Sad news tonite. Over the weekend, I received news of the passing of a dear friend who’s shaped me, molded me, instructed me and taught me more than I imagined. It’s funny how you never realize the impact a friend like that had on your life until they’ve passed on. They were someone I grew to count on. I assumed they would always be there for me–because they always had been. I have to admit, I’m still in a little bit of shock as I write this tonite. Although I can accept the reality, it’s still a little bit surreal to see these words formed on my screen, knowing that the death of my friend will now be what shapes me, molds me, impacts me and prepares me for the days ahead.

Guitar One magazine has passed on and has ceased publication.

Evidently, it has merged with Guitar World magazine, which, IMHO, has been the little kid brother on the scene. But not even your kid brother. The kid brother of the friend next door who’s even less tolerable than the kid next door. Remember the kid who got to hang out with the neighborhood gang solely because his older brother was (barely) part of the gang? That’s Guitar World.

Brad Tolinski, Editor-in-Chief for G-ONE, tells  me that for the remainder of my subscription, I’ll be recieving Guitar World magazine and, he’s sure, I’ll come to agree that I’m getting the best of two magazines in one.

Well, Brad, we’ll see. What I liked about G-ONE was the abundance of lessons. Lots of tabs. Lots of styles. Blues to death metal. Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) to T-Bone Walker to Django Reinhardt to Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society/Ozzy). Great interviews with young guns and veteran gunslingers. Fretboard theory from legatos and arpeggios to lydian and locrian modes…and all the way to spicing up solos with fourths, fifths, and diatonic triads….

Like an old friend, Guitar One has been there for me for years. Walking me through tough times with Dave Mustane (Megadeth) and Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule). Remembering old saints such as Miles Davis, Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, and the hallowed SRV. Experimenting with prog/fusion along with  Alex Lifeson (Rush), Allan Holdsworth, and John Petrucci (Dream Theater).

R.I.P., my friend. You’ll always be in my heart (and library).