About the contest

How DO I enter?

To enter, create and upload a 3 minute (maximum) video to YouTube and then submit your short nomination form online. You only have a short amount of time to show us your talent so make sure your sound and audio is clear as day. It costs just $30 to enter. We will not be accepting submissions via any other route.

 

Your 3 minute video submission should: 

  • Show your face and hands - we need to know who's playing!
  • Feature you at your best! Pick your favorite piece to play that showcases your talent and techniques. 
  • Use the same guitar as your chosen category. This one should be self explanatory, but if you are entering Acoustic Guitarist - use an acoustic guitar! 

PLEASE NOTE THAT ENTRIES FOR THE 2020 CONTEST ARE NOW CLOSED.

 

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR 2021

WHAT ARE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?

  • We need to see you play! No promo-style band videos or miming, please.
  • Keep it musical. We’re all for fretboard madness and next-level sonics, but not at the price of musicality and genuine mastery of multiple techniques.
  • Keep it tight and get to the point fast. Our experts are begging to be impressed, so three minutes of noodling won’t make the grade.
  • Make it impressive. We want to see the full breadth of your skills in as tight a playing package as possible.
  • Make it sound and look good! Smartphone audio can work fine, but remember to point the camera at yourself, not at your dog or your feet.
  • Want to enter all four categories with different videos? “Electric Guitarist,” “Young Guitarist,” “Acoustic Guitarist” and “Bass Guitarist” of the Year? Go for it! Just submit a new form for each category! 

WHAT DO Finalists and winners get?

Finalists

🎸  A panel of judges consisting of editors and star judges will select the top 5 videos from each category as the finalists. 

🎸  All finalists will be sent logos and promo graphics they can use on social media accounts to promote themselves and their video.

🎸  Finalist Videos will then be republished on GuitarWorld for readers to watch and vote for their favorites! 

 

Winners

All of the above, PLUS...

🎸  An epic gear prize (PRS Guitars / Spector Bass)
🎸  A trip to our New York or London studio to record a live performance video*
🎸  An interview with our editors to be featured in GuitarWorld
🎸  A cover photoshoot
🎸  Massive exposure across our print & online audience

 

*See terms and conditions for full details. 

 

kEY DATES

WHO ARE THE JUDGES?

FAQs

Your 3 minute video submission should: 
  • Show your face and hands - we need to know who's playing!
  • Feature you at your best! Pick your favorite piece to play that showcases your talent and techniques. 
  • Use the same guitar as your chosen category. This one should be self explanatory, but if you are entering Acoustic Guitarist - use an acoustic guitar! 
 
Anything you want! As long as it's you playing, we will accept original pieces, covers, or any musical stylings you'd like to perform. 
Anyone with access to a guitar or bass, recording device and the internet! The contest is open to all ages, experience levels and countries. If you are passionate about music, and think you've got what it takes, we want to see you! 
All entries must be submitted by October 31, 11:59 p.m EST (that means videos published too!)
Entry is $30 per category. A proportion of the proceeds will be donated to the NAMM Foundation.
Yes you can enter as many of the categories as you qualify for. Just submit a new form and video for each category! 

All entries will be judged by a panel of GuitarWorld, GuitarPlayer and Bass Player Editors, plus special guest judges. Judges will score each entry on the following criteria to select 5 finalists from each category:
 

Technical ability

Originality

Musicality

Performance 

 

 Winners will be awarded by a combination of popular vote, guest judges and our editorial panels. 
Alex Robinson, Marketing Team: alex.robinson@futurenet.com