Tim Henson, the talented guitarist from Polyphia, has captured significant attention in recent years with his remarkable guitar skills. During a recent conversation, he acknowledged a surprising artist who has played a pivotal role in reviving the popularity of guitar music. Henson’s insights highlight the evolving landscape of music and the resurgence of interest in guitar-driven sounds, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.

In an interview with Guitar World, Henson recalled how, prior to the pandemic, he had embarked on a mission to “make guitar music cool again.” As Polyphia‘s popularity soared, he attributed the renewed fascination with guitar music over the past five years to another artist’s influence, showcasing the interconnectedness of today’s music scene.

Discover the Artist Tim Henson Credits for Revitalizing Guitar Music

?I?d say guitar music got cool! You know, maybe we had a little bit to do with that, maybe we didn?t,” Henson shared. He went on to mention a significant moment in music history when Eminem collaborated with Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), prompting MGK to switch genres. Henson emphasized the impact this had, noting that MGK achieved a No. 1 record featuring a guitar on the cover, which he found incredibly exciting. ?So shout out to MGK for making guitar cool again!”

MGK?s journey into the world of guitar music culminated in the release of Tickets to My Downfall, which became the best-selling rock album of its release year. During the pandemic, he documented his early experiences learning guitar and shared these moments with his fans through social media, further bridging the gap between genres and inspiring a new generation of musicians.

Reflecting on his personal journey, MGK tweeted in 2021, “I bought a guitar after my first Warped Tour at 11 years old. I stopped playing it because I didn’t believe in myself. It took me all this time to finally listen to my gut, so thank YOU for listening. Happy one-year anniversary #TicketsToMyDownfall.”

Notable New Guitarists Praised by Tim Henson

While Henson acknowledged MGK’s significant influence in revitalizing interest in guitar music, he also recognized the emergence of numerous talented guitarists who have contributed to this resurgence. He expressed his excitement about the new wave of players who have captivated audiences and inspired many to pick up the guitar.

?Since then too, like, think about all the incredible players that have come to the forefront, like Marcin Patrzalek and RJ Pasin. There are so many new, astonishing guitarists out there. It?s genuinely thrilling to see,” he remarked, reflecting on the vibrant community of guitarists shaping the music landscape today.

READ MORE: Polyphia Guitarist Answers The Internet’s Questions

When asked to name other guitarists who have impressed him recently, Henson enthusiastically mentioned, ?Dude, there?s that guy, Spiros Dussias ? you know who I?m talking about. I?m not sure how to pronounce his last name, but I definitely recognize his Instagram handle. That guy is absolutely phenomenal. There are definitely a few others that are escaping my mind right now.”

Dive into Spiro’s Innovative Guitar Techniques

What Can Fans Expect from Polyphia and Tim Henson in 2025?

In his discussion with Guitar World, Henson shared exciting news about Polyphia‘s upcoming fifth studio album. He described the new material as “heavy,” expressing his enthusiasm for the direction the band is taking. Henson also mentioned that their experiences over the past year have been enlightening, particularly in terms of how they will approach composing for live performances. To add to the excitement, he revealed that Serj Tankian will be featured on the Polyphia album, promising a unique collaboration.

In addition to his work with Polyphia, Henson is also focused on crafting his solo record. He explained his approach, saying, “If I?m going to make a solo record, I want it to reflect my vision, similar to how Kanye West creates his music. I want to put on my record what I genuinely want to hear.” This perspective showcases his dedication to authenticity in his musical endeavors.

Regarding touring plans, the band’s schedule is currently light. They are set to join System of a Down for all six of their shows in August and September 2025. Fans can find more information on ticketing and stay updated on Polyphia‘s touring schedule by visiting their official website.