Check out the gear I use
Below you'll find a list that'll be updated all the time. I'll try to include every tool I use to make music, and even some gear I use to make this website run.
Affiliate links are used for each tool that I'm an affiliate of, which means that if you click that link and subsequently make a purchase, I'll earn a commission. Some of the links will take you to Amazon to buy the product. You pay nothing extra; any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you.
Here's the thing - I won't recommend anything I haven't tried/used myself, and that I trust! Enjoy the tools below, and if you have any questions, you can always reach out to me here.
This is the main guitar I use in most of my videos!
While I have a number of guitars (Charvel, ESP, Fender, etc.), this PRS S2 McCarty 594 has been the one I’ve been using all the time lately! You can check out PRS guitars by clicking the button below.
My amp/fx modeler
I love real amps and cabs, but to be honest this FM-3 from Fractal has been so life changing for my playing. I’ve been using it for recording, jamming and so much more. The models sound really great, and there’s a wealth of downloadable models online too. There’s a great community around the Fractal products. Click the button below to head to their website to check out all their modelers.
The best picks hands-down
Years back I did a pick shootout, and Red Bear picks were the best picks without a doubt. These things last what seem like forever, are made from material that is as close to tortoiseshell as you’re going to get, and is run by a small 2 person team who really cares about quality and customer service.
Start out with one of these picks, and you’ll want more. These are the same folks who make a signature pick for Guthrie Govan. ‘Nuff said! If you do pick up a Red Bear, let Monica and Dave know Brian from Chasing Sound sent ya!
My everyday picks
If you want something that’ll be firm and also lasts a long time, you should check out the Dunlop Flow Standard picks. I’m a big fan of the 1.00 mm version. Pick up a pack below. (affiliate link)
My everyday guitar strings
I’ve long been a fan of Ernie Ball, but lately have been using D’Addario NYXL and XTs for all my guitars. They sound awesome, and they last forever. I’ve been trying so many new string options, so keep an eye on this space! Check out a link to pick up a pack below. (affiliate link)
My music notation software
I love Guitar Pro, and have been using their notation software for years! It’s inexpensive, packed with features, and super easy to understand. Levi Clay (who’s a great transcriber) turned me on to this software. In addition to recording yourself, it’s important to get your ideas down into note/tab form. Guitar Pro is the best program for doing just that! Pick up a copy for yourself below. (affiliate link)
My favorite app to slow down audio
I use Transcribe! by Seventh String Software all the time. It’s a great piece of software that you can use to slow down audio (and video!) without changing the pitch of the music. Whenever I’m tackling a really difficult and fast lick, I always pop it into this app first. I gradually boost up the speed setting until I can play the lick at 100%. Great practice tool to use.
Where I record/mix & the interface I use
I’ve been using Pro Tools for the last couple of decades. I love the way the edit and mix screens are laid out, and making music inside of the program just makes sense to me. In regards to keyboard shortcuts and getting to recording as quickly as possible, it’s the program I work fastest in. If you want to pick up your own copy, click the link below. I suggest a subscription. I’ve been using the Pro Tools Artist version, and for around ten dollars a month can get everything done. My interface is from Focusrite. You can check that out here.
The best guitar books
While I enjoy learning online, I really love learning from books. Check out the button below which will take you to my Best Guitar Books For Beginner to Advanced Players post. It also has an additional follow up post with even more book recommendations! These books are filled with invaluable information, and are a steal! They’ll make you a better guitar player, without a doubt.(affiliate links in post)
My favorite computer accessory
The Stream Deck XL is so much fun. You can use it if you do any sort of livestream, OR you can use it if you want to make shortcuts to different apps. You can even make folders of different apps too. I’m still getting all my shortcuts set up, but already this little device has made such a big difference in the way I work. Pick one up for yourself by clicking the button below. (affiliate link)
My podcast mic
Whenever I do any type of voice recording, I always use my Rode Podcaster. Rode mics are built like tanks, and typically last forever. They have a great warranty, sound good, and are generally worth more than you’ll pay for them! This mic is the USB dynamic mic version. Great mic that’s more geared to the prosumer market. Pick one up below. (affiliate link)