Guitarist Features

Paul McCartney: “I figured out my own way of doing fingerstyle – that’s really how I learned every instrument I play”

By Harold Steinblatt

In this classic 2007 interview, Macca discusses his greatest acoustic songs, his unique fingerpicking style and the musical influences that shaped his playing with The Beatles and beyond

Best blues amps 2021: electric guitar amplification for when the thrill is gone

By Jonathan Horsley

Guitar World picks out 12 of the best blues amps from Fender, MESA/Boogie, Marshall and more

The history of Fender tweed amps

By Rod Brakes

Terry Foster, co-author of Fender: The Golden Age 1946-1970, imparts his expert knowledge on Fender’s earliest amps

How to use synth pedals on guitar

By Stefan Fast

Stefan Fast of YouTube channel ThePedalZone shares his love of synth and shows you how to add synthetic fl air to your sound with common effect types

9 best guitar straps 2021: play in comfort and secure your guitar in style

By Chris Corfield

The best guitar straps for acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, no matter your budget

Marty Friedman: “Much of the Japanese music that is currently very popular has a melodic structure that echoes a lot of '70s Western rock and pop“

By Milton Mermikides

The shred legend spills the beans on the third album in his Tokyo Jukebox series, which celebrates his love for Japan

The best PRS SE Custom 24 deals in June 2021: own a top-rated PRS for less

By Chris Corfield

We’ve scoured the web to find today’s best PRS deals

The secrets behind Billy Zoom's guitar tone on X's Los Angeles

By Chris Gill

A braniac amp genius, Zoom got a powerful tone – full of punch and bite – out of a minimalist setup

Best lunchbox amp choices 2021: 8 great portable amps for gigging

By Chris Schwarten

Offering big sound in a portable package, these compact amplifiers are perfect for the live circuit

Best Epiphone Les Pauls 2021: 10 budget-friendly versions of Gibson’s iconic single-cut

By Jonathan Horsley

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, our list of the best Epiphone Les Pauls is sure to inspire you

11 best looper pedals 2021: become a one man band with one of the greatest loop pedals

By Alex Lynham

From channeling Ed Sheeran to boosting your live performances, these are the best looper pedals from TC Electronic, Boss, Pigtronix and more

11 best guitar cables 2021: brilliant instrument cables for electric, acoustic and bass guitar

By Guitar World

Plug in with confidence using our guide to the best guitar cables from Planet Waves, Mogami, Ernie Ball, George L’s and more

The 10 best guitar wireless systems 2021: set your playing free, from the rehearsal room to the stage

By Jonathan Horsley

Fed up with cumbersome cables? These are the best wireless guitar systems for every budget

Classic gear: Gibson ES-175

By Rod Brakes

With its Florentine cutaway, this hollowbody electric archtop was a Gibson first

The 10 best acoustic guitars for beginners 2021: New to acoustic guitar? These easy acoustic strummers are for you

By Chris Corfield, Chris Barnes

The best beginner acoustic guitars, featuring quality six strings from Epiphone, Taylor, Fender, Yamaha, Ibanez and more – starting from $149

18 of the best Father's Day gifts for guitar players: the ultimate guide to Father's Day gifts for guitarists

By Amit Sharma, Chris Corfield, James Farmer

Surprise the guitarist in your life this Father’s Day with the best guitars, accessories, and gadgets for every budget

The best Fender CD-60S Deals June 2021: find the lowest prices on this top-rated beginner acoustic guitar from Fender

By Chris Corfield

We’ve uncovered today's best deals on Fender’s epic entry-level acoustic

John Smith: ”The only way to cope with life is to write songs, for me. As soon as I picked up the pen, the songs started falling out”

By David Mead

Recorded at Real World studios last September, The Fray finds the acoustic ace exorcising personal turmoil in song – and leaning heavily into electric guitars

How much difference does your guitar string choice make?

By Jonathan Horsley

Simply put, string choice is a fundamental element in finding your tone and playing style, and here’s why…

Best online guitar lessons 2021: our pick of the 9 best remote learning platforms for guitar players

By Chris Corfield, Chris Schwarten

Develop your guitar skills from the comfort of your home, with the help of these online lessons services