Guitar Gear Guides | Equipboard

5 Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites in 2024

Looking for the best online guitar lessons? We did the research so you don't have to. Whether beginner, intermediate, or expert, see the go-to online lessons to take your playing to the next level.

Last updated February 2024

13 Best Reverb Pedals for Guitar

Reverb is one of the most commonly used effects in the guitar world. Here we go through what makes a great reverb, the various types of reverb (spring, hall, plate… ), and finding the best reverb for your style of playing. No matter your preferences, you can’t go wrong with these on your pedalboard!

Last updated February 2024

11 Best Distortion Pedals for Guitar: Metal, Classic Rock, and Beyond

This guide will help you choose the right guitar distortion pedal, whether you are looking for just a little past overdrive or hard chugging attacks. We highlight some great pedals from quality manufacturers that are can't miss options for your pedalboard.

Last updated February 2024

13 Best Fuzz Pedals for Guitar

So there are three main breeds of distortion: overdrive, distortion, and fuzz...

Last updated February 2024

The Top 11 Overdrive Pedals - 2024 Edition

If you’ve always been curious as to which overdrive pedal will be the best fit for you rig you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed decision.

Last updated February 2024

7 Best Chorus Pedals: 2024Top Picks and Reviews

As an effect, chorus can cover everything from beefing up your guitar’s tone to drastically changing the voice of your guitar.

Last updated February 2024

8 Best Guitar Tuners

It doesn’t matter how great your instrument sounds if you can’t manage to tune it.

Last updated February 2024

8 Best Looper Pedals for Guitar: 2024 Gear Guide

Finding the best looper for your needs requires you to know how a looper works, what is critical to know when selecting one, and how you’re going to us it. Lucky for you, we've put together the ultimate list of the best looper pedals no matter your playing style or budget. Here are 8 can’t lose options.

Last updated February 2024

Time Keeps on Slipping: Best Flanger Pedal Buying Guide

Beloved by everyone from shoe-gazers to professional Van Halen impersonators, flange pedals have been a feature in popular music for decades. If you’ve been looking to add this classic effect to your sonic palette you’ve come to the right place! This article will explain how a flanger functions, give you some valuable information that will help you find your perfect pedal, as well as give you five great recommendations that won’t break the bank.

Last updated February 2024

The 14 Best Delay Pedals - Reviews & Guide 2024

In this gear guide we recommend the best delay effect pedals for every budget and playing style. We review both analog and digital delays, and cover proven options for your pedalboard that are used by tons of artists and have great reputations.

Last updated February 2024

7 Best Pedal Power Supplies: Proven Power Providers

Volts, milliamps, AC/DC (no, not the band)... Equipboard teaches you how to properly power your pedals & make your rig sound better than you ever thought possible. No PhD in electrical engineering needed.

Last updated February 2024

Top Guitar Multi-Effects Pedals

There are a *lot* of multi-effect pedals out there, with prices and features varying drastically from model to model. With multi-effects pedals, it’s a little bit different than something like distortion pedals. With distortion, there might be 50 different manufacturers each making a distortion pedal. With multi-effects, there are only around 5 major manufacturers (Zoom, Line 6, Boss, DigiTech, TC Electronic), but they each make 10 models of multi-effect pedals...

Last updated April 2024

Guitar Tricks Review

There has never been a better time to learn the guitar, with a wealth of information and training for every level of player and in many formats. Guitar Tricks aims to provide a more holistic approach to learning guitar, that offers multiple pathways, alongside an array of learning tools, so no matter how you learn best, they hope to provide you with what you need.

Last updated October 2021

Best Lovetone Big Cheese Clones: Delicious Cheesey Guitar Fuzz Pedals

The best Lovetone Big Cheese clones available today. From accessible ways to achieve the 1990's distortion and fuzz tones to faithful boutique reproductions, these are the pedals to consider when searching for Big Cheese alternatives.

Last updated July 2021

14 Transparent Overdrives: Keeping Tone without Coloration

Transparent overdrive pedals retain the tone of your guitar and amp by not drastically altering the EQ of your amp and tone. This is usually done by avoiding too much compression in order to keep all the frequencies of your guitar and amplifier. These pedals try to avoid tone coloration while pushing the amplifier.

Last updated March 2021

13 Best Klon Clones: Alternatives to the Klon Centaur

The best 13 Klon Centaur clones available today. From accessible ways to access the legendary Klon tone to faithful boutique reproductions, these are the pedals to consider when searching for Klon alternatives.

Last updated May 2021

7 Best Guitar Synth Pedals: Synthesizer Stompboxes in 2024

We review the absolute best guitar synth pedals on the market today. Making your guitar sound like a synth isn't always easy and comes with unique challenges. However, the [numitems] synth pedals on this list offer great features and are a pleasure to play with.

Last updated February 2024

The Best Guitar Pedals for Every Effect Type - Ultimate 2024 Guide

If you're brand new to the world of electric guitar and effect pedals, we've created a guide that'll teach you a little bit about each effect type, and give you a solid recommendation for a well-known pedal to consider in each category.

Last updated February 2024

Guitar Lesson Prices: Live vs. Online Costs for Instruction in 2024

In this article we'll demystify the in and outs and compare the costs of 1 on 1 guitar lessons, lessons from national chains like Guitar Center, and online guitar lessons.

Last updated February 2024

Fender Play vs. Yousician - Is a Video Game Better Than Video Lessons?

Yousician's video game style guitar lessons are fun ... but is it as effective as Fender Play's more traditional video lesson approach??

Last updated February 2024

Guitar Tricks vs. Fender Play: Online Guitar Lesson Shootout

Of all the online lesson platforms, Guitar Tricks and Fender Play are the ones MOST focused on beginner guitar players... but which is better?

Last updated February 2024

Guitar Tricks vs. JamPlay - Which Is Better?

A shootout between the "Big Two" online guitar lesson websites - Guitar Tricks vs. JamPlay - which should you sign up for, and why?

Last updated February 2024

5 Things You May Not Know About Playing Country Guitar

As far as scales go, country uses the major and major pentatonic scale almost exclusively. Throw in some chicken pickin' and you're all set for down home country greatness.

Last updated October 2019

The 10 Top Guitar Slides - Glass, Metal & Ceramic

A guitar slide is a relatively simple tool, and while picking out the best one for you isn’t rocket science, there are some factors to consider. In this guide we teach you how to choose a great guitar slide, and make some recommendations.

Last updated February 2024

Eventide H9 Max Review

The Eventide H9 Max comes with 51 algorithms from the premium effect creator. It can fill almost any void in your pedalboard, and with its thoughtful design, the 99 onboard presets are easy to manipulate. This really is an amazing pedal that contains Eventide's best sounds and is future proof since the company keeps releasing new algorithms that can be downloaded.

Last updated November 2019

Fender Bassbreaker 15 Review

I am a big fan of the Bassbreaker. Its 15 watts is loud enough for small gigs, and still sounds warm at bedroom levels. It is a versatile all tube amp that features some of the finest gain sounds Fender has ever produced. Fender calls the Bassbreaker “sonically flexible.” I would have to agree, and it is awesome to see the company do something other than the clean sound we all know so well. While the Blues Junior is still an excellent amplifier, now folks looking for a versatile pedal platform to perform at low volume levels have another amazing option from Fender at roughly the same price.

Last updated July 2019

Fender Jimmy Page Mirror Telecaster Review

Follow along as we unbox, play test, and review the Fender Custom Shop Jimmy Page Signature Mirror Telecaster.

Last updated July 2019

The Best Guitar Chairs & Stools for Your Playing Comfort

Our resident guitarists picked the 5 best, most comfortable & durable guitar chairs and stools that withstand the rigors of daily use and gigging. We took into consideration the needs of hobbyist musicians, guitar teachers, gigging guitarists, and more.

Last updated February 2024

4 Best Reverb Delay Combo Pedals: Perfect Pairings

Combination pedals make a lot of sense with similar effects close to each other in the signal chain. They save space, you're guaranteed the pedals complement each other, and you need to power fewer pedals. We explore the best reverb-delay pedals on the market that are can't miss options.

Last updated January 2020

6 Best Guitar Humidifiers: Moisture Management for Your Guitar

Do you live or gig in a dry climate? Manage the moisture in your acoustic with a guitar humidifier.

Last updated April 2021

The Top 5 Guitar Wall Hangers

Of the many ways to store your guitars or basses in your home or studio, none are quite as cool as hanging them on the wall. In this guide we test out and review the best guitar wall hangers.

Last updated February 2024

6 Best Kids' Guitars - Ultimate Guide for Parents

These are the best kids guitars. We show you the top picks for acoustic and electric guitars for children. Read our reviews on the best children's guitars to see which one will fit with your child's playing style and guitar goals.

Last updated October 2019

5 Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars: Best of Both Worlds

The best acoustic-electric guitars can balance gorgeous organic acoustic tones and combine them with some of the versatility of electrics. In this article we go through the benefits of acoustic-electric guitars, what to consider when shopping for one, and review some of the top acoustic-electrics on the market.

Last updated July 2019

5 Best Acoustic Guitar Preamps

One of the most important pieces of gear you can own as an acoustic musician is an acoustic guitar preamp, a device which can dramatically change your tone for the better. We go through the considerations you should evaluate when choosing an acoustic guitar preamp and review some of the best acoustic guitar preamps.

Last updated August 2021

5 Best 8-String Guitars: The Ochos

Choosing the best 8 string guitar can be difficult, as these guitars have different fretboard radius measurement, pickups, and more. Here we review extended range guitars to play lower music without detuning, retaining a focused and aggressive tone while still being able to pump out chunky riffs on the lower strings.

Last updated July 2019

5 Best Modeling Amps: Tonal Versatility

Modeling amps can model tube amps and often come with onboard effects, making them ideal amps for beginners or for players looking for a practice amp. With improvements in the capabilities of digital effects, modeling amplifiers have become more powerful, more responsive, and more accurate. Here we talk about how to evaluate a modeling amp and review some of the best modeling amps available.

Last updated October 2019

5 Best Guitar Picks: Perfect Plectrums

Choosing the best guitar pick for your needs is one of the best investments you can make as a guitarists. Picks are inexpensive, and having on that is comfortable and lets you attack the strings how you intent to is invaluable. In this guide, we review some things to consider when choosing picks and review some of the best guitar picks out there.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Classical Guitar Strings: Nice Nylons

Choosing the right string can be a bit overwhelming. There’s just so many options to choose from, all of which have a drastic effect on both your tone and the feel of your instrument. We played and tested a ton of nylon stings so you don't have to. Read our reviews to learn what the best nylon guitar strings for you are.

Last updated July 2019

7 Best Electric Guitar Strings: Guide to Wonderful Wires

Electric guitar strings - for such a seemingly simple purchase, there are a surprising amount of things to consider, and finding the right ones for you is both an art and a science.

Last updated October 2023

Best Acoustic Guitar Pedals: 5 Top Pedals for Acoustic Players

Pedals for the acoustic guitar or singer songwriters are some of the most technically impressive pieces of equipment on the market. Here we go through purpose built pedals for the acoustic player and review some of the best acoustic guitar pedals out there today.

Last updated July 2019

5 Best 12-String Guitars: When Six Isn't Enough

From the classic Beatles’ anthem “A Hard Day’s Night” to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”, the 12-string guitar has been heard on some of the most famous albums the world has ever seen. The characteristic shimmer and shine of the 12-string guitar has inspired millions of musicians the world over. We review and highlight some of the best 12 string guitars available today.

Last updated October 2019

6 Best Parlor Guitars: Great Sounds in Small Packages

The weapon of choice for finger-style guitar players the world over, parlor guitars show that great things really do come in small packages. Parlor guitars have a couple of really specific uses, making them an invaluable addition to any musician’s rig. The question is: Which parlor guitar is right for you? Well, if you’re not sure how to choose the best parlor guitar for your needs you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make in an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search!

Last updated March 2020

5 Best DI Boxes: A Direct Gear Guide

If you’re a guitar player, odds are you can’t imagine a world without DI boxes. The secret weapon of recording engineers, session players, and gigging guitarists the world over, and it would definitely complicate the recording process if we didn’t have DIs. These are some of the best DI boxes on the market. The question is: How do you choose the best DI box? There’s a ton of different models on the market, and it would definitely be understandable if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with trying to figure out the best option for your rig and your budget. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search.

Last updated July 2019

5 Best Humbuckers: Gear Guide to Amazing Pickups

As guitar players, we’ve all come to the point where we want to switch out pickups. We might be hot rodding a guitar we love, modding some piece of junk we pulled out of a pawnshop, or just chasing that ever elusive perfect tone. Unfortunately figuring out how to choose the best humbuckers is not an easy task for the inexperienced, and in all honesty it’s pretty overwhelming no matter how much you know about the subject. This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Resonator Guitars: Gear Guide for Lap Steels and Resonators

From [Son House](http://equipboard.com/pros/son-house) to [Eric Clapton](http://equipboard.com/pros/eric-clapton), resonator guitars have always been at the forefront of blues music. They’ve been a companion to some of the most influential albums ever released, and though they may not have found a niche with their intended purpose you would be hard pressed to argue that that the resonator guitar hasn’t become a valid and important sub-type of the acoustic guitar. The only problem is that it’s definitely not easy figuring out how to choose the best resonator guitar for your budget, rig, and price point. Thankfully if you’re having a hard time trying to figure out what resonator guitar is right for you, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search.

Last updated February 2024

9 Best Guitar Cases & Gig Bags: Check It Before You Wreck It

So you’ve finally got the axe of your dreams. You did your research (maybe you even used some of our guides, and if you didn’t you should from now on!), pined after it for a few months, then finally pulled the trigger. Now you need to know how to keep the guitar of your dreams safe. If you’re unsure how to choose the best guitar case you’ve come to right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations that you’ll be sure to love!

Last updated February 2024

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings: A Comprehensive Gear Guide

What you string your acoustic guitar with is a fundamental aspect of your tone. Choose the right set, so your guitar can live up to its full potential. In this guide we explain acoustic guitar strings and tell you some of the best acoustic guitar strings to try on your guitar.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Blues Guitars: Six Strings that Sing the Blues

Considering how influential and diverse the genre is, it’s no surprise that so many aspiring musicians want to try their hand at it. However, it’s no easy feat trying to figure out how to choose the best blues guitar for your needs. But fear not! If you’ve ever had a hard time trying to find your perfect blues axe, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to find your dream guitar, as well as give you five great recommendations to aid you in your search.

Last updated February 2024

10 Best Hollow Body Guitars & Semi-Hollow Body Guitars

There’s never been a better time to buy a semi-hollow or hollow bodied guitar, but with all of the choices available choosing the right one for your needs can be more than a bit overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as well as giving you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Classical Guitars: Gear Guide

Considering that most guitarists play steel string instruments, most of us find that selecting a classical guitar can be a bit overwhelming. They’re constructed differently, sound different, feel different to play etc. If you don’t have much or any experience with classical guitars (or guitars in general) it can be really hard to figure out which classical guitar will be the best investment on your part. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to choose the best classical guitar for your needs you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you some great tips that will give you the information that you need to make an informed decision, as well as giving you five great recommendations to help you start your search!

Last updated February 2024

5 Best 7 String Guitars: When 6 Wires Aren't Enough

With the advent of heavier genres of music that are utilizing increasingly low tunings, a 7-string guitar is quickly becoming a must have accessory if you want to play along with your favorite modern heavy rock acts. As guitars (and basses) with extra strings have become more popular it’s gotten harder and harder to know what brands are producing quality instruments and what brands are just trying to capitalize on the latest craze. If you’ve ever had a hard time trying to choose the best 7-string guitar for your needs, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase, as will as give you five great recommendations to help aid you in your search!

Last updated October 2019

Best Way to Learn Guitar: A Guide for Your Guitar Goals

One thing’s for sure - there are lots of different ways to become a better player, many of which are actually widely available and inexpensive. **So if you’ve ever wanted to learn to play the guitar, but you’re unsure where to start, you’ve come to the right place**. Learning the guitar is fun and extremely gratifying (and, let’s face it, it makes the girls and guys swoon), and in this article we will give you all the information that you need in order to make the best decision for your needs and your budget. Welcome to the journey!

Last updated February 2024

10 Best Guitars for Metal: Gear Guide

So, alongside this continued success is a long list of guitar companies, all with new models, all vying for young aspiring metal guitarists. At Equipboard, we’re going to help you cut through the noise and figure out how to decide which guitar is the best for you and your shredding needs.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Guitar Books

As musicians, we have a staggering amount of information available to us that can help us hone our craft. The hard part is deciding which resources are valuable and which resources aren’t. Well, not all books are created equal, and you’ve probably not been looking at the right ones. So if you’ve ever wondered how to choose a useful read, this article will give you all the information that you need to choose the best guitar book for your needs.

Last updated February 2024

Best Guitar Stands

A guitar stand lets you keep your guitar out while keeping it relatively safe. It helps keep the guitar convenient while giving you a dedicated place to safely keep the guitar. In this article, we discuss several types of guitar stands and the factors you should consider when you are looking for the best guitar stand for your needs.

Last updated February 2024

11 Best Capos for Guitar

Simply put, a capo allows you to change the key you’re playing in without changing the position of your fingers. For example, suppose you look up the chords to one of your favorite songs. You practice playing along with that song with the chords provided, but when you finally get it down you discover that the song is too high/low for you to sing along with. By capoing you can change the key to find a better fit for your register without having to relearn the song in a different position.

Last updated July 2019

5 Best Uni-Vibe Pedals

The best Uni-Vibe pedals of all time. Uni-Vibe is a little-known effect to many guitarists and bassists. In this guide we shed light on this fantastic effect, and recommend 5 of the best vibe type pedals around.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Acoustic Guitar Amps: Guide to Acoustic Guitar Amps

The aim of an acoustic guitar amp is NOT to “color” the sound, or introduce a whole lot of character. Instead, a good acoustic amp simply amplifies your acoustic guitar’s original tone and reproduces it nearly unaltered, only louder.

Last updated June 2021

5 Best Small Tube Amps: Low-Watt Tube Amps Under $500

The best small tube amps will give you pushed tube tones at reasonable volumes. Guitarists who value great tube-driven sound have really come to appreciate portable lower wattage amps that can be pushed without blowing out eardrums. These awesome amps will deliver terrific tones at lower volumes than higher watt counterparts.

Last updated February 2024

4 Best Beginner Guitars: Guide to Guitars for New Players

Choosing your first guitar can be a overwhelming process, especially for people who are unfamiliar with instruments in general. It’s hard to find quality at a price point that beginner’s feel comfortable with, and unless you spend hours doing independent research it can be incredibly easy to end up with something borderline unplayable regardless of how much you spend. So if you’ve ever wanted to start playing the guitar but you’ve been unsure where to start, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to choose the perfect guitar for your needs, as well as give you five great recommendations that won’t break the bank.

Last updated February 2024

Legendary Guitar Amplifiers to Rock Your World

The best amplifiers ever. The amp is a critical part of your sound, and in this article we talk about some of the most legendary amps on the planet and talk about what you should look for when evaluating a guitar amp for your needs. These amplifiers have helped defined signature tones for many players, and sound distinctive and amazing.

Last updated March 2020

8 Best Travel Guitars: Guitars on the Go

If you’re a guitar player you know how much of a hassle it can be to take your guitar anywhere. Aside from the fact that airlines have a well documented history of being jerks to musicians the world over, guitars are really just kind of awkward to travel with. It’s even worse if you’re primarily an acoustic musician.

Last updated September 2019

5 Best Guitar Straps: A Guide to Super Straps

Guitar straps are one of the most overlooked pieces of a guitar player’s rig. However, the right strap can go a long way in your guitar playing journey. The best strap for you will keep your guitar in a comfortable position, keep it securely attached, be comfortable, and durable. We review some of the most proven straps available.

Last updated February 2020

Top Octave Pedals

Octave pedals have been around for many years. However, since our abilities to create complex digital designs for pedals have grown, we have seen a huge advancement in the usability of Octave pedals.

Last updated January 2020

5 Best Vibrato Pedals for Guitar: Shimmers and Swells

Vibrato pedals are very fun, useful pedals to own and can be a secret weapon in your arsenal. Gibson originally started using vibrato effects on some of their old amplifiers in the 40s, which created a demand for the effect that still exists today. However, with the uprise of digital pedals, and analog pedals that are controlled with digital switching systems, the Vibrato pedals of today are much more versatile then some in the past, which we will see reading about the pedals listed in this article.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Volume Pedals & Expression Pedals: Turn It Up

Looking to add a volume or expression pedal to your board? It can really open up more capabilities, especially when paired with different combinations of effect pedals. Check out this guide and expand your possibilities.

Last updated July 2019

Top Boost Pedals - Updated 2024

Interested in taking it to 11, but don't want to color your tone or distort your sound with an overdrive? These options will allow you to cut through the noise and be heard, while giving you a distinct effect.

Last updated February 2024

10 Best Wah Pedals

The best wah pedals, period. In the this guide, we discuss how to choose the right wah pedal for you. We go through several types of wah pedals to talk about optical wahs and mechanical wahs and the pros and cons of each and recommend several proven wah pedals.

Last updated December 2019

Top 6 Guitar Cables: Quality Cables for Your Signal

Which guitar cable should I buy? Do expensive cables really sound better? You've got questions, we've got answers. We show you the Top Guitar Cables...

Last updated February 2024

Top Acoustic Guitars under $500: Budget Bargains

Choosing the best acoustic guitar for you can be complicated. You can choose body shape, tone woods, and other factors that will affect your tone. In this guide, we show you how to select the best acoustic guitar under $500 for your needs.

Last updated August 2019

10 Best Tremolo Pedals: Awesome Amplitude Adjustments

Tremolo adjusts the variation in your signals amplitude and has a really cool modulation effect on your signal that gives you a unique “underwater” sound. We’ll discuss what to consider and show you the top tremolo pedals available today. Don't buy a tremolo pedal before reading these reviews!

Last updated January 2020

10 Best EQ Pedals: Awesome Guitar Equalizer Effects

In addition to tone controls, an equalizer, or EQ pedal, will give you the capability to dramatically shape your tone. The more frequencies you control, the greater your ability to customize your tone. In this guide, we review the best EQ pedals on the market.

Last updated October 2019

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah Pedals

The sound of this Wah so permeates the history of rock and roll that everyone knows its timbre, even when they don't realize it.

Last updated May 2021

17 Best Electric Guitars: Guide to Great Guitars

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with trying to find the right electric guitar for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you a guide to what you should look for in an electric guitar, as well as giving you some great recommendations!

Last updated October 2019

7 Best Pedalboards: Pedal Platforms for Guitarists

You've got some pedals - now you need a pedalboard! Equipboard shows you our top choices as well as discussing the factors you should consider when shopping for a pedalboard.

Last updated February 2024

5 Best Telecasters

How much do you really know about this instrument? In this article, we break down the history behind America's most influential guitar.

Last updated February 2024

Best Guitar Accessories

We run through some of the best guitar accessories to make guitarists' lives easier. Tuners, strap locks, slides, string winders, and other tools can really be lifesavers when you need them. Here are some of the most useful guitar accessories to include in your case or gig bag.

Last updated April 2021

4 Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups

Picking the correct amplification system for your acoustic instrument can be intimidating. Different pickup systems have different tones, form factors, and price points. So while this list of recommendations is by no means comprehensive, hopefully you’ll find it helpful in selecting the best acoustic guitar pickups for your needs.

Last updated July 2019

5 Best Noise Gate Pedals

Noise gates work by silencing or reducing the levels of an audio signal once the signal drops below a certain amplitude

Last updated July 2019

Strings And Things: A Guitar String Buyer’s Guide

From phosphor bronze to brass, and with dozens of different gauges, choosing the perfect guitar string is incredibly overwhelming. This article should clear up any questions you have...

Last updated July 2019

5 Best Mini Amps: Mega Sounds from Micro Amps

Mini amplifiers are a great way to practice when you can't have larger amps. Smaller amps have also gotten much better sounding over the years and now there are some great tones from tiny amps. Here are some of the best mini amps available today.

Last updated October 2019

5 Best Guitar Pickups: Magnificent Magnets

Without the electrical assistance of a functioning pickup, a guitar makes a lovely prop. When the right pickup is installed and activated, an electric guitar becomes an instrument.

Last updated July 2019

Top 5 Phaser Pedals

Phasers have consistently creeped in and out of popularity throughout its existence in musical history. From subtle parts in Luke Bryan’s 2015 song “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day”, to the iconic phase sound on the intro of “Ain’t Talkin Bout Love” by Van Halen, a Phaser is a surprisingly versatile effect that is a great addition to any pedal board.

Last updated February 2024

Best Clip-On Tuner: TC Electronic PolyTune Clip Review

Our team of experts named the TC Electronic PolyTune Clip as the best clip-on tuner out of dozens of models. We tested the PolyTune clip and were very impressed as it is the only clip-on tuner with a boutique pedal feel. In this review, we’ll cover the unboxing, features, functionality, pros, cons, and why we feel this is the top choice when shopping for a clip-on guitar tuner.

Last updated July 2019

Guide to Electric Guitar Maintenance

Like anything else you use in your daily life, your guitar requires some maintenance in order to stay in peak position. Now you could always schedule a few tune-ups for your guitar with a local luthier, but in doing so you’d be spending a lot of money that you don’t have to. Though it may seem a bit overwhelming at first, working on your guitar can be pretty painless. Most of the things the average musician can do by themselves don’t require any specialized or expensive tools, and with a little bit of research you’ll have everything you need to make the correct adjustments to your instrument.

Last updated August 2019

33 Famous Guitarists: Their First Guitar & How They Learned to Play

We look at 33 famous guitarists, their first guitar, how they learned to play, and the first song they learned.

Last updated June 2021

10 Best Compressor Pedals for Guitar

For those of you who weren’t already aware, compression is arguably the secret weapon for gigging guitarists the world over.

Last updated February 2024

Analog vs. Digital Delay (Oscillation and Hold)

There are A LOT of delay pedals out there, from simple three knob analog delays up to an 8 knob, 12 mode, 3 footswitch digital foot-computers. I am going to experiment...

Last updated May 2021

Guitars Used In The 50 Best Guitar Solos

Unsurprisingly, the brand most used in the top 50 guitar solos was...

Last updated June 2019