Chris Barnes
I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes
Brooks Wackerman on making his mark with metal masters Avenged Sevenfold
By Chris Barnes published
Ex-Bad Religion man discusses The Stage
New gear galore: The hottest drum products coming your way
By Chris Barnes published
An occasional round-up of the latest gear off the production lines
Kaz Rodriguez talks viral hits, hybrid drums and A-list fans
By Chris Barnes published
Fast-rising Brit drum hero discusses past, present and future
43 new drum products you must try in 2017
By Chris Barnes published
All of the hottest new gear
Drum kits of the pros: Ryan Jenkinson
By Chris Barnes published
Reverend & The Makers drummer Ryan Jenkinson has just stepped off a tour with the Brit indie upstarts and got in touch to fill us in on the acoustic/electro hybrid kit he's been using.
First look: Carrera Drums Terrier drum kit
By Chris Barnes published
Close up of UK builders new kit with concert toms!
21 greatest drum intros
By Chris Barnes, Stuart Williams, Drum Expo 2014 last updated
In our search for the greatest drum intros, we racked our brains and serched our record collections to come up with this list of 21 prime contenders...
Taylor York, Paramore: guitarist 2.0
By Chris Barnes, Guitars and Amps Expo 2014 last updated
As greater demands are being put on musicians to bring more than just great playing to the table, we ask Taylor what it takes to be a professional guitarist in 2014.
Luke Holland's 5 steps to YouTube drumming stardom
By Chris Barnes last updated
Most drummers aspire to something.
Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls on confidence, computer composition, clicks and more
By Chris Barnes last updated
It's been seven years since Rhythm last spoke with Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls. The band's second album of energetic metalcore Suicide Season had just been released to mixed reviews.
Gil Sharone on drumming for Marilyn Manson
By Chris Barnes last updated
He's done math-rock, reggae, experimental rock; and now Gil Sharone is laying down the meaty backbeats for Marilyn Manson
Good Charlotte drummer Dean Butterworth talks pop punk sessions, having a hit TV show and GC's return
By Chris Barnes last updated
Transatlantic drummer on Youth Authority
Brad Wilk on Prophets of Rage, Sabbath and Alex Van Halen's swing
By Chris Barnes last updated
Rap-rock trailblazers Rage Against The Machine exploded from speakers and stages with their incendiary self-titled debut in 1992.
Rian Dawson's 6 tips for pop punk perfection
By Chris Barnes last updated
All Time Low drummer talks gear, technique and more
Paul Jones on the drum gear that powers drum 'n' bass maestros Sigma
By Chris Barnes last updated
The demands on today's live session drummers are increasing at a rapid rate.
Video: Ilan Rubin Paramore kit tour
By Chris Barnes last updated
Take a tour of Ilan Rubin's latest Q Drum Co. kit
9 of the best Tim Commerford basslines
By Chris Barnes, Bass Expo 2014 last updated
The finest fretwork from Rage Against The Machine's rhythmic lynchpin
MusikMesse 2011: New gear revealed
By Chris Barnes last updated
More great gear from last week's German show
What makes a great session drummer?
By Chris Barnes, Rhythm magazine last updated
Session guitarist Gannin Arnold gives his perspective on working with Colaiuta, Hawkins, Bozzio, Chamberlin and more
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.