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Got a guitar for Christmas?

By MusicRadar Team
published 25 December 2014

Here's everything you need to know to get started

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Parts of an electric guitar
Check out the video below to find out what does what on your shiny new axe...

Parts of an electric guitar

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
Types of electric guitar
What's the difference, anyway? Find out here!

Types of electric guitar

Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
How to tune your guitar
Sounds all wrong? Get in tune here...

How to tune your guitar

Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
How to re-string an electric guitar
Snapped a string? Fear not! Here's how to get it fixed...

How to re-string an electric guitar

Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
Types of guitar bridge
What are these things, and what the hell do they do?

Types of guitar bridge

Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
Essential accessories
Everything you're going to need to look after your guitar

Essential accessories

Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
How to use a capo
What are those stange devices for? Here's the answer...

How to use a capo

Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
Plectrums explained
Why are there so many different types of plectrum, and why aren't they all the same?

Plectrums explained

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Page 8 of 15
Straps and strap locks
How to keep your guitar safe and sound when you're standing up and rocking out

Straps and strap locks

Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
Cleaning a rosewood fingerboard
Got a dirty neck? Here's how to safely clean it and nourish the wood

Cleaning a rosewood fingerboard

Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
Types of amplifier
Unsure what type of noisy black box you need? Find out what's what here...

Types of amplifier

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Page 11 of 15
Connecting a guitar to an amplifier
Not sure how to get any noise out of your new gear? Learn how here!

Connecting a guitar to an amplifier

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Page 12 of 15
Amplifier controls explained
All those knobs and switches can be baffling - but it's easier than it looks, we promise!

Amplifier controls explained

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Page 13 of 15
Achieving basic guitar tones
From clean to classic rock, here's how to get the sound you're after

Achieving basic guitar tones

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Page 14 of 15
Effects pedals explained
Find out how those strange little boxes effect your sound

Effects pedals explained

Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
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MusicRadar Team
MusicRadar Team
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MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers...

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