Alex Lifeson is best known as the guitarist and co-founder of Rush, whose music and
playing have influenced generations of guitarists. Over the course of his career, he’s
continued to explore different sounds and approaches to the instrument, both with Rush
and through projects like Envy of None.

A longtime PRS player, Alex has always approached the guitar with curiosity and a
willingness to experiment, whether he’s building a part around a song or looking for a
new sound. With Rush back on the road for the Fifty Something Tour, we caught up with
Alex to talk about his guitars, tone, playing, and what it’s been like to return to the music
that has shaped so much of his career.

Photo Credit // Richard Sibbald

PRS: You’ve spent decades exploring the guitar in so many different ways, both within Rush and through your work outside the band. When you pick up a guitar today, what still gets you excited about playing?

Alex: When I look at a guitar, I immediately feel connected to it as if it’s another part of my being. When I pick it up and hold it and place it in my lap or on a strap, I feel a sense of comfort and that’s always been the case with me as far back as I can remember.

PRS: Your playing has always had a strong sense of identity, but you’ve never stayed in one place stylistically. How has your approach to the guitar changed over the years?

Alex: My guitar playing is truly an extension of my personality. I seek change and progress in everything and can’t seem to sit still for too long. I often feel like whatever I’m doing can always be better and I embrace that.

PRS: You've always been willing to experiment with effects and unconventional sounds. Are you still looking for new ways to make the guitar sound different?

Alex: Forever! It’s funny, I seem to look for ways to make the guitar not sound like a guitar. Sound design is a thrilling pursuit and employing the emotional nature of the guitar as a platform can be very effective. Utilizing alternative tunings, extreme tone settings, reverbs and effects units are a gateway to adventure!

PRS: When you’re writing or working on a new idea, what usually grabs you first... a sound, a riff, a chord, or something else?

Alex: It’s hard to define the source of inspiration. I seem to have a natural, nearly immediate response to something I hear. What speaks to me emotionally is quite often the trigger I need and I try my best to trust it and stay out of the way. Sometimes I fail but I’m learning to recognize when I’m trying to convince myself to accept something I know is not quite right.

Photo Credit // Richard Sibbald

PRS: The Fifty Something Tour marks an amazing chapter for Rush and brings you back to the stage to celebrate more than 50 years of music. What has this experience been like for you so far?

Alex: Most of all, it’s been a joyous reconnection with our amazing audience. Two years of preparation that seemed endless at times was a self-imposed requirement for us to feel we were truly prepared to deliver the level of performance expected from us. After eleven years since the last tour, we strove to set an even higher standard.

PRS: You’ve played PRS guitars for many years. What is it about the feel and response of a PRS that works for the way you play?

Alex: I have friends who are collectors of vintage guitars and although I’ve owned numerous ones over the years, I can’t say I’ve ever really been one. I’ve always considered guitars as tools and I’ve come to appreciate them for their distinct purposes. I love every one of them for the way they express me as a guitarist and composer. Ever since I first played a PRS in the early 90s, they have been a part of my arsenal. The tight, creamy tone, comfortable body balance, friendly neck action and the simple, reliable vibrato system stand out.

PRS: As someone with such a distinctive tone, what does the PRS CE24 bring to your sound that surprises you or keeps you coming back to it?

Alex: I never left. I’ve been playing the CE24 model for decades. I’ve composed several solos utilizing those two extra frets and tonally, it responds very well to the variety of amp tones I’m employing for this tour.

Photo Credit // Richard Sibbald

PRS: After so many years of playing and experimenting with different instruments, what are you looking for in a guitar today that maybe you weren't looking for earlier in your career?

Alex: Hmm, I don’t think I am! Lighter weight, maybe, but there is often a sacrifice of tone and sustain. A guitar that only plays the correct notes would be awesome!

PRS: When you look back at the music you've made, are there certain guitar parts or sounds that still feel especially meaningful to you?

Alex: They all are. They all had a purpose and expression of the moment. I’ve always intended for my guitar parts to be in service of the song; to express the emotional reach of the lyrics and dynamics of the compositions. The solo in Limelight for example is heartbreakingly lonely and mournful, similar to being on a long tour isolated from those you love, can feel. The gentle, layered guitar orchestration before the second verse of The Pass invokes a sense of introspection and contemplation that is soulfully despondent.

PRS: You’ve got a lot ahead with Rush, including the 2027 dates. What are you looking forward to most as you continue this next chapter?

Alex: To remain healthy and engaged. I am so blessed to be doing what I love.