Chris Schwarten
Chris is a contributor to Guitar World and MusicRadar with around 20 years of guitar playing experience – including writing for and recording various projects for around 15 of those. Outside of practical experience, he’s studied music throughout his life, with a particular focus on composition at university. He’s something of a 90s tragic and a sucker for anything with a groovy, metallic edge or psych and stoner vibes. Outside of music, he’s an avid cook, gardener, and rugby league lover.
Latest articles by Chris Schwarten

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 Schwarten Last updated
We rank and review the best guitar amp pedals from Strymon, Universal Audio, Blackstar, and more

By Chris Schwarten Last updated
Get the most out of your playing at home with one of these great bass practice amps

By Chris Schwarten Last updated
Our pick of the finest fasteners from Schaller, Loxx, Jim Dunlop and more

By Simon Fellows Last updated
The original online guitar learning resource may have the biggest learning library, but is it the best option right now? We take a deep dive into one of the most comprehensive guitar teaching platforms out there

By Chris Schwarten Last updated
A behemoth of a guitar tutorial site that’s evolved over decades into one of the very best online learning experiences around

By Chris Schwarten Last updated
A beautifully executed, modern take on traditional guitar, bass and ukulele tuition

By Chris Schwarten Last updated
Offering big sound in a portable package, these compact amplifiers are perfect for the live circuit

By Chris Schwarten Published
The As I Lay Dying guitarist reveals how Iron Maiden, and his use of the Fender Jim Root Stratocaster during a brief tenure in Slipknot, led to his own shred-friendly signature Charvel

By Chris Schwarten Published
The jazz-inspired black metal maestro talks influences, techniques, and surprise guest appearances on the NYC trio’s terrifying new album, The Spirit of Ecstasy

By Chris Schwarten Last updated
Let’s not tiptoe around anymore, when it comes to playing live it could be time to cut the cord

By Chris Schwarten Published
The alt-soul guitarist talks building an instrument that organically covers the frequency spectrum, and the Mike Patton-backed band's carefully crafted sophomore album, Heavy Metal Greasy Love

By Chris Schwarten Published
The guitarist talks using “milk crates” full of pedals on the Florida hard-rockers' forthcoming concept album, why they steered clear of reverb, and how a stock Kemper preset crept onto the final recording

By Chris Schwarten Published
The New York songwriter blends classic rock 'n' roll showmanship with uber modern electronic stylings on his fierce debut LP, A Real Good Person in a Real Bad Place

By Chris Schwarten Published
The post-metal five-piece dial back the gain and explore a brave new world of shimmery sounds for their fifth studio effort

By Chris Schwarten Published
From country licks to doo-wop rhythms, the LA trio have made some bold moves on their new Dave Sitek-produced record

By Chris Schwarten Published
With gigs finally back on the cards, now is the perfect time to lighten your load

By Chris Schwarten Published
The mastermind behind the melodic hardcore punk outfit discusses his love of Gretsch, writing on the road, and changing his approach to riffs on new album, Below

By Chris Schwarten Published
Short songs, new structures, and an emphasis on ‘vibes’ have all played a part in reshaping the role of the six-string

By Chris Schwarten Published
The Aussie songwriter discusses how the guitar shapes her writing process, her COVID recovery, and the influence of spaghetti westerns on her music
![[L-R] Emma Ruth Rundle and Andy Gibbs of Thou](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sRwrkPW3h5JyN26MC9ggb8-320-80.jpg)
By Chris Schwarten Published
How the ethereal singer-songwriter and NOLA sludge merchants found space for four guitar players on May Our Chambers Be Full and The Helm of Sorrow
![[L-R] Heather Baron-Gracie and Hugo Silvani of Pale Waves](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A5nbM9wfF437jDq8jZkfU8-320-80.jpg)
By Chris Schwarten Published
The UK indie-pop outfit reflect on an eventful few years with their six-string-stacked follow-up album, Who Am I?

By Chris Schwarten Published
For around $500 it's possible to build a fully-functional budget pedalboard, including pedals, cables and even the 'board itself

By Chris Schwarten Published
The noise-punk trio's frontman talks his love for the Fender Jazzmaster, the importance of live music and the band's evolutionary new album, Atlas Vending
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
