Latest articles by Richard Blenkinsop
ESP vs LTD Guitars: What's the difference?
Looking for a capable guitar for playing rock or metal? We explore the history, spec and tone characteristics of ESP and its affordable sub-brand LTD
5 Fender signature guitars you need to try – and 5 we can't believe they haven't made yet
Our pick of Fender artist collaborations, plus the five players whose autographs we’d like to see adorning signature guitars in the future
Best guitar wireless systems 2024: set your playing free, from the rehearsal room to the stage
Fed up with cumbersome cables? Here's our pick of the best wireless guitar systems for every budget
Flatwound vs roundwound bass strings: What’s the difference?
Mellow and warm or bright and snappy? We look at the key differences between flatwound and roundwound bass strings
“You might not be fooled into thinking it’s a tube amp, but it’s close enough for silent practice”: Blackstar amPlug 2 FLY review
An affordable silent practice tool with three channels and three effects that covers ground for all guitarists
“If you’re a rock or metal guitarist looking to up your game, then JTC Guitar is an incredible resource”: JTC Guitar review
Some of the best video content out there to help rock and metal players hone their craft
Best looper pedals 2024: go it alone with the greatest loop pedals for practice, live performance and jamming
Whether you're writing songs or woodshedding solos, using a loop pedal will make you a better guitarist – these are the best looper pedals from Boss, TC Electronic, Line 6 and more
Fender's guitar models explained: we break down the entire Fender line-up from Player to Custom Shop
Get to know your Jazzmasters from your Jags and your Players from your Performers with our breakdown of the vast Fender catalog
Best FRFR speakers 2024: full range, flat response speakers that won't color your tone
Our pick of the best FRFR speakers for Helix, Kemper, Quad Cortex and other digital amp and effects modelers
Best beginner guitar amps 2024: top guitar amplifiers for beginners
Looking for one of the best guitar amps for beginners? We’ve rounded up our favorites for players of any style from brands including Blackstar, Orange, Boss, and more
Best budget delay pedals 2024: Get echo and slapback for not much greenback
From analog to digital, we check out the best cheap delay pedals to upgrade your 'board for less
Best electric guitar strings 2024: the finest electric guitar strings for every budget and playing style
Keep your axe feeling and sounding fresh with the best electric guitar strings on offer right now
“It delivers a lot of the classic Stingray sound and it plays like a dream”: Sterling By Music Man SUB Series Stingray Ray4 review
The most affordable take on the Stingray might just be one of the greatest budget basses money can buy
Best guitar cables 2024: recommended instrument cables for electric, acoustic and bass guitar
Plug in with confidence using our expert guide to the best guitar cables from Planet Waves, Mogami, Ernie Ball, George L’s and more
Should you play guitar with a pick or fingers? We weigh up the tone and technique benefits of both approaches
Use what you’re born with, or stick with a pick? We take a close look at the tones and techniques associated with playing guitar and bass with fingers and pick
Best classical guitars 2024: nylon-string guitars for every budget
From classical, flamenco and crossover, to acoustic-electric models and beyond, these are the best nylon-string guitars around right now
Best acoustic guitar strings 2024: outfit your acoustic with the strings it deserves
Our pick of the best acoustic guitar string sets, and everything you need to know about them
Best Epiphone guitars 2024: classic Les Pauls, Flying Vs and more
From good old-fashioned Les Pauls to contemporary shred machines, we look at the best Epiphone guitars available today
Short-scale vs long-scale bass: what's the difference?
Get the lowdown on the low-end - we look at the differences between short-scale and long-scale basses
Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: What’s the difference?
We dive into the nitty gritty of differences and similarities between Fender’s unique Jaguar and Mustang models
Best dreadnought guitars 2024: big body acoustics for powerful tone
Looking for bassy lows and crystal clear top end from your acoustic? These budget-spanning dreadnoughts all fit the bill
"It’s built to a very high standard, and will no doubt last a long time on anyone’s board": Korg Pitchblack X review
Accurate, clear and easy to read, and affordable – is this the tuner pedal you need on your pedalboard?
10 mistakes every beginner guitarist makes
From gear choices to learning paths, these are the most common beginner guitar faux pas that every new player makes – and how you can avoid them
