Whether you're researching for business, or just want to stay abreast of the latest trends, guitar and stringed musical instrument publications can enhance your knowledge and keep you informed. There are many publications, including magazines, books, journals and newsletters available that cover guitars. Unless you have the resources to subscribe and read them all, you really need to pick and choose the ones meet your needs.

Guitar publications offer a variety of resources and there's a huge selection to choose from, but many are costly. The trick is to get the most information from the fewest resources, thus saving you money and keeping you informed without having to read all day. When deciding which guitar book, magazine or journal to choose, remember the following:

1. Some guitar magazines offer free trial subscriptions so you can better determine whether the publication is for you.

2. When subscribing to publications, find out what period your payment covers. Make sure you receive any back issues within the time period you're paying for. Some publications may just begin subscription with the current issue.

3. If possible, subscribe through a publication's website site, rather than a magazine subscription site. You may receive additional tools and resources with your subscription.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Subscribe to an acoustic guitar magazine and receive subscription benefits

Some publications offer additional benefits with subscriptions, such as discounted prices or a second subscription at 50 percent. With some publications, you have the opportunity to cancel your subscription without payment if you're not satisfied.

I recommend: Guitar World and Strings both offer a free issue so you can try the publication before purchasing. ToneQuest Report is a monthly journal published by guitarists, for guitarists; it offers sample issues online for reviewing.

Take advantage of online guitar publications

E-mags and web publications have come a long way. Online publications may offer advantages that include additional newsletters, blogs and readily available back issues. Internet publications are updated regularly; and if you have any questions, many have online forums for you to access.

I recommend: The website for Acoustic Guitar offers an online community feature for guitarists. It includes a forum, an acoustic guitar club and free monthly newsletters. Guitar Player offers the latest news, in addition to back issues. Other publications to consider for their online features include Bass Player, Classical Guitar and Premier Guitar Magazine.

Join a club or association for free access to acoustic guitar books. magazines and newsletters

If you're an industry enthusiast or professional, you may consider becoming a member of an association. Associations are dedicated to staying abreast of the latest industry news and trends. As a member, you'll receive access to free publications, as well as other informational resources.

I recommend: The Guitar Foundation of America and the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans are both associations that offer online publications to members. The latter includes four issues of its own magazine, Guitarmaker.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your local library for publications. Many offer online access to guitar music books, magazines, journals and articles you can view for free.