A no-nonsense compilation of the stuff you loved the most this year
Feast your eyes, guitar enthusiasts, on the videos that made the biggest splash around the world during 2024. From deep dives into legendary tones and behind-the-scenes craftory tours to enlightening interviews with some of the industry’s finest players, this countdown of top-ranking Gibson Gear Guide videos will please any guitar fan, music lover or gearhead.
10) The Slash guitar trick—once you know it, there’s no going back
Dinesh Lekhraj breaks down Slash’s celebrated guitar style, explaining his melodic solos, distinctive riff techniques, and signature tone. Discover how Slash adds subtle chorus effects to clean tones, uses chromatic runs in bluesy pentatonic solos, and creates memorable lead lines like those in “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Fall to Pieces.”
Plus, get advice on how to build a rig—both budget-friendly and premium—that captures Slash’s iconic sound.
9) This one Adam Jones guitar technique makes him great—sound like Adam Jones and sound like TOOL
This popular Gibson Gear Guide video examines Adam Jones’ distinctive guitar style, emphasizing that it’s not just the gear but also the techniques and riff construction that define his sound. You’ll learn about Drop D tuning, five core techniques (including the drone and dissonance from Aenima, string bends from 10,000 Days, and the “Lift” technique), and how to apply them to iconic Tool tracks.
It also covers the guitars, effects, and amplifiers necessary to recreate Jones’ unmistakable tone.
8) Richie Faulkner’s Judas Priest audition wasn’t what he expected
Richie Faulkner recounts his surprising and relaxed audition for Judas Priest, where subtle tests from Glenn Tipton gauged both his musicianship and personal fit with the band. He discusses his journey from humble beginnings—borrowing train fare from his mother—to meeting icons like Tipton and Rob Halford, and offers advice to guitarists about joining an established group and respecting its legacy.
Richie also emphasizes the importance of blending classic solos with fresh creativity and integrating smoothly into the band’s off-stage culture.
7) New Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom guitars—full lineup reveal
Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom Collection is expanding, bringing premium Custom Shop tone, historically accurate Gibson headstocks, USA pickups, and one-piece necks into the hands of more players. This new tier of instruments complements the full Epiphone range, offering elevated quality for guitarists of every level.
Watch the video for a showcase of an array of iconic models—from the 1959 Les Paul™ Standard to the 1957 SJ-200.
6) Joe Bonamassa talks about two new signature guitars—1955 Les Paul & “Amos” Flying V
Joe Bonamassa returns to Gibson Gear Guide, revealing two new signature guitars—the Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard and the Gibson Custom “Amos” 1958 Flying V™ Collector’s Edition—while sharing the backstory on his signature Les Paul’s rare Copper Iridescent finish and how his iconic Flying V featured in This Is Spinal Tap.
He also delves into his love for P-90 pickups, demonstrates how to achieve perfect amplifier settings, and offers blues guitar lessons inspired by Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the iconic Cream-era Eric Clapton tone.
5) Gibson Custom Shop tour—meet the people who made your guitar
This Gibson Custom Shop tour reveals every step in crafting your dream guitar, from selecting and grading woods to shaping, carving, and finishing each instrument.
Meet the skilled luthiers and craftspeople who feel a profound responsibility in upholding Gibson’s rich heritage. Watch as necks are sculpted, binding is hand-scraped, electronics are meticulously assembled, and every detail is perfected before your guitar is placed in its case and ready to become part of your musical journey.
4) Joe Bonamassa on the Albert King solo trick
It’s that man again as Dinesh sits down with Joe Bonamassa to discuss how to recreate Albert King’s iconic tone. Joe reveals often-overlooked techniques like Albert’s unique phrasing, thumb positioning, and “upside-down and backward” approach. Discover practical tips on managing high levels of gain, controlling hum, and balancing treble and presence for a soulful, mid-rich sound.
3) Phil X on Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and what it really takes to be a great guitarist
Phil X, known for his work with Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, and numerous other top artists, discusses carving out a unique niche in the session world and shares the guitar techniques that helped him stand apart. With an Explorer in hand, he emphasizes the value of playing live, not relying solely on your equipment, and staying prepared for onstage challenges.
Phil also reveals his creative use of chromatics, pentatonic scales, unique tunings like the bouzouki, and his preference for less gain while reflecting on his experiences with iconic figures such as Taylor Hawkins and Chris Cornell.
2) Charlie Starr on Les Paul Juniors, Southern Rock sound
Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh Lekhraj delves into the story of Charlie Starr’s first Les Paul Junior, explores his live rig, and uncovers the secret to singing and playing simultaneously—plus some wise advice from Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. In addition, Charlie offers valuable Southern rock and slide guitar lessons, demonstrating unique dual-note bends and much more.
He also shows you how to dial in diverse tones on a Les Paul Junior, proving the versatility of a single-pickup guitar, making this interview essential viewing for Blackberry Smoke fans and Southern rock guitar enthusiasts alike.
1) Joe Bonamassa’s only advice for guitarists
It was the most popular video on the Gibson Gear Guide in 2024 and stars Joe Bonamassa yet again, as the blues-rock virtuoso shows how to break free from pentatonic ruts by exploring different scales and taking cues from blues greats like Albert King.
With Gibson Gear Guide host Dinesh Lekhraj, Joe demonstrates how shifting familiar phrases into new positions and introducing modes such as Mixolydian can open up fresh creative possibilities. This essential blues lesson promises to elevate your solos, helping you find expressive and innovative new ways to approach the instrument in just a few minutes.
Bonus: The return of Gibson Amps: The Falcon 5 & Falcon 20—full demo
Since this list goes to 11, enjoy Dinesh’s demo of the new-for-2024 Gibson Falcon amps, also available in an exclusive and rather fetching Surf Bronco colorway.
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