
Chris Barnes
I'm Guitar Player's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, it's my job to manage the 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

Who cares about Prime Day when the 4th of July guitar deals are this good? These are the 9 sales you need to shop this weekend
By Chris Barnes published
We've not seen discounts this big since Black Friday – these guitar stores are taking the fight to Amazon

Prime Day can't compete with these 4th of July acoustic guitar deals - here's 9 unbeatable savings from just $139.99
By Chris Barnes published
These insane Independence Day offers prove there’s no need to wait for Amazon Prime Day

Prime Day guitar deals 2025: All of the best early Prime Day sales and July 4th bargains for guitarists
By Chris Barnes last updated
Prime Day is just days away, but the early deals are already here – save now on big brands

With TrueFire's massive July 4th sale offering a year's worth of guitar lessons for just 27 cents a day, there's no excuses for poor technique
By Chris Barnes published
Save 60% off an annual subscription and fast track your route to becoming a guitar god

Black Friday guitar deals 2024: Black Friday is officially over but you can still grab a great guitar gear deal
By Matt McCracken last updated
Black Friday may be done for this year, but there are still loads of great savings available and we've got the best of them

No Black Friday budget? No worries – Amazon wants you to have 3 months of music streaming on the house
By Chris Barnes published
Amazon’s huge Music Unlimited Black Friday streaming deal will save you $33

5 of the best 4th of July sales for guitarists to save on guitars, amps, pedals, strings and more
By Chris Barnes published
Explore Independence Day promotions at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, Sweetwater, Positive Grid and more

The President's Day guitar deals have arrived – here are 4 sales you shouldn't miss
By Chris Barnes published
Save up to 50% on a huge range of guitar gear, from electrics, to amps, pedals and accessories

Quick! Fender Play just dropped its biggest ever discount – save a massive 75% off online lessons for a limited time
By Chris Barnes published
You have until December 11 to sign up to improve your playing dramatically in 2024

These 6 epic alternative sales prove Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event isn't much cop for guitar players
By Chris Barnes published
There are big guitar savings up for grabs away from Amazon today

The Memorial Day Sales Have Landed, With Giant Savings Up To 40% For Guitar Players
By Chris Barnes published
Get straight to the best Memorial Day discounts at Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Sweetwater and more

The Coolest Headphones? Marshall. And this Cyber Monday There Are Deals Galore
By Tom Poak published
Check out the best bargains on Marshall's iconic range of speakers and headphones

Here Are The Best Bargains in Thomann's Cyber Week Sale – but Hurry Because It Ends Tomorrow
By Tom Poak published
If you live in the UK or Europe, it's your last chance to check out the Thomann sale, with up to 60% off a huge range of gear
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