172 Michael Thompson Shares the Shimmering Sound That Made Him a Studio Legend

No Guitar Is Safe

Today we plug in with session king and bandleader MICHAEL THOMPSON — “MT” to his friends — who is one of the most recorded guitarists in history. Thompson has worked with everyone from Michael Jackson, Shania Twain, Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Ray Charles, Fleetwood Mac, and Beyoncé to Lionel Richie, Bob Seger, Neil Diamond, Michael Bublé, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, and Earth, Wind & Fire, to name just a small fraction of the staggering roster of superstars he’s tracked with. The L.A.-based guitarist has also released multiple Michael Thompson Band solo albums over the years, including 2023’s “The Love Goes On.” Hosted by JUDE GOLD and taking place at MT’s home studio, this episode offers a deep dive into Michael’s life, career, gear and signature sound — the shimmering, melodic, funky and fully rockin’ guitar approach that made Thompson an A-list session cat for such super-producers as David Foster, Babyface and John “Mutt” Lange during the peak of the session guitar era. Presented by GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE and GUITARPLAYER.COM.