Articles by Chris Barnes

Gerry Morgan: “Get stuck in and you’ll be fine. It’s never too late to learn another instrument”

By Chris Barnes

The James Bay and Niall Horan drummer explains why embracing technology has been the greatest tool in realising his creative vision with pop’s biggest acts

Brann Dailor: “I see riffs cinematically”

By Chris Barnes

Brann Dailor reveals his approach to songwriting, why he’s never sung better and what it takes to climb ‘drum mountain’

Best website builder for musicians 2019: laptop on table with coffee cup to the left, headphones and smartphone to the right

Best website builders for musicians and bands 2019: get your music heard

By Chris Barnes

Easy-to-use website building services for music makers, bands and creatives

The 9 best electronic drum sets for kids 2019: the best child-friendly electric drum kits available to buy

By Chris Barnes

Help your child learn the drums with these top entry-level electronic drum sets

Clutch's Jean-Paul Gaster: “For me, drumming is a meditation”

By Chris Barnes

30 years into his career, Jean-Paul Gaster knows a thing or two about the business of making music

The best drumsticks 2019: wooden and synthetic sticks for beginners and pros

By Chris Barnes

Plus, how to choose the right drumsticks for your drumming style and budget

The 7 best Yamaha electronic drum sets: our pick of the top Yamaha e-kits for beginner, intermediate and pro drummers

By Chris Barnes

Use our guide to find the right Yamaha electronic drum kit for you

The 6 best Roland electronic drum sets: our pick of the top Roland e-kits for beginner to pro drummers

By Chris Barnes

Find the right Roland electronic drum set for you

NAMM 2019: Fender expands effects range with 6 new pedals

By Chris Barnes

Introducing Fender-designed chorus, drive, tremolo, phase and more

NAMM 2019: Jackson’s new JS Series Spectra basses offer comfort, playability, style and affordability

By Chris Barnes

Plus X Series Concert basses get a spruce up

NAMM 2019: Charvel unleashes the high performance USA Select DK24 HH 2PT CM from its Californian custom shop

By Chris Barnes

Premium alder body and caramelized maple neck are a potent pairing

NAMM 2019: Prog virtuoso Angel Vivaldi puts his name to new Charvel Signature guitar

By Chris Barnes

Plus, Steel Panther’s Satchel rolls out a wild new Pro-Mod DK finish

NAMM 2019: All-new Pro and X Series axes incoming from Jackson Guitars

By Chris Barnes

Plus new finishes and updates to existing models

NAMM 2019: EVH embraces the exotic with new Wolfgang WG Standard Xotic models

By Chris Barnes

Plus, smart new finishes for Wolfgang WG Standard QM and Special guitars

NAMM 2019: EVH launches the Striped Shark, an electric guitar with bite

By Chris Barnes

EVH sinks its teeth into one of Eddie Van Halen’s iconic axes

NAMM 2019: 9 heavyweight signature models unveiled by Jackson

By Chris Barnes

New axes from Jeff Loomis, Misha Mansoor, Phil Collen and more

NAMM 2019: Roland opens hybrid drumming up to the masses with the TM-1

By Chris Barnes

Affordable module makes electro-acoustic drumming even more accessible

NAMM 2019: Magnatone celebrates its 80th year in style with special edition amps

By Chris Barnes

Boutique amps for modern players

NAMM 2019: Cort unveils first ever multi-scale 8-string guitar and more

By Chris Barnes

Guitars to suit every player from vintage to modern

NAMM 2019: 7 new wallet-friendly basses incoming from Cort

By Chris Barnes

Smart looks and neat features at affordable prices

NAMM 2019: British Drum Company aims sky high with new Aviator aluminium snare drum

By Chris Barnes

Plus, KickFix bass drum anchors and Archer snare revealed

NAMM 2019: DW’s classic 5000 pedal gets single chain drive option

By Chris Barnes

History gets an update on new bass drum pedal

NAMM 2019: Tama hits the mark with trio of sub-£120 steel snare drums

By Chris Barnes

Grab a slice of black magic

NAMM 2019: Has Meinl made the ultimate busking tools for drummers and percussionists?

By Chris Barnes

Pickup-toting cajon makes live amplification a breeze

NAMM 2019: Zildjian Cymbals enters the in-ear monitor market

By Chris Barnes

Not all of Zildjian’s NAMM launches are made of metal...