Three different guitarists from two different bands share one common goal....taking back metal!One of the toughest challenges for any working band is to stay current while keeping a signature sound. It's a battle many bands face without fear, with some falling by the wayside while others continue on the road to fame, fortune and prominence.



Read more: Atreyu & All That Remains: Hear Them Roar



DECEMBER 2009



SONGS - DECEMBER 09



* Santana - Smooth

* Taylor Swift - Picture to Burn

* All That Remains - This Calling

* Atreyu - Ex's and Oh's

* Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit

* My Morning Jacket - One Big Holiday

* Bon Jovi - You Give Love a Bad Name

* Faces - Stay With Me

* Eagles - Seven Bridges Road

* The Answer - Demon Eyes





LESSONS - DECEMBER '09



* Tip Jar: Building a Desert Island Pedal Board - A killer do-it-yourself idea for creating a small, useable pedalboard!

* Stretchin the Blues: Expanding Your Blues Options - Adding an Extra ii-V Change

* Guitar Gumbo: New Twist on an Old Theme - How to Jazz Up Those Old Roots-filled Runs

* Zen Guitar: Southern Hospitality - A Country Run for Everyone



GEAR - DECEMBER 09



* Sound Check: Time for a Tune Up?

* Dial Tone: Carlos Santana - How to Achieve the Tone on "Smooth"

* Epiphone Dove Acoustic Guitar Review

* Boss '63 Fender Reverb Pedal Review

* Laguna LE300VSB-MN Guitar Review

* Gear Here - Line 6 - Spider IV 75

* Tregan Syren Standard Review



ARTISTS - DECEMBER 09



* Workin Band: Crazy Fingers - A Crazy But Very Successful Greatful Dead Tribute Band

* Sights & Sounds December 2009

* Feature: Oz Noy - Innovation at its Finest

* 5 Questions With... Tommy Castro

* Style File: Baroness - A (NotSo) Lost Art

* Style File : Gus G - On Fire

* Who's Hot : Skillet - Sound Awake

* Style File: Five Finger Death Punch - Divide and Conquer