British Guitarist Danny Beardsley Lists Five of His Biggest Guitar Icons

While we were sitting at school daydreaming about touring the world and playing to millions of adoring fans, there were guitarists out there actually living that very dream. Guitarist Danny Beardsley is no different, although, with the upcoming release of his stunning new sophomore album, Chase The Sun, out on June 24th, Danny is on the verge of living that dream himself.

So, having just released his towering new single, “Pulling Me Under,” we sat down with Danny and got him to talk us through five of his own guitar icons.

1. Brian May (Queen)

Danny Beardsley: “‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ started it all for me. The lead guitar tone in that song still gives me goosebumps. I think that is the tone I continue to chase. Melodically the lines are so vocal and form part of the song, which is something I strive for with my own songwriting.”

2. Eric Johnson

“‘G3 Live’ was my first exposure to EJ. I’d never heard anything quite like it. His ability to blend contrasting flavours in his compositions is so inspiring. The dreamy, ambient cleans through to his violin-like lead tone. ‘Venus Isle’ forged most of my 5 note pentatonic rolling lines.”

3. Dann Huff

“Every guitar player should check out this guy! I learned how to integrate melody amongst all the fast runs from the album Last of The Runaways. I also admired Dann’s ability to sing and play intricate guitar parts simultaneously. My favourite riff has to be from ‘I Can’t Get Close Enough.’”

4. Mike Einziger (Incubus)

“I still think Mike is an unsung guitar hero. If you want to develop your knowledge of chords, listen to Incubus. Not only that, I love his use of effects to create such unique soundscapes. ‘Pardon Me’ is a superb track, including the acoustic version which showcases all his expensive chords.”

5. Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge)

“I spent hours of my childhood listening to Creed. I learned both Human Clay and Weathered in their entirety by ear. This helped develop my ear, I discovered Drop D tuning, and it was a great introduction to the harmonic minor scale. ‘What If’ has such an epic riff!

Artwork for ‘Chase The Sun’ by Danny Beardsley