MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians

Got a guitar for Christmas?

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

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

Types of electric guitar

How to tune your guitar — Sounds all wrong? Get in tune here...

How to tune your guitar

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

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

Types of guitar bridge

Essential accessories — Everything you're going to need to look after your guitar

Essential accessories

How to use a capo — What are those stange devices for? Here's the answer...

How to use a capo

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

Plectrums explained

Straps and strap locks — How to keep your guitar safe and sound when you're standing up and rocking out

Straps and strap locks

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

Cleaning a rosewood fingerboard

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

Types of amplifier

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

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

Amplifier controls explained

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

Achieving basic guitar tones

Effects pedals explained — Find out how those strange little boxes effect your sound

Effects pedals explained

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

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.