Learn the pros and cons of playing bass with a pick as well as some good reasons to pluck with your fingers. Is there a right and wrong answer here?
Learn about the top tonewoods for acoustic guitar and how they each impact your sound in their own unique way. The best tonewoods truly make an acoustic guitar sing!
Learn about the most important tonewoods used in building electric guitars. Each has a legacy of its own, with a unique sound and appearance.
Learn about the best guitar amps of all time, used by the most iconic guitarists in the history of rock, metal, blues, country, and jazz.
Learn about the differences between the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson SG so you can decide which guitar is better for you and your musical style.
Find out why learning guitar is so hard and get answers to the challenges facing beginning guitar players.
The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world. What makes the guitar so great when there are many other options out there for wannabe musicians?
Learn the difference between the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Telecaster sound and find out which is better for you when it comes to sound and style.
Ukulele or guitar? Find out which is easier and which makes a better first instrument for a beginner. Learn about tuning and what it takes to switch from one instrument to the other.
Here is a review of the MojoMjo Overdrive from TC Electronic, an affordable guitar pedal with the sound and character to handle blues, country, and rock.
Here is a list of the best electric guitars ever made, 20 instruments that are considered all-time classics in the guitar world.
Find out how to many watts you need in a bass amp for gigging, jamming at home, practicing your chops, and playing with a band.
In this buying guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best guitar for extreme metal, hard rock, classic metal, and shred. Get advice on 7-string guitars, pickups, tonewoods, and more.
You’ve heard headroom is important for bass and guitar amplifiers. Find out how it affects your sound as a bassist or guitarist, when you should care about an amp’s headroom, and when you shouldn’t.
Learn the pros and cons of a modeling guitar amp when compared to a tube amp or solid-state amp, and find out how digital modeling technology can help you grab the sounds you are looking for.
Mötley Crüe was one of the most influential glam metal bands of all time, tearing through the 1980s with a string of successful albums and hit songs. This article ranks the Crüe's albums 1–10, including "Too Fast for Love" (1981–82), "Shout at the Devil" (1983), and "Dr. Feelgood" (1989).
Here I've ranked the 10 best Ozzy Osbourne albums of all time. Learn how great guitarists like Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde and Jake E. Lee changed Ozzy’s sound over the years and helped solidify his place as metal’s Prince of Darkness.
Check out my review of the BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal and learn why this rock classic might be exactly what you need to take your guitar sounds to another level. This article discusses the functionality, sounds, and settings of this popular pedal.
Guitar or piano: Which is harder? Learn the difference between guitar and piano and choose the best instrument for you. Discover pros and cons, which is easier to learn, and if you can learn both at the same time.
Find out why the most underrated acoustic and electric guitar brands can give you the best chance at finding a diamond in the rough. Some guitar makers never get the credit they deserve, while others are well known but undeservedly looked down on. Either way, you’d be smart to check them out.
Check out my choices for the best bass amplifiers for heavy metal and hard rock. These are affordable amps with the punch and power to survive in the chaotic world of high-gain amps and detuned guitars.
Would it surprise you to learn that famous pro guitarists use Epiphone guitars like the Les Paul, SG, and Casino for gigs and recording? Epiphone guitars aren't just affordable instruments for intermediate players. Gibson’s little brother has a storied legacy all its own.
Are small 15 and 20-watt guitar amplifiers enough power for gigs? Find out what features to look for and how to use them, plus when to go for something bigger.
Learn the differences between a stock Fender Stratocaster and a hot-rodded superstrat. Find out what makes a superstrat so super, which brands make the best superstrats, and how guitar players learned to mod their favorite guitar for maximum performance.
Here's my list of the best acoustic and electric guitar brands for players on a budget. Whether you are a beginner looking for a cheap starter guitar or a veteran guitarist who wants an affordable instrument you’d be smart to look to one of these brands.
Find out what to look for when choosing a distortion or overdrive pedal. Learn the difference between distortion and overdrive as well as what different types of pedals can do for your sound.
Here are Van Halen’s best albums, ranked from first to worst. If you are discovering Van Halen for the first time this is your roadmap. If you are a longtime fan of the band like I am, vote in the poll and make your opinion heard.
Here’s a list of the best guitar effects brands, along with some of the analog and digital effects pedals that made them so famous. Effect pedals, stomp boxes, and digital effects processors can be a key part of a guitar player’s sound.
Why is the bass guitar so underrated? Are rock bassists just failed guitar players, looking for some other way to get into a band without having to really learn an instrument? Learn why the bass is looked down on, and the true importance of the bass guitar.
Find out how Marshall, Fender and Peavey, three kings of the guitar amplifier world, stack up against each other. Learn which amps are best for which genre and level of guitar player.
Learn how to choose the best bass guitar for beginners. Get advice on setting a budget, understanding pickups, strings, scale length and more.
This article will help you choose between a combo amp and a head and cabinet setup for guitar or bass. There are pros and cons to each whether you play at home or in a band, and one or the other is likely the best option for you.
Here’s a review of my Fender Highway One Stratocaster, an American-made guitar I grabbed for a super affordable price back in 2003.
Learn how to choose an affordable Gibson Les Paul, find the best Les Paul copy, or evaluate a non-Gibson, budget-friendly alternative made by another guitar company.
Here’s a review of the MXR M234 Analog Chorus pedal and the MXR Phase 90. Find out why these two modulation effects may be all you need to take your guitar sound to the next level. These pedals are examples of why MXR is known as one of the best effects brands in the guitar world.
Find out what electric guitars are made of and how wood is used in different parts of the instrument. Learn what’s inside an electric guitar body, how wood is routed to accommodate the electronics, and more.
Here is a list of the top Peavey guitar amps for metal and hard rock. Peavey makes some of the best high-gain amps in the world, from tube heads to combo amps to affordable solid-state amps.
Here is a list of the 13 most important guitar players in the history of rock. These are the guitarists who inspired millions to pick up the instrument and make their own marks in the music world. Every great guitarist had their own influential hero, and chances are it was one of these players.
Discover a few easy shortcuts to help you quickly learn the notes of the guitar fretboard. You can't master the guitar unless you know where to find all the notes!
Discover the differences in the roles of lead guitar and rhythm guitar in a band and learn more about the skills required for both styles.
Check out the top acoustic guitars for serious beginners who are looking for something better than the average starter instrument.
Get some advice on how to buy the best electric guitar for a beginner and learn what features to look for in your first instrument.
Learn what to look for when buying your first acoustic guitar in this comprehensive guide for beginners.
Here’s a look at the EVH 5150 Overdrive from MXR, a pedal designed in conjunction with legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
Learn to tune your guitar by ear in a few simple steps. It’s easy, and it can even help you become a better guitar player.
Here’s a list of the 10 best rock guitar amp brands, known for producing some of the top tube and solid-state amplifiers in history, including Marshall and Peavey.
Find out why learning to play an electric guitar might be a better choice compared to choosing an acoustic guitar as your first instrument.
Find out why learning to play an acoustic guitar has some big advantages over choosing an electric guitar as your first instrument.
Check out the best acoustic guitar brands for intermediate players. These are companies with reputations for making quality instruments with amazing sound.
Build your guitar vocabulary by learning about the terminology and definitions used in playing and discussing electric and acoustic guitar in this basic guide for beginners.
Check out the top rock guitar builders who make the best guitars for rock. These are companies that have proven themselves as the best of the best over the decades.
Find out if you really need a teacher to learn to play guitar, and why taking lessons may not be the best choice for every newbie guitarist.
Learn about the top small tube amps. They’re low-wattage combos and heads perfect for playing at home, recording, or low-volume gigs.
Which guitar players have the best tone? Here are a few who knew what it takes to get some amazing sounds out of an electric guitar and amp.
This article compares the Marshall DSL40C and the Peavey 6505 Plus 112 guitar amplifiers, as well as the new DSL40CR.
Here's my review of the Nano Clone chorus from Electro-Harmonix, an affordable pedal designed after the legendary Small Clone.
Yes, you can get crushing metal tone from a solid-state guitar amp. Here are your best options when it comes to combos, half stacks, and modeling amps.
Check out my review of the TC Electronic Dark Matter, an affordable distortion pedal that covers everything from blues to rock to metal.
Compare the best bass amps for practice and small gigs. They’re under $200 and made by brands you know and trust.
Check out the mighty Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 overdrive and learn more about how to use this pedal for blues, rock, and even metal.
The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic guitars in music history. If you don’t play one, here are 10 reasons you should.
The Gibson Les Paul is known as one of the greatest guitars in the world. Here are 10 reasons it's so popular among professionals and hobbyists alike.
Check out my review of the Marshall DSL40C guitar amp. It’s a powerful, versatile tube combo from a legendary name in the guitar world.
Compare the top guitar amps under $300 from the best names in the guitar world and learn which is right for you and your playing style.
Here’s a review of my new Martin DX1AE, an acoustic-electric guitar with an amazing sound and an environmentally friendly build.
Read this review and find out why the Blackstar Fly 3 is one of the best battery-powered mini guitar amps when it comes to sound and features.
Learn the difference between classical and acoustic guitars and discover the pros and cons of each for beginners.
Learn which combo guitar amps are best for toting to gigs and how to choose the right amplifier for a performing guitarist.
Learn the pros and cons of cheap acoustic and electric guitars and the difference between low-budget and expensive models.
Discover the top acoustic guitar amps from names like Peavey, Marshall, and Fishman for gigs and home use.
Learn how to care for your acoustic or electric guitar with a few easy maintenance tips meant to get beginners on the right track.
Compare the top bass guitars for intermediate-level players who are looking for an affordable, quality instrument.
Are tube amps really louder than solid-state guitar amps of the same power, and why? Is there something we are missing here?
Find out which instruments are the best choices for kids or adults who are total beginners and want to learn music for the first time.
Tonewoods are a key selling point for electric guitars, so why do some guitar players say they don’t even matter?
Check out the top guitar amps for metal, in combo form. They are affordable, portable, and perfect for gigs and rehearsals.
Find out how to arrange guitar pedals the right way, whether in-line between your guitar and amp or through your effects loop.
Check out the top 5-string bass guitars for beginners and learn why a newbie should consider a 5-string as their first instrument.
Here’s a beginner’s guide to the basic types of electric guitars, the sound differences, and which brands to look to as examples of each.
A basic guide for beginners with explanations of acoustic guitar types and examples of different body sizes.
Check out these affordable acoustic guitars for around $400 and learn how to land a great instrument without breaking your budget.
Learn whether or not brand name matters when it comes to guitars for beginner, intermediate and advanced guitarists. Are some simply better than others?
Check out the top 7-string guitars for the money. These are the ultimate metal machines for beginners, intermediate, and advanced guitar players.
Learn more about the Epiphone Les Paul Studio, Studio LT, and Goth Studio. These are affordable guitars for serious beginners and intermediate players.
Compare five of the top budget guitars under $400 and discover the best choice for you when it comes to an affordable quality instrument.
Learn about the difference between single-coil and humbucker guitar pickups and decide which is better for your sound.
Check out some of the best Fender Stratocasters and Strat-style guitars for classic metal, thrash, hard rock, and all forms of extreme music.
Digital music downloads are a boon to artists and consumers, but will we eventually regret shunning the compact disc?
Check out five affordable alternatives to the Fender Stratocaster and get advice on finding the best Strat-style guitar for the money.
Read my hands-on review of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded T electric guitar and decide if this affordable instrument is right for you!
Learn which Epiphone electric guitar is best for metal. Check out your top five options plus some bonus picks.
Compare the Epiphone G-400 PRO to the Gibson SG Standard when it comes to sound, construction and value, and find out which SG is right for you!
Check out the top bass guitar brands beginners should consider for their best chance of success with their first instrument.
Discover the Peavey TransTube Bandit 112, red-stripe version. This powerful little amp has served me well for more than a decade!
Learn about the differences between the Epiphone Les Paul 100, Special II, and Studio, and find out which electric guitar is best for you.
Learn which brands build the best acoustic guitars for beginners and get advice on choosing an amazing starter instrument.
Get advice on choosing the best electric guitar for a beginner and learn which top brands you can trust to deliver a quality starter instrument, including Yamaha and Squier.
Learn about the Mexican-made (MIM) Fender Player Stratocaster and decide if the HSS or SSS is better for you and your sound.
Check out some of the best superstrats and learn more about guitars built for the fast lane. The hod-rodded Stratocaster-style guitar is back!
Learn whether a beginner should choose an electric or acoustic guitar when starting out and discover the differences between each type of guitar.
Find out why it’s important for guitar players to spend time studying music theory and how it can improve their playing.
Get advice on choosing the best Fender or Squier by Fender Stratocaster electric guitar for beginners for your budget and style.
Learn how many watts you need for a guitar amp based on your goals. Get advice on amplifiers for home use, playing in a band, recording and more.
Get advice on choosing the best Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar for a beginner and learn why Epiphone is a top brand name for newbies.
Learn the difference between a maple or rosewood fretboard for guitar and decide which is better for your sound and playing style.
Check out the best Gibson Les Pauls for metal, plus options from Epiphone and amazing Les Paul alternatives for heavy metal and hard rock.
Compare the top 10 electric guitars that are best for intermediate players and guitarists just beginning their climb to the top.
Find out how to choose guitar effects pedals, plus learn everything a beginner needs to know about distortion, overdrive, chorus, and more.
Learn 5 steps to help you teach yourself to play guitar, no lessons required. It isn’t easy, but with a little hard work, you can do it!
Here's a ranking of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players. Discover top instruments for guitarists looking to move up from their starter guitar.
Confused by guitar specs when it comes to buying your first beginner guitar? Read this guide to basic terms and definitions.
Some say rock is dead, but it doesn't have to be dead to you. What this world needs is a hero, a guitar player who will bring rock music back to its former glory. Is it you?
Check out the best Yamaha acoustic guitars, top-rated instruments perfect for beginners but good enough for intermediate and advanced guitarists.
Learn about the pros and cons of the Floyd Rose tremolo bridge, one of the most significant inventions in the history of electric guitar.
Compare the Squier Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe Stratocasters and decide which is better for your budget and style.
Here are the best bass combo amps for under $300. This review can help you determine which is right for you.
Compare five of the best bass amps for beginners from some of the biggest brand names in the bass guitar world.
Check out this list of the guitar accessories that are most important for beginners and start building your collection of guitar supplies.
Compare the five best electric guitars under $750 and decide which top-rated instrument is perfect for you and your style.
Find out if expensive guitars are worth it and if you really need high-end gear to be taken seriously as a guitarist.
Find out if you should use a gig bag or a hard-shell case to protect your guitar. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option.
Discover the best guitar amps under $100 for beginners, all from top brand names, plus learn what to look for in your very first guitar amp.
Discover alternatives to effects pedals, plus decide which pedals to use as a guitar player or if you even need effects at all.
Discover the difference between Fender and Ibanez and learn how to choose the best guitar or bass for your style and genre.
Check out the best guitars for beginners who are into heavy metal and newbies intent on causing maximum mayhem with their first guitar. See my top picks for old-school thrash and classic metal, modern extreme music, and shred.
Learn more about the Standard Precision Bass by Fender, a quality Mexican-made version of a classic bass guitar.
Discover the best half stacks for guitar players on a budget and learn how you can grab a quality guitar amp without crushing your wallet.
Should you buy a new or used guitar? Get advice to help you decide which is right for you and learn the pros and cons of each.
Try to decide between guitar and drums? Compare guitar vs drums difficulty and differences and discover the pros and cons of each and make the best decision for you!
Check out some of the best electric guitars for the musician on a budget who demands an affordable, quality instrument that looks and sounds amazing.
Check out this review of the Jackson JS32 Dinky, King V, Rhoads, Kelly, and Warrior. They're affordable versions of classic designs from one of the best metal guitar builders on the planet.
Which guitar is better for beginners to learn on: Acoustic or Electric? Discover the pros and cons of each and decide which is right for you!
Find the perfect gift for the bass player in your life and discover some of the best ideas for Christmas, birthdays, and the holiday season!
Get some tips on how to lead a rock band, from the perspective of a guitar player. If you are called upon to be the leader of your band you will have many challenges ahead of you. Find out how to get the best out of your group through encouragement, delegation, and positive reinforcement.
Check out seven essential rock guitar masterpieces that changed music and influenced millions of guitarists.
Discover some of the best starter electric guitars for adult beginners that will get you playing today without killing your budget!
Find a relatively cheap bass guitar for under $300 that'll keep you under budget but still sound amazing! Options from trusted brands in the business.
Here are the top ten electric guitars under $200 that are great for beginners or any player on a budget who is looking for an affordable instrument from one of the big names in the guitar world.
Discover the 10 best guitar brands for heavy metal and learn more about the companies that make the gear for the hardcore sounds you need.
Choosing an electric guitar with the right type of bridge for your needs is a key part of getting the sound you want from your instrument.
Check out some affordable guitar amps for blues and rock, each with the power and sound for stage, studio or rehearsal. With a budget of under $1000 you can grab an amp with amazing tone, made by one of the top names in the guitar world.
Check out the top bass guitar starter packs—the best choices for beginners who want to become bassists and start playing today!
Check out the VOX Valvetronix Series VT20X, VT40X, and VT100X guitar amps in this review and learn which modeling amp is right for you.
Is it the player or the instrument that makes an electric guitar sound better? Find out what other guitarists say about what impacts sound quality and cast your own votes in this online guitar poll.
In this review, you'll discover why the Fender Player Series HSS Stratocaster is among the top electric guitars for the money.
Check out this review of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom PRO. Compare to Gibson and discover if it's the right guitar for you.
Compare the Epiphone Les Paul and the Squier Stratocaster in this review and decide which electric guitar is right for you!
Check out some of the best little acoustic guitars. These small-bodied models are great for travel, kids, and adults with small hands. They're also great for jamming when space is limited or just for having fun.
Learn more about the Line 6 Spider V Mk II series guitar amps in this review and decide which digital modeling amp is right for you.
Check out the best affordable acoustic guitars for beginners from some of the top brands in the guitar world. These guitars are budget-friendly but not cheap!
Here's a shortlist of the best beginner acoustic guitars for kids, a guide for parents looking to start their child on guitar.
Learn the difference between the Ibanez RG and S Series and decide which guitar is better for you and your music.
Check out some of the best travel guitars: acoustic, electric, and acoustic-electric guitars made to pack up and take on the road.
Learn about the Marshall MG Gold Series guitar amps in this review. Check out the MG15FX, MG30FX, MG50FX, MG101FX, MG102FX and MG100HFX.
Find out which guitars besides the Epiphone Les Paul are among the best affordable alternatives to the Gibson Les Paul.
Discover the history of Fender guitars models such as the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Mustang, and Jaguar.
Get advice on how much a guitar should cost for a beginner and learn which guitars and amps are worth the money.
Learn to choose the best guitar strings for electric and acoustic guitar, plus get tips for beginners on changing strings and guitar maintenance.
Find out how worrying too much about expensive gear can hurt your guitar playing, not to mention your wallet. Don't be a guitar gear snob!
Compare the best Ibanez guitars and top choices for metal and rock guitar players around the world, and decide which is right for you.
These rehearsal tips will help guitar players understand how to run band practice most efficiently and accomplish their goals.
In this review, you'll learn why the Fender Mustang Series modeling guitar amps are perfect for gigging and hobby guitarists alike
Learn the difference between the Epiphone Les Paul Standard, Studio, and Customelectric guitars in this review.
Learn 6 ways guitarists can build music careers with their love of the guitar. You don't have to be a rock star to make it in music!
Discover the amazing history of Gibson electric guitars and learn what made the Les Paul, SG, Flying V, and Explorer so legendary!
Check out my review of the Peavey Nano Vyper. It's a battery-powered guitar amplifier for jamming off the grid or just in your own backyard.
The top choices for the best bass for metal include 4- and 5-string bass guitars with the punch and power to get you noticed in the mix.
Learn to manage Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS), an affliction that impacts the lives of guitar players around the world.
Compare the top acoustic guitar starter packs and choose the best starter kit to inspire a beginner who is ready to learn to play guitar.
You’re never too old to learn to play guitar! Here are 10 reasons why your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond are the perfect time to pick up the instrument.
The best thrash metal guitarists from the legendary Big Four thrash bands shaped a genre and influenced a generation of guitar players.
A review of the best semi-hollow body electric guitars for under $500. These affordable instruments are made by some of the top brands in the guitar world.
Do you need to learn how to read music if you want to play the guitar? Maybe! Find out whether it is the right choice for you.
Here's my list of best bass guitars for under $500. If you are a bassist on a budget, this is the list for you. They're affordable, they sound great, and they are made by some of the best bass guitar companies of all time.
Knowing the difference between the Squier and Fender Stratocaster will help you decide which guitar is right for you and your budget.
Here's a review of my Heartfield Talon II guitar, a Fender superstrat made in Japan that has become a strange sort of classic in the guitar world.
Here’s a review of the best guitar multi-effects pedals with recommendations for advanced, intermediate and beginning guitar players.
Some of the most famous and best guitarists in the world rely on the legendary Gibson Les Paul for their sound and style.
Check out five of the best hollow-body jazz guitars for under $1000. If you’re looking for the ultimate jazz box, start your search here!
Learn why the Hartke HA3500C bass amp is the perfect choice for gigging bassists. I also compare it to the LH500 so you can find the right Hartke for you.
The glam-metal era of the ‘80s spawned famous guitarists, but also some underrated players who never got the recognition they deserved.
Check out some of the best Flying V guitars! This review looks at the classic Gibson Flying V and alternatives from Dean, Jackson, and ESP LTD.
Precision Bass vs. Jazz Bass: Compare two Fender classics in this review and learn the difference in sound, construction, and specs.
This review takes a look at Carvin and Kiesel guitars, brands available via custom order. Is Carvin a good fit for you? Read on and find out!
Compare the best acoustic guitars under $500 and learn why you don't need to spend a fortune to land a great instrument!
Here's a list of the best acoustic-electric guitars on the market for under $1000. If you’re looking for a new acoustic-electric guitar start your search here!
Check out this review of the Ibanez Soundgear SR400, SR505, and Premium bass guitars. Beginner or pro, you’ll find the right bass in the Soundgear lineup.
Half stack, full stack or combo? Learn which guitar amp is best in a band situation, and how to choose the right option for you.
How the Grunge Revolution ushered in a dark age for guitar in the 1990s and set the evolution of the instrument back a decade.
Check out the 5 best guitar amps for under $200 in this review, each packed with features and made by the top names in the business.
Check out the best acoustic guitars under $300! Perfect for beginners and intermediate guitarists, but good enough to impress the veterans!
Check out my list of must-have acoustic guitar accessories for beginners and learn what gear is essential for success.
Discover the best way to learn to guitar, with a focus on scales, chords and songs, as well as music theory. If you want to learn guitar there is nothing stopping you. Here are some top options to get you started!
Check out this review of Jackson’s best guitars: The King V, Soloist, Rhoads, Dinky, and Kelly. If you're metal, how do you choose only one?
The best and most famous Fender Stratocaster players in rock history played Strats as unique as the guitarists themselves.
Find the best strap locks for your guitar or bass and protect your beloved instrument from disaster. Yes, you need strap locks!
Check out the best tube combo amps for under $1000. Whether you're into rock, metal, country, or blues, this article can help you find your sound.
Which guitar brand is best for metal: Jackson, Ibanez, ESP LTD, or Schecter? Compare construction, quality, sound, specs, and more.
Discover the top electric guitars for blues and rock. If you play blues guitar, you need the best instrument for the job.
Check out this review of the Schecter C-1 Platinum, Hellraiser C-1, and Omen 6, all great guitars for metal and hard rock.