Guitar Techniques Features

The 10 types of string bending, from blues and boomer bends to tweak and tap bends

By Milton Mermikides published 25 February 22

Who could have imagined an everyday act of guitar technique would become so controversial? We take a deep dive into bending and see how it's changed over the ages

Paul Gilbert gives us a track-by-track tour of his new Christmas album, ‘Twas

By Jason Sidwell published 20 December 21

Forget goose: here, Mr Gilbert shares his festive recipe for perfect Christmas electric guitar, and he's putting emu picking on the menu. You might never hold a pick the same way again

Young man using smart phone while sitting at home with guitar in background

Why comparing yourself to other guitarists is bad news for your playing, creativity and mental health

By Michael Astley-Brown last updated 15 December 21

Social media can dent your confidence on the instrument – here’s how you can take action

Attention music producers and songwriters: what do you want from streaming platforms?

By Guitar World published 24 September 21

Are you a music creative? Do you have an opinion on streaming platforms? Then we want to hear from you

Paul Gilbert, Steve Lukather, Marty Friedman, Kirk Fletcher, Steve Morse and Michael Landau

6 guitar pros on how to prepare your playing for tour

By Jason Sidwell last updated 25 June 21

Paul Gilbert, Steve Lukather, Marty Friedman, Kirk Fletcher, Steve Morse and Michael Landau on how they get stage-ready

Meet 2020's Guitarists of the Year

By Guitar World Staff published 9 April 21

Featuring the best electric and acoustic guitarists, best teacher, and best young guitarist, as picked by GW editors and star judges

5 hurdles every beginner guitar player faces - and how to avoid them

By Justin Sandercoe last updated 24 February 21

Justin Sandercoe lends GT his insight as one of the world’s most successful guitar teachers

Man shows boy how to play the acoustic guitar

8 things to expect when you start learning the guitar

By Chris Corfield published 5 October 20

From calloused fingers to finally nailing that first song, playing the guitar is one of the greatest journeys of your life

5 tips to help you release more music, more often

By Udi Glaser last updated 16 July 20

As guitarists, we're excellent at writing riffs - but finishing entire songs? That's another story...

Close-up shot of Boss Loopstation RC-1 pedal

7 creative ways to use a looper pedal

By Alex Lynham published 14 May 20

Everything you need to start creating with a guitar looper, from stutter effects to drones

Close Up Of Man Using Tapping Technique On Electric Guitar

How great guitarists can inspire - rather than intimidate - your playing

By Justin Sandercoe published 1 May 20

Justin Sandercoe of justinguitar.com offers a fresh perspective on how we should look at guitar heroes on social media and beyond

100 ways to be a better guitar player

By Jon Bishop, Jason Sidwell and Neville Marten published 3 April 20

From technique and theory to gear and tone - this is the ultimate guide to improving your guitar playing, whatever your skill level

Girl reads a book sat next to her acoustic guitar

10 biographies, motivational manuals and killer guitar books to read during lockdown

By Matt Parker published 27 March 20

Great guitar reads covering inspiration, idiotic antics and information, in mostly equal parts

21 underrated guitar solos you need to hear

By Jonathan Horsley published 26 March 20

Lesser-celebrated but nonetheless awesome acts of lead playing from St. Vincent, Kurt Cobain, James Honeyman-Scott and more that might change how you approach your playing

Photo of a guitar, amp and pedals in a home

10 ways guitarists can keep busy while stuck at home

By Michael Astley-Brown published 25 March 20

Can’t leave the house? Here are 10 six-string activities that will occupy your time through a health crisis and beyond...

A guide to ambient guitar: channel your post-rock heroes using delay, reverb pedals and more

By Alex Lynham published 10 March 20

Learn how to create stunning electric guitar soundscapes with our hands-on examples for all levels of guitarist

The technique secrets of the decade's best guitarists

By Jimmy Brown, Sam Roche published 31 December 19

A rundown of the explosive playing styles of Mark Tremonti, Tosin Abasi, Gary Clark Jr. and Nita Strauss