After three decades of inspiring guitarists worldwide, Total Guitar, a cornerstone of guitar journalism, has officially closed its doors, ceasing its print publication. The final edition of Total Guitar, once the best-selling guitar magazine across the UK and Europe, is set to be released on October 18th, marking the end of an era for guitar enthusiasts.
Launched in 1994, amidst the explosion of Britpop, Total Guitar quickly carved out a unique space in the music magazine landscape. It distinguished itself from its contemporaries with its accessible approach and modern perspective on all facets of guitar playing. The magazine became a go-to resource for both budding novices and experienced guitarists, offering a comprehensive blend of instructional content, insightful interviews, and detailed gear reviews. Total Guitar served as a vital platform for the guitar community, bridging the gap between legendary players and those just starting their musical journey.
Throughout its impressive run, Total Guitar graced its covers with a diverse range of artists, from groundbreaking bands like Oasis, Blur, and Supergrass, who defined a generation, to guitar icons such as The Edge, Jimmy Page, Johnny Marr, and Slash. These cover features highlighted the magazine’s commitment to showcasing both emerging talent and established masters of the guitar.
The concluding issue of Total Guitar is designed as a commemorative retrospective, delving into the magazine’s rich 30-year history and celebrating its most iconic moments. This journey down memory lane begins with a look back at the very first issue, which featured a guide to the signature licks and equipment of Jimi Hendrix, alongside a forward-thinking exploration into whether the Parker Fly represented the future of guitar design.
Chris Bird, Editor of Total Guitar, reflected on the magazine’s closure, stating, “Total Guitar has been a central institution for the guitar-playing community for three decades. We have been fortunate to work with an incredibly talented and creative team of staff and contributors from the very beginning. Total Guitar has always aimed to be the most inclusive and wide-ranging guitar magazine available globally. I’ve always emphasized putting the ‘Total’ into Total Guitar.”
Bird further added, “It has been an immense privilege to have collaborated with such a remarkable team over the past 17 years. Serving our readers with top-tier tuition, reviews, features, and more throughout this time has been an honor. Thank you to all our readers for your dedicated support.”
Subscribers to Total Guitar will be contacted and offered options to either receive a refund or transfer their existing subscription to Guitarist magazine, ensuring they continue to receive quality guitar-focused content.
This decision to cease print publication follows similar recent announcements within the guitar magazine industry. Guitar Player magazine recently declared its transition to a fully online format after 57 years, and Guitar Techniques also announced its closure after 30 years of publication. These changes reflect a broader shift in media consumption and the evolving landscape of music journalism in the digital age. While the print edition of Total Guitar may be ending, its digital legacy and impact on guitar players worldwide will undoubtedly endure.
