Watch the show LIVE at http://johnnybeane.TV Tuesdays & Fridays at 8PM ET Guitars & Rock Music Talk.
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick and his five tips for becoming a better guitar player. Skolnick is known for his work with Testament, but he's also an accomplished jazz guitarist with the Alex Skolnick Trio. His approach to improving as a musician is all about staying honest, staying positive, and developing your own identity. Alex Skolnick's 5 Guitar Tips: • 1. Be honest with yourself Know where your playing is right now. Accept what you need to work on, put in the practice, and don't be afraid to admit there are players better than you. • 2. Enjoy the process Don't let learning guitar become overwhelming. Start with songs and ideas that inspire you. Small victories can make bigger challenges feel achievable. • 3. Don't try to be someone you're not Skolnick remembers Joe Satriani telling him not to get too caught up in Yngwie Malmsteen's style. Appreciate your influences, but develop your own sound and identity. • 4. Don't let negativity bring you down There will always be incredible players online and people who get more recognition. Stay realistic, but don't turn that into negativity. Keep playing and focus on what music means to you. • 5. Practice what you haven't mastered — perform what you have Use practice time to work on the difficult stuff. When you perform, play the material you know well enough that you can focus on the music, the band, and the audience. Skolnick's biggest message? Keep learning, keep improving, and keep becoming your own guitarist. What do YOU think is the most important piece of advice for becoming a better guitarist?
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Cheap Trick guitar legend Rick Nielsen and the incredible collection of guitars he's putting up for auction — including one of the wildest guitars ever built!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're getting more of the conversation you thought you'd already seen!
September 27, 2007 — Charlotte, North Carolina. Nineteen years ago tonight, Van Halen officially hit the road with David Lee Roth for the first time since 1984!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about a seriously unexpected guitar collaboration: John Mayer, PRS, and Land Rover Defender have teamed up for a new Silver Sky collection featuring actual Defender paint colors — and, finally, a factory black pickguard on the Silver Sky SE! John Mayer tells Guitar World that this collaboration is about much more than putting a car logo on a guitar. It's about color, design, accessibility, and pushing the Silver Sky in a new direction.
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about one of the most unusual guitar moments in Nirvana history — the original guitar solo on “Heart-Shaped Box.” Kurt Cobain's “Heart-Shaped Box” guitar solo has a wild history.
Seymour Duncan Distortion 50th Anniversary Set: A Classic Rock Pickup Gets the Custom Shop Treatment! On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at the new Seymour Duncan Duncan Distortion Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Custom Shop Set — a special release celebrating one of Seymour Duncan's most iconic high-output humbucker designs. Limited to just 500 sets worldwide, this anniversary edition brings back early-production details while preserving the aggressive Duncan Distortion sound that rock and metal guitarists have relied on for decades.
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at the new Jackson Pro Series Signature Phil Collen PC1-E, a Mexican-made version of Phil Collen's legendary Superstrat-style signature guitar. The Def Leppard guitarist has been working with Jackson for nearly 40 years, and the PC1-E brings his unique combination of Strat-style design, high-powered pickups, Floyd Rose tremolo, and onboard sustainer technology to the Jackson Pro Series. Phil says the PC1-E has “all the bells and whistles” and that you can get the sounds of a Strat, Les Paul, and more from a single guitar.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a closer look at the EVH Limited-Edition Wolfgang Special 2015 in Distressed Ivory — the guitar inspired by Eddie Van Halen's legendary Wolfgang used during the 2015 Different Kind of Truth world tour. With its road-worn Distressed Ivory finish, lightweight basswood body, graphite-reinforced quarter-sawn maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and EVH Wolfgang AL2 and AL3 humbuckers, this Wolfgang Special was built to deliver Eddie's signature combination of power, sustain, clarity, and playability. The guitar also features an EVH-branded Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo, EVH D-Tuna, kill switch, and EVH Bourns controls, giving players plenty of tools for dive bombs, squeals, Drop D tuning, and classic Van Halen-style effects. We're taking a look at what makes this limited-edition Wolfgang Special so special, how it connects to Eddie's 2015 touring era, and why it remains such a sought-after EVH Van Halen guitar for collectors and players.
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Fender CEO Bud Cole's candid response to player complaints about Fender guitar quality control — and what the company says it's doing to fix the problem. Fender has faced growing criticism from some players over quality control, particularly following the huge surge in guitar demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Cole says Fender is listening — and changes are already being made.
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about a major new development from Fender that could change the way guitarists experience single-coil pickups.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about an incredible Van Halen reunion of sorts! Mitch Malloy — the “lost” Van Halen singer who nearly joined the band in 1996 — just shared the stage with former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony! At the 2026 Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards in Las Vegas, Malloy and Anthony teamed up for a powerful performance of the Van Halen classic “Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love.” And the lineup was stacked!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're going back to September 22, 1985 — the day Sammy Hagar was supposed to introduce himself to the world as the new singer of Van Halen. And it happened at one of the biggest benefit concerts in rock history.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Sammy Hagar's future with Van Halen music — and whether the Best of All Worlds era is coming to an end. After two years of celebrating his Van Halen legacy alongside Michael Anthony and Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar says he's ready to move on. During a recent conversation with Eddie Trunk, Hagar revealed: “I'm kinda done with being the Van Halen guy.” The Best of All Worlds tour began in 2024 and became such a success that it led to the current Las Vegas residency. But Hagar says the residency may be his final major run focused heavily on Van Halen material.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we pay tribute to Kenneth “Ken” Deane, a key behind-the-scenes member of the Van Halen family who worked closely with Eddie Van Halen and Donn Landee at 5150 Studios. Ken passed away unexpectedly on September 3rd, leaving behind his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other loved ones. Ken was a talented and hardworking audio engineer who worked with Warner Bros., Amigo, Universal, and Van Halen. He served as an engineer and studio manager at Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studios, where he worked alongside legendary chief engineer Donn Landee.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Sammy Hagar's latest comments regarding Alex Van Halen — and the growing tension over the legacy of Van Halen. Hagar responds after Alex reportedly called him a “complete idiot,” and says he still doesn't understand why Alex has a problem with him.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're getting ready for a major moment for Van Halen fans! The wait is almost over. The complete TEDxFargo conversation featuring Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and artist Robert Vargas premieres online tomorrow, giving fans their first chance to see the full, much-talked-about event. The conversation, titled “Beyond Boundaries: How Human Experience Informs Art and Music,” was filmed on July 30 during TEDxFargo's 2026 “CHARGE” event in Fargo, North Dakota. Here's what makes this premiere especially significant:
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're checking out Gibson and Epiphone's bold new Miami-inspired electric guitars!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at a fascinating new guitar collaboration that brings together legendary guitar builder John Cruz, formerly of the Fender Custom Shop, and Chinese guitar brand Farida Guitars. Cruz has unveiled his first guitar design with Farida — the JC-1, a vintage-inspired S-style guitar that combines classic looks and tones with some interesting modern features. And there's a lot to talk about!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we have some incredible Van Halen news to talk about — including the first official release of one of the earliest Van Halen recordings ever made!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about KISS recording new music — and Tommy Thayer confirms the rumors are true!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about the upcoming re-release of Van Halen's final studio album, A Different Kind of Truth! Originally released in 2012, A Different Kind of Truth featured Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Wolfgang Van Halen and David Lee Roth and marked Roth's first original Van Halen studio album since 1984.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about some incredible news involving legendary VAN HALEN drummer Alex Van Halen! Earlier today, Tuesday, September 1, Alex was awarded the royal decoration “Ridder in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw” — Knight in the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands. In a short interview after the ceremony, Alex said: "My cousin organized most of this. But I'm very grateful. I think institutions like this are important in people's lives because it adds a dignity and a gravity to what we do. Whether it's actually deserved or not, that's another question. But we can live up to it. That's the whole thing, is you gotta have something to live up to."
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we uncover an incredible piece of rock history — The Who's supposedly lost recordings were hiding in plain sight!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into an incredible piece of guitar history: Kirk Hammett bringing early Metallica material to his guitar teacher, Joe Satriani!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, our friend G. Buchnoff joins us to show off an incredible piece of Van Halen history — one of only two bass drum resonant heads used during the 1995 Balance Tour! Featuring the iconic jester clown walking a tightrope across a circus ring, this incredibly rare piece was discovered through a Alex Van Halen auction. We talk about the drum head, the Balance Tour, Alex Van Halen's incredible drum setup, and the story behind this amazing piece of Van Halen memorabilia. If you love Van Halen and rock music, you're in the right place!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about a newly unearthed Beatles recording that reveals something fascinating about one of their most iconic guitar riffs!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about a brand-new signature pickup set from Tom Morello and EMG — bringing the legendary tones of his iconic “Arm the Homeless” guitar to guitar players and modders everywhere!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Stage Tour, the spiritual successor to Guitar Hero — and the confirmed setlist is already packed with huge tracks!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we celebrate 40 years of Van Halen's legendary LIVE WITHOUT A NET! On August 27, 1986, Van Halen took the stage at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut, during the massive 5150 Tour. The performance was filmed and became one of rock's most iconic concert home videos. This was Van Halen's first tour with Sammy Hagar, capturing Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen at an incredible moment in the band's history.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we talk about the first time Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top saw Eddie Van Halen perform live — and why the experience completely blew his mind.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we talk about former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony joining Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening onstage Saturday, August 22, at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California! Anthony and Bonham teamed up for two legendary songs — Van Halen's “Runnin' With the Devil” and Led Zeppelin's “Rock and Roll.”
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a deep dive into David Lee Roth's controversial 1988 album Skyscraper—and why Billy Sheehan believes Roth could have been hailed as the “genius of the century” if the gamble had paid off. After leaving Van Halen in 1985, Roth assembled an incredible lineup featuring Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette. Their 1986 debut, Eat 'Em and Smile, was a massive success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and establishing Roth as a major solo rock star. Then came Skyscraper. Instead of simply repeating the formula, Roth pushed toward synths, programmed beats, keyboards, and more dance-oriented sounds, while still featuring Steve Vai's explosive guitar work.
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at Charvel's brand-new Pro Plus Dinky DK24 models—four metal-focused guitars loaded with serious firepower, including Seymour Duncan Nazgul pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, stainless-steel frets, and killer new finishes like Zombie Fade. Charvel has expanded the Pro Plus Dinky DK24 lineup with four new models designed for speed, precision, and heavy music. While these guitars are built for shredders, the pickup and hardware combinations make them especially interesting for modern metal players.
Mike Dirnt Is Selling Green Day's Most Iconic Tour-Worn Gear!
Brad Gillis Recalls the Bizarre Scorpion Incident With ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into one of the strangest backstage stories from Night Ranger's early days on the road with ZZ Top. After briefly joining Ozzy Osbourne's band following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, guitarist Brad Gillis returned to Night Ranger and immediately found himself touring with some of rock's biggest names, including KISS and ZZ Top. Gillis remembers how warmly both legendary bands treated Night Ranger—but one ZZ Top tour produced an unforgettable backstage incident involving bassist Jack Blades and a tiny scorpion.
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at an incredible Van Halen moment from the Guitar Center Drum-Off finale at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles! On Thursday, August 20, Michael Anthony, legendary bassist of Van Halen, joined powerhouse guitarist Phil X and drummer Kenny Aronoff for a live performance of Van Halen material. The chemistry between these three musicians was absolutely electric—and hearing Michael Anthony back on stage delivering that unmistakable Van Halen sound is something fans won't want to miss!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into the incredible story of how Eddie Van Halen encouraged Lita Ford to get back to work and launch her solo career after The Runaways. After The Runaways broke up in 1979, Ford stepped away from the rock world and even took a job at a department store. But Eddie wasn't about to let her stay there for long!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about a very cool tribute to one of rock's most legendary albums!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Jacob Deraps, the Van Halen-obsessed guitarist who has become the face of the latest EVH Wolfgang Special guitars—and his uncanny ability to capture the spirit of Eddie Van Halen.
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we pay tribute to Frank Beard, the legendary drummer and longtime backbone of ZZ Top, who has passed away at 77.
Ritchie Blackmore's Emotional Deep Purple Reunion: “Smoke on the Water” Brings It All Back! On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into an incredible rock history moment: Ritchie Blackmore's emotional reunion with Deep Purple!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking guitar strings, legendary guitars, and one very cool piece of Night Ranger history!
On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we read a fascinating story about Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple, and one of the most unexpected influences behind the band's 1984 reunion. Blackmore recently reunited with Deep Purple onstage for the first time in 33 years, joining his former bandmates at New York's Jones Beach Theater for “Smoke on the Water.” It was an incredible moment for a guitarist who had spent decades away from the band he co-founded. But Blackmore's first Deep Purple reunion in 1984 had a surprising connection to another legendary group — The Police. After leaving Deep Purple in 1975 to form Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio, Blackmore eventually saw an opportunity to bring the classic Mark II lineup back together. And according to Blackmore himself, part of the reason was what he felt was missing from the rock scene at the time. Speaking to Metal Hammer in 1987, Blackmore bluntly explained: “Everyone was playing like the Police. And can I state here that I hate the Police?” The timing is fascinating. The Police were at the height of their success following their massive 1983 album Synchronicity, while Blackmore felt there was a gap in rock music for something heavier, rawer, and more aggressive. As he put it, “There just wasn't a band playing that earthy kind of rock.” Blackmore believed Deep Purple could fill that void with their hard-driving, blues-based sound — music he felt didn't have the polished sheen dominating much of the rock world. And he was right. In 1984, the classic Mark II lineup returned with Perfect Strangers, giving Deep Purple a remarkable second chapter. Blackmore remained with the band until 1993, when he left again. Now, more than three decades later, seeing him back onstage with Deep Purple makes this story even more fascinating. So, what do you think — did Ritchie Blackmore have a point about the state of rock music in the 1980s, or was he just being Ritchie Blackmore? #RitchieBlackmore #DeepPurple #ThePolice #TalkingGuitars
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a fascinating look back at one of guitar history's greatest secret supergroups — Biff Baby's All-Stars — and an incredible story involving Eddie Van Halen and Albert Lee!
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we travel back 40 years to August 12, 1986!
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