Drawing inspiration from legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Uriah Heep, Mike Olekshy explores what makes classic doom riffs feel so massive, ominous, and hypnotic. This isn’t about modern precision metal or ultra-tight high-gain rhythm playing. Quite the opposite.

Whether you choose acoustic or electric guitar, you’ll be learning the same fundamentals: how to hold the guitar, how to strum, how to fret clean notes, and how to play chords and scales. Both types will build your ear, strengthen your fingers, and train your sense of rhythm. So in the end, the best guitar to start with is the one that excites you the most.

Getting into guitar pedals can feel overwhelming, but starting with the basics makes the journey a lot more fun and inspiring. When you’re buying your first guitar pedal, the most important advice is simple: follow your excitement.

When it comes to crafting your guitar sound, there are four essential pedals that every guitarist should have to unlock a wide range of tones.

If you’ve ever been discouraged about learning guitar, you might have fallen for some common myths. Let’s debunk them together!

If you're just starting your guitar journey and wondering whether to pick up an acoustic or electric guitar, you're not alone. The question of whether to begin with an acoustic or electric guitar is one many beginners face. The answer really comes down to your goals, preferences, and the type of music you want to play.

If you're looking to level up your rock guitar tones, you're in the right place. Getting that killer sound requires more than just knowing the basics. To really make your guitar sing, you need to dive into the nitty-gritty details of EQ, gear, pedals, and expressiveness.

If you're a guitarist who loves gear and pedals, the Line 6 HX Stomp XL might just be the all-in-one solution you've been waiting for. This powerful little device is packed with features that give you the flexibility of a massive pedalboard, all in a compact package. 

Creating music that evokes the introspective, melancholic, or calming vibe of a rainy day often requires the right combination of guitar effects pedals. These tools help sculpt a soundscape that mirrors the rhythm of raindrops or the somber gray of overcast skies. Here are some of the best effects pedals to achieve that rainy-day mood.

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.

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.

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.

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!