I’ve been terrified of performing in front of people, but last night I forced myself onto a tiny coffee shop stage. My hands were shaking, my strumming went out of time, but I got through two songs and when it was over, I felt ten feet tall. Anyone else remember their first time playing for strangers?

I’d been playing solid state forever, then a friend let me crank his old Fender tube amp. The way it breathed and pushed back under my fingers — I’ll never forget that feeling. Have you ever had one of those “holy sh*t, this is what tone means” moments?

I keep telling myself I’ll build a neat, organized board. Instead, I’ve got cables everywhere, pedals half-velcroed, and settings that I’ll never remember. But every time I stomp around, something magical happens. Anyone else secretly love the chaos?

There’s something about holding an old guitar that feels like touching history, but modern builds have consistency that can’t be beat. I’ve played gigs where a vintage neck just sang, and others where I was terrified of a string popping mid-song. How do you reconcile the romance of old instruments with practical realities?

I’ve been wrestling with this for years. Sometimes I feel like my fingers are part of the pedalboard with analog effects, like the signal flows through me. But digital boards are so convenient, I can dial in anything without carrying a truckload of gear. Does anyone else get that sense of connection or do you find the sound and versatility of digital wins every time?

Stratocaster vs Les Paul — two iconic guitars with distinct tones. Compare pickup configurations, neck profiles, and sustain characteristics to see which fits your style best, and how players adapt each to genres.

Tube Amps vs Solid State: Which Still Rules the Stage? A debate that keeps the guitar world lit. This post dives into why the choice matters to tone, feel, and stage presence. I want real stories, measured takes, recordings vs stage experience, and tradeoffs between practicality and myth. Drop links to clips, amps, and pedalchains. No marketing fluff: personal tone wins. Tell us how your fingers, not your gear, cha

I just came across an instagram post of the nothingizer which basically jsut has a bit of cable inside ad thought even though it really doesn't do anything, but does like as the sound or signal travels across from the guitar to the amp with the length does the sound change. Dumb question tbh but who cares.

All these shred guys doing mosquito vibrato like it’s sexy. It ain’t. Like fuck you Zakk Wylde

Everyone talks about scales and solos and speed, but no one ever talks about tight rhythm work.

I feel like i’m a bit sloppy with palm mutes, timing, dynamics, but I don’t even know how to practice it effectively.

Do you just jam to songs? Use a metronome? Any exercises or habits that helped you level up?