The 1990s were one of the most important turning points for rock and metal music. It was a time when new movements and rock subgenres began to flourish. Although the focus shifted from those lightning-speed fast guitar solos typical of glam (or “hair”) metal music, the guitar itself wasn’t neglected. In fact, a more down-to-earth …
As frontman of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain not only became the face and voice of a generation. He also shaped the course of the music industry, pivoting American counterculture and alternative rock as a massive driving force. His conscientious lyricism and distortion-packed, blasting riffs trademarked the band and the left of the American dial alike. With …
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “you get what you pay for”. While this phrase tends to hold true in most product markets, there is certainly some crazy value that can be had when searching for a cheap electric guitar. Cheap certainly does not always mean poor quality or poor sounding. So if you want …
While not quite as major of detail to consider as factors such as tonewood or pickup, the headstock of the guitar is something you’ll want to consider. Although the main function of the headstock is fairly obvious, it affects the sound and playability of the guitar in numerous other ways, as well as provides an …
When Joe Satriani appeared on the rock scene in the 1980s, he was in oh so many ways different from other bands and solo musicians of the time. His special sound was made under the influence of the greats Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page, which eventually led him in the direction of instrumental music, in …
The tone of your guitar is a result of several factors including body shape, strings, and pickups. But the tonewood used in your guitar’s fretboard, neck, and body also plays an important role in what your instrument will sound like. Given the several different types of guitar tonewoods available, it can often be tricky to …
Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. is best known as the founder and lead guitarist of the grunge band Alice In Chains. He is credited with many big hits such as “Rooster”, “Would?”, “Man in The Box” as well as many others. Although his longtime friend and frontman Layne Staley often co-wrote the lyrics with him, Jerry …
Single coil pickups, humbuckers, and P90s are the three main types of pickup designs, each having very clear characteristics in terms of tone, look, and use, and it’s so important for a guitar player to know about these pickups. In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the history, their tonal characteristics, …
We all have different hand sizes and learning to play the guitar can be difficult if you have smaller than average hands. Some entry-level guitarists with small hands fear learning the guitar, but thankfully there are many guitars with specs suited better for these players. When looking for a guitar for smaller hands you’ll want …
With so many new manufacturers appearing all the time, it can be hard to keep track of which manufactures are making the best pedals. This list includes some of the classic manufacturers who have been at the forefront of guitar pedal production for countless decades and some lesser-known, newly-established brands that can rival their quality. …