
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

Rian Dawson's 6 tips for pop punk perfection
By Chris Barnes published
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 published
The demands on today's live session drummers are increasing at a rapid rate.

Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls on confidence, computer composition, clicks and more
By Chris Barnes published
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 published
He's done math-rock, reggae, experimental rock; and now Gil Sharone is laying down the meaty backbeats for Marilyn Manson

21 greatest drum intros
By Chris Barnes, Stuart Williams, Drum Expo 2014 published
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...

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

Drum kits of the pros: Ryan Jenkinson
By Chris Barnes published
Reverend & The Makers drummer Ryan Jenkinson has just stepped off a tour with the Brit indie upstarts and got in touch to fill us in on the acoustic/electro hybrid kit he's been using.

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

Gallery: Behind-the-scenes on Taking Center Stage
By Chris Barnes published
Highlights from Taking Center Stage: A Lifetime Of Live Performance, starring Neil Peart.

Ben Johnston's Biffy Clyro drum setup in pictures
By Chris Barnes published
The Scottish drum powerhouse's live kit

MusikMesse 2011: New gear revealed
By Chris Barnes published
More great gear from last week's German show

New Natal drum ranges revealed
By Chris Barnes published
Just a year ago, percussion brand Natal was puchased by guitar amp giant Marshall. At NAMM 2011 the brand revealed four incredible new kit ranges. Read on for a closer look.

Neil Peart Time Machine kit tour
By Chris Barnes published
Close look at the Rush man's steampunk inspired DW/Sabian set-up

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

Rhythm's 25th anniversary: 25 Drum Icons interviewed
By Chris Barnes published
More great content from Rhythm's special anniversary issue

Review: Meinl Drum Festival 2010
By Chris Barnes published
Cymbal giants invite Rhythm to their annual drum bash

The Blackout and KIGH get double vision at Download
By Chris Barnes published
Rhythm finds out about The Blackout's epic festival drum stunt

In Pictures: English Rogers snare restoration project
By Chris Barnes published
English Rogers snare finds a new home, and a new lease of life

Drum mugs!
By Chris Barnes published
We're always on eBay searching for the next gear bargain, but we couldn't believe our eyes when we saw these killer mugs. For the drummer who has everything...

In Pictures: The 2010 Jobeky UK Custom Drum Festival
By Chris Barnes published
Drum builders gather for second UK Custom Drum show

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.

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