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
Save 80% with Guitar Tricks' best subscription offer of the year – including a free custom lesson plan to get you off to a flying start
By Chris Barnes published
One of our highest-rated guitar lessons platforms just unleashed its Summer Black Friday annual subscription bundle offer – and the savings are huge
6 of the best 4th of July sales for guitarists: Save up to 60% off guitars, amps, FX and accessories
By Chris Barnes published
Explore hundreds of dollars in discounts at Musician’s Friend, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Positive Grid and more
Best earplugs for musicians 2024: guitarist-friendly plugs to suit every budget
By Chris Corfield last updated
Our pick of the best affordable earplugs to protect your hearing from the din of the rehearsal room to the stage
Best Memorial Day guitar sales 2024: today's most epic deals on acoustic and electric guitars, amps, effects and more
By Chris Barnes last updated
Explore all the best Memorial Day guitar savings in one place – massive savings from Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Sweetwater, Positive Grid and others
Best guitar straps 2024: play in comfort and secure your guitar in style
By Chris Corfield last updated
Our expert pick of straps for electric, acoustic and bass, covering all budgets and materials
Best guitar picks 2024: recommended plectrums to upgrade your playing
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
Our expert guide to the best picks for bass, acoustic and electric guitar
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
Get your child on their way with the guitar and save $30 in the process
5 epic Presidents’ Day sales for guitar players that you don’t want to miss today
By Chris Barnes published
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
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
Learning or improving has never been cheaper thanks to this time-limited 75% off promotion from Fender Play
We write about guitars every day – here's 21 essential Cyber Monday deals the Guitar World team is shopping today
By Chris Barnes published
These are the deals we've added to our baskets – from practice amps and pedals, to guitars and a ridiculously cheap tuner
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
Invest in your playing with the best Black Friday deal we’ve seen so far from one of our favourite online lessons platforms
Best DIY guitar kits: self-assembly project guitars for every budget
By Richard Blenkinsop last updated
The best DIY guitar kits for budding luthiers – build your own acoustic or electric guitar today
Forget Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, these 6 sales are where it’s at for guitar players today
By Chris Barnes published
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
Every instrument has been inspected in house, is fully working and comes with a 2-year guarantee – includes Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch
Best guitar accessories for beginners 2024: our pick of beginner guitar gear essentials
By Chris Barnes last updated
Start on the right foot with the best beginner guitar and bass accessories – including strings, picks, cables, tuners, cases 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
Make huge Presidents' Day savings on acoustic and electric guitars, amps, effects, software and studio gear
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
Save big on a wide range of the company's models – from basses to 'Bursts
Unplug in style with these top-tier Cyber Weekend acoustic guitar deals
By Jackson Maxwell last updated
Save up to $800 on top-selling models from Gibson, Fender, Epiphone, Breedlove, Yamaha and more
Looking for a beginner electric guitar? You won't go wrong with these fantastic Cyber Monday deals
By Jackson Maxwell published
Save up to $130 on stellar, easy-playing models from Squier, Epiphone, EVH, Gretsch, Donner and more
We’ve seen Guitar Center’s Black Friday deals list early – here's a sneak peek of the gear you should hold out for
By Chris Barnes published
Get the jump on the biggest guitar savings of the year with our pick of the best deals coming to Guitar Center next week
Stream music for less with up to 4 months of Amazon Music Unlimited, completely free
By Chris Barnes published
This unmissable early-Prime Day saving gives you access to 90 million songs, podcasts and curated playlists
Save up to £46 off the Positive Grid Spark Pearl and bag bundle at Amazon UK for a very limited time
By Chris Barnes published
You'll need to act fast – these savings on the game-changing smart amp and free bag won't hang around for long
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