Guitar Tricks Blog

Enter for your chance to win a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar! One of the world's most popular acoustic guitars, the GS Mini sports a smaller, more comfortable body and a compact feel with a big, bold tone that punches far above its size.

This week, Gary shares some cool hacks to help you quickly memorize the guitar fretboard. A lot of guitarists skip this step and rely on patterns or shapes to play, but knowing the notes across the fretboard makes it way easier to move around and unlock new possibilities.

If you're serious about improving your guitar skills, you've probably wondered what makes a good guitar practice session. The truth is, there are a few key things that can take your guitar practice routine from meh to amazing. Whether you're working on guitar scales to practice or diving into guitar chord practice, here are five tips to help you get the most out of your time with the guitar.

If you’ve been playing for a while or just starting out, these tips will help you take your playing to the next level. We’re going to break things down into manageable pieces by focusing on one octave at a time and even playing scales on just one string. 

Enter for your chance to win this awesome V847-A Classic Reissue Wah Pedal from VOX! By staying true to the tone and vibe of the 1960s-era Vox wah while enhancing its legacy, the V847-A offers you a modern update on a true classic.

By Mitch Wilson

What's a wah pedal? It's a foot-controlled effects pedal that modulates the tone of your guitar to create a "wah" sound. Think Jimi Hendrix or Slash from Guns N' Roses. That iconic sound you hear in "Voodoo Child" or "Sweet Child O' Mine" – that's the wah pedal in action.

Country music has a distinct sound characterized by its twangy, clean, and bright tones. Achieving that signature country guitar tone requires understanding and tweaking several key elements of your gear and playing style. Here's a guide for beginners to help you get started.

Enter for your chance to win this awesome Oceans 11 Reverb pedal from Electro-Harmonix! The Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 is a compact, versatile pedal packed with advanced functionality and 11 reverb styles ranging from essential to exotic. It's been featured in Premier Guitar Magazine's "Premier Gear" and Guitar Player Magazine's "Hall of Fame" for its powerful, yet intuitive features.

In folk and Americana music, the right strumming pattern can transform a basic chord progression into a captivating tune. These patterns help you capture the natural, down-to-earth vibe that's so characteristic of the genre. Plus, many folk songs are built around straightforward rhythms, making them perfect practice material for beginners.

Learning how to play guitar is a lifelong journey that takes years of dedication. But there are some guitar techniques that can put you years ahead. Here are some guitar tips to save years on your learning journey.

Enter for your chance to win this awesome Sovereign Distortion pedal from Wampler! Complete our simple form for 1 entry, then see how you can get up to 25 additional entries to increase your chances! 

New Wave music, born out of the late '70s and early '80s, is a genre that blends rock, pop, and electronic music. Bands developed unique sounds that still inspire musicians today. If you're looking to capture that distinctive New Wave guitar style, here's a quick guide to get you started.

Open chords tend to get a bit dull. But there are some easy ways to alter the basic chord shapes you already know and make them sound much more interesting.

For any beginner out there, diving into the CAGED system is definitely a worthwhile journey. It'll give you a solid foundation and make the guitar feel less like a foreign object and more like an old friend you know inside out.