Steely Dan

Not their gear, of course, but their licks. Copying the style of famous axe-slingers can be good practice—these guitarists explain how.

Beginning a songwriting session by crafting a melody is more efficient than not, say these four guitarists.

This interview was originally published in 2011. Since resuming recording and touring activities in 1993 after a 19-year hiatus from the road, Steely Dan has turned to Jon Herington to handle guitar duties for the band. Though Walter Becker still contributes tasty chord coloration and occasional solos, Herington has now been performing the lion’s share of the guitar work for...