
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

Guitar World deals of the week: Save $210 on a five-star-rated PRS SE, get $44 off my favorite practice amp, plus a discount on a crazy fuzz pedal
By Matt McCracken last updated
Your weekly digest of the best deals from all corners of the web, hand-picked by Guitar World's gear experts

Musician's Friend Black Friday deals 2025: Everything you need to know to save big ahead of the big day
By Chris Barnes last updated
Black Friday may be weeks away, but at Musician's Friend, you can still grab yourself a great early deal on guitar gear

Black Friday guitar deals 2025: Early guitar deals and expert shopping tips for the biggest sale of the year
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Get ahead of all other guitarists with the best early savings this Black Friday

Guitar Center Black Friday deals 2025: the latest savings and how to find the best guitar gear offers of the year
By Chris Barnes last updated
How to save right now, and our advice on shopping this year's big Black Friday Guitar Center sale when it lands

Sweetwater Black Friday deals 2025: get the lowdown on the early savings
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The Sweetwater Black Friday sale isn't live just yet, but if you're looking for an early deal you're in luck

Black Friday Fender deals 2025: what to know before the sale starts
By Daryl Robertson last updated
This Black Friday, we're seeing some fantastic Fender deals crop up across the web, including discounted Player II guitars

Prime Day guitar deals 2025: Amazon's Big Deal Days is officially over
By Chris Barnes last updated
October Prime Day is over now, but if you're late to the party there's still some deals hanging around

Hunting for guitar gear this Prime Day? These 4 anti-Prime Day sales are taking Amazon on at their own game
By Chris Barnes published
Unless you want strings, Amazon's Big Deal Days sale is pretty mid for guitar players – here's where you should shop instead

With up to $54 off Loog’s kids guitars for Prime Day, it’s finally time to buy my son his first guitar
By Chris Barnes published
My boy loves AC/DC – can I teach him Thunderstruck by New Years?

Best guitars for kids 2025: top electric and acoustic guitars for children
By Daryl Robertson last updated
The top kid’s guitars available today and everything you need to know to get your child started with the guitar

This year's best-ever Labor Day guitar deals include up to 60% off at Musician's Friend, 20% Fender savings and super cheap Spark amps – here’s 6 essential sales to shop right now
By Chris Barnes published
There's juicy price cuts on everything from Fender to Gibson, PRS to Sterling By Music Man, Positive Grid and more in these massive Labor Day weekend sales

Our highest-rated online guitar lessons just dropped by 65% for Labor Day - up your game for only $10.47 per month
By Chris Barnes published
With over 11,000 lessons online, plus tutor feedback, there’s no better way than Guitar Tricks to learn remotely right now

Best online guitar lessons 2025: I'm a professional guitar product reviewer and these are my top picks
By Chris Schwarten last updated
Online lessons are the ideal platform for developing guitar skills from the comfort of your home or on the go – myself and our in-house experts have tested options for all playing levels, styles and budgets, including a free option

Always thought in-ear monitors were too expensive? This mega Prime Day sale on Linsoul IEMs says otherwise – invest from as little as $39.99 and find out why more amateur players than ever are using them
By Chris Barnes published
From basic to pro options, there's a pair for every level of player

These huge 4th of July guitar sales have taken the wind out of Prime Day’s sails – shop 10 of my top picks
By Chris Barnes last updated
Many major guitar shops have gone Black Friday big for Independence Day Weekend – here's where to save on guitars, amps and software this July 4th

Become a better guitarist for just 27 cents a day? That's not as absurd as it sounds thanks to TrueFire’s massive July 4th sale – save 60% on an annual subscription
By Chris Barnes published
TrueFire’s All-Access subscription opens you up to over 84,000 lessons, guided learning paths, exclusive artist content and more

Best Memorial Day guitar sales 2025: Epic early deals on acoustic and electric guitars, amps, effects and more
By Chris Barnes last updated
Explore all the best Memorial Day weekend guitar discounts in one place – make massive savings at Fender, Musician's Friend, Guitar Center and more

Best guitar picks 2025: awesome guitar picks to upgrade your playing
By Jonathan Horsley last updated
My expert guide to the best picks for electric, acoustic, and bass guitar

TrueFire launches its free 10-week guitar Boot Camp today – and you don’t even need to provide credit card details to sign up
By Chris Barnes published
Unlock your playing potential over the next 10 weeks with weekly lessons, Zoom sessions, feedback on your progress and more

Ready to unlock your full playing potential in 2025? TrueFire just dropped their all-access annual subscription to only $79
By Chris Barnes published
For only $6.58 per month you can access over 80,000 expert online lessons, whatever your playing level – but this offer ends on New Year's Eve

Sweetwater Cyber Monday deals 2024: last chance to save at Sweetwater
By Chris Barnes last updated
Cyber Monday is over but you'll need to move quickly if you want to seal these deals

Guitar Center Cyber Monday deals 2024: last chance to save
By Daryl Robertson last updated
Cyber Monday has officially ended, giving you your final call for guitar gear discounts

Cyber Monday guitar deals 2024: Your last chance to save on guitar gear
By Chris Barnes last updated
Find all the biggest savings on guitar gear from the remaining Cyber Monday sales across the web
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