Novelist William Burroughs may have coined the term “heavy metal,” but it was Black Sabbath who gave that phrase its musical signature. Rife with thunderous bass lines, sledgehammer percussion, and, most importantly, some of the most menacing guitar riffs ever committed to tape, Sabbath’s music remains the standard for any band intent on exploring the darker side of riff-driven rock.

From Peter Frampton’s Frampton Comes Alive! to Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow, albums throughout rock’s glorious history have often featured Gibson instruments prominently on their covers.

In the process of forging his or her own style, every guitarist studies the work of some master – or masters – who came before. Even the great Chuck Berry, who seemingly invented a whole new approach to the instrument, readily cites T-Bone Walker as his prime inspiration. Below we’ve collected thoughts from 10 guitar giants about their biggest influences.

Criminally under-appreciated yet darn near ubiquitous in some of the greatest rock and roll songs ever recorded, today is the day we celebrate a musical instrument first developed to assist herdsmen in keeping track of their wayward future Big Macs and Whoppers:the cowbell.

2013’s The Next Day proves that David Bowie still has the power to surprise. What is never surprising is the calibre of musicians in Bowie’s go-to contact list. Here’s a rundown of his greatest guitarists…

Pete Townshend is a perfect example of the adage “rock ‘n’ roll keeps you young.” Although the mastermind behind the Who and some of the greatest rock songs of the 20^th century turns 68 this Sunday, May 19, he’s in the midst of yet another world tour with his classic band, wind milling through the rock opera Quadrophenia in packed arenas before sold-out multi-generational audiences.

Few things are more vexing on stage or in rehearsal than a guitar that won’t stay in tune. We’ve all experienced this irritation, and most likely at the least convenient time. Here are 10 common reasons why guitars refuse to stay in tune and how they can be addressed...

The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most celebrated guitars of all time, and nobody rocks it like Zakk Wylde. His driving hard-charging stage show, furious soloing and lightning-fast picking earned Wylde legions of fans as Ozzy Osbourne’s lead guitarist, and now, he rocks the stage fulltime as the frontman for Black Label Society. Today, Gibson.com is celebrating Wylde by looking back at a few choice quotes from the guitar master.

Festival season is officially here, and Rock on the Range is quickly becoming one of the country’s biggest events to feature heavy music each year. The annual music festival takes place May 17-19 at Columbus Crew Stadium and, per usual, offers a hard-hitting mix of metal and modern rock sounds. So, what acts are invading Rock on the Range this year?

Blues ‘n’ groove keyboard MVP and producer Ron Levy has spent more than 40 years on the road and in the studio, leading his own bands — including his exploratory, long-running outfit Wild Kingdom — and working with a cavalcade of influential artists.