Guitar Player Magazine to Axe Print Edition in Digital Shift

Just two years shy of its 60th birthday, Guitar Player magazine will cease publication of its print version and go digital only, its editor has announced. The 58-year-old magazine dedicated to guitars, gear and the musicians who play and love them, publishes its final print issue this week with Jimmy Page on the cover. “What better way to wrap up our history than to have [the rock legend] help us do what we’ve always done best — bring you the finest interviews with your favorite players,” wrote Christopher Scapelliti, who’ll stay on as digital editor.

Founded in 1967 by Bud Eastman, Guitar Player was the first publication dedicated solely to all things guitars. It went on to inspire other singularly-focused magazines like Bass Player and Keyboard, as well as axe-specific competitors like Guitar World, Premier Guitar, Guitarist and Guitar for the Practicing Musician (RIP). The magazine is owned by Future US, an NYC-based publisher with other titles including PC Gamer, Electronic Musician and Guitar World.

In his final editorial for the magazine, Scapelliti acknowledged the challenges faced by the print edition, citing the seismic shift of advertisers to preferring online platforms as a key factor.

“The ‘why’ will be obvious even if you don’t keep each issue tucked away chronologically on shelves,” he wrote. “These increasingly slim volumes demonstrate our almost heroic efforts to persist in an era where advertisers find greater opportunities online. Throughout the ups and downs of these years, we’ve appreciated the support of those readers and advertisers who have kept Guitar Player’s print edition a going concern.”

He also expressed gratitude to readers and advertisers who supported the magazine through its ups and downs, and said subscriptions would automatically be transferred to Guitar World unless a refund is requested. 

Scapelliti also thanked colleagues, including managing director Stuart Williams, content director Scott Rowley, and head of design Brad Merrett, as well as art editor Philip Cheesbrough and music editor Jimmy Brown, and expressed deep appreciation for the writers and editors who contributed to the print magazine’s longevity.

“While longtime readers will lament this change, there’s much more to come in Guitar Player’s future,” Scapelliti said. “As for this final issue, what better way to wrap up our history than to have Jimmy Page help us do what we’ve always done best — bring you the finest interviews with your favorite players.”