Head

48

MICHAEL SCHENKER Conversations with a hard rock hero

Regulars LETTERS 8 NEWS 10 SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE 12 ALBUMS 14 TALES FROM THE ROAD 15

6 Guitar & Bass APRIL 2012