GUITAR PLAYER is a magazine for serious guitarists who want to make the most out of their playing and keep informed on developments in equipment and instruments. Editorials emphasize stylistic diversity in coverage of music and leading and up and coming guitarists. Features include instructional columns, how-to advice, honest equipment reviews, recording, song writing, record reviews and career information.

A typical issue of Guitar Player includes in-depth artist features, extensive lessons, gear and music reviews, letters to the magazine, and various front-of-book articles. Readers have often expressed their appreciation of Guitar Player's policy of featuring many styles of guitarists.