Articles by Chris Barnes

Guitar World

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.

Articles by: Chris Barnes

Stratocaster leaning against a Boss Katana amp

Guitar World deals of the week: save $250 on a Schecter, over $200 off a Marshall, plus up to 30% off at Guitar Center

By Matt McCracken published 12 April 24

It's deals galore this week with savings on Eventide and Earthquaker Devices, as well as a totally free plugin from Universal Audio

Fender x Loog Tele and Strat on a carpet

The Fender x Loog Strat and Tele models are perfect for getting kids playing – and right now you can save 15%

By Chris Barnes published 22 March 24

Get your child on their way with the guitar and save $30 in the process

US flag with Guitar World deals badge over the top

5 epic Presidents’ Day sales for guitar players that you don’t want to miss today

By Chris Barnes published 19 February 24

These sweet sales are live right now – but hurry, prices will be going back up at midnight

Guitar Center just added new deals to its huge 35% off sale and you can save right up to Christmas eve

By Chris Barnes published 14 December 23

Plus all the latest info on shipping times and your last opportunity for delivery before Christmas day

Get better faster for only $3.13 per month with Fender Play’s biggest ever discount

By Chris Barnes published 8 December 23

Learning or improving has never been cheaper thanks to this time-limited 75% off promotion from Fender Play

Cyber Monday Guitar World team recommendations

We write about guitars every day – here's 21 essential Cyber Monday deals the Guitar World team is shopping today

By Chris Barnes published 27 November 23

These are the deals we've added to our baskets – from practice amps and pedals, to guitars and a ridiculously cheap tuner

These discounted online guitar lessons subscription prove Black Friday is the ideal time to invest in your playing

By Chris Barnes published 24 November 23

Six of our recommended online learning platforms have seriously great value offers for Black Friday only

Take your playing from average Joe to pro with this amazing value Guitar Tricks one-year subscription deal – plus, get $321 of extras

By Chris Barnes published 15 November 23

Invest in your playing with the best Black Friday deal we’ve seen so far from one of our favourite online lessons platforms

Black Friday guitar pedal deals 2023: You can still save big on pedals and stompbox accessories

By Daryl Robertson last updated 25 November 23

Your place for all the greatest Black Friday deals on guitar pedals, pedalboards, power supplies and more

Fender Vintera Strat on a pink gradient background

Forget Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, these 6 sales are where it’s at for guitar players today

By Chris Barnes published 10 October 23

Black Friday-esque savings from Fender, Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend and more leave Amazon’s sale in the dust

Sweetwater’s Prime Day-beating demo gear sale just put your dream guitar in reach

By Chris Barnes published 11 July 23

Every instrument has been inspected in house, is fully working and comes with a 2-year guarantee – includes Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch

The best 4th of July sales for guitarists: Save up to 40% off guitars, amps, FX and accessories

By Chris Barnes published 3 July 23

Explore hundreds of dollars in discounts at Musician’s Friend, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Positive Grid and more

Save up to 40% on guitar gear in today's mega Musician's Friend, Positive Grid and Guitar Center Presidents' Day sales

By Chris Barnes published 20 February 23

Make huge Presidents' Day savings on acoustic and electric guitars, amps, effects, software and studio gear

Best DIY guitar kits: self-assembly project guitars for every budget

By Richard Blenkinsop last updated 13 November 23

The best DIY guitar kits for budding luthiers – build your own acoustic or electric guitar today

Various guitar picks on Blackstar amplifier

Best guitar picks: recommended plectrums to upgrade your playing

By Jonathan Horsley last updated 18 October 23

Our expert guide to the best picks for bass, acoustic and electric guitar

Three Epiphone instruments that have been discounted for Cyber Monday 2022

Save up to $200 on a stylish, top-performing electric, bass or acoustic guitar with these Cyber Monday-beating Epiphone deals

By Jackson Maxwell published 28 November 22

Save big on a wide range of the company's models – from basses to 'Bursts

Cyber Monday Positive Grid deals 2023: Cyber Week deals are live with saving on the Spark Go and Mini, plus 50% off BIAS software

By Chris Barnes last updated 28 November 23

Positive Grid's official Cyber Week sale has landed! Here's how to find the best savings on amps, software and accessories

Cyber Monday guitar pedal deals 2023: Everything you need to know

Cyber Monday guitar pedal deals 2023: Our expert pick of Cyber Monday stompbox offers that are still live

By Daryl Robertson last updated 28 November 23

Your place for all the greatest Cyber Monday deals on guitar pedals, pedalboards, power supplies and more

Various bits of Fender gear on a red background

Cyber Monday Fender deals 2023: you can still get up to 50% off guitars, pedals, and amps

By Daryl Robertson last updated 28 November 23

Cyber Monday is officially over but there is still time to grab a great saving on Fender gear

Musician's Friend Cyber Monday deals 2023: The mega Musician's Friend sale is live with up to 50% off

Musician's Friend Cyber Monday deals 2023: The mega Musician's Friend sale is still live with up to 50% off

By Daryl Robertson last updated 28 November 23

The deals you need to check out in the Musician's Friend Cyber Week sale

Cyber Monday guitar deals 2023: Our expert pick of today's sales and savings in one place

Cyber Monday guitar deals 2023: Our expert pick of today's sales and savings that are still live

By Chris Barnes last updated 28 November 23

All the best Cyber Monday guitar bargains you can still buy right now – save big on guitars, amps, effects and accessories

Three electric guitars that have been discounted for Cyber Monday 2022

Looking for a beginner electric guitar? You won't go wrong with these fantastic Cyber Monday deals

By Jackson Maxwell published 28 November 22

Save up to $130 on stellar, easy-playing models from Squier, Epiphone, EVH, Gretsch, Donner and more

Sweetwater Cyber Monday deals 2023: Sweetwater's sale is now live - bag up to 75% off

Sweetwater Cyber Monday deals 2023: Sweetwater's sale is still live – bag up to 80% off

By Chris Barnes last updated 28 November 23

We've compiled some of the sweetest Sweetwater Cyber Week deals on guitars, amps, pedals, recording gear and more

Lots of musican instrument gear on a purple background

Guitar Center Cyber Monday deals 2023: for a limited time you can still get up to 40% off guitar gear

By Daryl Robertson last updated 28 November 23

Cyber Monday is done but you can still bag some big savings on guitar gear until November 29

Five acoustic guitars that have been heavily discounted for Cyber Weekend 2022

Unplug in style with these top-tier Cyber Weekend acoustic guitar deals

By Jackson Maxwell last updated 28 November 22

Save up to $800 on top-selling models from Gibson, Fender, Epiphone, Breedlove, Yamaha and more