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  1. News

Got a guitar for Christmas?

By MusicRadar Team
published 25 December 2014

Here's everything you need to know to get started

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

Page 8 of 15
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

Page 11 of 15
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

Page 12 of 15
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

Page 13 of 15
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

Page 14 of 15
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
MusicRadar Team
MusicRadar Team
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GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high- quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts. TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars. STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music making that no other music website can.
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