Chris Barnes
I'm Guitar World's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, it's my job to manage the 200+ buyer's guides on the site and help guitarists find the right gear and the best prices for them. I've been a guitar player for 30 years and a drummer for almost 20. I've worked in the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Boss, Laney and Roland.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes

By Daryl Robertson last updated
The official Sweetwater Black Friday deals have arrived with some astonishing discounts on guitar gear

By Daryl Robertson last updated
Here are the best early Black Friday deals from Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Positive Grid, and more

By Chris Barnes last updated
Get ready for Cyber Weekend with early deals and shopping tips

By Chris Barnes Published
Get full access to 11,000+ lessons and step up your playing for only $8.25 per month

By Daryl Robertson last updated
Cyber Weekend is fast approaching, and we've got the lowdown on all the early Fender deals

By Daryl Robertson last updated
The top kid’s guitars available today and everything you need to know to get your child started with the guitar

By Matt McCracken, Chris Barnes, Daryl Robertson last updated
The Guitar World team and I were busy rounding up all the hottest gear from the October Prime Day sale, including guitars, pedals, amps, accessories, and more

By Chris Barnes last updated
Guitar World's gear experts are here to help you separate the real bargains from the filler with the best savings that are still live

By Chris Barnes Published
If you're on the hunt for a budget practice solution, today is your day, with some prices hitting their lowest ever and discounts up to 38%

By Chris Barnes Published
You've seen our rig tour, now shop the smorgasbord of pedals and other guitar gear driving Jack’s live sound

By Chris Barnes Published
There's juicy price cuts on everything from Fender to Gibson, PRS to Sterling By Music Man and more in these massive Labor Day sales

By Chris Schwarten last updated
Learning guitar online is cheaper and more flexible than traditional tuition, but only if you choose the right platform. Together with Guitar World’s expert team, I’ve put the top lesson sites to the test for every budget, genre, and skill level, including a fantastic free option

By Chris Barnes last updated
And with a beginner guitarist bundle thrown in, this Guitar Tricks Summer Black Friday deal is the ultimate package for new players

By Daryl Robertson, Matt McCracken, Chris Barnes last updated
I'm rounding up all the hottest guitar, amp, pedal, and accessory deals throughout the final day of the Prime Day sales. Stick with me for all of the biggest news, deals, tips, and tricks for saving money. But remember: today is your last day to save!

By Chris Barnes Published
These early 4th of July sales include major savings on Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Duesenberg and more

By Chris Barnes last updated
Amazon isn't the only place to save right now, and with alternative sites offering money off guitars and amps, to accessories and software, there's plenty of time to save once Prime Day closes its doors

By Daryl Robertson, Matt McCracken, Chris Barnes last updated
I'm rounding up all the hottest guitar, amp, pedal, and accessory deals throughout the final day of the Prime Day sales. Stick with me for all of the biggest news, deals, tips, and tricks for saving money. But remember: today is your last day to save!

By Chris Barnes Published
The Donner Hush X Live is everything you could possibly want from a travel-friendly electric guitar, and all the more tempting to grab at 16% off

By Matt McCracken last updated
Our gear experts track down the best weekly deals on guitar gear, bringing you hand-picked savings on guitars, pedals, amps, and more

By Chris Barnes Published
I’ve never seen Memorial Day guitar discounts this big in all my time covering the event, but you won’t find them at Amazon

By Chris Barnes last updated
Explore all the essential Memorial Day guitar savings in one place – check out the latest from Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Fender, Guitar Tricks, Waves and more

By Chris Barnes last updated
Cyber Monday is over, but Sweetwater just launched a fresh sale for Cyber Week

By Daryl Robertson last updated
Cyber Monday is over, but you can save on iconic Fender gear
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