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The Next Generation of Guitarists: Are Tomorrow's Legends Already Here?

Edward Schooley
Posted: July 6, 2026
"Anna Cara embodies everything that makes the next generation of guitarists so exciting. She combines technical excellence with genuine musicality, professionalism, and a stage presence that commands attention. In an era where the path to success looks very different than it did for previous guitar legends, Anna has emerged as a shining example of what's possible when talent meets determination. The future of guitar is bright, and Anna Cara is helping lead the way." — Guitar Thrills Magazine


Photo Credit Victor Chalfant

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EDITOR IN CHIEF I COMPANY GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE TAMPA, FL U.S.A.

Edward Schooley

Founded in 2021. GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE of Tampa, FL Guitar Thrills Magazine of Tampa, FL U.S.A. The GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE is excited to bring you some of the music industries finest talent. Including the world of entertainment. Our focus includes the long term goals and aspirations of artists of all sorts. We are an unbiased reporting platform. You are getting insight into the world of music. No, we are not your fathers website for music news. We have grown into our own, and rely upon decades of music experience and knowledge. Guitar Thrills Magazine is a hard act to follow.

Every generation of music seems to produce a handful of guitarists who leave a permanent mark on the industry. Think about players like Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash, and Joe Satriani. These weren't just talented musicians—they changed the conversation. They inspired countless players, influenced the sound of entire genres, and helped define the eras in which they performed.

But as the music industry continues to evolve, many fans find themselves asking an interesting question: Who will be the next guitarists to make that kind of impact?

It's a fair question. The landscape today looks very different than it did in the days of record stores, MTV, and major-label dominance. Modern guitarists are often discovered on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other digital platforms long before they ever step onto a major stage. In many ways, social media has become the new proving ground.

Yet despite all the changes, great guitar playing still gets people's attention.

Over the past several years, we've seen a new generation of players emerge and build impressive careers. Guitarists like Sophie Lloyd, Tim Henson, Mateus Asato, Plini, Cole Rolland, and Marcin have developed dedicated fan bases by bringing their own personalities and styles to the instrument. Some focus on technical mastery. Others emphasize songwriting, creativity, or innovative approaches to tone and composition. What they all have in common is their ability to connect with audiences in a way that feels authentic.

That's important because being a great guitarist today requires more than simply playing fast or mastering difficult techniques. Fans want to know the person behind the instrument. They want to follow the journey, engage with the artist, and feel connected to the music.

One guitarist who is quickly gaining attention for all the right reasons is Anna Cara.

At just 23 years old, Anna has already accomplished something many musicians spend a lifetime pursuing. The British guitarist recently joined Alice Cooper's touring band, stepping into one of the most visible positions in rock music. That's not an opportunity that comes along by accident. It requires talent, preparation, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure on some of the world's biggest stages.

What's particularly impressive about Anna's story is how it reflects the modern path to success. Like many young musicians today, she first built an audience online, showcasing her abilities through videos and performances that demonstrated both technical skill and musical maturity. Those efforts eventually opened doors that led to major touring opportunities.

Of course, joining a legendary artist's band is only part of the story.

The bigger question is whether guitarists like Anna Cara and her contemporaries the potential have to create the kind of long-term influence we've seen from the icons of previous generations.

The answer may depend on how we define influence.

When Eddie Van Halen burst onto the scene, he changed the way people approached the guitar. Randy Rhoads blended classical ideas with heavy metal in a way that helped reshape the genre. Stevie Ray Vaughan reignited mainstream interest in the blues. Their contributions weren't measured in followers or views—they changed the musical vocabulary itself.

Today's guitarists face a different challenge. They are competing in a world where audiences have more choices than ever before and where trends can come and go in a matter of weeks. Standing out requires originality, consistency, and the ability to evolve.

The encouraging news is that many young players seem up to the challenge.

Rather than simply copying the past, this generation is blending influences from rock, metal, blues, jazz, progressive music, and even electronic genres. They're experimenting with new sounds while still respecting the traditions that inspired them to pick up the instrument in the first place.

Anna Cara is a great example of that balance. She clearly appreciates the foundations of rock guitar while bringing her own energy and perspective to the stage. Whether she eventually becomes one of the defining guitarists of her generation remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.

What seems clear is that the guitar isn't going anywhere. Despite years of predictions about its decline, new players continue to emerge, new audiences continue to discover the instrument, and new artists continue to push the boundaries of what's possible.

The legends of yesterday didn't become legends overnight. They developed their craft, seized opportunities, and created moments that resonated with fans around the world. Today's next generation is following a similar path—just with different tools and a different stage.

If the current crop of young talent is any indication, the future of guitar is in very capable hands. And somewhere among these rising stars may very well be the next guitarist whose influence is felt for decades to come.

ABOUT ANNA CARA

Anna Cara is one of the most exciting young guitarists to emerge from the modern rock scene. Hailing from Newcastle, England, Anna first gained attention through her impressive online guitar performances, where her technical precision, melodic phrasing, and energetic playing style quickly earned her a growing international following. At just 23 years old, she has already established herself as a rising force in hard rock and metal.

Before joining the band of legendary shock-rock icon Alice Cooper, Anna worked alongside renowned musicians including Marc Storace and Tommy Henriksen. Her work with Crossbone Skully and other projects showcased not only her guitar abilities but also her creativity as a performer, songwriter, and visual artist.

In 2026, Anna stepped into the spotlight when she was selected to join Alice Cooper's touring band, filling in for longtime guitarist Nita Strauss during her maternity leave. Personally recommended by Henriksen, endorsed by Strauss and praised by Cooper as a "dynamic shredder" with a style all her own, Anna quickly proved she belonged on one of rock's biggest stages.

Known for combining technical excellence with emotional expression, Anna Cara represents the next generation of rock guitarists. Her dedication, authenticity, and passion for the instrument continue to inspire fans around the world as she builds an impressive career alongside some of the biggest names in rock music.

INTERVIEW WITH ANNA CARA AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE

Guitar Thrills: You recently joined Alice Cooper's touring band, one of the most recognizable names in rock history. What was your reaction when you first received the opportunity?

Anna: It was a dream come true, I can’t even describe the feeling. The night I got the call I was in total shock! I’ve watched Alice since I was 14 years old. I’m so grateful for the opportunity

Guitar Thrills: Many fans first discovered you through your online performances. How did social media help shape your career and open doors within the music industry?

Anna: I’ve met amazing people, Jamie Humphries helped me with developing my video making skills, an amazing guy. I met Tommy Henriksen through Instagram! That’s how he found me in the first place! He has greatly helped me shape my career.

Guitar Thrills: Every guitarist develops a unique voice. Which players had the biggest influence on your playing style, and how have those influences evolved over time?

Anna: One of my biggest influences is Gary Moore. Anytime I feel uninspired I watch one of his live performances. He could play anything, so many genres and styles. I’ve always loved Orianthi, Tony Iommi and Zakk Wylde from the beginning.

Guitar Thrills: Stepping into a high-profile touring role comes with a great deal of pressure. How did you prepare for the challenge of performing with Alice Cooper's band?

Anna: It definitely is! Stepping in for Nita Strauss is big shoes to fill! I was practicing every single day up until I left for the Las Vegas shows. I have a mic stand in my room and practiced my moves as much as I could! I always like to show up prepared and ready for anything.
 

Guitar Thrills: What lessons have you learned from working alongside established musicians that younger guitarists might benefit from hearing?

Anna: I’ve learned many great things from everyone I’ve worked with. From being in Crossbone Skully, Storace (Marc Storace) and now Alice Cooper. Tommy Henriksen has taught me a lot over the last few years! I would say the lesson I’ve learnt from everyone I’ve worked with is to stay humble. The way you behave off stage and the way you treat people is just as much important than the way you perform on stage.

Guitar Thrills: Today's guitarists have access to more technology and educational resources than ever before. What advice would you give to players trying to stand out in such a crowded landscape?

Anna: Do what you love, play the songs you love! That’s what it’s all about. I feel like people tend to follow all the internet song trends, which means everyone does the same thing! Create covers of the songs you love to play and that will make you stand out.

Guitar Thrills: Beyond technical ability, what qualities do you believe are most important for building a successful long-term career in music?

Anna: Staying true to who you are. Similarly to what I said with internet song trends, it’s great to achieve more engagement and reach a wider audience but it’s harder to stand out and be successful, you need to perform what you love and the right people will find you and open more doors.

Guitar Thrills: Many fans view you as part of the next generation of guitar heroes. How do you feel about that label, and does it create any additional expectations for you?

Anna: That makes me feel so much. I grew up watching all of my guitar hero’s dreaming of being in that position and inspiring younger musicians. I just want to show fans that you can do it if you put your mind to it, if I hadn't posted the one cover that Tommy saw none of this would have happened! It’s crazy.

Guitar Thrills: As someone who grew up watching legendary performers, what has it been like sharing stages with artists whose music helped inspire your own journey?

Anna: Absolutely unreal. I was watching Alice Cooper when I was 14 years old because I loved that he always had a female guitarist, Orianthi and Nita inspired me so much. So to get to know them and have guidance from them is really special, I feel so lucky. Alice is such a lovely guy, he treats all of us like family and there’s always a great atmosphere backstage. Sheryl Cooper is amazing, she has really taken me under her wing as ‘tour-mom’. It genuinely feels like I’m dreaming right now!

Guitar Thrills: Looking ahead, what goals remain on your musical bucket list, both as a guitarist and as an artist in your own right?

Anna: I’m really looking forward to Crossbone Skully taking off. There’s so much hard work that has been put into the project by Tommy and everyone who has contributed. Great people and amazing music. It’s such a great concept and I can’t wait for the next releases - which are coming very soon.

Anna Cara represents a new generation of guitarists who are proving that the instrument remains as relevant and exciting as ever. Her journey from online performances to one of rock's most prestigious touring gigs demonstrates what can happen when talent, dedication, and opportunity intersect. While her story is still being written, she has already shown the qualities that define successful musicians: hard work, authenticity, and a relentless passion for the craft. As she continues to grow as both a performer and artist, Anna Cara is undoubtedly a name that guitar fans will be watching closely for years to come.

PRS Standard 24 Review from Guitar Thrills Magazine Tampa, FL The World of Rock and Blues Magazine.

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