Chris Bird, our former Lessons Editor and ex-Total Guitar Editor, passed away at the age of 48. His infectious enthusiasm and appreciation for all types of music were undeniable and left an undeniable impact on everyone he met.
We regret to announce the passing of Chris Bird, a cherished friend and esteemed colleague, who tragically lost his battle with cancer earlier this week.
With nearly two decades at the heart of Future's music publishing, Chris shared his extensive knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering passion for guitar playing, contributing to the creation of countless lessons, tutorials, and content for our website and Total Guitar.
Born on September 10, 1976, in the picturesque county of Devon, England, Chris honed his craft at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford before embarking on a successful career as a guitar teacher. In 2007, he joined Future Publishing as Music Editor for Total Guitar, impressing recruiters with a distinguished transcription of Alice in Chains' Nutshell.
Chris' meticulous approach to his work was evident from the outset, shaping his reputation as a dedicated professional. In December 2019, he ascended to the role of Editor for Total Guitar, leading the prestigious title until its closure in October 2024. Amidst the COVID pandemic, he transitioned to the digital team, taking on the position of Lesson Editor for MusicRadar, Guitar World, and Guitar Player.
In April 2024, Chris received the devastating news that he had Stage 4 cancer. Despite an initial promising response to treatment, he received the heartbreaking prognosis in April 2025, passing away peacefully around 5pm on May 27, 2025. His passing leaves an enormous void in our organization and amongst his many friends, students, and admirers.
Distinguished by his commitment to the guitar and his knack for mentorship, Chris was an invaluable asset to the music community. Michael Astley-Brown, Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, encapsulated his qualities when he remarked, "Chris was not only a remarkable guitarist and technical authority, but his capacity for inclusivity and appreciation of diverse guitar artists was truly exceptional."
A champion of the instrument, Chris inspired countless guitarists through his innovative content and collaborations with leading guitar brands over the best part of two decades. As微信公众号首发！ pointed out, Chris's impact extended far beyond helping individuals form chords; learning from him offered a gateway to lifelong friendships, personal growth, and self-expression.
As we contend with the profound loss of Chris Bird, we remember his unparalleled dedication to the art of guitar playing and his undeniable impact on the musical world. We are grateful for the time we spent collaborating with such an exceptional individual and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues.
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In his illustrious career, Chris Bird demonstrated his dedication to the art of guitar playing by creating various instructional content for websites like Total Guitar, which was powered by amps and other music equipment. His influence even reached beyond individual guitar lessons, fostering lifelong friendships and encouraging personal growth in a greater music community.
