Chris Barnes
I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of 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 Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes

First look: Carrera Drums Terrier drum kit
By Chris Barnes published
Close up of UK builders new kit with concert toms!

21 greatest drum intros
By Chris Barnes, Stuart Williams, Drum Expo 2014 last updated
In our search for the greatest drum intros, we racked our brains and serched our record collections to come up with this list of 21 prime contenders...

Taylor York, Paramore: guitarist 2.0
By Chris Barnes, Guitars and Amps Expo 2014 last updated
As greater demands are being put on musicians to bring more than just great playing to the table, we ask Taylor what it takes to be a professional guitarist in 2014.

What makes a great session drummer?
By Chris Barnes, Rhythm magazine last updated
Session guitarist Gannin Arnold gives his perspective on working with Colaiuta, Hawkins, Bozzio, Chamberlin and more

Royal Republic drummer talks stripping back
By Chris Barnes last updated
Per Andreasson on the art of the acoustic version

VIDEO: Recording tips for the Remote Session Drummer
By Chris Barnes last updated
with Ralph Salmins, Russ Miller, James Hester and more

Want to print a page from your digital edition of Rhythm?
By Chris Barnes last updated
With Rhythm's new enhanced digital edition it's possible to print the accompanying notation to follow while you view a video or listen to a track.

VIDEO: Behind-the-scenes with Drummer Love UK winner
By Chris Barnes last updated
UK Zildjian comp winner prepares for his close up!

VIDEO: Guide to Remote Session Drumming (part 3)
By Chris Barnes last updated
with Ralph Salmins, Russ Miller, James Hester and more

VIDEO: Example drummer talks through his LED Chequerplate kit
By Chris Barnes last updated
Johnny 'Drum Machine' Jenkins gives Rhythm a guided tour of his Tron-style LED kit

Video: Interview with Buddy show organiser Elliott Henshaw
By Chris Barnes last updated
Rhythm goes behind-the scenes at the Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial concert

Video: Cathy Rich talks about keeping her father's legacy alive
By Chris Barnes last updated
Continuing our coverage of the Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert, Buddy's daughter Cathy and touring Buddy Rich Big Band drummer Gregg Potter remember the drumming legend.

Video: Gavin Harrison discusses Buddy Rich
By Chris Barnes last updated
Rhythm goes behind-the scenes at the Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial concert

Ralph Salmins: A session drummer's diary
By Chris Barnes last updated
Brit drum star takes you behind the scenes of his most recent sessions

Good Charlotte drummer Dean Butterworth talks pop punk sessions, having a hit TV show and GC's return
By Chris Barnes last updated
Transatlantic drummer on Youth Authority

Brad Wilk on Prophets of Rage, Sabbath and Alex Van Halen's swing
By Chris Barnes last updated
Rap-rock trailblazers Rage Against The Machine exploded from speakers and stages with their incendiary self-titled debut in 1992.

Rian Dawson's 6 tips for pop punk perfection
By Chris Barnes last updated
All Time Low drummer talks gear, technique and more

Paul Jones on the drum gear that powers drum 'n' bass maestros Sigma
By Chris Barnes last updated
The demands on today's live session drummers are increasing at a rapid rate.

Luke Holland's 5 steps to YouTube drumming stardom
By Chris Barnes last updated
Most drummers aspire to something.

Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls on confidence, computer composition, clicks and more
By Chris Barnes last updated
It's been seven years since Rhythm last spoke with Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls. The band's second album of energetic metalcore Suicide Season had just been released to mixed reviews.

Gil Sharone on drumming for Marilyn Manson
By Chris Barnes last updated
He's done math-rock, reggae, experimental rock; and now Gil Sharone is laying down the meaty backbeats for Marilyn Manson
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