Chris Bird

Chris Bird

Chris was Editor of Total Guitar magazine from 2020 until its closure in 2024, when he became Lesson Editor for Guitar World, MusicRadar and Guitar Player. Prior to taking over as Editor, he helmed Total Guitar's world-class tab and tuition section for 12 years, helping thousands of guitarists learn how to play the instrument. A former guitar teacher, Chris trained at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford, UK, and held a degree in Philosophy & Popular Music. During his career, Chris interviewed guitar legends including Brian May and Jimmy Page, while championing new artists such as Yungblud and Nova Twins. Chris was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in April 2024 and died in May 2025.

Latest articles by Chris Bird

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Red Dragon Cartel - Red Dragon Cartel review

By Chris Bird last updated

Ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist takes us back to the 80s once again

Singles And Albums
It's important to pay attention to bends up and bends down as well as pitch

Major scale string bending for beginners

By Total Guitar, Chris Bird last updated

A video lesson with free, high-quality tab

Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
Pay special attention on getting the bent note in tune

Blues scale string bending for beginners

By Total Guitar, Chris Bird last updated

A video lesson with free, high-quality tab

Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
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Opinion: Richie Sambora - a guilty pleasure justified

By Chris Bird last updated

Following TG203's Richie Sambora interview, Total Guitar's Music Editor, Chris Bird, explains the method behind the moose.

Guitars
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VIDEO: Mattias IA Eklundh new video out today

By Chris Bird last updated

The Swedish axe wizard covers AC/DC's classic track 'Hell's Bells' on latest album, 'Freak Guitar: The Smorgasbord'

Singles And Albums
First impressions are very good.

Gear4Music Dreadnought Electro Acoustic

By Chris Bird last updated

Gear4music get in on the super-budget electro acoustic act with their dreadnought guitar

Acoustic Guitars
The Answer show you how to jam

VIDEO: The Answer teach you how to jam

By Total Guitar, The Answer, Chris Bird last updated

An exclusive jam session captured on camera

Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
Be careful to keep your first finger steady when playing unison bends

Unison string bending for beginners

By Total Guitar, Chris Bird last updated

A video lesson with free, high-quality tab

Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
The minor pentatonic scale is one of the easiest to string bend with

Minor pentatonic string bending for beginners

By Total Guitar, Chris Bird last updated

A video lesson with free, high-quality tab

Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
Try not to pick with the same finger for consecutive notes

Fingerpicking for absolute beginners

By Total Guitar, Chris Bird last updated

A video lesson with free, high-quality tab

Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
Chris Bird, TG's Music Editor

Opinion: Top 5 (post-'Kid A') Radiohead guitar tracks

By Chris Bird last updated

Monthly posts from the man who sorts the tabs

Guitars
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Opinion: What makes a good cover song?

By Chris Bird last updated

TG204 (on sale now) features the full tab for Santana's iconic Fleetwood Mac cover 'Black Magic Woman'. Here TG's Music Editor, Chris Bird, sets out his ideas on the formula behind successful covers.

Singles And Albums
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