How The Weeknd created an authentic '80s sound in Blinding Lights
We unveil some of the influences behind the mega-hit and explore how you might recreate its '80s-inspired sound
Music tuition
Online music tuition, lessons, tips and tricks
6 ways to recreate an industrial '80s sound in your DAW
Nail down the sound of industrial pioneers like Throbbing Gristle with these software emulations of classic equipment
How to imitate an '80s-style studio with modern software
Can't get your hands on a LinnDrum or a DX7? Don't worry - these software imitations sound almost as good
25 great blues-rock guitar licks you need to know
Play in the style of Clapton, SRV, Hendrix, Gilmour, the three Kings, John Mayer and more
6 ways to recreate the sound of '80s synth-pop
Send your sound back to the '80s with these six sonic hallmarks of synth-pop
6 ways to create '80s-style tape recording effects
Noise, wow, flutter and vintage warmth - it's all part of that '80s sound
12 things you need to know about MIDI
We dig deep into MIDI, the technology that enables your synths, drum machines and software to communicate
Songwriting basics: how to use chromatic mediants to add flavour to your chord progressions
Discover the secret music theory weapon used by soul/gospel artists and film composers
Build an '80s drum kit in your DAW using samples from this massive free library
We show you how to turn these free samples of classic kits into your own personal '80s Drum Rack in Live
DAW basics: How to make a beat in GarageBand
In the next edition of our beginner's guide to GarageBand, we put together a basic drum pattern to accompany the chords from our previous tutorial
Add reverb to vocals without losing their punch and presence
Do your vocals sound washed out after reverb? Here are some tips for using reverb to add power to vox, rather than take it away
Alter Bridge guitar lesson: 6 ways to play like Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy
Altered tunings, passing notes and jazzy scales - let's take it to the Bridge in style
6 ways to recreate the sound of classic '80s live bass
Choosing the right approach to bass, real or programmed, and nailing the style, will send your song straight back to the '80s
Use arpeggiators to create 80s-style synth melodies
We show you how to use Apple’s Logic Pro X Arpeggiator and Drum Machine Designer presets to get into some serious arp action
Play better barre chords in 20 minutes with this guitar lesson
Pass the barre and improve your rhythm guitar playing
Sonic destruction: the science of distortion and how to use it
From hard clipping to reduced bitrates, there's plenty of creativity to be found by doing things just a little bit wrong
How to create a lo-fi electric piano sound with Cable Guys ShaperBox2
Inject some character into your electric piano sound with Cable Guys' versatile FX plugin
