Legendary producers and engineers Stuart Epps, who worked with Elton John, and Chris Omartian handled production, with writing contributions from Brian Kelleher. The song deals with a couple hitting a rough patch and trying to find their way back to each other. Woods says it’s being looked at for a major motion picture, and it’s the first single from his upcoming album, which spans contemporary country, country gospel, and country rock.

Lyrically, it’s very simple and honest and straightforward, staying true to the genre’s lyrical style. Delivering a powerful and transparent message about growth and the heartache we endure on the growth journey. But where the track really shines is in its musicality. Melodically, Stevie Lee Woods floats over this gutwrenching harmony like a butterfly. It’s that kind of music that’s made to be chanted by a hundred thousand people in a giant venue as they sing their hearts out.

The chord progression is tailor-fit for this lyrical theme, and the artistry behind it is very apparent. Including that brief key change towards the end of the song to add to the catharsis and finality of that last chorus. It’s a bit rare to see that kind of musical movement nowadays, but that’s what differentiates a seasoned artist like Stevie Lee Woods from his peers.

Woods has been around long enough to know what works in country music, and “Don’t Let Heartache Turn to Heartbreak” plays to his strengths. The track drops January 23rd, 2026, so keep an eye out for it. If the rest of the album follows through on what this single promises, it should be worth checking out. Woods is also launching a weekly radio show starting March 1st, 2026, that’ll air Sunday nights at 8 PM, so he’s clearly not slowing down anytime soon.

While Swift isn’t widely known for her technical ability with a guitar, the fact that she regularly plays guitar on her record-breaking global Eras tour means she’s getting the six-string in front of millions of fans around the world, which is worthy of note.

The top spot in the poll, however, is taken by Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante. Most often a Strat player, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame back in 2022. So what makes him so good? Well, producer Michael Beinhorn, who worked with the Chili Peppers on albums such as Mother’s Milk, has previously said that Frusciante has an expert understanding of composition and music theory and would even transcribe Steve Vai guitar solos back in the day.

1. John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
2. Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys)
3. John Mayer
4. Sam Fender
5. Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead)
6. Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters)
7. Ed O’Brien (Radiohead)
8. Taylor Swift
9. Tom DeLonge (Blink-182)
10. Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro)
11. Jim Root (Slipknot)
12. Keith Urban
13. John 5 (Mötley Crüe)
14. Brad Paisley
15. Troy Van Leeuwen (Queens Of The Stone Age)
16. Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes)
17. H.E.R.
18. Adam Hann (The 1975)
19. Ed Sheeran
20. Julien Baker

guitarguitar’s “Playable” exhibition includes a series of limited-edition, hand-painted Fender Stratocasters, each covered in motifs inspired by an artist’s career. These are available for fans to play as they tour around stores until 25 June.

Adam Speck, a spokesperson for the retailer, comments, “Over the last 20 years we’ve welcomed so many guitarists through our doors, whether they are picking up a guitar for the first time, or finally getting their hands on their dream one.

“We’ve even sold guitars to some of the iconic guitarists who have inspired many more to follow in their footsteps. Creating this playable exhibition with Fender is a thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with us over the last 20 years. And whether it’s Under the Bridge, or Seventeen Going Under, we can’t wait to see our customers show off their skills on these very rare pieces.”