Matt McCracken
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and pretty much anything else guitar-related. Responsible for over 60 buying guides, a large part of his role is helping guitarists find the best deals on gear. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.
A regularly gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience playing live and writing and recording in bands, he's performed everything from jazz to djent, gigging all over the UK in more dingy venues than you can shake a drop-tuned guitar at. When he's not holed up in his home studio recording new songs or tweaking pedal settings, you’ll find him making a racket with Northern noise hounds JACKALS.
Latest articles by Matt McCracken

Best classical guitars 2025: nylon-string guitars for every budget
By Chris Corfield last updated
From classical, flamenco and crossover, to acoustic-electric models and beyond, these are the best nylon-string guitars around right now

Boss GT-1000 Core vs HX Stomp: which amp and effects modeler should you pick?
By Matt McCracken published
Which of these pedalboard-sized amp modelers should you choose? We deep dive into the fine details to find out

Looking for a sign to finally go digital? Line 6 just slashed $200 off the price of Helix Floor and LT
By Matt McCracken published
If you recently bought one don't worry, most retailers will refund you the difference

Best patch cables 2025: tidy up your ‘board with our pick of the best patch leads
By Alex Lynham last updated
Need to organize a messy pedalboard? Patch cables are a simple and creative cable solution for your guitar pedals

Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: What’s the difference?
By Richard Blenkinsop published
We dive into the nitty gritty of differences and similarities between Fender’s unique Jaguar and Mustang models

P90s vs humbuckers: Which pickups should you choose?
By Matt McCracken published
We deep dive into the differences and similarities between these two powerful pickup options

Squier Paranormal Baritone Cabronita Telecaster review – a bargain baritone that can get properly heavy
By Matt McCracken published
The Squier Paranormal range’s only baritone offers some unusual sounds for explorative players at a bargain price, but is it more jack of all trades than master of one?

Quick! There are only 3 days left to take advantage of Sweetwater's unbelievable up to 80% off Cyber Week Sale
By Matt McCracken published
These sweet deals on guitars, pedals, and amps are still live but won’t be around for much longer

Record face-melting guitar tones at home for less with these 7 Cyber Monday bargains
By Matt McCracken published
These brilliant bits of gear will get you quality recorded guitar tones at home

6 Cyber Monday sales for guitar players that you can’t afford to miss
By Matt McCracken published
If you’re on the hunt for a Cyber Monday deal then these sales from Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Fender, and more will scratch the itch

Quick! Musician’s Friend has knocked half off the price of loads of guitar gear – including $700 off a Les Paul – but the Black Friday sale is ending soon
By Matt McCracken last updated
You have around 24 hours left to get yourself money off big-name brands like Fender, Gibson, Mesa/Boogie, Keeley, and loads more

With 25% off JHS pedals at Sweetwater you can create a ‘board that covers all bases – here’s the 5 stompboxes we’d choose
By Matt McCracken published
We’ve put together a do-it-all, discounted pedalboard from the JHS sale at Sweetwater

Positive Grid just casually launched a new Spark Go colorway the day before Black Friday – and it's on sale!
By Matt McCracken published
Our favorite mini amp just got that bit cooler with a brand-new color and a tasty Black Friday discount

I've looked through all 99 pages of the Guitar Center Black Friday sale – these are the 5 guitar deals I'd take home today
By Matt McCracken published
Guitar Center’s biggest sale of the year is finally here with up to 40% off loads of guitar gear from Schecter, Epiphone, EarthQuaker Devices, Boss, and loads more

Best guitar pedals for beginners 2025: kickstart your pedalboard
By Alex Lynham last updated
Don't know your RAT from your Whammy? Your Tube Screamer from your Big Muff? We're here to help you take your first steps into the world of guitar effects

Here are 5 Black Friday-beating deals from Guitar Center’s holiday sale that I rate as a pro guitar tester
By Matt McCracken published
I either own or have reviewed every one of these products

Black Friday has officially landed at Positive Grid with massive Spark savings and a huge 60% off BIAS software
By Matt McCracken published
Positive Grid has gone early with super savings on desktop amps, software, and accessories, but you'll need to be quick as stock is limited

$100 savings on Player Plus guitars and $50 off the Player series is like Black Friday come early - but only while stocks last
By Matt McCracken published
Fender just slashed the prices of their affordable yet playable guitars with everything from the Stratocaster to the Meteora seeing a healthy discount

Beat the early Black Friday sales with up to 20% off Positive Grid smart amps and accessories over at Amazon
By Matt McCracken published
Everyone’s favorite smart and desktop amplifiers just got that bit better with money off in the Amazon Prime Big Deals Day

Forget Amazon, Fender’s official shop is the place to shop today – get up to $350 off electric guitars and basses
By Matt McCracken published
There’s huge money off top-of-the-range Aerodyne and vintage-inspired Vintera models, making the Fender shop the best place to bag a deal today

10 recording mistakes every guitarist makes
By Matt McCracken published
Whether you’re recording at home or heading into the studio, these are the biggest recording blunders and how to avoid them

Bag yourself a free copy of BIAS FX 2 Standard courtesy of Positive Grid – for one day only
By Matt McCracken published
To celebrate today's International Day of Peace PG is offering a complimentary download for all guitarists, giving you the gift of great tone

Best fretless basses 2025: get more vibrato and texture from your bass guitar
By Richard Blenkinsop published
From electric to acoustic, modern to vintage, we take a look at the best fretless basses on offer
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