• Mastering Music At Home: Why It Matters (And How To Do It)

    Mastering Music At Home: Why It Matters (And How To Do It)

    Can You Master Music At Home? Mastering is the final stage of music production, and for most independent artists, it’s also the most overlooked. You can spend weeks on a mix — carving frequencies, printing automation, getting the drums to sit just right — and still end up with a track that sounds small, flat,…

  • Schecter Nick Johnston HSS Review: The Strat I’ve Always Wanted…

    Schecter Nick Johnston HSS Review: The Strat I’ve Always Wanted…

    Verdict 9.2 Neck Comfort & Feel 9.9 The “NJ C” roasted maple neck is widely considered one of the best profiles in its class. Dynamic Range 9.4 Sub Atomic pickups offer a “vintage-plus” voice that cleans up beautifully with the volume knob. Hardware & Specs 8.9 Locking tuners and a smooth 2-point trem; 10th-anniversary models…

  • Charvel Pro Mod DK24 Review: The #1 Guitar For Versatility?

    Charvel Pro Mod DK24 Review: The #1 Guitar For Versatility?

    Verdict 9.4 Playability & Neck 9.8 Caramelized maple with a 12″-16″ compound radius; the gold standard for “fast” necks. Sonic Versatility 9.7 Custom Seymour Duncan sets and “Super Blade” switching offer everything from glass cleans to high-gain djent. Hardware Quality 9.0 Gotoh 510 tremolo and locking tuners provide Floyd-level stability without the setup headache. Value…

  • 49 Beautiful Chord Progressions For Guitar – No Theory Required!

    49 Beautiful Chord Progressions For Guitar – No Theory Required!

    Learn how to master guitar chord progressions with our beginner’s guide. Learn basic chords, popular progressions, and start creating your own songs with ease Guitar Chord Progression Generator: Just Pick A Key, Minor or Major Select a Key and Vibe to generate theory-backed sequences. Select Key C MajorG MajorD MajorA MajorE Major A MinorE MinorD…

  • Boss Katana MKII vs Boss Katana 3: What You Need To Know…

    Boss Katana MKII vs Boss Katana 3: What You Need To Know…

    TL;DR — Boss Katana 3 vs Boss Katana MKII The Katana 3 is the latest generation with extra amp types, refined tones, and better connectivity, while the MKII is the previous-gen champ that’s now an absolute steal. Both are gig-ready, both sound fantastic. The difference comes down to whether you want the newest toys or…

  • Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Review: Is It Worth It?

    Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Review: Is It Worth It?

    Is The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Worth It For Metal Players? ElectrikJam Summary: The Verdict The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s is pure Gibson, distilled and refined. It perfectly executes the “Slim Taper” formula, delivering massive tone, creamy sustain, and a lightning-fast neck that the ’60s are known for. It’s an expensive investment, but…

  • Are Cort Guitars Any Good? Yes! Especially For METAL…

    Are Cort Guitars Any Good? Yes! Especially For METAL…

    Cort Guitars: A Long History of Quality Cort Guitars is a South Korean manufacturer that makes a literal ton of guitars. Chances are, you have played one of the Cort Guitar models, and you didn’t even know it. They have been contracted by a whole slew of larger companies over the years. Big companies like…

  • Harley Benton DNAfx Review: Is It Worth It?

    Harley Benton DNAfx Review: Is It Worth It?

    We have been taking a look at Harley Benton Guitars lately, and seeing what the budget guitar brand has to offer. How is the flagship Harley Benton DNAfx? Today we take a look, and see if it’s worth it. Harley Benton DNAfx: Budget Effects That May Surprise You! Harley Benton Guitars has been a huge…

  • Why I’m Using Baritone Guitars More and More: Tone, Tuning, and Atmosphere…

    Why I’m Using Baritone Guitars More and More: Tone, Tuning, and Atmosphere…

    Baritone guitars don’t just go low, they go huge. If you’ve ever tried to drop your standard guitar into B or A tuning and ended up with a floppy mess, then you already know why baritones exist. I started using baritones to get tighter low tunings, but they ended up becoming a secret weapon for…

  • The Best Gibson Les Paul Alternatives: What We Like Most Right Now

    The Best Gibson Les Paul Alternatives: What We Like Most Right Now

    Best Gibson Les Paul Alternatives The Gibson Les Paul is an Iconic Guitar. But what about The Best Gibson Les Paul Alternatives? There is quite a few to choose from, and they vary in price and quality. Let’s dive in, and take a look. The Best Gibson Les Paul Alternatives That’s a pretty tough call,…

  • Guitar Center’s Big Sale Is On: Here’s What You Should Be Looking At

    Guitar Center’s Big Sale Is On: Here’s What You Should Be Looking At

    I spent my entire morning glued to the Guitar Center site like a kid outside a candy store just staring at gear I definitely don’t need but definitely want. You know the drill. The good news? This isn’t one of those fake 10% off “sales.” Some of these prices are seriously good like $100+ off…

  • How To Play F Chord on Guitar: Barre, Variations, No Barre & SUS Chords

    How To Play F Chord on Guitar: Barre, Variations, No Barre & SUS Chords

    Don’t Fear The Barred F Chord I know doing a full barre for F Major can feel impossible when you first start out. But getting it down is essential to your playing, especially if you want to play rock and metal music. And while you can and will be able to get away with a…

  • Harley Benton Guitars: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & The Best Models

    Harley Benton Guitars: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & The Best Models

    The Harley Benton Guitars To Buy Right Now Harley Benton makes a ton of guitars across a wide range of price points from uber cheap to intermediate. These are the Harley Benton guitars we recommend right now based on extensive testing, reliability, and bang for you buck specs-wise. Harley Benton Guitars Harley Benton Guitars are…

  • Neural Capture V2: What It Does, Why It Matters For Quad Cortex Users

    Neural Capture V2: What It Does, Why It Matters For Quad Cortex Users

    Capture V1 vs. V2 – Quick Breakdown Feature Capture V1 Capture V2 Processing Location On-device Cloud-based via PC/Mac Training Time A few minutes ~10 minutes Offline Capability Yes No Best For Amps, OD pedals, cabs Fuzz, compressors, dynamic amps CPU Usage Lower Higher Compression & Bloom Accuracy Moderate High Required Hardware Quad Cortex or Nano…

  • 15 Richest Metal Bands: Meet The BILLION Dollar Metal Band

    15 Richest Metal Bands: Meet The BILLION Dollar Metal Band

    From Metallica to TOOL, here’s a comprehensive list of the richest metal bands of all time. You’ll never guess how much Metallica is worth!  You don’t normally associated being in a metal band with being loaded, financially. And most of the time, this sentiment is correct. 99.9% of metal bands barely make enough to pay…

  • Fender Releases Tom Morello’s Iconic “Arm The Homeless” Guitar Replica, It’s A MIM Too

    Fender Releases Tom Morello’s Iconic “Arm The Homeless” Guitar Replica, It’s A MIM Too

    Fender has officially unveiled a faithful replica of Tom Morello’s legendary “Arm The Homeless” guitar, the heavily modified six-string that fueled the groundbreaking sound of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. After 30 years as the Rage Against the Machine firebrand’s primary instrument, the unique, custom-Frankensteined guitar has been meticulously re-created by Fender. However, the…

  • Fender Player II Stratocaster vs. American Ultra II Stratocaster

    Fender Player II Stratocaster vs. American Ultra II Stratocaster

    ElectrikJam’s Recommendation… The Fender Player II Stratocaster offers the best value-to-performance ratio in Fender’s entire lineup right now. At around $799, you’re getting a guitar that sounds like a Strat, feels like a Strat, and records like a Strat without needing to spend over two grand. Choose the Fender Player II Stratocaster if… Choose the…

  • Fender Player II Stratocaster Review: Is It Worth It?

    Fender Player II Stratocaster Review: Is It Worth It?

    Is The Fender Player II Stratocaster Worth It For Metal Guitarists? ElectrikJam Summary: The Verdict I owned (and loved) the original Player Stratocaster, you can read my full Fender Player Stratocaster review for more details. I saw the new model launch and I knew I was going to get one. Why? Because Fender properly pushed…

  • Fender Player Stratocaster Reviews: Still #1 After All These Years?

    Fender Player Stratocaster Reviews: Still #1 After All These Years?

    Fender Player Stratocaster: Still The Best Value? ***Fender has now updated the OG Player Stratocaster; read my full review of the Fender Player II Stratocaster and find out why the new series is so much better… Over the years, the “Made In Mexico” Fender guitars have been looked at as the best value for a…

  • Fender American Ultra II HSS Stratocaster Reviews: God’s Guitar…

    Fender American Ultra II HSS Stratocaster Reviews: God’s Guitar…

    Is The Fender American Ultra II HSS Stratocaster Worth It For Metal? ElectrikJam Summary: The Verdict Pros Cons Zero Noise, All Tone: Ultra Noiseless pickups eliminate hum without compromising classic Strat sparkle. High Price Point: It’s a significant investment, reflecting its premium, feature-loaded status. Effortless Playability: Compound radius and Modern “D” neck are a perfect…

  • 22 Frets vs 24 Frets: How They’re Different, Why It Matters

    22 Frets vs 24 Frets: How They’re Different, Why It Matters

    TL;DR: Difference between 22 frets and 24 frets on the electric guitar If you’re curious about why some electric guitars have 22 frets and others come with 24 frets, here’s what the difference actually adds up to: Tone Impact: Playability: Verdict: Neither is “better” — pick based on the tone you want and the style…

  • Studio One Pricing & Features Breakdown: Which Is Best For You?

    Studio One Pricing & Features Breakdown: Which Is Best For You?

    How Much Does Studio One Cost? Here’s Everything You Need To Know Before You Commit… TL;DR: Pricing & Best Value Plan/Version Cost (USD) The Key Takeaway Studio One Artist $99.99 (One-time) Cheapest permanent option. Full VST/AU support and unlimited tracks. Studio One Professional $399.99 (One-time) AVOID this standalone price. The Hybrid Plan (below) is cheaper…

  • 15 Rock-Solid Reasons To Buy The Gibson SG Standard ’61

    15 Rock-Solid Reasons To Buy The Gibson SG Standard ’61

    Should You Buy The Gibson SG Standard ’61? I Like It A LOT; Here’s Why I Recommend It… The Gibson SG Standard ’61 is a fundamental rock machine that redefined speed and tone when it replaced the Les Paul in 1961. For many, it’s the true sound of the 1960s. From The Doors to the…

  • Gibson SG Standard ’61 Reviews: Is It Worth It?

    Gibson SG Standard ’61 Reviews: Is It Worth It?

    Is The Gibson SG Standard ’61 Worth It For Metal Guitarists? ElectrikJam Summary: The Verdict The Gibson SG Standard ’61 is one of the best rock machines Gibson builds today. Yeah, it’s a re-issue. But unlike most reissues, this one freakin’ slaps in the best way possible. It delivers the iconic tone of Tony Iommi…

  • Fender Player II Telecaster HH Reviews: Is It Worth It?

    Fender Player II Telecaster HH Reviews: Is It Worth It?

    Is The Fender Player II Telecaster Worth It For Metal Players? ElectrikJam Summary: The Verdict The Fender Player II Telecaster HH is a phenomenal modern workhorse. If you need the look and feel of a Fender Telecaster but demand the output and reliability of humbuckers for rock and heavy genres, this is the guitar you…

  • Best Deftones Album Ranked In Order of Greatness (Tier 1 to Tier 3)

    Best Deftones Album Ranked In Order of Greatness (Tier 1 to Tier 3)

    TL;DR – Deftones Albums Ranked Deftones have never made a bad record, but some are better than others. I hate best album lists; music is too subjective, so instead we’ll be using a tier system instead because it’s simpler and lends itself to discussion and debate. The Tier 1 albums are what I consider the…

  • Deftones Fans Divided On Private Music: Here’s All The Initial Reactions

    Deftones Fans Divided On Private Music: Here’s All The Initial Reactions

    The long-awaited Private Music album from Deftones has landed, and as expected, the internet is buzzing — or more accurately, Reddit is conflicted. While the record has sparked excitement among longtime fans, many are asking the same question: is it just more of the same?

  • Queens of The Stone Age Guitar Tuning: A Guide…

    Queens of The Stone Age Guitar Tuning: A Guide…

    Queens of The Stone Age Guitar Tunings By Album Album Song Tuning Queens of The Stone Age – Self Titled Regular John C standard Avon C standard (can be played in E standard) If Only C standard (can be played in E standard) Walkin’ On The Sidewalks C standard You Would Know C standard The…

  • The Best Strings For A Gibson Les Paul (Inc. Epiphone & LTD Models)

    The Best Strings For A Gibson Les Paul (Inc. Epiphone & LTD Models)

    [TL;DR] Best Strings For Les Paul-Style Guitars… Based on my 20+ years playing Gibson Les Paul guitars, touring with them, and recording with them, here’s my top three picks for the best brand of strings for use on a Gibson Les Paul guitar. Each set delivered on its promises. If you play often, record regularly,…

  • Why Fender’s American Ultra Luxe Telecaster Is The “Super Tele” We’ve Been Waiting For…

    Why Fender’s American Ultra Luxe Telecaster Is The “Super Tele” We’ve Been Waiting For…

    Fender didn’t just update the Telecaster for 2025; it went full mad scientist on it. The American Ultra Luxe Telecaster is basically Fender’s way of saying, “Alright, you want vintage tone, modern playability, and stage-ready reliability? Here—have it all in one guitar.” I spent some time with it, and honestly, this isn’t just another shiny…

  • Fender Price Tiers: All The Models, Series & Price Changes (2025 Edition)

    Fender Price Tiers: All The Models, Series & Price Changes (2025 Edition)

    Fender Prices in 2025 — What’s Changed? Need some advice on what guitar to get? Check out the best electric guitars we reviewed in the last 12 months.

  • BOSS Katana Sneaky Amps: What You Need To Know

    BOSS Katana Sneaky Amps: What You Need To Know

    READ FIRST: Does Sneaky Amps Work on Boss Katana 3 Models? With the release of the Katana 3 Amplifier Series, the structure of the amp sounds has been changed. So far, user reports are mixed when it comes to compatibility with the Sneaky Amps platform. So far, Sneaky Amps does not seem to work with…

  • 3 BEST Harley Benton Guitars For Metal Reviewed: INSANE Deals For Chugging!

    3 BEST Harley Benton Guitars For Metal Reviewed: INSANE Deals For Chugging!

    The Best Harley Benton Guitars For Metal Right Now Ranging in price from just over $100 to EMG-packing $300+ shred machines, these Harley Benton guitars are perfect for anyone that wants to play metal and sound great doing it. I cannot believe how cheap these things are…

  • The Top 3 Expensive Guitar Strings Reviewed: Is The Hype Worth it?
  • Are Squier Guitars Good? A Guide To Cheap Fender Guitars

    Are Squier Guitars Good? A Guide To Cheap Fender Guitars

    TL;DR – Should You Buy a Squier Guitar? Yes, if you’re a beginner, on a budget, or just getting into guitar. Here’s why: ✅ Why Squier Guitars Are Worth It: ⚠️ What to Keep in Mind: 🧠 Final Take: If you’re new to guitar or buying for someone just starting out, a Squier is a…

  • The Best New Guitars Launched in June 2025: A Killer Month for Players

    The Best New Guitars Launched in June 2025: A Killer Month for Players

    June 2025 might go down as one of the most stacked months for guitar releases in recent memory. We’re not just talking about a handful of cool models here—this month brought a full-on buffet of tone machines, signature axes, and budget sleepers that punch way above their weight. So what stood out? Which ones are…

  • Harley Benton’s Nashville Nylon Guitar Is Back In BLACK…

    Harley Benton’s Nashville Nylon Guitar Is Back In BLACK…

    TL;DR – A proper bangin’ nylon string acoustic for less than $300. Yep, the Nashville Nylon ticks A LOT of my boxes… The Harley Benton Nashville Nylon gives you the best of both worlds: electric comfort, acoustic character. And now it’s available in a slick black finish. Here’s why it’s a no-brainer for €299: Seriously, if…

  • 12 Metal Albums That Were Recorded Using Amp Sims

    12 Metal Albums That Were Recorded Using Amp Sims

    Think a traditional amplifier is unbeatable in the studio? Think again. Here are 12 albums that were recorded using amp sims… Amp sims often spark heated debates among guitarists. Purists might scoff at digital emulations, swearing by the warmth and feel of tube amps. But here’s the kicker: some of your favorite records may have…

  • Ibanez GIO Series Guitars Buying Guide: The Affordable Shredder…

    Ibanez GIO Series Guitars Buying Guide: The Affordable Shredder…

    The Ibanez GIO series have been a go-to for beginners and budget-conscious shredders for EONS now. With a broad range of models tailored to different styles and budgets, it’s a treasure trove of delights for certain types of players. Ibanez makes some of the slickest, best-sounding guitars on the planet. Shredder? Ibanez is where you…

  • The Best Guitar Strings for Any Tuning (From Standard To Drop A…)

    The Best Guitar Strings for Any Tuning (From Standard To Drop A…)

    Picking the right guitar strings isn’t just about grabbing a pack from the store. It’s about finding the right set for your tuning and playing style. Let’s dive into some of the best string options for standard and alternate tunings, and why these choices can make or break your tone. Don’t Miss a Beat! 🎧📬…

  • ESP LTD Deluxe EC-01FT Gets Official – It’s Metal AF!

    ESP LTD Deluxe EC-01FT Gets Official – It’s Metal AF!

    If you’re a guitarist who values raw performance over flashy aesthetics, the new ESP LTD Deluxe EC-01FT might be your next obsession. This sleek single-cutaway guitar is a stripped-down beast, borrowing its silhouette from the famed Eclipse series but turning the intensity up a notch with pro-grade features and a no-nonsense attitude.

  • Schecter and Synyster Gates Unveil the Custom-7 TR Headless Signature Guitar

    Schecter and Synyster Gates Unveil the Custom-7 TR Headless Signature Guitar

    The wait is over for fans of Avenged Sevenfold and Synyster Gates, as Schecter has officially launched the much-anticipated Synyster Gates Custom-7 TR Headless guitar. This seven-string stunner, available in both right- and left-handed configurations, has been making waves on social media for months, and now we finally have the full specs. Spoiler alert: it’s…

  • Squier’s Affinity Strat is The PERFECT Black Friday Steal – Sub-$200!

    Squier’s Affinity Strat is The PERFECT Black Friday Steal – Sub-$200!

    If you’ve ever wanted a Stratocaster without breaking the bank, Squier’s Affinity HSS Stratocaster in Olympic White might just be the deal of the season. Black Friday has gifted guitar enthusiasts with a jaw-dropping price cut, bringing this beginner-friendly beauty down to just $199.99 on Amazon. That’s right, a Fender-designed Strat for under $200! Let’s…

  • Fender American Ultra II Series Detailed: Specs, Updates & New Models

    Fender American Ultra II Series Detailed: Specs, Updates & New Models

    Whether you’re a gigging pro, a tone chaser, or just someone who wants a versatile axe with killer looks, the Fender Ultra II series has something for you. Fender didn’t just slap on a new coat of paint on these models either; this lineup builds on the original Ultra series with some major upgrades. So,…

  • Gibson Wants To Sue Donald Trump – Here’s Why…

    Gibson Wants To Sue Donald Trump – Here’s Why…

    It seems Gibson is back in the courtroom spotlight—again. This time, the iconic guitar company has its sights set on “Trump Guitars,” a brand claiming to be endorsed by none other than Donald J. Trump. The cease-and-desist order revolves around one of Gibson’s favorite battlegrounds: their sacred Les Paul body shape trademark. But this lawsuit…