Love guitar gear and want to make some extra money? Being creator on YouTube might be your ticket. Not only can your videos earn passive income over time, but local music stores might also pay for your demos if you play your cards right. Here’s how to turn your passion into a rewarding side hustle.
Start With What You Have
You don’t need fancy cameras or expensive gear to begin. Your smartphone is probably good enough to shoot high-quality video. If you’re using just one camera, film extra close-ups of the gear later to spice things up. But here’s where most people mess up: bad audio. That’s what separates a “pro” from a blurry, wobbly groin-shot video with muddy sound.
Nail the Sound First
Your viewers want to hear how the gear performs—clearly and accurately. For electric guitar demos, a decent amp modeler or DI box works well. But don’t rely on your phone’s mic. A proper microphone (even a budget one) and a simple audio interface, field recorder, or DAW will massively upgrade your demo quality. If your amp has an emulated out, use it. And yes, you can use your phone’s audio as a sync reference in editing.
for example i have decent condenser mic vs direct to DAW recording took my guitar sound samples:
or you can check my most viewed video so far on my channel:
Keep the Talk Tight
Let’s be honest—no one clicks on a gear demo hoping for a five-minute ramble. Start with playing, give a brief intro, and get right to the point. Focus on answering the main question: “What does this thing sound like?”
Play to the Gear’s Strengths
Demoing a high-gain pedal? Save the mellow jazz licks for another time. Match your playing style to the gear, and if it’s a versatile piece of kit, show that range. Think like the viewer—what would you want to hear if you were considering this pedal or amp?
Don’t Overplay
You don’t have to shred like Yngwie Malmsteen. In fact, it’s better if you don’t try to. Play something musical and relevant. You’re showcasing the gear—not your chops.
Also, avoid jamming over copyrighted backing tracks; it can get your video flagged or demonetized.
Edit Smart, Not Fancy
You don’t need Hollywood software to make a clean, pro-looking video. Free tools like iMovie (Mac) or GoPro Studio (Mac & PC) work just fine. Use cutaways, close-ups, and alternate angles to keep the video visually interesting. Keep it short, punchy, and polished.
Build Your Channel Creator on Youtube
Want to land a deal with a music shop or gear brand? Show them your reach. Start by consistently uploading demos, naming your videos clearly (e.g., “Boss OC-3 Super Octave Pedal Demo”), and tagging them well. Ask viewers to subscribe. Create a memorable channel name that reflects your niche or personality. Mine on Youtube is GuitarLearner. Surely you are welcome to subscribe and feel free to leave comments there.
Make the Pitch
Once you’ve built a small portfolio, reach out to local stores or brands. But first—do your homework. What kind of gear do they stock? Are they active online? What can you offer them? Think: more views, more clicks, more sales. Tailor your pitch to match their goals.
Timing is Everything
Independent music stores are often swamped, so be smart about how and when you approach them. Ask for the manager, not the part-timer behind the counter. Call ahead and book a quick appointment. Bring your best videos on a tablet or laptop, and come across as friendly, professional, and realistic. Avoid busy times like Saturdays or right before closing.
Another option is looking for entertainment park with music theme in it to make deal with. I got one video for that:
Make It Worth Their While
If a store is hiring you to create videos, their goal is simple: sell gear. Make sure your video includes branding, mentions the shop name, and clearly shows the gear’s price. Add a “Buy It Now” link in your video description to make it easy for viewers to take action.
Ready to Press Record?
Becoming a gear demo creator on Youtube isn’t just for pros—it’s for players who love gear and want to share their passion. Start small, build up your skills, and soon enough, you could be making money doing what you already love: playing guitar and talking gear.