As editor of Shakenstir I know that there are hundreds of wonderfully skilled, gifted guitar players out there. The guitar - acoustic and electric - plays a vital part in recorded and live music, now more than ever. For  most singer/songwriters it’s their weapon of choice, for bands the guitar riff often provides the originality and distinction so much sought after in this crowded music marketplace. But there are guitar players and guitar players… Which one are you?

Pick up a plectrum and crank the volume up to eleven - Sky Arts has launched Guitar Star, a major new competition to search for a world-class guitarist.

We’re searching the UK and Ireland for extraordinary guitar players who are willing to jam, strum and pluck their way to victory for the chance to perform on the main stage of major UK music festival, Latitude.

Whether their jam is rock, classical, jazz or acoustic, competing guitarists will be tested on their ability to play both in a range of musical styles and a genre of their choice, and will perform at famous venues associated with their chosen style.

Throughout the process, they’ll meet and be mentored by some of the biggest guitar stars in the world. The semi-finalists will hone their act in a recording studio, where they will work with a global guitar legend to perfect their sound.

Can you play the guitar? Can you play the guitar really, really well? Could you be the next great guitar star?! To be in with a chance of winning a prize like no other, and being crowned the Sky Arts Guitar Star 2015 please complete the following steps:

Step 1: Film your audition video (see guidelines below) including an explanation of why you should win this competition.

Step 2: Complete the application form and add a link to your audition video.

This competition is open to players of all ages who play all types guitars, acoustic or electric, with the exception of bass guitars, or other stringed instruments such as ukelele, banjo, lute, etc. In order to apply, you must submit a completed application form as well as reading and agreeing to the competition terms and conditions. It’s also advised that you read the frequently asked questions about the application process.

The entry process closes at 9am on Tuesday 31st March 2015.

Tips On Filming Your Audition Video

CONTENT

Your video should show you playing the guitar AND an explanation of why you think you have what it takes to win the competition.

LIGHTING

Shoot your audition video in a light room, preferably with a window behind the camera. If you position yourself in front of a window you will create a silhouette and it will produce a poor quality picture.

THE SHOT

Please make sure that you are completely in shot. We want to be able to see your face and you playing the guitar clearly. If filming on a phone please film horizontally. Please film at the highest resolution possible, as if the video is too pixelated we wont be able to see your performance inits full glory.

AUDIO

We’d like to hear you at your best!

Please make sure the sound is audible, so not too quiet and not distorted; although guitar distortion is fine! Be aware of background noise; we don’t want anything getting in the way of you sounding at your best.

Most new phones will be fine to film on, just bear in mind the above.

REVIEWING YOUR VIDEO

Ensure your video is in focus.
Ensure your video is not too light or too dark.

UPLOADING VIDEOS TO YOUTUBE

Once you’re signed into YouTube, click Upload at the top right-hand corner of the homepage.

Before uploading, you have the option of selecting your video privacy settings: Public (visible to everyone), Private (only visible to you), or Unlisted (only visible to those who have the direct URL to the video).

You can then select the video you want to upload from your computer or mobile device. You can also record a video from your webcam, create a video slideshow or import a video from Google+. You will then have the option to edit the Basic info and Advanced settings, including your title, description, and any relevant tags that will make searching for your video easier.

Once everything is complete, click Publish to finish uploading your Public video to YouTube. If you set the video privacy setting to Private or Unlisted, just click Done to finish the upload or click Share to privately share your video.

You can change your privacy settings at a later date by accessing your Video Manager.